01Historic Walk
Jiayuguan Pass Fortress
嘉峪关关城
All Ages
Admission
CNY 110 for the three-site pass; sightseeing bus extra
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry; Dolphin Tower CNY 30 and family bike rental CNY 60 per hour.
Hours
Open public lakeside area; individual services keep their own hours.
Transport
No direct metro. Use a taxi to East Lake Ecological Tourism Area or choose a nearby bus stop from your departure point.
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Time
Morning or late afternoon for gentler light
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Set the lakeside area as your destination
From central Jiayuguan, a taxi is the simplest option. Start from any lakeside path after arrival.
Tip:This is an open urban lakeside area, so there is no single entrance route to follow.
2
Walk the lake at an easy pace
Follow a relaxed route of lakeside paths, bridges and pavilions, then continue toward the pier and open water.
Tip:Allow around 2-3 hours instead of trying to cover every corner of the extensive lakeside area.
3
Time the visit for softer light
Morning is good for a quiet walk and lake views, while late afternoon is better for gentler light and a leisurely stroll.
Tip:For a short visit, choose one section of the shore, walk it at an easy pace, and return the same way.
Highlights
- A large urban lake and green space that offers a restful break from Jiayuguan's desert landscapes.
- Scenic bridges, pavilions, a waterfall corridor, and a pier make the walk more varied.
- The area functions as both a public leisure space and a triathlon venue, giving it an everyday local character.
- Open water and the city skyline work well for photos in softer light.
Insider Tips
✦This is an open lakeside area rather than a single-route attraction; tower access, boat rides, and rentals may operate separately.
✦Strong sun and wind are common in northwest China, so bring sun protection by day and a light outer layer for the evening.
✦Wear comfortable walking shoes and choose the lakeside section you want to explore before setting off.
✦Use this as a morning walk or an evening addition rather than a full-day main attraction.
More Jiayuguan Attractions
02Historic Walk
Overhanging Great Wall
悬壁长城
Admission
Included with CNY 110 three-site pass; sightseeing bus extra
Typical Visit
1-3 hours
03Historic Walk
First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
长城第一墩
Admission
Included with CNY 110 three-site pass; sightseeing bus extra
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours
04Historic Walk
Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum
嘉峪关长城博物馆
Admission
Free entry with a valid ID; real-name reservation required.
Typical Visit
45-60 minutes
05City Guide
Xincheng Wei and Jin Mural Tombs
新城魏晋壁画墓
Admission
CNY 31; tickets are purchased on site.
Typical Visit
About 1.5 hours
06City Guide
Jiayuguan City Museum
嘉峪关城市博物馆
Admission
Free entry; bring identification to collect an admission ticket.
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours