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
Included with CNY 110 three-site pass; sightseeing bus extra
Hours
Peak season (May 1-Oct 31): 08:00-20:00, ticket sales and entry end 19:30; low season (Nov 1-Apr 30): 08:30-18:00, ticket sales and entry end 17:30
Transport
No direct metro; use a private car, taxi, or scenic-area transport
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Best Time
May-Oct
Visitors
Visitors comfortable with exposed canyon viewpoints
How to Visit
1
Visit the beacon tower and canyon together
Start by seeing the beacon tower's position on the cliff, then continue towards the canyon viewpoints.
Tip:This order makes the setting easier to understand.
2
Look into Taolai River Canyon
View the canyon from near the tower and consider how it formed a natural barrier at the western end of the Great Wall.
Tip:The canyon is more meaningful than a single photo stop when seen with the tower.
3
Choose activities by the day's availability
Use the glass viewing platform, suspension bridge, or zipline according to the activities available that day.
Tip:Even without these experiences, allow time to reach the canyon viewpoints.
4
Plan around the peak-season entry cutoff
In peak season, enter before 19:30.
Tip:Late light is softer, but do not remain near canyon edges or on paths too late while waiting for sunset.
Highlights
- The beacon tower stands on the cliff above Taolai River Canyon, showing how defensive construction worked with natural terrain.
- It is an important marker at the western end of the Ming Great Wall; it is modest in size, but its position is compelling.
- The steep canyon walls and river valley create the area's main natural landscape.
- The glass viewing platform gives a high-angle view into the gorge for visitors comfortable with heights.
- The suspension bridge and zipline offer different viewpoints, but neither is essential to complete the visit.
Insider Tips
✦Allow 1-1.5 hours for the First Beacon Tower, with extra time if joining activities or taking photographs.
✦The canyon is windy and strongly exposed to the sun, so prepare for both wind and sun.
✦Visitors uncomfortable with heights can skip the glass platform, suspension bridge, and zipline while still enjoying the regular viewpoints.
✦Do not cross barriers or approach cliff edges for photographs.
✦River colour changes with season and water volume, so do not expect one fixed appearance.
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
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
04City 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
05City 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
06City Guide
Taolai River Canyon
讨赖河峡谷
Admission
Included with First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall admission; no separate ticket
Typical Visit
1-1.5 hours with the First Beacon Tower