Jiayu Pass (Chinese: 嘉峪關) is located at the narrowest point of the western section of the Hexi Corridor (河西走廊) , 6 kilometres southwest of the city of Jiayuguan (嘉峪關) in Gansu (甘肅) Province, China. Jiayu Pass is the first frontier fortress at the west end of the Ming dynasty Great Wall.
The structure of Jiayu Pass was built during the early Ming (明) dynasty, sometime around the year 1372. The fortress there was greatly strengthened due to fear of an invasion by Mongolian.
The structure of Jiayu Pass lies between two hills, one of which dominates Jiayuguan Pass. The fortress was built near an oasis that was then on the extreme western edge of China.
The pass was a key waypoint of the ancient Silk Road. From the top of the wall, tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of Gobi.
Jiayu Pass has two gates, one on the east side of the pass and the other on the west side. An inscription of ‘嘉峪關 (Jiayuguan)’ is written on a tablet at the building at the west gate.
Along with Juyong Pass (居庸關) and Shanhai Pass (山海關), Jiayu Pass is one of the main passes of the Great Wall.
There is a museum about the Great Wall next to Jiayu Pass, but most of the exhibits are contemporary bronze statues, not so many antiques.
