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. The splendor of pass earns the name ‘First and Greatest Pass in the World’ (天下第一雄關).
In the early 16th century, the official in charge asked the designer to estimate the exact number of bricks required to build Jiayu Pass, the designer said 99,999 bricks were needed. The official didn’t believe him and ordered to add one more brick. However , there was one brick left over when Jiayu Pass was finished, which was placed on one of the gates until today.
There is a big stage inside Jiayu Pass, to prevent the assassins, the stage doesn’t have backstage.
Next to the big stage is a small stage of shadow play, showcasing the story of ‘Journey to the West’ (西遊記).
Jiayu Pass is the first frontier fortress at the west end of the Ming dynasty Great Wall, so there was also an office of general, now it becomes a museum.
Jiayu Pass was the westernmost border of ancient China, Chinese needed a visa if they wanted to leave Jiayu Pass.
Outside Jiayu Pass is the boundless Gobi, tourists can join the activities such as archery and camel riding.
