Sat in the Gobi Desert at the western end of the Great Wall, Jiayuguan epitomises remoteness. The famous First Pass Under Heaven represents the western starting point of a section of the Great Wall and was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The pass, more recognisable as a huge fort, covers an area of some 8 acres taking its name from one of the surrounding hills, the Jiayu. It is the best preserved of the Great Wall's ancient military fortresses.

History shows that Jiayuguan Pass was constructed in 1372, or at least that is when construction started. Local legend says that the officer charged with overseeing the building work required that the foremen use every single brick that was made for the pass: the builders were almost successful, and by the end of the project just one brick remained. It can still be see today.

The fort consists of three concentric rings: the central inner city, an outer city section, surrounded by a large wall dotted with watchtowers, turrets, and high-terrace pavilions and lastly, a moat.

A few miles away the Overhanging Great Wall is an important part of Jiayuguan Pass and dates from 1539. This section was built using local gravel and earth compressed layer upon layer. Originally it measured 0.9 miles long but only 820 yards of the present wall remains.

Finally Wei-Jin Tombs are a group of over 1,400 tombs built between the 3rd and 5th centuries, during the Wei and Jin dynasties, hence their name. They are renowned as the largest subterranean art gallery in the world, with many colourful murals.

Each tomb is generally comprised of two or three chambers connected by corridors paved with tiles in a variety of floral patterns. The beautiful murals depict life at this time – easy for the master of the ousehold and rather less so for servants.