Jiayuguan, Fortified pass at Great Wall, Gansu, China

Jiayuguan is a fortified mountain pass on the Great Wall in Gansu province, built at the narrowest point of the Hexi Corridor between two hills. The trapezoid structure features walls rising over 11 meters high, with several watchtowers and inner buildings enclosed within the defensive perimeter.

Construction of this frontier fortress began in 1372 during the Ming dynasty as a defense against potential invasions from western territories. Its strategic location made it one of the most important defensive positions along the western wall.

Jiayuguan was the gate through which banished officials and exiles were ordered to leave China for the western desert; Mildred Cable recorded that travellers called it the Gate of Sighs, its deep archway covered with writings by distressed scholars. The pass also bore the name Gate of Demons. Lin Zexu, the Opium War commissioner, passed through in disgrace.

The fortress stands about 6 km southwest of Jiayuguan city, between two hills at the narrowest point of the Hexi Corridor. Inside the gates, wide roads on the north side climb to the top of the pass. The south and north walls link directly to the Great Wall, so walking the circuit means uneven ground and stairs.

The legend names the designer Yi Kaizhan, whose calculation of 99,999 bricks so angered the supervising official that he threatened beheading for any surplus or shortfall. One brick remained; Yi Kaizhan called it the Dingcheng Brick, placed by immortals, and said moving it would collapse the tower. It still sits on the rear eave of the west barbican gate.