Guan Guancheng, established during the fifth year of the Hongwu era in the Ming Dynasty, serves as the western starting point of the Great Wall of China. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a formidable military defense system where the fortress and the northern and southern sections of the wall stand guard over each other, complemented by watchtowers and beacon towers that communicate over long distances. It is renowned as “the world’s foremost stronghold.”
Today, this over 600-year-old landmark continues to shine, thanks to the dedicated preservation efforts of both national and local authorities. In this edition of our series “Cultural China Journey,” we invite you to explore Jiayuguan in Gansu Province.
During the recent National Day holiday, visitors flocked to the fortress, taking in the breathtaking views where the majestic Qilian Mountains mingle with the ancient walls of Jiayuguan. Tourists eagerly snapped photos, capturing memories of their visit.
In stark contrast to the bustling scenes within the fortress, the Great Wall stretches into the vast Gobi Desert, exuding a sense of solitude and desolation. Nearby the first outpost of the Jiayuguan section of the wall, Zhang Bin and his colleagues were busy conducting inspections. They employed an anemometer to measure wind speed at the base of the wall and used drones to gather images of the surrounding environment.
These inspections occur monthly, akin to giving the Great Wall a thorough check-up, and there’s no room for complacency. The wall stretches 43.62 kilometers and is constructed from earth, making it particularly vulnerable under the harsh conditions of strong winds and intense sunlight typically found in northwest China.
Years ago, the wall suffered extensive damage from weathering, cracking, peeling, and erosion, with some areas eroded up to 20 or 30 centimeters deep, threatening its structural integrity.
Zhang Bin, the director of the Great Wall Protection Research Institute at the Jiayuguan Silk Road (Great Wall) Cultural Research Center explains, “Over time, the combined effects of wind, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles have created significant erosion pockets, compromising the stability of the wall. Our regular maintenance involves using the original earthen materials and techniques to compact the wall layer by layer, which helps restore its stability.”
Having dedicated 25 years to protecting the Great Wall, Zhang has witnessed a shift in preservation methods from exploratory repairs to a more proactive approach reliant on data-driven maintenance. With contemporary technology, even the slightest changes to the wall are monitored and documented, creating a comprehensive database to guide future restoration efforts.
Over the years, Jiayuguan has become a popular tourist destination, drawing millions annually with its well-preserved ancient military defense system, unique architectural features, rich historical geography, and stunning natural scenery. Visitors come to experience the unique culture of the Great Wall, the Silk Road, and frontier life.
Li Jinxian, the director of the Jiayuguan Silk Road (Great Wall) Cultural Research Institute, emphasizes, “As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall symbolizes the Chinese nation. Its core value lies in the spirit of perseverance, unity, and dedication—elements deeply embedded in the DNA of the Chinese people.”
To immerse visitors in the history of Jiayuguan, innovative expressions of Great Wall culture are on the rise. The setting sun over the desert, the illuminated fortress under the night sky, timeless poems of the frontier, and the bustling Silk Road markets come alive, creating a visual feast on the ancient walls.
The Jiayuguan scenic area has introduced night tours that combine laser projections, digital technology, and live performances, breathing new life into the “world’s foremost stronghold” while offering visitors an unparalleled experience that has sparked a new wave of tourism.
One visitor remarked, “It’s as if I’m transported through time, experiencing the past and present—it’s truly breathtaking.”
Li Jinxian adds, “We aim to leverage the establishment of a national cultural park along the Great Wall to enhance the preservation, research, and promotion efforts surrounding Jiayuguan. Our goal is to accelerate the integration of culture and tourism, transforming Jiayuguan into a globally recognized Great Wall tourist destination, allowing this ancient heritage to shine anew and writing a glorious new chapter for the ‘world’s foremost stronghold.'”
