2. Overnight train from Jiayuguan to Lanzhou.
Jiayuguan Pass
This is how they sell sunflower seeds.
Jiayuguan Pass is a military fortress constructed during the Ming Dynasty. It is located between two hills. It was a key passageway in the ancient silk road. This is the most western end of the Great Wall.
Jiayuguan Pass - The great wall extending out from the fortress.
Jiayuguan Pass - Temple inside the fortress.
Jiayuguan: The Great Wall on the Cliff
An extension of the Great Wall from the Jiayuguan Pass, north, into the hills. We climbed up to the top.
Looking to the hill across, the Great Wall was also built on the other side.
Looking down from the Great Wall, there are small oasis' scattered around.
Looking to the left side of the Great Wall, there was all desert.
Jiayuguan: First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
Only the base is still intact. There are many beacon towers. If there was trouble, they would send a signal from one beacon tower to another using fire and smoke.
Didn't get any pictures of the Wei-Jin dynasty tomb sites. No pictures were allowed. The tombs are underground. I don't think this place is worth going out of your way to visit.
Took the overnight train from Jiayuguan to Lanzhou, the final city in our silk road trip.
Shot of the train station.
First class train cabin. 4 beds in one room rather than 6 with a door for each room. Didn't have to worry about someone stealing our luggage this time.
