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Jiayuguan Photo Tour: A Photographic Journey to the Great Wall of China & Wenshu Grottos

Posted June 21, 2017 by Cara Crawford

***This post may contain affiliate links.***

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Among the vast desert of northwest China over 2000 miles and 5000 kilometers away from the sea lies what is now the city of Jiayuguan. A settlement that started with the end of history’s longest manmade landmark, the Great Wall of China.

While Jiayuguan City itself is famous as the home of the end of the Great Wall of China, the surrounding countryside is riddled with Tibetan history, seen in the form of dust laden temples and grottos strewn throughout the land. The marriage of Tibetan and Han Chinese ancestry runs deep in this part of China making for an interesting mashup of cultures, and an all the more interesting photograph.

Overhanging Great Wall

 

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At the start of the climb. 400 steps later we’ll be at the top.
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Sculptures of horses and camels adorn the grounds of the Great Wall of China.
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Just a casual walk along the Great Wall of China. Couldn’t have had more perfect weather for the occasion!
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Hanging out at the tower along the great wall waiting for the rest of us slow pokes to catch up!
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A contrast of ancient history and the modern factory era.
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The towering Qilian mountains loom over the Overhanging Great Wall.
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View from the top of the Overhanging Great Wall.

First Strategic Post of the Great Wall of China

 

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Walking down the road that leads to the first strategic post of the great wall of china.
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Following a section of un-restored great wall.
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the first strategic post of the great wall of china.
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Admiring the First Strategic Post with the family.
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The remains of the First Strategic Post of the Great Wall of China.
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The first post was originally 14×14 meters but now due to natural erosion stands at just 10×6 meters as nature slowly takes back the land.
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The stunning qilian mountains stretching out into the distance.
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Meandering around the grounds at the First Strategic Post of the Great Wall of China.

Jiayuguan Fort

 

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At the entrance to Jiayuguan Fort.
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The fort has multiple levels of protection. After walking through the entrance you are then funneled through a smaller room before entering the main grounds.
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One of many temples inside Jiayuguan Fort.
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Taking a photo of a Chinese tourist taking a photo of me!
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At the center of Jiayuguan Fort.
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Elaborately decorated guard towers stand along the walls of the fort.
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This beautiful guard tower could easily pass for a temple.
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Walking through Jiayuguan Fort.

Wenshu Grottos

 

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the stunning wenshu grottos. a land filled with temples, caves, and history.
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The sheer amount of caves in these mountains is uncountable!
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As usual there are no shortage of steps when touring wenshu grottos.
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These temples are so authentic and real.

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This stunning building is actually a mausoleum for the monks that have lived in this community.

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Any guesses as to what this is? The jury’s out!
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Have you ever seen a landscape like this?

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Seriously obsessed with this building! I wonder how many monks have been laid to rest here.

Ready to come explore Jiayuguan? Put it on your list and start planning your next trip!

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us Hey, we're Cara and Justin, the adventure travel loving couple behind Crawford Creations. We're here to help you travel the world independently, save money on your travels, and discover off the beaten path destinations along the way. Click the About tab to find out more!
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