First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall & Taolai River Gorge
长城第一墩
The westernmost beacon tower of the Ming Great Wall, standing on a 56-meter cliff above the Taolai River gorge. Visitors can walk across a suspension bridge and ride a zipline over the gorge.
The First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, also known as the Taolai River Beacon, lies about 7 km south of the fort. Built during the Jiajing reign of the Ming dynasty, it marks the southern starting point of the Jiayuguan Great Wall. The rammed-earth beacon stands on a cliff about 56 meters high on the north bank of the Taolai River, echoing the Overhanging Great Wall to the north. The scenic area has an underground exhibition hall, a gorge viewing platform, a glass walkway, a suspension bridge across the gorge, and a zipline. Admission is included in the fort's combined ticket, while the zipline and other attractions cost extra. It is windy at the cliff edge, so do not climb over the railings to take photos. In summer, the Gobi is scorching at midday, so visit in the morning or evening.
Opening hours
About 08:30–18:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Jiayuguan Fort
- Great Wall Museum (Jiayuguan)
- Heishan Rock Art
- Overhanging Great Wall
- Zixuan Winery
- Fantawild Adventure Jiayuguan
- Wenshushan Grottoes
- Xincheng Wei-Jin Tombs