Heishan Rock Art
黑山岩画
Ancient rock carvings in the Heishan gorge near the Xuanbi Great Wall, depicting hunting, mounted archery and dancing. They date from the Warring States period to the Ming dynasty.
The Heishan Rock Art is found on cliff faces in gorges such as Gudonggou and Liuzigou in the Sidao area of Heishan, about 20 km northwest of Jiayuguan. More than 150 petroglyphs survive, mostly pecked into the rock. Their subjects include wild oxen, horses, camels, hunting, mounted archery and scenes of military drill and dance. They are an important source for studying the nomadic peoples of the ancient Hexi region, and the site is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Walking trails and protective railings have been installed, and the site can be visited along with the Xuanbi Great Wall. The gorges of the Gobi offer no shade or supplies, so bring your own water. Do not touch or draw on the rock faces.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Overhanging Great Wall
- Jiayuguan Fort
- Great Wall Museum (Jiayuguan)
- First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall & Taolai River Gorge
- Zixuan Winery
- Fantawild Adventure Jiayuguan
- Wenshushan Grottoes
- Xincheng Wei-Jin Tombs