Jiayuguan history

The history of Jiayuguan is inextricably linked to its role as a strategic outpost on China's western frontiers. Although people have settled in this region since ancient times, the key moment in the city's history was the construction of the famous fortress, begun in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty. It was this powerful fortification, known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," that gave birth to the city and defined its future destiny.

The rise of Jiayuguan was driven by several factors. Firstly, its unique geographical location: the pass was erected at the narrowest point of the Hexi Corridor, between mountain ranges, making it an ideal defensive point. Secondly, the city was a crucial link on the Great Silk Road, serving as a gateway for trade caravans travelling from China to Central Asia and back. This ensured not only military but also economic significance. Thirdly, the political will of the Ming emperors, striving to strengthen the empire's western borders, became the decisive force in creating and maintaining this outpost.

From the very beginning, Jiayuguan was not merely a military garrison but also a place of cultural and economic exchange. Passing through its gates were not only goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones, but also ideas, technologies, and religious teachings. The pass symbolized the boundary of the civilized world in the view of the ancient Chinese, beyond which lay boundless and dangerous lands. This status as the "Gate to the Desert" shaped a distinct culture and left a deep imprint on the region's history, making Jiayuguan one of the most significant historical monuments on the Great Silk Road.

Ancient History and the Imperial Era

1372 — Construction of the Jiayuguan Fortress begins during the Ming Dynasty, becoming a key military outpost and the western gateway of the Great Wall of China.

1539 — Completion of the construction and fortification of the entire pass complex, including the inner and outer cities, moats, and towers.

1605 — The Portuguese Jesuit missionary Bento de Góis reaches the Jiayuguan Pass, becoming one of the first Europeans to travel this route from west to east.

Modern History

1958 — Establishment of the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company, marking the beginning of large-scale industrialisation in the region and the growth of the modern city.

1965 — Jiayuguan officially receives city status, separating from neighbouring counties due to its industrial development.

1971 — The city is granted prefecture-level status, confirming its high economic and administrative standing within Gansu Province.

1987 — The Jiayuguan Fortress, along with other sections of the Great Wall, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, receiving global recognition as an outstanding historical monument.

2014 — Opening of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway station, significantly improving transport accessibility to Jiayuguan and boosting tourism.

The development path of Jiayuguan is a story of remarkable metamorphosis. From a stern military garrison on the edge of civilization, it transformed into a major industrial hub of China, and subsequently into a popular tourism centre. This evolution took place across several massive stages, each radically changing the city's appearance and purpose.

• The Era of Border Guardians and the Silk Road. For centuries, life here was governed by the rhythm of military service and caravan trade. The pass served not just as a defensive structure, but as a customs filter separating the Celestial Empire from the "western tribes". It was during this period that the unique layout of the old city was formed, where architecture was entirely subordinate to the tasks of defence and control over the Hexi Corridor.
• Industrialisation and the Birth of the "Steel City". In the mid-20th century, the vector of development shifted sharply. The discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the Qilian Mountains turned the historical outpost into a major industrial centre. The construction of the metallurgical giant JISCO became the city-forming factor: factory chimneys, workers' quarters, and social infrastructure rose in the desert, and the city's population multiplied with specialists from across the country.
• Integration into the Modern Network. A crucial stage in recent history was breaking out of geographical isolation. The construction of a modern airport and the launch of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway reduced the journey to major metropolises from several days to a few hours. This turned Jiayuguan from a transit point into an accessible destination for mass tourism and business.
• "Green" Transformation and Ecology. The modern stage of the city's development is characterised by the fight against desertification and the improvement of the quality of life. Authorities are implementing ambitious projects to create artificial lakes and park zones right in the Gobi Desert. Today, Jiayuguan strives for the title of a garden city, proving that even in a harsh climate, heavy industry can coexist with a comfortable urban environment and recreational zones.

The architectural appearance of Jiayuguan is the visual history of the city, captured in stone, clay, and concrete. Three main eras can be distinguished here, which have shaped its modern look: Imperial military architecture, Soviet functionalism, and modern urban planning.

The Ming Dynasty Era: Jiayuguan Fortress

The urban core and the main architectural symbol of the city is undoubtedly the Jiayuguan Fortress, built in the 14th century. It serves as a benchmark of Ming Dynasty military architecture. Its style is characterised by:

• Monumentality and Functionality: The complex is built as an ideal defensive structure with three lines of defence, including moats, outer and inner walls.
• Traditional Materials: The core of the walls is made of rammed loess earth, while the exterior is faced with fired brick, ensuring incredible durability.
• Classical Chinese Aesthetics: Despite the military purpose, the towers and pavilions demonstrate elements of classical Chinese architecture, such as multi-tiered roofs with curved eaves.
• Symmetrical Layout: The entire complex has a strict trapezoidal shape with gates oriented to the cardinal points and corner watchtowers, reflecting harmony and order.

Industrial Development of the 20th Century

In the mid-20th century, with the founding of the metallurgical combine, a completely new city grew alongside the ancient fortress. This period defined the look of Jiayuguan's modern residential districts. The architecture of this time was heavily influenced by Soviet-style functionalism. The main task was the rapid and economical construction of housing for workers. As a result, the city filled with typical apartment blocks and strict administrative buildings, where form is entirely subordinate to function, and decoration is kept to a minimum.

Modern Development (Late 20th – 21st Century)

Since the late 20th century, Jiayuguan's architecture has become more diverse. Monotonous industrial buildings have been replaced by modern projects. New public spaces, shopping centres, hotels, and residential complexes designed in an international style are appearing. At the same time, there is a noticeable desire to link modernity with rich historical heritage. In tourist zones and some new buildings, one can find stylised elements referencing traditional Chinese architecture, creating an interesting dialogue between the city's past and present.

The history of Jiayuguan is rich with the names of prominent figures whose destinies were linked to this strategic outpost on the Great Silk Road. Although the city is not the birthplace of many celebrities in the modern sense, its walls remember great commanders, wise officials, and courageous travellers.

Key Figures in the City's History:

• Feng Sheng — Ming Dynasty General.
  One of the associates of the first Ming emperor. It is Feng Sheng who is credited with the initiative to build the Jiayuguan Fortress in 1372. He led the campaign to strengthen China's western borders, and the erection of this outpost became a key element of the empire's defensive system.
• Yi Xin — Legendary Architect.
  According to local lore, Yi Xin was a brilliant mathematician and architect who calculated the number of bricks needed to build the fortress with incredible precision. The legend says that after the work was completed, only one single extra brick remained, which is still kept above one of the gates as a symbol of the ancient builders' mastery.
• Zuo Zongtang — Military and Political Leader of the Qing Dynasty.
  This outstanding 19th-century general played a key role in restoring the Qing Empire's control over the northwestern territories. His army passed through the Hexi Corridor and stayed in Jiayuguan during the Dungan Revolt campaigns.
• Lin Zexu — Official and Reformer of the Qing Dynasty.
  Known for his uncompromising stance against the opium trade, which led to the First Opium War. After falling out of favour, he was exiled to Xinjiang. On his way to exile in 1842, he passed through Jiayuguan, leaving valuable observations in his records regarding the condition of the fortress and its strategic importance.
• Zhang Qian — Diplomat and Traveller of the Han Dynasty.
  Although he lived long before the construction of the current fortress, Zhang Qian is considered the "father" of the Great Silk Road. His missions to the west in the 2nd century BC paved the route upon which Jiayuguan would rise centuries later. His travels made the Hexi Corridor a vital artery for trade and cultural exchange.
• Xuanzang — Buddhist Monk and Scholar of the Tang Dynasty.
  The famous pilgrim whose journey to India for sacred texts became the basis for the classic novel "Journey to the West". In the 7th century, his path lay through these lands, and although he passed through earlier outposts, his journey highlighted the significance of this region as the gateway to the west.