LANZHOU, Jan. 13, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Jiayu Pass, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, is the starting point of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) section of the Great Wall. For over 600 years, the pass safeguarded diplomats, merchants, and other travelers along the Silk Road. Today, the ancient and once battle-scarred fortress stands as a thriving symbol of civilization.
This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the Jiayu Pass in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)
This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the Jiayu Pass in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a section of the Overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)
This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the “first beacon tower of the Great Wall” scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
An ancient building of Jiayu Pass is pictured in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
An ancient building of Jiayu Pass is pictured in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
An ancient building of Jiayu Pass is pictured in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
A light show is staged in Jiayu Pass in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)
Planner: Wang Jianhua
Coordinators: Meng Tao, Zhang Keren
Reporters: Chen Bin, Wang Yiliang, Fu Tian, Zhang Licong