Jiayuguan

Jianyuguan is an ancient Han Chinese outpost. To some Chinese the very name of it is synonymous with sorrow and a ghastly remoteness. Built in 1372, Jiayuguan Fort, which marks the end of the Great Wall, is an impressive reminder of the splendor and limits of Imperial China. Other sights, including the Wei and Jin Tombs and Great Wall Museum, also draw a lot of visitors.

Highlights:

Jiayuguan Fort - 7km west of the town, it has been traditionally considered to be the end of the 2000km Great Wall, a fantastic place for photographs.
Overhanging Great Wall - a 750m peripheral defense wall along the cliffs of the Heishan Gorge.
First Beacon Tower - 7km south of the Fort, the only surviving landmark of the original Great Wall.
Wei and Jin Tombs - the three underground chambers with beautiful murals dating back to 3rd century AD.
July 1 Glacier - 120km south of Jiayuguan in the Qilian Mountain, it is an inland permanent Glacier closest to any city. Great views. Better in July and August.