Overhanging Great Wall

  1. Home
  2. Jiayuguan
  3. Overhanging Great Wall

Lying in 14 km northwest of Jiayuguan city, this Overhaning Great Wall, or known as or Cantilever Great Wall, was built on the Black Mountain (Heishan) in 1539 (Ming dynasty). It is the essential part of the defensive project of Jiayugyan Fort. It was originally 1500 m long, but now only 750 m remained. 

The 231-meter-long Great Wall winds its way on the ridge of the mountain like a huge dragon, hence the name - Overhanging Great Wall. It is very steep and difficult to walk up to the top. However, from the upper tower high on the ridge, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the desert, the oasis and the snow peaks.

Jiayuguan Overhanging Great Wall Facts

  • In Chinese: 悬壁长城
  • Location: 8 kilometres north of Jiayuguan Fort, Gansu Province, China
  • When it was built: 1540, Ming Dynasty
  • Length: 15km (9.32 miles)
  • Time needed: 2 hours
  • Entrance fee: CNY21 in peak season; Or purchase a package ticket for a total of 110 RMB, including Jiayuguan Pass, the Hanging Wall, and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall.
  • Opening Hours: 09:30-18:00
  • Best for: Culture and history enthusiasts

    • overhanging great wall

    Why Visit Overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan

  • It is an important part of Jiayuguan Pass.
  • The Jiayuguan Overhanging Great Wall is known as the most majestic and dangerous of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall passes.
  • Its steep terrain is not only a natural barrier for military defence, but also makes it one of the great wonders of the Great Wall's architecture.
  • Climb the Overhanging Great Wall to learn about the scenes of ancient wars and the hardships of the garrison soldiers.
  • The Great Wall is made of compacted loess, a strong but rustic wall that blends perfectly into the surrounding barren Gobi desert of China.
  • As an important pass of the Silk Road, the Overhanging Great Wall not only serves as a military barrier, but also witnesses cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

    • History of Overhanging Great Wall

    The Overhanging Great Wall was built in 1539 to strengthen the defence capability of Jiayuguan Fort. Li Han, the military governor of Suzhou, presided over the construction of the Wall in the Black Mountain Canyon to the north of the fortress as an extension of the Jiayuguan fortification system. Constructed of gravel and loess, only 750 metres of its walls remain today. Together with the Jiayuguan Fort, which was built in 1372, the Overhanging Great Wall formed a complete defence system for the local Great Wall. The beacon towers were used to transmit military information and consolidate the northwestern border of the Ming Dynasty.

    The Overhanging Wall has been eroded by wind and sand for hundreds of years, and part of the wall has been weathered and peeled off. However, its overall structure is still intact. Repaired in 1987, the present Overhanging Great Wall consists of rambling paths, palisade walls and piers. One pier was added at the beginning and one at the end, making a total of three piers.

    It is the last Wall of the Great Wall of China when it is injected into Jiayuguan Pass, and it is also regarded as the end of the Great Wall of China.

    jiayuguan great wall

    What to See and Do on Overhanging Great Wall

    Overhanging Wall with Wild Desert Scenery

    Only one section of the original wall of the Hanging Wall remains, which is 4 metres wide at the base, 2 metres wide at the top, and varies in height from 0.5 to 6 metres. The layer of schist is 10-15 centimetres thick, and the layer of earth is 10-12 centimetres thick. The existing 750 metres of the Wall was rebuilt in 1987, with 231 metres of the wall overhanging a ridge 150 metres high and inclined at 45'.

    The 1987 reconstruction also included the construction of a stepped rambling path on the first pier and the ridge wall. Along the rambling road and up, although only four hundred steps, the perilous parts are like sheer cliffs. Quite similar to Beijing Simatai Great Wall. Therefore, the Great Wall is also known as the “Western Simatai”.

    When you climb the highest beacon, look out and see the desolation of the desert beyond the pass, with only a very few patches of oasis dotting the landscape.

    >> Recommended China Silk Road tours with Overhanging Great Wall:

  • 11-day Amazing Silk Road Odyssey Tour from Xian
  • 8-day Tengger Desert Crossing

    • Overhanging Great Wall Hiking

    The hike on the Hanging Wall is challenging and exciting. The trail here is very narrow and steep in some places, and there may be an abyss around you. The beacon towers and remnants of the wall along the way exude a sense of history. You can also experience the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall combined with the Gobi on the hike.

    >> Recommended tour: 16-day China Great Wall Panorama Tour

    Overhanging Great Wall Photography

    The Great Wall is an ideal place for photographers. The Great Wall and the surrounding Gobi Desert reveal a breathtaking view during the early morning sunrise and the evening sunset. In sandy weather, the Great Wall seems to disappear into the dust of history, offering countless photo opportunities.

    great wall and gebi desert

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit the Overhanging Great Wall is in spring and autumn. In spring (April-May), the oasis on the Gobi Desert comes to life and there is less sand and wind, which makes it suitable for photographing contrasting landscapes. In autumn (September-October), the weather is clear, visibility is excellent, and the Great Wall at sunset is framed with the snowy peaks of the Qilian Mountains.

    >> Keep reading:Best Time to Go to Great Wall of China

    How to Get to Overhanging Great Wall

    Take a bus from Jiayuguan City directly to the Overhanging Wall. It is about 14 kilometers.

    The Wall is roughly 7 kilometers from Jiayuguan Fort, where you may also take a bus.

    Travel Tips

  • Jiayuguan Overhanging Wall is located in Northwest China with dry climate and big temperature difference. Suitable clothing should be chosen according to the season.
  • When climbing the Wall, you should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
  • Do not graffiti or damage the Wall.


    • >> Learn more about:Must-Knows of Visiting the Great Wall of China


    More Attractions in Jiayuguan

  • The First Beacon Tower of Great Wall