Overhanging Great Wall

Belonging to Jiayuguan military defense system, the Overhanging Great Wall is situated on the northern slope of the Heishan Mountain (Black Mountain) in the north of Shiguanxia Canyon, around 11 kilometers (6.83 miles) from downtown Jiayuguan City and 6.5 kilometers (4.03 miles) from Jiayuguan Pass. It is an important part of the defensive work of Jiayuguan Pass. It was built in the year 1539 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) in order to strengthen the defensive capability of the Jiayuguan area.

Originally this section was 1.5km in length, but it was shortened to the current 750m due to frequent battles by armies to conquer the fort. The existing wall was rebuilt in 1987. The Overhanging Wall gets its name because there is a 231 meter long section, with an obliquity of 45 degrees, built onto a 150m high ridge. Built on the eastern slope of Mt. Heishan (Black Mountain) the wall is not visible to anyone looking from west to east. From a distance, it is said to resemble a dragon about to extend its body towards the ground.

The wall was built by using local gravel and yellow earth, layer upon layer, and consists of the main path, battlements and threeobservation posts. Originally, it measured 0.9 miles long. However, due to natural disasters and human destruction, only 820 yards of the wall remains, with 253 yards climbing onto the north slope of Heishan Mountain, which is 492-feet high and tilted 45 degrees. Its imposing appearance and manner are very much like those of Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, so it is reputed as 'the Western Badaling Great Wall'.

Along the steps of the Overhanging Great Wall, you can start from the foot of Mt. Heishan to reach the top of the mountain. Walking along the stairs leading to the city walls, you will find that some parts are flat as plain, while others steep as a precipice. From the top of the Wall you may get a bird's eye view of the desert stretching before you, the oasis of Jiayuguan in the near ground, and the snow-capped mountains far away in the distance.

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