Jiayuguan (Pass)
The fort of Jiayuguan
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Jiayuguan or Jiayu Pass (Chinese嘉峪关/嘉峪关, Pinyin Jiayu Guan pass the Exalted valley ') is the first transition at the western end of the Great Wall near the city of Jiayuguan in Gansu Province. Along with Juyongguan and Shanhaiguan, it is one of the most important passes of the Great Wall.
Location
The pass is located at the narrowest point of the western section of the Hexi Corridor, six kilometers southwest of the city of Jiayuguan. The Pass- building lies between two hills, one of which is named " Jiayuguan Hill ". It was built near an oasis, which was at that time at the extreme western edge of China.
Description
Jiayuguan consists of three lines of defense: an inner and an outer city and a moat. The pass structure is trapezoidal, it has a circumference of about 740 m and an area of more than 33,500 m². The height of the surrounding wall is 11 meters. In the wall are two gates, one on the east side and one on the west, and each corner of the wall is mounted a turret. About each goal there is a building on the western building is a plaque with the Chinese inscription of " Jiayuguan " is attached. The north and south sides of the system are connected to the Great Wall. On the north side the gates are connected with wide streets that lead up to the pass.
Legend and history
The building was originally built in 1372 during the early Ming Dynasty. The fort was considerably expanded and strengthened to protect the kingdom against an invasion by the warrior Timur 1488-1506 and after 1539. The feared attack failed to materialize, as Timur died in a good old age, when he led his army against China.
A fairytale legend tells of the careful planning that was needed to set up the pass system. Accordingly, the builder of the plant was asked by the officer in charge, how many stones would because now used for the construction, and he told him the exact number. The officer questioned his answer and asked him if this were really enough stones. Then the builder added a brick. When the construction was completed, remained a tile that was loosely placed on one of the gatehouse, where he still is today.
Importance
From the transitions on the Great Wall Jiayuguan is the most completely preserved military buildings. The pass is also known under the name天下第一 雄关("First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven "). This should not天下第一 关("First Pass Under Heaven" ) are confused, a designation for Shanhaiguan at the eastern end of the Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, Hebei.
The pass had a key role as a way station in the course of the ancient Silk Road. In the vicinity of Jiayuguan there are some historical sites in China, such as the Mogao Grottoes, and many frescoes were found in the area.
The Jiayuguan section of the Great Wall (万里长城-嘉峪关, Wanli Changcheng - Jiayuguan ) is since 1961 on the list of monuments of the People's Republic of China ( 1-103 ).