Jiayuguan, situated at the center of the Hexi Corridor, a part of the Silk Road in Gansu province, derived its name from the western terminus of the Ming Great Wall at Jiayu Pass.

However, Jiayuguan's reputation stretches further. It is known as the "No 1 Strategic Pass in the World" and "the Steel City of West China", and is the only city to combine the Great Wall of China with Silk Road culture.

Jiayuguan is abundant in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. It has many important natural and historical sites, including the Great Wall's Jiayu Pass, a world-recognized historical site and one of China's top 10 scenic spots, Qiyi Glacier, the closest glacier to any metropolitan area in Asia, tombs from the Wei (AD 220-265) and Jin dynasties, which are protected cultural relics, and the Overhanging Great Wall, known as the "Badaling of the West". The area also has a world-class gliding base and an international driving camp for car enthusiasts.