Is it worth to stay at Jiayuguan for 2 days?

Question

I'm planning to take the train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan in the early morning (probably will arrive at 7:30am), visit the Great Wall for 2-3 hrs, back to the station to catch the train to Dunhuang. But now I'm also interested in seeing the Wei-Jin tomb as well? Should I stay overnight or can I visit them in one day? Where can I find a place to store my luggage?

Answer

Jiayuguan, located in Gansu province, is a small city but holds significant historical importance as the western end of the Ming Great Wall. Whether to stay overnight depends on your interest level and train schedules. If you only have a short layover, it is possible to see the main attractions in one day, but an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to visit additional sites like the Wei-Jin Tombs.

Visiting attractions in one day:

Arriving early (around 7:30am) allows you to take a taxi or local bus to the Jiayuguan Great Wall pass. A typical visit takes 2–3 hours, including walking along the wall, exploring the fort, and viewing the historical displays.
Afterward, you can head to the Wei-Jin Tombs, which are a few kilometers away. Visiting the tombs may take 1–2 hours depending on interest and pace.
If your onward train to Dunhuang departs in the late afternoon or evening, it is technically feasible to visit both sites in one day, but it will be a long and tightly scheduled day.

Benefits of staying overnight:

More time to explore the Great Wall, fort, and museum exhibits without rushing.
Flexibility to enjoy local food and a more relaxed pace at the Wei-Jin Tombs.
Reduced stress about catching trains, especially if there are delays or transportation challenges.

Luggage storage options:

Jiayuguan Train Station has a luggage storage service (行李寄存) where you can leave bags for a few hours or overnight. Arrive early to ensure availability.
Most hotels or hostels also allow temporary luggage storage even before check-in, which can be convenient if you decide to stay overnight.
If visiting only for a few hours, some local taxi drivers may offer to watch your luggage in the vehicle while you explore, but this is less secure than official storage.

In summary, if your schedule is tight and you are willing to move quickly, you can visit both the Jiayuguan Great Wall and Wei-Jin Tombs in one day using luggage storage at the train station. However, staying overnight gives a more relaxed and thorough experience, especially if you want to enjoy both sites without rushing and to experience the local atmosphere.

Is it worth to stay at Jiayuguan for 2 days?

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