'Pass'ing on Silk Road rituals

Often referred to as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven", Jiayuguan Pass is considered one of the most well-preserved passes, and it marks the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. The pass consists of the fortress, the Hanging Great Wall, located 8 kilometers to the north and built on the ridge of Heishan Mountain, and the First Beacon Tower to the south, which stands atop an 80-meter-tall river cliff.

Near the First Beacon Tower, there's also the Great Wall Museum, where visitors can learn about the wall sections and the pass.

Today, visitors to the Jiayuguan Pass are seeking more than just a simple tour. They prefer a deeper, culturally immersive experience, just like Li's guanzhao issuing ceremony, says Li Chenchao, general manager of the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Area, where the Jiayuguan Fortress is situated.

Last year, the scenic area introduced holographic projection technology, and uses a light show to bring the stories of the Great Wall to life, using the walls as a vast canvas. This also marked the beginning of a new nighttime tourist experience at the ancient pass.

As night falls, the light show begins. Laser beams streak across the dark sky, instantly illuminating the entire fortress. The dramatic atmosphere of the Hexi Corridor and the heroic defense structure of the Great Wall come alive through the dynamic light display, making visitors feel as though they have traveled back in time to an era of heroes.

Li Chenchao says they hope to use technology to bring Great Wall culture to life in a more vivid and tangible way.

Complementing the mesmerizing light show are the omnipresent live performances scattered throughout the area. Armored soldiers can be seen either patrolling the pathways or reenacting ceremonies that mark their departure for the battlefield. Actors dressed in ancient costumes appear spontaneously, engaging the audience in interactive song and dance performances.