Filed Under China

Jiayugan, or Jiayu Pass, is bordered by the Qilian mountains in the south and Gobi Desert in the north. It represents the western starting point of a section of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The pass covers an area of 33,500 square meters (eight acres) and lies at the base of a narrow valley, and takes its name from one of the surrounding hills, the Jiayu. Commonly referred to as the finest example of its kind on earth, the pass is the best preserved of the Great Wall’s ancient military fortresses.
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Filed Under Jordan, Middle East

History, nature and culture come together in Jordan.

Hidden within the country’s haunting desertscape is an ideal topography for some adrenaline-pumping action. Beyond the archaeological sites is an oasis for adventure seekers.

With its psychedelic sandstone formations, the granite valley of Wadi Rum provides some of the best terrains for rock-climbing. Both experts and amateurs gather to scale the treacherous route, Towering Inferno. Many outdoors enthusiasts add on a Bedouin stay or camel trek around the red-rose monument of Petra.

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