Yanmen Pass

Yanmenguan, this historic pass located within Dai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is known as "The First Pass of China" for its towering grandeur and profound cultural heritage. As a national 5A tourist attraction, an important node of the World Cultural Heritage—the Great Wall, and a key national cultural relics protection unit, Yanmenguan carries more than three thousand years of vicissitudes and countless heroic legends, making it an indelible historical mark in the hearts of all Chinese descendants. 🍀 Must-visit Attractions: 1. Yanmenguan Great Wall: Trek along the winding ancient Great Wall, touch the traces of time between the bricks and stones, and feel the valiant spirit of the ancient frontier soldiers. Ascend the watchtower, gaze into the distance, and appreciate the magnificent scenery inside and outside the Great Wall, experiencing the strategic importance of 'one man guarding the pass, ten thousand unable to break through.' 2. Yanmenguan Museum: The museum's detailed graphic displays and precious historical relics unveil the thousand-year history of military, trade, and cultural exchanges at Yanmenguan. 3. Ancient Pass Road and Post Station Ruins: Stroll along the ancient pass road, follow the footsteps of the ancients, and imagine the bustling scenes of merchant caravans and envoy horses shuttling through. Visit the post station ruins and experience the wisdom of the ancient communication and transportation network. 4. Yang Family Generals Cultural Experience Area: Centered around the Yang Family Generals' resistance against the Liao Dynasty, the area offers live reenactments and interactive experiences that immerse you in the loyal and heroic historical narrative. 🍀 Detailed Address: Yanmenguan Scenic Area, Yanmenguan Town, Dai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province 🍀 Transportation Tips: ① Self-driving: Yanmenguan is about 200 kilometers from Taiyuan City. Drive along the G55 Erguang Expressway and take the exit for Dai County. After exiting the highway, follow the road signs for about 20 kilometers to reach the scenic area. ② Public Transportation: - Train: Take a train to Daixian Station, then transfer to a local tourist shuttle bus or taxi to Yanmenguan Scenic Area. - Long-distance Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Taiyuan, Xinzhou, and other places to Daixian. After arriving, transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi as well. 🍀 Food Recommendations: ① Daixian Crisp Pear*: The crisp pears grown around Yanmenguan are crunchy, juicy, and sweet, making them an excellent choice for quenching thirst, moisturizing the lungs, and beautifying the skin. ② Daizhou Stewed Fish*: Made with local fresh fish and slow-cooked, the fish is tender, and the soup is rich and flavorful, offering a unique taste. ③ Yellow Rice Cake: A specialty snack of Dai County, with a golden, crispy outer layer and a sweet, soft filling. Paired with a bowl of steaming lamb offal soup, it's a true delight for the taste buds. 🍀 Nearby Attractions Recommendations: 1. Yang Zhongwu Temple: A temple dedicated to the worship of the Northern Song Dynasty general Yang Ye and his descendants, offering a deep understanding of the Yang Family Generals' loyalty and their sense of duty to the family and country. 2. Ashoka Tower: Located in Daixian County, the thousand-year-old tower has a beautiful shape and is an important physical testament to the eastward spread of Buddhism. 3. Zhao Gao Guan National Forest Park: A natural ecological area not far from Yanmenguan, known for its caves, peculiar peaks, and forest landscapes, it is a great place for hiking adventures and leisurely sightseeing.

Among the nine major passes in the world, Yanmen Pass is the foremost. Mr. Liang Sicheng and Mr. Lin Huiyin devoted their lives to the protection and research of ancient Chinese architecture. Retracing the 'Liang-Lin Route,' follow the masters to appreciate the ancient architecture of Shanxi and reach the important pass beyond the Great Wall—Yanmen Pass in Dai County, Xinzhou. 'Among the nine major passes in the world, Yanmen Pass is the foremost' This guardian spirit of the border is like a dragon lying here, serving as an important pass to resist the iron hooves of the Xiongnu. Climbing up here, the battlefield's clanging of swords and galloping horses seem to flash before your eyes. 🗡️ In the Qin Dynasty, General Meng Tian led 300,000 troops out of Yanmen Pass to drive away the Xiongnu. 🗡️ In the Han Dynasty, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Li Guang galloped in and out of the ancient Yanmen Pass, defeating the Xiongnu, and Wang Zhaojun left through Yanmen Pass for a marriage alliance. 🗡️ In the Tang Dynasty, Xue Rengui stationed his troops here, deterring the Tujue. 🗡️ In the Song Dynasty, the Yang family were loyal and brave, generation after generation guarding the border. In Jin Yong's 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' the character Qiao Feng also starts and ends his journey at Yanmen Pass. 🚪 Which gate to enter from? There are the South Gate and North Gate, it is recommended to arrive at the 【North Gate】, which is closer to the core attractions, with a parking lot right at the visitor center entrance (5 yuan/car). After reaching the North Gate, you can choose to take a shuttle bus to the entrance of the scenic area (10 yuan/round trip, about 2 kilometers). 👍 Useful Information 🚗 Transportation: It is recommended to drive yourself or charter a car from Dai County/Xinzhou. 🎫 Ticket: 80 yuan/person, online booking is cheaper. 🕰️ Duration: 4-5h The wind may be stronger when climbing the Great Wall, bring a coat according to the weather. 🌟 Route One: Limited physical strength or time Houyaopu Post Station - Wall of Famous People Through the Ages - Baotu Spring - Border Trade Street - Wengcheng Gate - Official Residence - Yan Tower - Enemy Tower - Stele Forest - Town Border Temple - Yan Yue Lou - Corner Tower - Pointing Platform - Wengcheng Gate 🌟 Route Two: To visit all the essence spots Houyaopu Post Station - Wall of Famous People Through the Ages - Baotu Spring - Border Trade Street - Wengcheng Gate - Official Residence - Yan Tower - Enemy Tower - Stele Forest - Town Border Temple - Xiao Feng's Cliff Jumping Spot - Warrior Pavilion - Yan Pool - Guanyin Temple 🌟 The relief sculpture of Wang Zhaojun leaving the pass is quite far away, not recommended if you are not particularly keen, as the return trip is inconvenient

As a child, I didn't understand why Qiao Feng, a man of great stature, was hard to be accepted by the world. When I grew up, I realized that life is always like a tree wanting to be quiet but the wind does not stop, and there are so many things that are beyond one's control and feelings. This lifelong unsolvable puzzle has been clearly sung by 'Hard to Recite Sutra'. Today, let's take you to Yanmenguan in Daixian County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, to see what different scenery is here. With the popular TV series 'Tianlong Babu', whether you know where Yanmenguan is or whether you have been there, you will not feel strange to it. Not only that, but it is also worth mentioning that Yanmenguan is both the place where Qiao Feng sacrificed and Zhaojun left the border from here. So, the question is, why can Yanmenguan become the first pass of China? This is mainly because Yanmenguan is a pass on the inner Great Wall line of the Ming Dynasty. It is known as the 'outer three passes' together with Ningwuguan and Pianguan, and it is mainly known for its 'danger'. Yanmenguan has been an important pass for the central plains dynasty to resist the invasion of northern nomadic nations since ancient times. The earliest history here can be traced back to the battle between King Wuling of Zhao and the Huns during the Warring States Period. Therefore, Yanmenguan is known as 'the first pass of China'.

Yanmen Pass is famous for its perilous terrain and is hailed as 'the foremost of the nine strategic passes under heaven.' Passing through this natural barrier, you can see the mouths of three Great Walls. If you love mountaineering, be sure to climb to the top to experience the grandeur of the continuous mountain ranges, and you will be amazed at the wisdom of the ancients. The thing I love the most is that Yanmen Pass offers different climbing routes for different groups of people, filled with a humanistic touch. 🚨 Travel Tips: - Yanmen Pass has two entrances: the North Gate and the South Gate. It is recommended to start the tour from the North Gate (the South Gate is relatively far). I chose the North Gate, and it took about two hours to finish the tour. - It takes about 3 minutes by car from the scenic area entrance to Mingyue Tower (ticket checkpoint). If you don't want to walk, you can take the eco-friendly vehicle inside the scenic area (10 yuan/person round trip). Personally, I suggest that if you don't mind walking, you can walk from the entrance (it's really not far, unlike what the driver said about 2 kilometers). - Dining in the scenic area is relatively cheap, mainly noodle dishes. There are some restaurants and small shops on the border trade street where you can eat, buy water, and also find local specialties (such as Shanxi's aged vinegar, yellow wine, coconut powder, etc.). 🚗 Transportation Guide: - It is recommended to drive there, about 100 kilometers from Xinzhou City. - You can also depart from Dai County, where you can stay in advance (e.g., Lihua Hotel), about 15 kilometers from the North Gate and about 32 kilometers from the South Gate. 🎫 Ticket Information: - Peak season (April 1 to October 31) tickets are 90 yuan/person, off-season tickets are 45 yuan/person. - Eco-friendly vehicle fee is 10 yuan/person (round trip). - Parking fee is 5 yuan/vehicle (no time limit).

Historically, when the Jin, Hebei, Inner Mongolia and other ethnic groups invaded from the south, they often invaded from the north of Yanmenguan, resulting in more than a hundred wars, including the famous battles between the Xianbei and the Turks, the Five Hu Chaos, the Han-Tang Transition, the Siege of the Northern Song Dynasty, and the Resistance of the Southern Song Dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there have been dozens of battles between the peasant rebel army led by Li Zicheng and the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, it is known as the 'First Pass of the Great Wall', 'First Barrier of China', 'First Stronghold of the World', 'First Great Wall of China', 'First Wonder of the World', and other reputations. Yanmenguan is one of the longest existing, most complex architectural structures, and most complete and complex military functions in Chinese history. It is located 15 kilometers southeast of Daixian County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, at 32 degrees north latitude. It is the 'Second Throat' of the ancient Great Wall of China, and after Yan and Zhao in Chinese history, it once again became a military stronghold where the Central Plains and the northern minorities traded and competed for high ground. It is a product of the co-progression and long-term coexistence of the Central Plains and the minorities, and also one of the important historical and cultural relics and historical and cultural city cards of the great integration period of ancient Chinese ethnic groups with strategic significance. It has played an immeasurable role and value in studying the formation and development of the ancient Chinese ethnic economy!

Xinzhou, located in the north-central part of Shanxi Province, is a land that has been gently treated by time. Not only does it boast magnificent natural scenery, but it also harbors a profound cultural heritage. From ancient city walls to simple local customs, from majestic mountains and rivers to tempting cuisine, Xinzhou unfolds like a historical scroll, waiting for every traveler to savor carefully. Attraction Highlights: A Visual Feast Across Time • Mount Wutai: As the foremost of China's four famous Buddhist mountains, Mount Wutai attracts countless believers and tourists with its majestic temple complex and profound Buddhist culture. In the early morning, walking through the misty mountain paths, visiting the Shuxiang Temple and Bodhisattva Summit, one can feel the tranquility and solemnity that transcends the mundane world. • Yanmenguan: As an important pass of the Great Wall, Yanmenguan has witnessed countless historical events. Standing atop this ancient pass, looking out at the winding Great Wall, one can almost hear the echoes of clashing armor and horses, stirring a deep sense of awe. • Yuwang Cave: Explore the natural wonders crafted by the forces of nature, Yuwang Cave is famous for its unique karst landforms. Inside the cave, the stalactites and stone pillars come in various shapes and vibrant colors, as if entering a mysterious underground palace. Itinerary: Three Days and Two Nights, In-Depth Experience Day 1: Upon arrival in Xinzhou, head straight to Mount Wutai and schedule half a day to visit the core temples. In the evening, stay at a characteristic inn at the foot of the mountain for a night of Zen accommodation. Day 2: Rise early to visit Yanmenguan, stroll through the ancient pass in the morning, and drive to Yuwang Cave in the afternoon to explore the natural miracle. In the evening, return to Xinzhou city to taste the local specialties. Day 3: Tour the city, such as the ancient city walls of Xinzhou and Xiurong Academy, to feel the charm of the old city. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time, and it is recommended to buy some Xinzhou specialties as souvenirs, such as Xinzhou millet, Wutai Mountain mushrooms, etc. Food Recommendations: The Taste of Xinzhou Memory • Xinzhou Snack Street: A food paradise not to be missed, recommended to try 'Youmian Kaolao Lao,' 'Xinzhou Yangza Ge,' and 'Daoxiao Mian,' each bite is an authentic taste of Shanxi. • Vegetarian Feast at Mount Wutai: Experience a vegetarian feast in the temples of Mount Wutai, the simple and desire-free dishes reveal a unique flavor. Transportation Tips: Convenient Access, Smooth Travel • External Arrival: Xinzhou has Xinzhou Wutaishan Airport, connecting to multiple cities within the country, and can also be reached via Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, about a 2-hour drive to Xinzhou. • Internal Transportation: Renting a car for self-driving is an ideal way to explore Xinzhou, offering freedom and flexibility; in addition, public transportation and taxi services in the city are convenient, and there are sightseeing car services within scenic areas such as Mount Wutai. Xinzhou, a place that captivates the soul, whether it's the pursuit of history, the longing for nature, or the obsession with food, it can provide a satisfying answer. Pack your bags and join us on this journey of exploring the past and present, and let your spirit be purified by the landscapes of Xinzhou.

Yanmenguan - China's First Pass, with an atmosphere of armored horses swallowing miles like a tiger Yanmenguan, an important pass on the Great Wall, is known for its 'dangerous' reputation and is hailed as 'China's First Pass'. It is said to be the 'first of the nine blockades in the world'. It is collectively referred to as the 'Outer Three Passes' with Ningwuguan and Pianguan. 📍Detailed address: Daixian, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province 🚗Travel strategy: Self-driving or one-day group ⌚️Business hours: April to October: 8 am to 6 pm, January to March: 8:30 am to 1 pm •Tour time: 2-3 hours 🎫Ticket price: Ticket 90💰Scenic car 10💰 Five scenic area routes: North line is recommended, more attractions Houhouyaopu (by sightseeing car) Celebrity Wall Mingyue Tower Leopard Spring Border Trade Street Urn City Gate Dili Gate and Ningbian Building Guan Shu Tianxian Gate and Guan Building Zhenbian Temple Yan Tower (return to Houhou Post Station) 💚Scenic spots: ①Dili Gate Ningbian Building: Originally Yang Liulang Temple, now an ancient military museum ②Tianxian Gate, Yan Tower: Tianxian Gate is the first city gate in the south of the pass, built in the Ming Dynasty. A goose tower is built on it. ③Steles Forest: Below the Yan Tower, it collects more than 200 famous sentences from poets and writers, written in stone by contemporary calligraphers. ④Urn City Gate: The plaque is engraved with 'Yanmenguan', and a pair of couplets on both sides are all titled by calligraphers of the Ming Dynasty. ⑤Zhenbian Temple: The largest architectural complex in Yanmenguan, built in memory of the Warring States general Li Mu. Practical tinps 1, pay attention to sunshade and heat prevention 2, Whether it's the north line or the south line, it's recommended to return to the starting point. 3, Tickets can be bought online I am a small package who loves to travel and share✌️