Yanmen Pass is located in the Yanmen Mountains, approximately 20 kilometers north of Dai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. It is a vital pass on the Great Wall and, together with Ningwu Pass and Pianguan, is collectively known as the ‘Three Outer Passes.’ It is currently designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level and a National AAAAA Tourist Attraction. Along with Hangu Pass, Xianxia Pass, and Jianmen Pass, it is recognized as one of China’s Four Great Ancient Passes.
Yanmen Mountain derives its name from its two opposing peaks, which form a gate-like shape through which wild geese fly. Perched high atop Yanmen Mountain, Yanmen Pass is regarded as the foremost of the ‘Nine Fortresses Under Heaven.’ It commands a critical junction in north-south transportation across Shanxi, effectively blocking a major route connecting the Northern Plateau to North China. To the east, it links to Zijing Pass and Daoma Pass; to the west, it connects to Ningwu Pass and Pianguan—all significant fortifications along the Ming Great Wall.
Historically, Yanmen Pass served as a frontline stronghold for the Central Plains against incursions by northern nomadic tribes, witnessing the immortal achievements of numerous renowned generals. During the Warring States period, Li Mu of Zhao lured enemy forces deep into his territory and decisively defeated over 100,000 Xiongnu cavalry. In the Han Dynasty, Huo Qubing, Wei Qing, and Li Guang successively launched campaigns against the Xiongnu from Yanmen Pass. When Emperor Yang of Sui was besieged here, Li Shimin proposed a strategy using decoy troops to repel the Turkic army. In the late Tang Dynasty, Li Keyong, a nobleman of the Shatuo (a branch of the Western Turks), captured Yanmen Pass, laying the foundation for the Later Tang dynasty. During the Song Dynasty, both Yang Ye and his son Yang Yanzhao garrisoned this pass, engaging in numerous fierce battles against Liao forces.
Yanmen Pass Scenic Area is quite inconveniently located and has both South and North Gates. Visitors are advised to enter via the North Gate, as most key attractions are clustered nearby. Reportedly, entering through the South Gate requires a lengthy hike along the Great Wall to reach the main sites, with no shuttle buses or similar transport available. If you park at the South Gate, you will have to retrace your steps to return to your vehicle.
Entering the scenic area from Houyaopu, the first structure you encounter is the Mingyue Tower. Serving as a crucial gateway to Yanmen Pass, it was originally part of the ancient fortress complex. Although the current building has been restored, it retains the quintessential architectural style of a Ming Dynasty city tower. Standing here and looking back toward the valley, one can already sense the sheer, narrow precipitousness characteristic of Yanmen Pass.
Continuing forward, you will pass through a replica border trade street. This is not an original ancient thoroughfare but rather a reconstruction based on the history of border markets. In antiquity, despite being a military stronghold, Yanmen Pass also bustled with commercial activity during peacetime: merchants traveled back and forth, trading horses, tea, and textiles. Today, the street primarily houses restaurants, cultural creative shops, and souvenir stores.
Yanmen Pass comprises three sections: the main Guan City, the Weng City (barbican), and the surrounding enclosure wall. The walls of the Guan City stand 10 meters high with a perimeter of approximately 1 kilometer. Built upon a stone foundation, the walls are filled with rammed earth and faced with bricks, topped with battlements. Gates are situated on the east, west, and north sides of the Guan City. The gate arches are constructed of brick and stone, paved with bluestone slabs, and adorned with inscribed stone plaques above each entrance.
The plaque on the East Gate bears the inscription ‘Natural Barrier,’ and atop the gate stands the Yanmen Tower. This double-eaved hip-and-gable roof structure spans five bays in width and four in depth, surrounded by a corridor on all sides.
The plaque on the West Gate is inscribed with ‘Strategic Advantage.’ Its gate tower houses the Shrine of Yang Liulang, built to commemorate the cultural legacy of the Generals of the Yang Family.
The North Gate actually serves as the entrance to the Weng City. The lintel bears the inscription ‘Yanmen Pass,’ flanked by a couplet reading: ‘Unrivaled strategic hub of the three frontiers; The most revered among the Nine Fortresses.’
Parade Ground and General Selection Terrace
Yanmen Pass is more than just a single fortification; it is an integral component of the Great Wall defense system, offering visitors the opportunity to walk along a section of the Ming Great Wall.
Standing atop the Great Wall and gazing beyond the pass, you may occasionally spot flocks of sheep grazing in the distance.
The Pass Administrative Office, once the ‘command headquarters’ of ancient Yanmen Pass, now functions more like a small museum, helping visitors understand how frontier defenses operated in antiquity.
Additionally, within Yanmen Pass stands a Buddhist pagoda known as the Wild Goose Pagoda. Dating back to the Sui Dynasty and renovated throughout successive dynasties, it boasts a history spanning over 1,400 years and remains one of the most prominent vantage points within the entire scenic area.
The ancient official road still preserves carriage ruts left behind from centuries past.
Overall, Yanmen Pass Scenic Area generates considerable debate online. After all, genuine historical relics are scarce, with much of what exists today being modern reconstruction. Commercial facilities are underdeveloped—chain restaurants are virtually nonexistent within the area—and transportation is extremely inconvenient. Nevertheless, if you’re traveling from Datong to Mount Wutai, I believe it’s still worth making the detour to visit. Be aware, however, that the site involves climbing numerous stairs with no easy alternatives; elderly visitors or those with limited mobility may find it too strenuous.
Support
Read this article on WeChat