A journey through thousands of years of war and vicissitudes – Yanmen Pass

The moment you step into Yanmen Pass, it seems as if time has gone back, and the wars, battles, and smoke of war of the past instantly unfold before your eyes. This majestic pass standing in Dai County, Shanxi Province, carries countless historical memories, and every brick and stone tells a story of the past. Looking at Yanmen Pass from afar, it looks like a giant dragon entrenched between the mountains, and it looks particularly majestic against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. The rolling mountains and steep terrain give Yanmen Pass a natural advantage of "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men cannot break through." It has witnessed countless wars, and every inch of its land is soaked with the blood and sweat of our ancestors. Walking along the winding ancient road, touching the mottled city walls, the rough texture from my fingertips seemed to tell me the magnificent history. This place was once an important line of defense for the Central Plains dynasty against the nomadic peoples in the north. Heroes such as Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and the Yang Family Generals all fought on the battlefield here, sacrificing their lives and shed their blood to protect their country. Their heroic deeds and patriotic spirit, like immortal monuments, have inspired generation after generation of Chinese people. Climb up the beacon tower and look into the distance, and you can see the surrounding scenery. The vast mountains and rivers and the quiet villages form a sharp contrast with the war-torn past. Although the smoke of war has long faded from Yanmen Pass today, the weight of history is still deeply imprinted on this land. Standing on the beacon tower, I seemed to hear the neighing of war horses and the shouts of soldiers. It was the echo of history and the inheritance of the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. This trip to Yanmen Pass not only allowed me to appreciate its grandeur, but also made me feel the vicissitudes and thickness of history. It is a vivid history book that allows me to more deeply understand the tenacity and greatness of the Chinese nation. When I left Yanmen Pass, my heart was filled with emotion and respect. I know that this journey across thousands of years will be forever engraved in my memory and become a precious experience in my life.