Yanmen Pass Travel Guide: Journey Through a Millennia-Old Pass, Explore the Echoes of History

1. Scenic Spot Overview Yanmen Pass, located in Daixian County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is a renowned ancient military fortress in China, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven" among the "Nine Passes Under Heaven." It served as a battleground for historical figures like Huo Qubing and the Yang Family Generals, and is also an important historical, cultural, and natural scenic spot. 2. Transportation Guide • By Car: From Taiyuan, take the G1811 Expressway and exit at Daixian. Follow the signs to the scenic spot. • Public Transportation: • Train: Take a train to Taiyuan or Daixian, then transfer to a bus or taxi. • Airplane: Fly to Taiyuan Wusu International Airport or Wutaishan Airport, then transfer to ground transportation. 3. Tickets and Opening Hours • Ticket Prices: • Peak Season (April 1 to October 31): Full price: CNY 90, Half price: CNY 45. • Off-Season (November 1 to March 31): Full price: CNY 60, Half price: CNY 30. • Opening Hours: • Peak Season: 8:00–18:00. • Off-Season: 8:30–17:00. 4. Recommended Tour Routes • North Route: • Houyaopu (Entrance) > Wall of Fame > Mingyue Tower > Yanmen Pass Village (Baotu Spring) > Border Trade Street > Wengcheng Gate > Dili Gate > Ningbian Tower > Garrison Headquarters > Tianxian Gate > Pass Tower > Zhenbian Shrine > Ancient Pass Road > Yunjian Spring and Yanchi Pond > Guanling Mausoleum and Zhuangshi Pavilion > Guanyin Temple > Fujiaping > Qianyaopu (Exit). • South Route: • Qianyaopu (Entrance) > Fujiaping > Guanyin Temple > Yunjian Spring and Yanchi Pond > Pangu Stone > Guanling Mausoleum and Zhuangshi Pavilion > Ancient Pass Road > Zhenbian Shrine > Outline of the Pass City > Tianxian Gate > Pass Tower > Garrison Headquarters > Dili Gate > Ningbian Tower > Wengcheng Gate > Border Trade Street > Baotu Spring > Mingyue Tower > Houyaopu (Exit). 5. Must-See Attractions • Yanmen Pass Tower: The iconic building of Yanmen Pass, offering a panoramic view of the entire scenic area. • Ancient Great Wall Ruins: Experience the profound history and natural beauty. • Border Trade Street: A bustling border trade center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, now a souvenir shopping street. • Yanmen Pass Anti-Japanese War Site: A memorial site commemorating the Eighth Route Army's ambush of Japanese troops in 1937. • Gouzhu Shrine: An ancient holy place for praying for rain, named after the surrounding peaks resembling the Big Dipper. • Ancient Pan Pass Road: A well-preserved ancient road with many twists and turns, steeped in history. 6. Local Cuisine • Daixian Ma Pian: A local specialty snack. • Yanmen Sauce-Braised Pig Trotters: A unique delicacy. • Daixian Yellow Wine: A traditional drink with a long history. 7. Accommodation Recommendations There are various accommodation options near Yanmen Pass, including high-end hotels and traditional inns, catering to different budgets and needs. 8. Best Time to Visit May to October offers pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. 9. Important Notes • Observe the safety regulations of the scenic spot and respect and protect the historical and cultural heritage. • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and take sun protection and warmth preservation measures. • Plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your tour time reasonably.