Yanmen Pass - A Must-Visit Destination

👍Why Visit: - Rich in history! Yanmen Pass sits at the watershed between agricultural and nomadic civilizations. For over 2,000 years, it has witnessed countless battles, such as the Han Dynasty's campaigns against the Xiongnu and Tang Dynasty's battles with the Turks, shaping history and Chinese civilization. - Breathtaking scenery! The fortress is majestic with connected battlements and watchtowers. The winding path follows the mountain contours, and the view of the mountains from the top is absolutely stunning. - Deep cultural heritage! The stele forest below Yan Tower features over 200 poems and inscriptions left by scholars throughout history. The Zhenbian Temple enshrines famous generals like Li Mu and Wei Qing, showcasing the national spirit. 🚥Location: Located in Yanmen Mountain, about 20 km north of Dai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. 🚇Transportation: - Like I did, take an overnight slow train to Dai County from Xinzhou. Book round-trip tickets to Yanmen Pass in advance and arrange with the driver to pick you up at your hotel - super convenient. - Driving is also convenient - just navigate to Yanmen Pass Scenic Area, where there's a parking lot. - Alternatively, travel to Dai County first, then take a local bus to the scenic area. 🌲Must-See Spots: - Yang Family Generals Statues: View sculptures of the Yang Family Generals and feel their heroic spirit. - Historical Figures Wall: Learn about famous people who left their mark at Yanmen Pass. - Mingyue Tower: A photogenic building with classical charm. - Leopard Spring: A unique spring worth seeing. - Border Trade Street: Experience the historic atmosphere of border trade. - Ai Li Gate: "Ai" is Empress Wu Zetian's variant character for "earth." Start your impressive journey up to the fortress from here. - The Fortress: Winding along steep mountain ridges, it's magnificent and offers panoramic mountain views. - Yan Tower Stele Forest: Features numerous commemorative poems and inscriptions. - Que Xian Gate: "Que" is Empress Wu Zetian's variant character for "heaven." Don't miss the nearby Zhenbian Temple. - Zhenbian Temple: Honors historical generals and features the "First Pass Under Heaven" plaque. 💰Admission: Check specific prices on major travel platforms or at the entrance bulletin board - prices are generally reasonable. 💗Additional Tips: - Plan your itinerary and accommodation in advance - Dai County has plenty of hotels and guesthouses. - Wear comfortable sneakers as there's lots of walking and stairs in the scenic area. - Bring a camera - every shot here turns out great. - Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing. - The scenic area has local snacks and souvenirs - feel free to try and buy, but spend wisely.