Yanmenguan pass
Yanmenguan Pass is one of the three important passes through the inner line of the Great Wall – an important military facility in ancient China.
Read on travel tips on it’s location, history, ticket price, opening time etc. It lies in Yanmen Mountain within the Heng Mountain ranges, around 20 km. (12 mi.) of Dai County in China’s Shanxi Province.
It is one of the three important passes through the inner line of the Great Wall in the Shanxi section together with other two passes: Ningwuguan Pass and Pianguan Pass.
In 2001, it was listed as a Key National Cultural Site under national protection.
Since it’s located at a place which is of strategic importance and is difficult for any potential enemies to get through, it was regarded as the principal one among the nine passes under heaven in ancient times.
Go Head and Start Your Private China Tour Today!
Yanmenguan Pass witnessed many big and small battles in history and became therefore a hotly contested spot in the past.
Yanmenguan Pass is made up of Guancheng, Wengcheng, and Weicheng. Guancheng is 10 m. (32.8 ft.) high with a perimeter of 1 km. (0.62 mi.).
It has a stone foundation which is built up with bricks. There are also numerous crenels on the city wall where military weapons like guns were set in preparation for any possible enemies attacking the city in ancient times.
Three gates are designed for Yanmenguan Pass which include the north gate, the west gate and the east gate.
The north gate is actually the gate of Wengcheng and is inscribed with three characters, “Yan Men Guan” while the west gate is inscribed with two characters “Di Li” meaning holding favorable geographic position and the south gate “Tian Xian” which means it is strategically located and is difficult to access.
Nowadays, Yanmenguan Pass is well preserved as an important historical site and an increasing number of tourists are attracted there every year to appreciate the remains of this strategically located military fortress.
Final travel tips for you: ticket price for Yanmenguan Pass is 90 RMB (15 USD) and it opens from 08:00-18:00.
Related tours
Experience the best of China and Tibet on this 2 week China Tibet Highlights Tour. Visit the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Potala Palace, and pandas. A perfect mix of history, culture, and nature across Beijing, Xi’an, Lhasa, Chengdu, and Shanghai, perfect for first-time China Tibet travelers.
Cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp on this ultimate 19-day adventure. Pedal across six high Himalayan passes, past Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse, and descend into Nepal’s lush valleys for an epic ride through Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Get off the beaten track to discover the hidden ancient town Luocheng near Leshan Grand Buddha and take the world's only functioning steam train running in Qianwei, afterwards head to the scared Buddhist mount Emei for the splendid sunrise.
This 8-day Shalu to Nartang Monastery Trek combines Tibetan culture and easy trekking. Walk through quiet villages, barley fields, and dry valleys between two historic monasteries near Shigatse, offering a glimpse into authentic Tibetan life and scenery.