China's First Pass: Yanmen Pass

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the northern part of Shanxi has been the center of rule for various northern dynasties, becoming a frontier area for ethnic integration. Yanmen Pass, located in the Yanmen Mountains about 20 kilometers north of Daixian County in Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is an important pass on the Great Wall. Known for its danger, it is hailed as 'China's First Pass,' with the saying 'Among the nine passes under heaven, Yanmen is the first.' It is collectively known as the 'Outer Three Passes' along with Ningwu Pass and Pianguan Pass. Yanmen Pass and its location in Daixian have historically been a passage for northern ethnic groups invading the interior. Therefore, Yanmen Pass has always been a strategic military point. From the 4th century BC to the 20th century, there have been more than 140 battles here, according to incomplete statistics, showing that it is indeed a place of military contention. Yanmen Pass connects Datong to the north and Taiyuan to the south. It can advance into the vast grasslands or retreat to defend the thousand-mile central plains, making its strategic position extremely important. Famous generals of the Han dynasty such as Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Li Guang have all galloped inside and outside the ancient Yanmen Pass, repeatedly defeating the Xiongnu and making significant contributions. General Li Guang, known as the 'Monkey Arm General,' fought the Xiongnu dozens of times while serving as the governor of Dai Commandery, Yanmen, and Yunzhong, earning the nickname 'Flying General' from the Xiongnu. During the Northern Song dynasty, Yanmen Pass was the main battlefield in the confrontation between the Song and Liao dynasties, with over 200 wars occurring. Major historical events such as the 'Capture of the Two Emperors of Song' and the 'Yang Family Generals guarding the Three Passes' took place here. Yanmen Pass is also the site of the original story of the Yang Family Generals. The famous Northern Song general Yang Ye achieved a great victory over the Liao army here, earning the title 'Yang the Invincible.' This is also where the idiom 'Sinking Fish and Falling Geese' originated. During the reign of Emperor Yuan of Han, the stunning beauty Wang Zhaojun left through this pass to marry the Xiongnu, securing 50 years of peace. When she played the zither on her horse, the southward-flying geese heard the music and saw the beautiful woman on horseback, forgetting to flap their wings and falling to the ground. Thus, Wang Zhaojun earned the nickname 'Falling Geese.' The entrance fee for the scenic area is 90 yuan for adults (83 yuan online) and 45 yuan for students at half price. Some guides have questioned how this section of the Great Wall earned a 5A rating and whether it is worth the price, but I think it depends on personal perspective. After all, money should be spent where necessary, and knowledge should be gained where possible. Use Gaode Navigation to the Yanmen Pass North Gate parking lot. Once you park your car, you can head to the main entrance. The road from the main entrance to the Mingyue Tower ticket checkpoint requires a mandatory ride on the scenic area's electric shuttle, costing 10 yuan per person round trip.