Yanmen Pass｜Touching the Epic of Three Thousand Years of Blood and Iron

🏰 Yanmen Pass｜In the fading sunlight of the "First Pass Under Heaven," touching the epic of three thousand years of blood and iron Quick Facts Location: Dai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi. Take a 2.5-hour high-speed train from Beijing to Xinzhou West Station, then rent a car for a 1.5-hour drive. Best Season: May–October (for summer retreats and historical exploration), September–October (for autumn foliage along the frontier walls). Must-Experience: Hiking Tianxian Gate, paying respects at Zhenbian Temple, and watching the sunset over the pass. Hidden Gem: Night tour of "Moonlight Tower" to hear stories of frontier defense. 🌄 First Glimpse of Yanmen: A Pass That Holds Half of China's History In the morning mist, the stone steps of Tianxian Gate's Eighteen Bends glimmer coldly. Fingertips trace the deep arrow marks on the barbican walls, suddenly brushing against an inscription from the "Sixth Year of Wanli"—this is the mighty pass where Li Mu, Meng Tian, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing once stood guard! Climbing the watchtower and gazing into the distance, the Hengshan Mountains undulate like a dragon's spine. The guide points to the distant remnants of rammed earth: "Look, that's the Zhao Great Wall built by King Wuling of Zhao, a century earlier than Qin Shi Huang." 💭 An Instant Journey Through Time As the sunset bathes the plaque of "First Pass Under Heaven" in crimson, the haunting melody of "The Ballad of the Governor of Yanmen" plays through the speakers. The solemnity of "Dark clouds press down on the city, threatening to crush it" merges with the vast mountains before you, instantly revealing why poets throughout history have been moved to sing of heroism and sorrow here. 🚶 In-Depth Frontier Defense Experience 1. Military Secrets Barbican Mysteries: Decipher the defensive system of "The Unrivaled Strategic Stronghold of Three Passes." Beacon Towers: Learn about communication methods like smoke signals, flag codes, and cannon fire. Ancient Cart Ruts: Discover the deep grooves left by the "Tea-Horse Trade." 2. Tribute to Legendary Generals Zhenbian Temple: Statues of thirty garrison commanders, from Li Mu to the Yang Family Generals. Training Ground: Stand where Wei Qing drilled cavalry and practice battle formations. Zhaojun's Departure: Retrace the first pass of the "Marriage Alliance Road." 3. Frontier Life Garrison Rations: Taste millet cakes and dried horse meat, staples of military rations. Armor Trial: Try on Ming Dynasty iron armor weighing a hefty 30 jin (15 kg). Archery Experience: Shoot at targets with traditional horn bows. 📸 Three Photogenic Spots Panorama of Tianxian Gate Capture the perilous terrain of "One Man Holds the Pass" with a drone. Sunset on the Frontier Wall Photograph the rammed-earth Great Wall bathed in blood-red twilight. Morning Mist at Yan Pagoda Frame the Tang Dynasty sutra pillar and beacon tower in the morning fog. 🍖 Frontier Flavors Dai County Stewed Fish: Slow-cooked Hutuo River carp with aged tofu. Yanmen Smoked Chicken: A traditional delicacy smoked with juniper wood. Millet Oil Cakes: Frontier rations stuffed with northern sesame candy. 💭 A Taste of Memory Sipping "Garrison Tea" at a pass teahouse, the owner tosses in a handful of herbs: "This is astragalus, goji berries, and wild chrysanthemums—the garrison's recipe for warding off the cold." The bitterness followed by sweetness mirrors the homesickness of frontier soldiers. 🏡 Accommodation Tips Frontier Inn: "Yanmen Homestay" offers heated kang beds and the sound of wind chimes. Ancient Town Guesthouse: Experience a Shanxi courtyard near Dai County Confucian Temple. Heads-Up: Book a month in advance for holidays. ❗ Practical Tips Attire: Windproof jacket + non-slip shoes (the steps are steep). Cultural Prep: Watch the documentary "Yanmen Pass" beforehand. Nearby Attractions: Combine with visits to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Daizhou Confucian Temple. Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash. 🌌 A Final Soul-Stirring Moment Sitting on the watchtower parapet at midnight, the Big Dipper hangs over Guangwu Ancient City. A night watchman suddenly plays a clay ocarina, the tune none other than "The Frontier Song." "Do you know why the moon shines so brightly over Yanmen Pass?" He points to the weathered walls. "Because every brick here is steeped in moonlight and blood."