Yanmen Pass in Shanxi: The First Pass of China with Stunning Mountain Scenery and Winding Landscapes

👍️ Reasons to Recommend - Yanmen Pass is hailed as the "First Pass of China" and is a vital component of the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 3,000 years of history, it has witnessed countless battles and the integration of diverse ethnic groups. - The pass embodies the cultures of the Great Wall, frontier fortresses, border gates, and trade. It was the site where King Wuling of Zhao adopted the attire and mounted archery of the northern tribes, where Wang Zhaojun departed the frontier, and where the Yang Family Generals defended against the Liao invaders, showcasing its profound cultural heritage. - Built against treacherous mountains, the pass features the Great Wall winding along the ridges, with undulating peaks and breathtaking scenery, allowing visitors to marvel at nature's artistry and the weight of history. Detailed Address Located in Yanmen Mountain, approximately 20 kilometers north of Daixian County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. Ticket Prices - Peak Season (April 1–October 31): Full-price ticket ¥90, half-price ticket ¥45. - Off-Season (November 1–March 31): Full-price ticket ¥60, half-price ticket ¥30. - Free Admission: Children aged 6 or younger (or under 1.2 meters in height), individuals with disabilities, disabled revolutionary veterans, active-duty military personnel, and seniors aged 60 or older (with valid ID). - Half-Price Admission: Minors aged 6–18 (with ID), full-time undergraduate students or below, veterans, and family members of active-duty military personnel (with valid ID). 📅 Travel Tips - Historical & Cultural Route: Start at the Celebrity Wall to learn about figures associated with Yanmen Pass, then explore Yanmen Pass Village for its ancient charm. Stroll through the Border Trade Street to experience Ming-Qing commerce, and visit the Pass Office and Zhenbian Temple to delve deeper into the pass’s military history. - Military Experience Route: Tour the Dili Gate and Ningbian Tower, Tianxian Gate and the Pass Tower (featuring Empress Wu Zetian’s inscribed plaque "Yanmen Pass"), and admire the grandeur of the Ming-era gates. Walk along the Great Wall, imagining past battles, and try DIY smoke-signal photography at the beacon towers. - Scenic Route: Visit Yunji Spring and Yanchi, admire the Pan Gu Stone, and take in panoramic views from the observation deck to appreciate Yanmen Pass’s majestic landscapes. 🍜 Food Guide - Daizhou Yellow Wine: Authentic versions can be found at the original Guodong family’s shop on Border Trade Street. Pair it with beef for a heartwarming meal. - Northern Shanxi Baked Flatbread: Crispy and flavorful, available in various tastes, a local specialty. - Yanmen Buckwheat Bowl Noodles: A cold, spicy buckwheat snack (¥5/bowl), a revamped version of Northern Song military rations, perfect for summer. - Daixian Stewed Fish: Yellow River carp stewed in an ancient frontier-style iron pot, served with oat noodles (about ¥40/person). Try it at "Old Garrison Restaurant" near the exit. 🏨 Accommodation Guide - Comfort: Daixian Lihua Hotel (rated 4.6, clean rooms, great service, located on Tongxin Road) or Home Inn Business Hotel (rated 4.8, close to Daixian Ancient Town). - Budget: Daixian Quanji Hotel (rated 4.7, modern rooms near a wetland park) or Quanzhi Hotel (rated 4.8, convenient for exploring the ancient town). 💗 Additional Tips - Transport: Fly to Wutaishan or Taiyuan Wusu Airport, then take a bus. Alternatively, take a train to Daixian or Yanmen Pass Station. For self-driving, navigate to "Yanmen Pass Scenic Area" (enter via the North Gate). - Attire: Wear a jacket in spring/autumn, sun protection in summer, and thick down jackets/accessories in winter. - Notes: The terrain is rocky—avoid strollers and high heels (opt for sneakers). Drones require prior approval due to no-fly zones.