The unparalleled strategic location of the three borders, the most revered of the nine passes - Yanmen Pass, Shanxi

During the Ming Dynasty, in order to strengthen the defense of Beijing, two layers of defense lines were set up relying on the Great Wall. The eastern side included Juyong Pass, Zijing Pass, and Daoma Pass, known as the 'Inner Three Passes', while the western side in Shanxi included Yanmen Pass, Ningwu Pass, and Piantou Pass, known as the 'Outer Three Passes'. Located north of Dai County in Xinzhou City, Shanxi, Yanmen Pass, as one of the 'Outer Three Passes', is an important pass on the Great Wall, renowned for its 'danger' and honored as the 'First Pass of China'. Throughout history, Yanmen Pass has held significant strategic importance. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was a repeatedly contested natural stronghold; during the Qin and Han periods, it became a crucial base for General Meng Tian of the Qin Dynasty in his campaigns against the Xiongnu; it was officially established as a pass during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties; during the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties periods, the Tang army frequently crossed this pass to attack the Xiongnu to the north; during the Song, Liao, Jin, and Yuan periods, the Yang family made their mark here; and it underwent extensive renovations during the Ming Dynasty. Additionally, Yanmen Pass is also the place where Wang Zhaojun, the daughter of the Yanmen, passed through on her journey to the frontier. Friendly reminder: Most of the attractions at Yanmen Pass are concentrated on the north side of the scenic area, so it is recommended to navigate to the north gate for entry.