By MyLifeTipsHub
The Great Wall, also known as the “Wanli Changcheng,” is one of the world’s top ten wonders. It stretches across over a thousand passes, starting in the east at Shanhaiguan and ending in the west at Jiayuguan. Here are the 13 most famous passes along the Great Wall. How many have you visited?
1. Shanhaiguan
The Great Wall starts at the sea. Shanhaiguan, located in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, is where the eastern end of the Ming Great Wall meets the sea, mirroring Jiayuguan in the west. The area includes two attractions: the “First Pass Under Heaven” and Laolongtou (Old Dragon Head), with stunning views of the sunset over restored walls, watchtowers, and observation points.
2. Huangyaguan
Situated in Jizhou, Tianjin, and also called “Little Yanmen Pass,” Huangyaguan was built in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Its yellowish cliffs glow under the sunset, earning the name “Evening Glow at Huangya.” Known for its steep terrain, it features cliffs, ramparts, and ancient fortifications.
3. Juyongguan
Located in Changping, Beijing, Juyongguan is one of the three great passes of the Great Wall. Often referred to as the “Most Magnificent Pass in the World,” its name originated from the forced laborers (“Ju Yong”) who lived here during the Wall’s construction in the Qin Dynasty.
4. Zijingguan
Located in Yixian, Hebei, Zijingguan stands on the Zijing Ridge and is one of the “Inner Three Passes,” along with Juyongguan and Daomaguan. The pass is flanked by perilous slopes, making it strategically significant.
5. Daomaguan
Located in Tang County, Hebei, Daomaguan is surrounded by the Tang River on three sides and features steep terrain. Though much of the site is now in ruins, remnants of gates and walls remain.
6. Pingxingguan
Located at the base of Pingxing Ridge in Shanxi, this pass is notable for the famed Pingxingguan Battle during the Sino-Japanese War. Surrounded by towering peaks, it occupies a vital, elevated position.
7. Piantouguan
Situated along the Yellow River in Pianguan County, Shanxi, Piantouguan is one of the “Outer Three Passes.” With its undulating terrain, it served as a critical frontier defense.
8. Yanmen Pass
Located in Xinzhou, Shanxi, Yanmen Pass is one of the most ancient and complex passes in China’s history, often referred to as “The First of Nine Strongholds.” The restored structures today reflect its historical grandeur.
9. Nangziguan
Found in Pingding County, Shanxi, Nangziguan is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery and streams. Known as the “Ninth Pass of the World,” it gained its name from the Tang Dynasty’s Princess Pingyang and her army.
10. Shahukou Pass
Located between Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, Shahukou Pass served as a critical trade route for merchants during the “Go West” migration. Its rugged terrain remains a key passage between Datong and Hohhot.
11. Jiayuguan
Situated in Gansu Province, Jiayuguan marks the westernmost end of the Ming Great Wall. Known as the “Throat of the Hexi Corridor,” its imposing walls stretch across desert landscapes, connecting to the First Tower of the Great Wall in the south and the Black Mountain in the north.
12. Yangguan
Built in the 1st century BC during the Han Dynasty, Yangguan lies southwest of Dunhuang, serving as a gateway to the Silk Road. Although mostly in ruins, the surrounding desert offers a stark, breathtaking vista.
13. Yumenguan
Located 60 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang, Yumenguan is a crumbling relic of its former glory. Surrounded by Yadan landforms and golden sunsets, it exudes a desolate beauty.
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