Yanmen Pass
雁门关
“Of the Nine Passes under Heaven, Yanmen ranks first.” A national 5A-level scenic area, with a Ming-dynasty pass and Great Wall sections perched on the steep Yanmen Mountain.
Yanmen Pass sits on Yanmen Mountain (also called Gouzhu Mountain), about 20 km north of Daixian County town. For centuries it was a key stronghold where the Central Plains met the northern grasslands, and it is the setting for legends of General Li Mu and the Yang Family Generals. The site includes the Ming-dynasty pass city, Tianxian Gate, Dili Gate, Zhenbian Shrine, and Ming Great Wall stretching along the ridgeline, where climbing the walls rewards you with views over rolling mountains. The mountain road section, known as the 'Eighteen Bends of Yanmen,' is a popular driving route. The site is large with many slopes, so plan for half a day. Check the official website for current ticket prices.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (earlier closing in winter)