Riding Horses Through Yanmen Pass -- People Say Shanxi

Author: Zhang Weiping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: The Great Wall at Yanmenguan is a magnificent national defense and military engineering project that embodies the wisdom of ancient Chinese architecture. Around Yanmenguan, the ancients constructed defensive positions with "two passes, four gates, and eighteen passes" in front, a winding and robust Great Wall in the middle, and a deep defense network of "39 forts and 12 linked cities" behind. The purpose of building Yanmenguan was for defense, so its greatest feature is its strength and practicality. Yanmenguan is multi-layered in defense, making it the strongest national defense line in northern ancient China. Historical records show that over 200 significant events in China's history occurred around Yanmenguan. On the ancient land of Dai County, we can find the site of the downfall of the ancient state of Dai, the origin of the marriage alliance policy, the rise of the Tang Dynasty, and the battlefield of the loyal and heroic Yang Family. We can also trace the ancient Tea Horse Road leading to the world, a symbol of cultural integration, and architectural marvels.