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Yanmen Pass, located in Yanmen Mountain, about 20 kilometers north of Dai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, China, is an important pass on the Great Wall. It is famous for its danger and is known as the "No. 1 Pass in China". There is a saying that "Yanmen Pass is the first of the nine passes in the world". Together with Ningwu Pass and Pianguan Pass, it is known as the "Outer Three Passes". In 2001, Yanmen Pass was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as one of the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 2014, Yanmen Pass Scenic Area was awarded the title of "China's Best Cultural Tourism Destination". In addition, it has also won the titles of "National 5A Tourist Attraction" [1] and "Top Ten Tourism Brands in Shanxi".
Suitable for all seasons, but best from April to October
It is recommended to visit for half a day
90 yuan
08:00-18:00
Yanmen Pass is a historically significant mountain pass on the Great Wall, dating back over 2,000 years. It served as a key military defense point in northern China, protecting the Central Plains from invasions and controlling strategic trade routes.
Yanmen Pass is located in northern Shanxi, near Daixian County, Xinzhou. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Xinzhou city. Some local bus routes may drop visitors near the site, followed by walking inside the scenic area.
Typical opening hours are 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant weather and scenic views, especially for photography and hiking.
Entrance fees are approximately CNY 80–100 depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official tourism platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during weekends and national holidays, ideally 1–3 days prior.
2–3 hours are sufficient to walk the main wall sections and visit the museum, while half a day allows for hiking and photography in surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Limited English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance. Audio guides are generally available only in Chinese.
Start at the main entrance → walk along the wall sections to key watchtowers → visit the museum → hike surrounding scenic trails → return via alternate route to enjoy varied views.
Night visits are not typically allowed. Occasional special tours or historical reenactments may occur during holidays.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. National holidays and weekends attract larger crowds.
Facilities include public toilets, small restaurants or snack stalls, water points, rest areas, and souvenir shops near the entrance.
Some sections of the wall are steep and may be challenging. Easy access routes and museum areas are suitable for children and elderly visitors. Disabled access is limited on the wall itself.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are widely accepted. Cash may be needed at smaller vendors.
Restaurants near the entrance serve local Shanxi cuisine, noodles, and snacks. Small tea houses or cafes are available for light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan or halal options are limited and may require prior inquiry.
Xinzhou city and nearby towns offer hotels ranging from budget to mid-range, convenient for visitors to Yanmen Pass.
Souvenir shops sell Great Wall-themed items, postcards, Shanxi handicrafts, and small decorative items.
Taxis or private cars are convenient for onward travel to Xinzhou, Taiyuan, or nearby scenic areas. Local buses connect to nearby towns.
