Zijingguan Pass
Located 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Yixian County in Hebei Province, Zijingguan Pass of Great Wall occupies an important strategic position with the Juma River flowing swiftly to the north. It lies at the foot of Wanren Mountain in the east and Xiniu Mountain in the west. Together with Juyongguan Pass and Daomaguan Pass, it is famed as one of the ‘Three Inside Passes’.
 Zijingguan Great Wall |
 Zijingguan Great Wall |
Great Wall Zijingguan Pass has a long history. It was called Shanggu Pass in the Qin (221 BC – 206 BC) and Han (206 BC – 220) Dynasties when it was only a small city built from stones mixed with earth. During the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 – 534), it was renamed Zizhuang Pass. The present name ‘Zijing’ – Chinese redbud – was given in the Jin (265 – 420) and Yuan (1271 – 1368) Dynasties, because at that time, there were large amounts of Chinese redbud blooming all over the mountains.
Hebei Zijingguan Pass in is comprised of nine city gates and four water gates. Its layout and construction form a complicated trap, if the enemy fell into it and was unsure of the internal structure, they would be left at the mercy of the defenders.
Zijingguan Pass Travel Guide and Tips:
The local cuisine is tasty with natural flavors, such as Mongolian mutton hot pot, stewed mutton chops, lamb shashlik, wild carp cooked in a variety of ways, and other peasant dishes. Remember that much of Great Wall is in a state of ruin. Consequently, you will be embarking on an adventurous hike. In parts, the way is steep and hazardous and is not for the feint hearted! It is not really suitable for more elderly people who should always be accompanied.
