Chinese Name: 紫荆关长城 (zǐ jīng guān cháng chéng)
Admission Fee: CNY 20
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, October
Location: Zijingguan Pass is 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) northwest from Yixian county in the Baoding City of Hebei province.
Introduction: The city was given its name because it is located in the Zijingling Mountains. With Wanren Mountain in the east and Xiniu Mountain in the west, Zijingguan Pass is parallel to the wide river-bed of Juma River which in its north. Along with Juyongguan Pass and Daomaguan Pass, it is one of the‘Three Pass Cities inside the Great Wall’. In 1996, the Central Government made Zijingguan Pass an important cultural relic site with state-level protection.
Originally, in the Qin Dynasty (221BC - 207BC), a small pass city called ‘Shangguguan’ was built here with earth and rocks. Later in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered it restored and built the Zijingguan Pass with granite. Zijingguan Pass had 9 gates and 4 water gates encircled by 4 irregular city walls which formed a maze making it easy to besiege invading enemies. Zijingguan Pass was strategically important and was the site of hundreds of battles.
Zijingguan Pass plays an important role for research about passes of the Great Wall, as well as for military science. Every year, the remains of the ancient pass city attract more and more visitors from both China and abroad. Four restoration projects are currently underway.
Zijingguan Pass Transportation: First, take a bus to Yixian County. From the County seat, there are over 10 buses to Zijingguan Pass every day.
Dining: Zijingguan Yixin Villa located at Dapanshi of Zijingguan Town, is open 24 hours a day. It can serve up to 150 people at the same time. Their specialties are the Boiled Chicken with Mushrooms, Farm-styled Braised Pork, and wild mountain vegetables like Honeysuckle and Water Spinach. Local favorites such as Mongolian Mutton Hot Pot, Stewed Mutton Chops, and Lamb Shashlik are also delicious.
Accommodation: Zijingguan Hotel is situated at Zijing Road in Yixian County. There are also many hotels in Baoding city, 70 kilometers from Zijingguan Pass, such as the Longhu Holiday Village and the Rest House of Yixian People’s Government. Generally, the prices range from CNY 115 to CNY 500 per day.
Travel Tips: Please note that much of Zijingguan Pass has been ruined. Some sections are steep and dangerous to climb. It is not suitable for seniors or the people with acrophobia, hypertension, or heart disease.
