Hangu Pass, Mountain pass in Shaanxi, China
Hangu Pass is a mountain pass in Shaanxi province that serves as a natural barrier between the upper Yellow River and the Wei plain. The site includes remains of defensive walls, watchtowers, and paved road sections that stretch across several terraces along the riverbank.
The Qin state built fortifications at the pass in 361 BC to mark its eastern border and create a defensive position against rival territories. The Han dynasty later expanded the site, adding more roads and platforms that archaeologists uncovered between 2012 and 2013.
The name 'Hangu' refers to the surrounding ravines and valleys that made this location ideal for controlling movement along trade routes. Local guides often point out the layers of rammed earth visible in the walls, showing how builders compacted soil and stones to create lasting defenses.
Regular buses run from Luoyang to Xin'an, where the archaeological site and museum park are located. Guided tours in several languages are available and help explain the defensive systems and excavation findings.
Excavations have uncovered over 3,000 square meters of ancient structures, including well-preserved road sections that show how travelers and troops moved through the pass. Some stone slabs still carry visible wheel ruts from the Han period.
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