Tong Pass, Mountain fortress in Tongguan County, China.
Tong Pass is a mountain fortress in Tongguan County located where the Wei and Yellow Rivers meet. It forms a natural barrier between the North China Plain and the Guanzhong region.
The Eastern Han warlord Cao Cao began building this fortress in 196 AD to control regional transportation routes. Over time it was expanded and reinforced during several dynasties that followed.
The fortress displays Chinese military design with advanced defensive methods that soldiers used to control this strategic passage. Walking through reveals how its architecture shaped how armies moved through the region.
The site is reachable by the Longhai Railway or G30 highway with regular transportation links from nearby cities. Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and bring appropriate footwear.
The location marks the exact point where the Yellow River shifts direction, creating a geographical formation that shaped Chinese military strategy. This natural turn made this spot one of the most critical defensive positions in ancient Chinese warfare.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
