Daixian County Tourism

Shanxi Xinzhou Daixian County — the heroic Yanmen Pass and a key frontier fortress, integrating Yanmen Pass, Daizhou Ancient City, Ashoka Pagoda, and Yang Zhongwu Shrine, blending frontier fortress culture with historical heritage. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Daixian's frontier culture, appreciating the unique charm where heroic passes, ancient cities, and historical generals intertwine.

2000+

Years of Frontier History

5A Scenic Area

10+

Core Attractions

15+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Xinzhou Districts and Counties

Yanmen Pass - The Premier Pass of China

A World Cultural Heritage site and a National 5A Scenic Area, hailed as "The Premier Pass of China." It is a crucial pass of the Great Wall and a contested military stronghold throughout history. Existing relics include the pass city, the Great Wall, beacon towers, and ancient battlefields.

Daixian County 2-Day-1-Night Frontier Fortress Culture Journey

Climb Yanmen Pass to feel the heroic spirit of the frontier, tour Daizhou Ancient City to taste history and culture, visit Ashoka Pagoda to appreciate ancient architectural art, pay respects at Yang Zhongwu Shrine to recall the grace of famous generals

                        
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                        
Main Destinations
Yanmen Pass, Daizhou Ancient City, Ashoka Pagoda, Yang Zhongwu Shrine, Bianjing Tower

                        
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, military culture researchers, ancient architecture photographers, educational tours

                        
Per Capita Budget
¥450-¥850

Heroic Pass & Ancient City

Yanmen Pass · Daizhou Ancient City · Bianjing Tower

Itinerary Highlights

Climb Yanmen Pass in the morning to feel the grand momentum of "The first among the nine fortresses under heaven is Yanmen." Tour Daizhou Ancient City in the afternoon to visit historical sites like Bianjing Tower. Taste Daixian's specialty foods in the evening and experience the frontier style.

Attraction Arrangements

Yanmen Pass

Daizhou Ancient City

A National Historical and Cultural City, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, preserving the ancient city layout from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The streets and alleys within the city crisscross, with well-preserved ancient buildings, serving as an important venue for understanding ancient frontier military culture and northern Shanxi folk culture.

Bianjing Tower

The landmark building of Daizhou Ancient City, originally built during the Ming Dynasty as a military watchtower. The tower is 25 meters high, and ascending it offers a panoramic view of the ancient city, making it an important historical and cultural landmark of Daixian County.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Characteristic inns in Daizhou Ancient City
Boutique hotels in the county town
Homestays near Yanmen Pass

Food Recommendations

Daixian Yellow Wine
Daixian Braised Fish
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Mutton Offal Soup

Travel Tips

Strong winds at Yanmen Pass; dress warmly
Walking is recommended within the ancient city
Bianjing Tower offers excellent panoramic views

Ancient Architecture & Famous Shrines

Ashoka Pagoda · Yang Zhongwu Shrine · Zhao Gao Temple · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Ashoka Pagoda in the morning to appreciate Yuan Dynasty Buddhist architectural art. Pay respects at Yang Zhongwu Shrine in the afternoon to learn about the history of the Yang Family Generals. Explore Zhao Gao Temple in the afternoon to experience Taoist culture, purchase local specialties, and return.

Attraction Arrangements

Ashoka Pagoda

A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, originally built in the first year of the Renshou era of the Sui Dynasty (601 AD), with the existing structure dating from the Yuan Dynasty. The pagoda is 40 meters high, featuring a Lamaist stupa design. It is one of the earliest extant Ashoka Pagodas in China, possessing significant Buddhist artistic value.

Yang Zhongwu Shrine

A shrine built to commemorate Yang Ye (Yang Jiye), a famous general of the Northern Song Dynasty, originally constructed during the Yuan Dynasty. The shrine houses a statue of Yang Ye and stone tablets from various dynasties, serving as an important venue for understanding the history and culture of the Yang Family Generals.

Zhao Gao Temple

A National Forest Park and a Taoist sacred site, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The temple buildings are constructed along the mountain slope, featuring one of the "Eight Views of Daixian" — the "Zhao Gao Temple Lanterns." It is a tourist destination integrating natural scenery with Taoist culture.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Attractions within the ancient city are walkable
Buses run from the county town to Yang Zhongwu Shrine
Self-driving or chartered car is recommended for Zhao Gao Temple

Ticket Information

Yanmen Pass: ¥90
Ashoka Pagoda: ¥20
Yang Zhongwu Shrine: ¥30
Zhao Gao Temple: ¥40
Bianjing Tower: ¥15

Travel Tips

Circumambulating Ashoka Pagoda is a traditional prayer practice
Hiring a guide is recommended at Yang Zhongwu Shrine
Wear sneakers for climbing at Zhao Gao Temple

Daixian County Must-Try Foods

Daixian Yellow Wine

A traditionally brewed wine specialty of Daixian, using high-quality yellow rice as the main raw material and adopting ancient brewing methods. It has a golden color and a mellow taste, with effects of improving blood circulation, warding off cold, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. It is an excellent choice for entertaining guests.

Daixian Braised Fish

A traditional famous dish of Daixian, selecting fresh fish from the Hutuo River, paired with ingredients like tofu and glass noodles, and braised using Daixian yellow wine. The fish is tender and the soup is rich and flavorful, making it an essential dish for hosting guests.

Buckwheat Kaolaolao

A characteristic noodle dish of Daixian, made from buckwheat flour shaped into cylinders and steamed, then served with mutton stew or tomato sauce. The texture is chewy and nutritious, a traditional favorite among locals.

Daixian Dried Tofu

A traditional soy product of Daixian, made from high-quality soybeans through multiple refined processes. The texture is resilient with a strong bean aroma, making it an excellent accompaniment for meals and drinks.

Daixian County Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom, pleasant climate
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear skies and crisp air, best time to climb the pass
Summer for escaping the heat, Winter for frontier snow scenery

Must-Try Foods

Daixian Yellow Wine
Daixian Braised Fish
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Dried Tofu
Mutton Offal Soup

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥195
Accommodation: ¥100-200/night
Dining: ¥50-100/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥40
Total: ¥450-850

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Yanmen Pass called "The Premier Pass of China"? → Due to its extremely important strategic position, it is the foremost of the Great Wall's key passes
What is the historical value of Ashoka Pagoda? → One of the earliest extant Ashoka Pagodas in China, embodying the characteristics of Yuan Dynasty Buddhist architecture
Who is commemorated at Yang Zhongwu Shrine? → It commemorates Yang Ye (Yang Jiye), a famous general of the Northern Song Dynasty, and the Yang Family Generals
How is Daixian Yellow Wine different from other yellow wines? → It uses yellow rice as the raw material, offering a more mellow taste with local characteristic brewing techniques