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Pianguan Pass, joining the Yajiao Mountain in the east and meeting the Yellow River in the west, is also called Piantouguan Pass, which literally means a pass leaning to one side. It was so named because the terrain is high in the east, and low in the west. Pianguan Pass is one of the three outer passes of the Great Wall, the others being Ningwu Pass and Yanmen Pass.

Pianguan Pass Great Wall was constructed in 1390 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), It was repaired several times thereafter. Its wall had a girth of 2.5 kilometers, and a height of 11.7 meters. There were three gates in total at one time, namely, the East Gate, West Gate, and South Gate. Solid barbicans were built outside these gates. Troops were stations inside the pass during wartime. There were wide streets, temples, and ancient folk houses inside the pass.

Waht to See?

Pianguan Pass Great Wall also served as an essential commercial center during the Ming Dynasty. When the war ended and the trade barrier was broken down, the northern Mongolian people came to trade on their horse back for the silk and tea made by the local Han people. Although it was a prosperous trading post then, time was not on its side and thus was gradually demolished from 1940s onwards. Today, one can only see the south arched gate and the dilapidated brick wall to the west of the pass.

Old Ox River Bend
Old Ox River BendThe Old Ox River Bend (Laoniuwan) is the spot where the Great Wall shakes hands with the Yellow River like two friends. Legend has it that the riverbed was ploughed by an Old Ox. When it passes this place, the ox was shocked by a twinkling ray of light, and thus turned back suddenly, forming the intoxicating river bend. One can see the winding wall sitting quietly by the rippling Yellow River. The magnificent human creation is in perfect harmony with the river. In addition, there is a well-preserved hollow brick tower standing on the cliff and looking out onto the Yellow River. The tower is called Wanghe Tower, literally meaning Watching River Tower in English, a famous sight along the Pianguan Great Wall.

Quadruple-row Great Wall
There are four rows of the Great Wall near the Pianguan Pass. The First Row is 60 kilometers away from the pass, running from Yatou Pier in the east to the Yellow River in the west. It is made of fences, with a length of  150 kilometers. The Second Row, 30 kilometers from the pass, is an essential part of the outer Great Wall which runs from Yajiao Pier to the Old Ox River Bend by the Yellow River. The Third Row is about  15 kilometers northeast of the pass, and has a length of 45 kilometers. It connects Laoying Fort in the east and the Baidao Slope in the west. The Fourth Row is 1 kilometer south of the pass. You can see the relics of this line near Hualin Fort along the Yellow River. It is composed of bricks and has a length of 30 kilometers. The quadruple-row wall made a sound military defense system.

Travel Tips
Add:  in Pianguan County, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province
Transport: However, it is more easily accessible from Shuozhou. First, take a train or a long-distance bus to Shuozhou. Then, take a coach to Pianguan County from Shuozhou Bus Station to the opposite of the railway station. The trip takes about 2 hours.
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
Entrance Fees: CNY 50