Niangzi Pass
» Datong, Shan Xi

娘子关

Niangzi Pass, or Pass of Girls, is located 45 kilometers northeast of Pingding County, Shanxi Province. It was an important pass on the Great Wall and a vital communication gateway between Shanxi and Hebei provinces.

The origin of the name

The pass was a structure of the Ming Dynasty built in 1542. The original name of the Pass was the Pass of Weize. A legend claims that Princess Pingyang, the younger sister of Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), once led a troop of female soldiers garrisoning at the place. The Princess excelled in feat and her army is called Niangzi Army (Army of Girls). So the people changed the name into Niangzi Pass. Now the name of the pass is still remained on the East gate of the pass.

Door for Shanxi Province

Demarcating the two provinces of Shanxi and Hebei, local people are used to saying "inside or outside the pass" to mean "inside or outside Shanxi Province." Situated on a cliff beside a deep valley, the pass is strategically located and difficult to access. It was a strategic place, easy to defend but difficult to attack, and so was named the door for Shanxi Province.

Attractions around » Datong, Shan Xi

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. Are there any tips about the weather in Taiyuan?

  Food

  1. What should I note when eating in Shanxi?

  Shopping

  1. What speciality products does Shanxi have?

  Travel

  1. Some tips on touring around temples on Mt. Wutaishan

  • Are there any tips about the weather in Taiyuan?

    Shanxi province is located on the Loess Plateau and is windy and dusty. So you had better not dress in light color. Besides, the air is dry and you should take good care of your skin, and drink more water, or else your lips will be chapped.


  • What should I note when eating in Shanxi?

    The soil in Shanxi province is alkaline, so we strongly recommend you to drink a spoon of local mature vinegar before your three meals a day because the local vinegar could reduce the alkalescence and prevent intestinal disease.

    Proper diet is important. Do not eat too much. Eat more vegetables, fruits and drink more water in order to adapt yourself to the plateau-climate. You had better not smoke or drink.


  • What speciality products does Shanxi have?

    Pingyao beef, Pingyao lacquerwork, Shanxi mature vinegar, Shanxi red date, "Fen jiu" (a kind of famous Chinese hard liquor), mushrooms and tropaeolum of Mount Wutaishan and so on.


  • Some tips on touring around temples on Mt. Wutaishan

    The mountain area is scattered with many famous temples which are the highlights of Mt. Wutaishan tour. There are several aspects tourists should pay attention to, such as:

    • Monk in these temples should be styled "Shifu" or "Fashi" while the abbot styled "Zhanglao," "Fangzhang," or "Shanshi (Chan master)." All the forms of address show the respect for the monks. Monk in lamasery should be addressed as "lama," meaning great master. Do not call them "Heshang" or "Chujiaren" or even other insulting name.

    • When meeting monks in these temples, you should salute them by putting the palms together and lowering your head slightly or you can put upright one of your hand before chest and lower your head. Never shake their hands, embrace them, touch their heads or other unsuitable action.

    • When talking with the monks, you should not speak of killing, marriage and eating meat in order to avoid arousing their antipathy. Don't speak loudly, discuss casually, lampoon, touch the Buddhist figures or leave any mark on statues. You may stand and look silently or leave quietly if you come across the Buddhist ceremony. Take care of your kids lest naive children behave impolitely.

    • No smoking in the temples. Do not leave litter. Taking photographs is not permitted.


Situated on a cliff beside a deep valley, the pass is strategically located and difficult to access. It was a strategic place, easy to defend but difficult to attack, and so was named the door for Shanxi Province.

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