It is one of the earliest passes in China and also the birthplace of Classic of the Way and Virtue, the most famous book written by Laozi, the great thinker and philosopher of ancient China. The scenic spot enjoys global reputation because of its famous people, famous book and famous pass. It has a stele reads "the source of Taoism" written by the former chairman of Taoism Association.
First established during the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), Hangu Pass once played an great role in history as a pass of vital importance between ancient Luoyang and Chang'an (Xian). This grand building complex is 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Lingbao City. If one man guards the pass, ten thousand are unable to pass through. Additionally, Taichu Palace in the building complex is said to be the place where Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism, created his greatest masterpiece Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), commonly translated as the 'Classic of the Virtue'. So, Hangu Pass is also an important site for Lao Zi's believers to commemorate him.
The total area of the scenic spot is 16.9 square kilometers, constituted by Hangu pass and Taichu palace. Hangu pass was built in Spring and Autumn Period and is famous for its dangerous terrain, ranging from Yaoshan mountain in the east to Tongjin in the west. It has always been an important pass for soldiers since it was built. Taichu palace is the place where Laozi wrote the famous book. The book is his masterpiece, containing his thoughts in various fields, such as the sky, the earth, human being, politics, economy, military, art, ethics and health cultivation. Since 1992, people hold annual commemorative activity for Laozi at Hangu pass, where many travelers at home and abroad would visit. It has over 20 main scenic spots, including Guan building, Taichu palace, Dadao yard, Health Garden, Cangjing buiding, Zhanzi building, Jiming building, tablet groups, wax museum, etc.
Location: on the border of three provinces, in Lingbao city of Henan Province. About 75 kilometers from Sanmenxia city and 12 kilometers from Lingbao city.
Travel Tips: Two costume pieces named Laozi Welcoming Guests and Battle in Hangu Pass are performed every day in the park, so as to reconstruct the famous war and the image of Laozi for tourists.
Traffic Routes
Take No.1 bus at Lingbao railway station or the bus station and later transfer to No.8 bus
Opening time
7:30 am~18:30 pm in summer
8:00 am~18:00 pm in winter