Yuling Pass

Yuling Pass

Yuling Pass is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Yuling Pass (Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit)

Era: Song Dynasty – Republic of China

Announcement date: March 16, 2005

An ancient mountain pass. It faces east and spans the Yuling Mountain gorge. The watchtower and fortress walls were built along the mountain terrain using block stones. The pass stands 8.45 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and extends over 70 meters in total length, showing a distinct taper. The gate opening is 5.95 meters wide and nearly 6 meters high, with an arched shape; the central section features a gate that was constructed with block stones. Battlements are installed on both sides of the watchtower, with a gate in the middle. The crenels are 0.74 meters high, 1.6 meters wide, and 0.9 meters thick, while the central pathway is 3.35 meters wide.

The watchtower was renovated in 1933. Both sides of the pass feature an inscription plaque reading “Yuling Pass” in semi-cursive script, with the side note “In the 22nd year of the Republic of China, inscribed by Zeng Yangfu.” There are also two couplets on the gate, inscribed by Chen Ticheng, Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Highway Bureau during the Republic of China.

Yuling Pass was a vital transportation route between Hangzhou and Huizhou, holding significant geographical importance and often becoming a contested military stronghold. It was established during the Southern Song Dynasty. Historical records frequently document battles at Yuling Pass. The pass has undergone multiple renovations and serves as an important example for the study of ancient defensive architecture, while also bearing witness to the economic and trade history between Zhejiang and Anhui.

Protected area: 20 meters east, south, west, and north of the fortress wall.

Construction control zone: 50 meters beyond the protected area.

Information source: Zhejiang Cultural Relics Website

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units