Shoutang Pass

Shoutang Pass

A provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit, this was an important military stronghold during the struggles between the Wu and Chu states and the turbulent final years of the Tang Dynasty in the Five Dynasties period. It is located 1.2 kilometers east of Qingtian Temple. The pass features multi-story buildings and a bell and drum tower, with a stele on the eastern side inscribed in intaglio regular script with the four characters “古寿唐关” (Ancient Shoutang Pass). On both sides are the foundations of over 30 buildings, which were once barracks for defending soldiers. The pass is built between two mountains, situated in a strategic location that has been described as “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.”

This was an ideal site for stationing troops during ancient warfare. During the Southern Tang period of the Five Dynasties, when Southern Tang troops were besieged by the Later Zhou army while holding Shouchun (present-day Shou County), the Southern Tang commander Li Jingda led reinforcements to this area. He set up eighteen connected stockades on the surrounding hilltops to engage the Later Zhou forces. The “History of Song · Biography of Zhang Yongde” records: “Emperor Shizong personally led the campaign against Shouchun. Upon arrival at the front, he found eighteen stockades lined up on Zijin Mountain, all prepared for battle.” Meanwhile, Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou built Shoutang Pass at Shishankou to block the Tang army to the front and coordinate with Xiacao to the rear. Thus, the military stronghold of Shoutang Pass was established.

Located between the mountain passes of Donglou Mountain and Xilou Mountain, Shoutang Pass is a vital transportation route from Fengtai to Shouchun. It lies one kilometer west of Shuangfeng Mountain, with Yanding Peak to the west where an ancient beacon tower once stood. The pass is entirely built from blue bricks, with an arched gateway wide enough for carts and horses. Flanked by undulating hills, it “connects to the south toward Shouchun and controls the north toward Xiacao,” while the eastern side features overlapping mountain ranges that link closely with the ancient Southern Tang territory. In front of the pass lies a steep and rugged slope, with green mountains standing opposite each other on both sides—truly embodying the phrase “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.” Descending through the pass, you will find the “Daughter’s Spring.”

Also known as “Dressing Table,” Shoutang Pass was built in honor of the Song Dynasty heroine Liu Jinding. At that time, Liu Jinding came to the rescue of the Southern Tang emperor and was the first to capture Shoutang Pass, where she set up camp. The Southern Tang army surrounded the pass, but Liu Jinding faced them fearlessly. She continued to dress and groom herself atop the pass before mounting her warhorse, brandishing her golden saber, and charging into enemy lines, scattering the Southern Tang troops. Later, to commemorate this heroine, the pass also became known as “Dressing Table” and “Emperor’s Passing Tower.”