Xiongzhen Pass

Xiongzhen Pass

Xiongzhen Pass is an important military pass along China’s southeastern coast and a renowned pass in South China, which is unique among all islands nationwide. It was listed in the book “Famous Passes of China” published in the 1980s. Xiongzhen Pass is located in a mountain hollow at the border between Yun’ao and Shen’ao, about three kilometers south of Shen’ao. The terrain there is steep and strategic, with Gold Mountain to the east and Ma’an Mountain to the west. From south to north, this is the only passage through, truly embodying the saying “one man guards the pass, ten thousand are unable to get through.” It served as the southern barrier of the Shen’ao General’s Office in those days and was a militarily crucial battleground contested by strategists. Legend has it that during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, when Qi Jiguang, the General of Zhejiang, was ordered to pacify Wu Ping in South Australia, he won a surprise victory here. This battle involved troops from both Fujian and Guangdong provinces and was a famous campaign of the time, making Xiongzhen Pass widely celebrated ever since.

The fortress of Xiongzhen Pass was first built in the 13th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1585 AD). The current structure was renovated in 1982. The pass wall is rectangular with battlements, measuring 24 meters in length, 10 meters in width (assuming "丁米" is a typo and should be "10"), and 5 meters in height. The main gate of the pass faces north, with the three characters “Xiong Zhen Guan” (雄镇关) inscribed horizontally above the gate. It is said that these were handwritten by Kang Shiqi, a selected scholar from Shen’ao Town, during the renovation of the pass in the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. On both sides of the main gate are a couplet: “Majestically straddling the ridges of north and south, Commanding the passes of Yun and Shen,” written in 1938 by Ke Lichen, a local notable of South Australia. The couplet highlights the majestic terrain and the strategic importance of the pass. On the back of the pass wall, the plaque above the gate reads “Yun Shen Chu” (云深处, Deep in the Clouds), also handwritten by Ke Lichen.

It is said that on the mountainsides of Xiongzhen Pass, there was once a Buddhist temple and a Temple of the God of War (Zhenwu Temple) dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The eminent monk Renzhi of the Huangbo sect once practiced Buddhism in this temple. The original construction of the Zhenwu Temple was grand and towering. Though the temples have now collapsed, the horizontal stone plaque of the Zhenwu Temple inscribed with “Wei Zhen Nan Tian” (威震南天, Mighty and Intimidating Over Southern Skies) still remains, serving as evidence of the temples' former prosperity.

Xiongzhen Pass is not only a military stronghold but also boasts beautiful scenery. Ascending to the mountaintop, you will see verdant peaks and lush ancient trees. Gazing down into the deep valleys, you’ll find cascading springs sparkling like jade, presenting a magnificent view. The sea clouds of the north and south drift and billow with emotion, and the mountain breeze stirs the heart, evoking a sudden surge of heroic spirit. One of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of South Australia, “Rain Steps at the Majestic Pass” (“雄关雨蹬”), is located here. “Rain Steps at the Majestic Pass” refers to the phenomenon where, regardless of whether the rain comes from the southwest or the northeast, it falls in straight lines dividing north and south, resembling a person riding a horse with legs spread apart.

Address: Jinshan Village, Shen’ao Town, Nan’ao Island, Nan’ao County, Shantou City

Type: Historical Site / Military

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee required.