Yaguan Scenic Area

Yaguan Scenic Area

Yaguan Scenic Area

The historically renowned Yaguan was not only the site of Xu Xiake’s travels in Guizhou but also a famous section of the Allied strategic highway during the War of Resistance against Japan, offering breathtaking views. About one kilometer to the north lie ancient city walls, gates, and other cultural–historical sites that together form a cultural landscape spanning approximately 12 square kilometers.

Yaguan, also known as Wuguan or Ban Guan, is located at the foot of Qinglong Mountain, one kilometer west of the county seat. It served as a strategic mountain pass along the ancient Yunnan–Guizhou courier route and was the most treacherous section of the Yunnan–Guizhou Highway. The famous 24 Turns WWII road was carved right through the Yaguan Pass. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area featured a winding ancient courier path, and a Yongquan Temple was built at the pass, with a teahouse outside for travelers to rest. The cliffs near the temple bear numerous stone inscriptions, including “Ganquan Shengji” (Fine Spring Scenic Site). The grandeur and peril of Yaguan were well known across Yunnan and Guizhou. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, poet Zhou Wenhua passed through here and left behind the verse: “Lofty winds rise among myriad peaks, cloud-scattered leaves pile on the horse’s weary hooves; once the domain of scholar-officials, now a stronghold locking the grand strategy.” Due to its strategically vital location, Yaguan has been the site of many historic battles since ancient times. In the second year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, Wang Nangxian and Wei Chao yuan’s “Nanlong Uprising” fought fiercely at Yaguan while advancing toward Annan. In the ninth year of the Xianfeng reign, Zhang Lingxiang and Ma Hetu’s “White Flag Uprising” forces also battled for several days before being defeated in front of the pass. During the War of Resistance, Yaguan became a critical transportation artery in the wartime rear area. The scenery of Yaguan is magnificent, with the lush Qinglong Mountain spread out to the northwest and sweeping views from its summit.