Echoes of the Long March: The Strategic Grandeur of Lazikou Pass Ruins

The Impregnable Gateway of the Highland

1.Located in the eastern part of Diebu: County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Lazikou Pass Ruins represent a site of profound strategic and historical significance. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters, this narrow pass serves as a critical junction connecting Min County and Diebu. The name "Lazikou" is derived from the Tibetan language, meaning "mountain pass," reflecting its role as a natural threshold between the high plateaus and the river valleys. Historically, it was considered a fortress where "one man could hold the pass against ten thousand" due to its vertical cliffs and the narrow 8-meter-wide canyon floor where the Lazi River rushes through.

A Turning Point in Chinese History

The ruins are globally recognized as the site of the Battle of Lazikou in September 1935, a pivotal moment for the Chinese Red Army during the Long March. At that time, the pass was the only viable route to northern Gansu, but it was heavily defended by KMT forces using the natural terrain as a "life-and-death" barrier. By successfully storming the pass through a combination of frontal assaults and daring cliff-side maneuvers, the Red Army secured their path to the revolutionary base in Shaanxi, solidifying the breakthrough as a milestone of military resilience.

Preserving the Red Legacy

Today, the site is designated as a National Major Cultural Relic Protection Site and a key destination for Red Tourism. The ruins consist of the original pass area, where bridge remnants and bullet-scarred cliffs remain as silent witnesses to the conflict. Nearby, the Lazikou Battle Museum provides a comprehensive look at the artifacts and narratives of the era, while the Lazikou Monument stands as a landmark of revolutionary heroism against the backdrop of the rugged Gobi-highland transition.

Nature and Memorial Coexistence

Beyond its historical weight, the area offers stunning natural beauty characterized by the Die Mountain scenery. The contrast between the modern Lazikou Tunnel—a 1.5-kilometer engineering feat—and the ancient, weathered cliffs creates a visual narrative of progress and history. Visitors can explore the "Red Army Path," an authentic trail through the forest and valley that allows for an immersive experience of the terrain faced by the soldiers nearly a century ago.