Gannan, Gansu Province

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

🚙Road Trip 📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

2,300m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

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.

✨ Why Visit Lazikou Pass Ruins

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Historic Breakthrough Site

Stand at the exact location where the Red Army overcame a seemingly impossible natural barrier in 1935.

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Lazikou Battle Museum

Explore a rich collection of historical artifacts, photos, and dioramas detailing the strategic victory.

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Die Mountain Landscapes

Experience the dramatic transition from steep canyon walls to lush highland forests and the rushing Lazi River.

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The Red Army Trail

Hike through the "Red Army Path" to witness the raw, preserved environment of the original mountain canyon.

Location & Nearby

📍 Gannan, Gansu Province • 🏔️ 2300m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Lazikou Pass Ruins Travel Guide

Where is the Lazikou Pass Ruins located?

It is situated in the eastern part of Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province.

What is the historical significance of this site?

It was the location of a critical victory for the Red Army in 1935, allowing them to escape entrapment and continue the Long March to northern China.

How high is the pass?

The site sits at an approximate altitude of 2,800 meters.

What can I see in the museum?

The museum displays battle maps, revolutionary relics, and provides detailed accounts of the military strategies used during the breakthrough.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal period is from May to October, when the highland weather is stable and the natural scenery of Die Mountain is most vibrant.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Lazikou Pass Ruins?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.