Loushanguan Pass Travel Guide – Zunyi Long March History & Scenery

Loushanguan Pass, sitting at the junction of Huichuan District and Tongzi County in Zunyi, Guizhou Province, is one of those rare places where dramatic natural scenery meets a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. The pass cuts through the main ridge of the Dalou Mountains at an altitude of about 1,350 meters (the highest peak reaches 1,576 m), earning its historical nickname "Gateway to Northern Guizhou." For centuries, its steep cliffs and narrow defile made it a formidable military barrier, described in the old saying, "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open it."

But the pass is best known for the Battle of Loushanguan in February 1935, the first major victory of the Chinese Red Army after the Zunyi Meeting during the Long March. That battle turned the tide for the Communist forces and gave the site an enduring revolutionary significance.

Today, Loushanguan is designated a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Visitors come to walk the preserved battlefield trenches, see the cliffside carving of Mao Zedong's poem "Loushan Pass," and take in the rugged karst scenery that still feels as imposing as it did in the 1930s.

This guide covers the history, key sights, visitor logistics, and practical advice to help you decide if Loushanguan is worth your time.

Historic Significance and the Long March Battleground

The Battle of Loushanguan was not one battle but two. In late February 1935, the Red Army, having just held the Zunyi Meeting that cemented Mao Zedong’s military leadership, launched a surprise attack on the pass held by Guizhou warlord troops. The first assault on February 25 seized the ridge but heavy counterattacks forced a temporary retreat.

Two days later, the Red Army regrouped and recaptured the pass in a fierce action that involved hand-to-hand combat along the mountain slopes. The victory opened the road north, boosted morale, and marked a strategic turning point after months of retreat.

Today, the Loushanguan Ancient Battlefield Site preserves the original trenches, shell craters, and defensive positions on peaks like Jinshan and Dashanjian. Walking these narrow stone-lined trenches gives a sense of the desperation and courage of that winter campaign. A commemorative monument shaped like a bayonet rises from the ridge, and a memorial hall displays weapons, maps, and dioramas of the battle.

Decision note: If you have deep interest in modern Chinese history or military history, this is a powerful stop. For travelers short on time or seeking only natural beauty, the history may feel heavy.

Top Attractions at Loushanguan Pass

Ancient Battlefield Trenches

The most tangible connection to the 1935 fighting. You can walk the winding trenches that zigzag up the steep slopes of Jinshan. The stone walls are original in many sections, and the shell craters have been left untouched. Interpretive signs (in Chinese) explain troop movements. Allow about 20–30 minutes to explore the main trench network.

Mao Zedong's Poem Monument

A large stone engraving of Mao's poem "Loushan Pass" is carved directly into a cliff face on the mountainside. The calligraphy is bold and vertical, and the poem's famous line, “Idle boast the strong pass is a wall of iron,” captures the defiant spirit of the Long March. It’s a popular photo stop. The monument is easily accessible from the main walking path.

Loushanguan Monument (Bayonet Monument)

Visible from far away, this steel-gray monument rises from the ridge like a bayonet thrust into the sky. It commemorates the Red Army's victory and sacrifice. The base includes inscriptions and can be circled for different panoramic views.

Xifeng Tower (West Wind Tower)

Reached by climbing the Baizhang Ladder – a steep stone staircase cut into the cliff – the Xifeng Tower is a two-story viewing platform. From the top, you look out over the pass, the winding roads far below, and the "sea of mountains" that Mao described. On clear days the view is vast; on misty days it’s atmospheric but limited.

Natural Karst Scenery

The Dalou Mountains here are composed of limestone with characteristic karst peaks, ravines, and vertical cliffs. Even without the history, the pass is a striking piece of geology. The "Ten-Mile Gallery" refers to the stretch of road that snakes through the mountains, with layered rock faces and pockets of evergreen forest.

When to Visit Loushanguan

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather. In spring, wildflowers dot the slopes; in autumn, the air is crisp and visibility is high for mountain views. Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid in the valleys, but the pass itself stays a few degrees cooler and can serve as a retreat from the Guizhou heat. Winter is cold and often misty, but the dry days can still be rewarding for photography.

When to skip: Avoid national holidays (May Day, National Day) when domestic crowds can overwhelm the narrow paths and parking.

Who Should Visit – and Who Should Skip

Suitable for: History enthusiasts, particularly those fascinated by the Long March or Chinese revolutionary narrative. Hikers who enjoy moderate elevation gain with historical context. Photography lovers who want both landscape and cultural subjects in one location. Road-trippers traveling between Zunyi and north toward Chongqing or Sichuan.

A better choice for: Someone seeking adventurous hiking with technical difficulty – the trails here are maintained and not extreme. Someone with mobility issues – the Baizhang Ladder and trenches involve hundreds of steps and uneven stone surfaces. Travelers on a tight schedule – the site requires at least 2–3 hours if you want to see the main points.

Hiking and Safety at Loushanguan

Altitude is only about 1,350 meters, so altitude sickness is not a concern. However, the walk from the parking area to Xifeng Tower involves climbing the Baizhang Ladder, a series of steep stone steps that can be strenuous. The trenches also require ducking into narrow, uneven passages.

Wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring water; there are some small vendors at the base but no guarantee of food at the top. The mountain can be slippery after rain, and fog can reduce visibility – use caution on unrailed sections.

Getting There (General Guidance)

Loushanguan is located about 40 km north of Zunyi city center, on the G75 expressway (Lanzhou–Haikou). Most visitors drive or hire a taxi. There are local buses from Zunyi’s main bus station to Tongzi County that pass near the entrance, but schedules are infrequent. Confirm current bus availability with your hotel. Private car or tour is more reliable.

Photography Tips for Loushanguan

Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one – the scale of the cliffs and the monument demands it. Early morning light hits the poem monument best, while late afternoon sun illuminates the ridges opposite Xifeng Tower. Mist can add drama but also reduces detail; for landscape shots, aim for clear skies.

The trenches offer tight framing opportunities; a fast lens helps in shaded sections. Tripods are allowed (no permit required for personal use), but be mindful of other visitors on narrow paths.

Comparing Loushanguan with Other Red Tourism Sites in Guizhou

Guizhou has several Long March-related attractions. Zunyi Conference Site focuses on the political meeting; Loushanguan is the battlefield itself, more visceral and outdoor-oriented. The Sidu Chishui (Four Crossings of the Chishui River) sites are spread across multiple counties and involve river crossings; they require more driving.

Loushanguan is the most compact and visually striking single location for combining history with mountain scenery. If you have only one day for red tourism near Zunyi, Loushanguan offers the fullest experience per hour.

Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know

• Time needed: Allocate 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. Rushing through in an hour misses the trenches and Xifeng Tower.
• What to bring: Sturdy footwear, water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), rain gear in humid months, and an ID card (if needed for free entry registration).
• Facilities: Restrooms are available near the ticket gate area. Food options are limited – snacks and drinks are sold by vendors at the base, but do not rely on a full meal.
• Languages: Signs and exhibits are primarily in Chinese. A translation app or offline translation tool is helpful. Guided tours in Chinese can be arranged at the entrance; English guidance is very rare – plan accordingly.
• Combining with Zunyi: Loushanguan is a half-day outing from Zunyi city. Combine it with a morning at the Zunyi Conference Site (about 45 minutes south) for a comprehensive day of Long March history.

FAQ

Where is Loushanguan Pass located?
It is at the border of Huichuan District and Tongzi County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, north of the Zunyi city center.

What is the historical significance of this place?
It is the site of the Battle of Loushanguan (February 1935), the first major victory of the Red Army during the Long March after the Zunyi Meeting. The battle boosted morale and marked a strategic turning point in the Long March.

Is there a lot of hiking involved?
Yes. Visiting the trenches, the monument, and the Xifeng Tower involves climbing steps and walking along mountain paths, including the Baizhang Ladder. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

What is the best time to visit?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is also popular as a cool retreat.

Are there entry fees?
As a significant “Red Tourism” site and public scenic area, admission is often free, but visitors usually need to register with an ID card. Verify current local policies upon arrival.

How much time should I budget for a visit?
Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Rushing in under an hour will not allow you to see the trenches, the poem monument, and the Xifeng Tower at a comfortable pace.

What is the Baizhang Ladder?
It is a steep stone staircase carved into the cliff that leads up to Xifeng Tower. Climbing it requires effort but rewards with expansive views. There is no elevator or alternate route.

Is English signage available?
Most interpretive signs are in Chinese only. Limited English translations may appear on the main monument but not on the battlefield trenches. Consider downloading a translation app beforehand.

Can I bring a tripod for photography?
Tripods are generally allowed for personal use. As with all Chinese cultural sites, selfie sticks may be restricted on crowded days. Check with staff on arrival.

Are there any safety concerns?
The paths are well-maintained but can be slippery after rain. Sections near the trenches have low walls or no railings. Fog can reduce visibility on the ladder. Take care, especially in wet weather.

Final Thoughts

Loushanguan Pass offers a rare combination of raw mountain landscape and deeply resonant history. The preserved battlefield and monument make the Long March tangible in a way that a museum cannot. The natural setting – steep karst formations, the narrow pass, the sense of remoteness – helps visitors understand why this spot was so contested.

It is not a polished, tourist-heavy attraction; it remains a place where the past feels present. If you are traveling through northern Guizhou and have an interest in Chinese history or simply want to see a dramatic mountain pass, Loushanguan rewards the detour.