Tiemen Pass (also called Iron Pass or Iron
Gate Pass), only 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Korla, lies at the mouth
of a 14 kilometer (9 mile) long valley. It was of strategic importance
in history in ancient China and islisted as one of the 26 famous Passes.
Tiemen was at the throat of the Silk Road and the traffic junction between
northern Xinjiang and southern Xinjiang. Nearby, there are still traces
of an ancient barracks and military activities. Four Chinese characters
are inscribed on the cliff beside the pass. The characters describe the
steepness and precipitousness of the pass.
Nearby there are two graves in which a couple that died for love and freedom
were buried. Tzuohla, Princess of the ancient Yanqi .The viperous premier
tried to kill Tayir. While trying to escape, the couple fell down the
gorge.
Admission Fee: RMB 10
Opening Hours: 08:50 to 20:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: 40 minutes