Located in Hanguguan Township, 15km away to the north of Lingbao City and 75km away from Sanmenxia City, Hanguguan Pass Ancient Culture Tourism Area stands right on what is called the Old Path to Chang'an. Locked in the deep valleys beside which runs the Yellow River, the place derived its name, Huanguguan Pass.
As one of the earliest fortresses built during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Huanguguan Pass Stands between Luoyang to the east and Xi'an to the west. Its strategic importance has made it a bone of contention among militarists.
Covering an area of 16.5km2, the attractions include Taichu Palace, Daosheng Palace, the Fit-keeping Garden of Taoists, the Depository of Scriptures, Zhanzi Pavillion, Jiming Terrace, Stele Forest, Wax Museum, Guan Tower, the Old Path of Huangu and so on.
Huanguguan Pass is the birthplace of Taoism where Laozi, a great thinker and philosopher in ancient China, had completed the Tao Te Ching, and a hub that connects Chang'an and Luoyang. It is where the Culture of central China converges with the Culture of Shaanxi and Shanxi Provinces. For thousands of years it has remained a strategic stronghold contended for by military commanders. Many historical stories and legends arose from this land. A person (Laozi), a book (Tao Te Ching) and a pass (Huanguguan Pass) have made the place internationally well-known.