Situated by the side of the Hanshan Temple, the pass was constructed in 1557 in the Ming Dynasty. It served as part of the defensive frontline in the fight against the Japanese invaders, since it was linked with the Maple Bridge (Fengqiao Bridge) and the Grand Canal.
The pass was renovated in 1829 in the Qing Dynasty. A year later, its upper floor was changed into Wenxing Pavilion. From 1986 to 1987, it went through a completely renovation again, with the pavilion on the pass reconstructed. It is the only existing military facility from the period of resisting against Japanese aggressors in the Ming Dynasty in Suzhou.
(China.org.cn June 24, 2004)
