Buzz
Nestled atop Ngang Pass, amidst the Hà Tĩnh - Quảng Bình border, Hoành Sơn Quan is acclaimed as the 'sky gate,' rivaling the 'preeminent grand gateway' Hải Vân Pass on the celestial North-South route.
Discover the Timeless Beauty of Hoành Sơn Quan – A 190-Year-Old Historical Site
According to historical records, Ngang Pass once served as the natural border between Đại Việt and Chăm Pa, later becoming the distinguishing point between Đàng Trong and Đàng Ngoài. In the 5th year of Hoằng Định (1640), Lord Nguyễn Hoàng named it 'Quảng Bình,' initiating administrative changes in the two Thuận Quảng provinces.
The Trịnh – Nguyễn War spanned 228 years, concluding in 1786. Post-war, Nguyễn Huệ eliminated the Gianh River border, merging southern and northern Bố Chính into Thuận Chính Province. Hoành Sơn Quan was constructed in the 14th year of Minh Mệnh (1833), with a mountain-built gate using rocks. It featured an open gate, flanked by walls, and a military camp to monitor travelers.
Noteworthy is the construction team for Hoành Sơn Quan, comprising 300 individuals overseen by Bố Chính's administrator Trần Văn Tuân, completing the project in just a month. After completion, 20 soldiers from Quảng Bình took turns guarding. The Hoành Sơn Quan gate, at that time, was a crucial point overseeing the celestial North-South route, standing over 4 meters tall. Hoành Sơn Quan previously had 1,000 stone steps on each side for people to climb over the pass.
Hoành Sơn Quan: A Unique Historical Relic Enhancing the Beauty of the Hoành Sơn Mountains. After 190 years, the southern gate bears only faint traces of stone steps, while the northern side still boasts a few hundred. Nevertheless, Hoành Sơn Quan maintains its ancient and majestic charm at the mountain's head by the sea, remaining a significant landmark in history.
Both Quảng Bình and Hà Tĩnh recognized Hoành Sơn Quan as a cultural and historical relic in 2002 and 2005. Despite proposals for national recognition, disputes arose, with Hà Tĩnh claiming jurisdiction due to geographical boundaries. However, Quảng Bình insisted on historical records acknowledging their ownership of this structure.
The ongoing dispute has sadly led to the neglected state of Hoành Sơn Quan today. All that remains are the gate and a section of moss-covered walls, abandoned and overgrown with weeds, deterring many visitors. Most walls and the interior of the gate are stained with graffiti and writings left by tourists.
Furthermore, before the construction of the road tunnel, locals passing through Ngang Pass frequently visited Hoành Sơn Quan. However, with the advent of the tunnel, most people now prefer the shortcut, resulting in less attention to this historical site. Occasionally, a few groups of motorbike travelers stop by to explore and take photos.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
