Yanmenguan scenic area is set to become Shanxi's seventh national 5A-level tourist attraction, according to a list released by China National Tourism Administration on Feb 16.

Yanmenguan joins visitor favorites such as Yungang Grottoes in Datong, the ancient city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, Mianshan Mountain, Qiao's Grand Courtyard in Jinzhong, Mount Wutai, and the Huangcheng Chancellor's House in Jincheng.

The scenic area covers 30 square kilometers and is a vital gate to China's Great Wall. Located in Xinzhou, Yanmenguan was once a military stronghold in ancient China. The frontier of magnificent landscapes and relics of ancient structures, including beacons, towers and forts, attract many visitors every year.

The dawn of Yanmenguan scenic area [Photo/people.com.cn]

Yanmenguan has been improving its services and environment so as to be qualified as a national 5A-level scenic area since 2013. It has added seats for visitors at rest areas and at the places of large tourist volume, as well as renovating five existing restrooms and building another eight.

Provided the public has no objection to the scenic spot's new title, Yanmengguan will be formally awarded by the government after Feb 22.