Xu Da
Located south of Yan Mountain, and north of the Bohai Sea, for centuries the pass guarded the narrow passage between Northeast and Central East China. The Northern Qi Dynasty, Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty constructed passes here. The site was called Yuguan during the Tang period and by 785, a garrison was established there. Eight more garrisons were established from Yuguan to Jinniukou. During the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, the territory was controlled by autonomous governors. No garrisons (except Yuguan) remained by the Five Dynasties period. The area and the passes were then controlled by the Liao Dynasty. The Liao founded Qianmin County east of Yuguan in present day Shanhaiguan. Garrisons were built in the area under the Jin and Yuan Dynasty. In 1381, Ming general Xu Da constructed the present pass, which was named Shanhaiguan (literally "mountain-sea-pass") because of its position between the mountains and the sea. In the late 16th century, Ming general Qi Jiguang began fortification and construction of a military city around the pass, building cities and forts to the east, south and north, making it one of the most heavily fortified passes in China.