Northwestern part of China. The pass forms a gateway between northwestern Sichuan (Ngawa) and southern Gansu. It is of historical significance due to its strategic importance in the final phase of the Long March
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During the Long March, the Lazikou Pass was the last major obstacle for the forces led by Mao Zedong (i.e. Red Army of China) to reach northern Gansu after their crossing of the Zoigê Marsh. The pass had been fortified with blockhouses by Kuomintang forces and was taken by mountaineers led by Yang Chengwu on September 16, 1935.[2]
In 2014, the 3,735 m long Lazikou Tunnel was completed, which bypasses the mountain pass.[3][4]
