Sheer cliffs rise on both sides of Lazikou Pass, leaving only a narrow path and a sliver of sky. In 1935, the Red Army had to break through this natural fortress to continue north. A 17-year-old Miao soldier climbed the cliff with a long pole fitted with an iron hook and lowered a rope made from soldiers' puttees, helping the troops reach the top. Standing here today, it is hard to imagine how the soldiers made that climb.
