函谷关 hán gǔ guān

DEFINITIONS

  1. Hangu Pass in modern day Henan Province, strategic pass forming the eastern gate of the Qin State during the Warring States Period (770-221 BC)

CHARACTERS

函 hán correspondence; a case; a box
谷 gǔ valley, gorge, ravine
关 guān frontier pass; close; relation