The Iron Gate Pass was of historical strategical significance because it formed a vulnerable bottle-neck on the Silk Road.

At present, the pass is no longer part of the road infrastructure of the region and is preserved as a scenic and historical area.

The gorge of the Iron Gate Pass is the setting of a legendary love story.

[1][2] According to the legend, a princess of the Kingdom of Yanqi called Tzouhla had fallen in love with a poor herdsman named Tayir.

The royal court opposed the relationship and a minister Karehan convinced the king to have Tayir killed.