Jianmenguan Scenic Area is located in Jiange County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. It is a national forest park and a 5A-level tourist attraction. The overall planned area of the scenic area is 84 square kilometers, with a core area of 6 square kilometers. It belongs to the subtropical humid climate zone and features a unique peak cluster Danxia landform, renowned for its reputations as "the most perilous pass under heaven," "the first pass under heaven," and "the gateway to Shu."
History and Culture
The Jianmen Shudao has a history of over 3,070 years. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, Jianmenguan was subordinate to ancient Liangzhou and Yongzhou. In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it belonged to the ancient Shu Kingdom, and after the unification of China by the Qin Dynasty, it became part of the Qin territory. In the 22nd year of the Eastern Han Jian'an period, Liu Bei entered Sichuan, and Jianmenguan became an important stronghold of the Shu Han. Zhuge Liang built plank roads here to resist enemies, and Jiang Wei also won battles here with fewer troops. Over the years, more than 100 battles of various sizes have occurred at Jianmenguan. During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhong Hui, Wang Jing of the Later Zhou Dynasty, and Wang Quanbin of the Northern Song Dynasty all confronted the Shu army at Jianmenguan. The area has also witnessed the footprints and poems of many famous figures, including Li Bai, Du Fu, and Lu You, who left widely praised masterpieces here.
Main Attractions
Jianmenguan Tower
Located at the southernmost end of the scenic area, it is built at the midpoint of Dajian Mountain. The ancient-style reconstruction of the tower began in early 1992, and after the earthquake in April 2010, it was rebuilt and expanded to double its pre-earthquake size. The tower is 19.34 meters high and 13.6 meters wide, rising 150 meters from the ground, fully demonstrating the majestic momentum of "one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot pass." During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang established the pass tower here, and at the end of the Shu Han Dynasty, Jiang Wei held his position here to resist the Wei army.
Stalagmite Peak
Located in the middle of the Jianmenguan cliff, it is 79 meters high, rising from the ground like a bamboo shoot. A clump of shrubs grows at the top, resembling a general with angry hair guarding the majestic pass. According to legend, Han Xiangzi transformed a bamboo flute into a spear here to kill a tiger, and the bamboo tip turned into a stalagmite to suppress wild beasts.
Jianmenguan Glass Viewing Platform
It mainly includes the "Suspended Glass Viewing Platform" and the "Glass Pedestrian Viewing Bridge." The "Suspended Glass Viewing Platform" is located at the highest point of the scenic area with an elevation of 1,163 meters, about 2 meters above the square ground, covering an area of approximately 450 square meters. The "Glass Pedestrian Viewing Bridge" spans the One-Line Sky, using a full steel structure bridge with a deck width of 3 meters, a net span of about 20 meters, and a glass deck area of approximately 80 square meters.
Local Cuisine
Jianmen Tofu
The signature dish of Jianmenguan, with a snow-white color and tender texture, containing more than 8 grams of protein per 100 grams, approximately twice the national standard. Its production technology originated during the Three Kingdoms period and has a history of over a thousand years. It can be steamed, braised, or stewed, and can also be made into a tofu feast with dozens of cooking methods.
Jianmen Smoked Pork
Fragrant and not greasy, this local specialty is very delicious when paired with local rice.
Jianmen Free-Range Chicken
Local free-range chickens from Jiange County have tender meat and are nutritious and tonic when stewed or braised.
Admission Tickets
Jianmenguan: Full price 105 yuan, half price 50 yuan
Cuiyunlang: Full price 40 yuan, half price 20 yuan
Combined ticket (Jianmenguan + Cuiyunlang): Full price 130 yuan, half price 70 yuan
Yuannao Path: 68 yuan
Cable car ticket: 50 yuan
Glass viewing platform ticket: 10 yuan
Sightseeing bus (Xiannv Corridor - Stalagmite Peak) one-way ticket: 10 yuan
Zipline one-way ticket (Jiangwei City ⇄ Liangshan): 30 yuan
For reference only; subject to actual ticket prices at the scenic area. Seniors, children, and students can enjoy free or half-price tickets with valid identification.
Opening Hours
Summer: 08:00 - 17:00
Winter: 08:30 - 16:30
For reference only; subject to actual opening hours at the scenic area.
Recommended Itineraries
Recommended north-to-south route: North Gate - 1st cable car uphill one-way - Walk to Yuannao Path/Bird Path entrance - After completing the challenge, climb to the glass viewing platform at the mountain top - Liangshan Temple - 2nd cable car downhill one-way - Scenic area shuttle bus to Stalagmite Peak - Precipice Corridor - Slideway - Guanjian Tower - Exit from South Gate. This route is suitable for visitors who want to challenge the Yuannao Path/Bird Path and visit all classic attractions. The entire tour takes about 6 hours, depending on the time spent at each attraction.
Transportation
- Chengdu - Guangyuan - Jianmenguan: There are buses from Chengdu Zhaojue Temple Station to Guangyuan, and from Guangyuan Nanhe Bus Station to Jianmenguan Scenic Area.
- Chengdu - New Jiange County Town - Jianmenguan: There are buses from Chengdu Zhaojue Temple Bus Station to the new Jiange County Town (Xiasi), and minibuses from the new county town to Jianmenguan.
- High-speed rail: After arriving at Jianmenguan High-speed Rail Station, take the connecting vehicle at the transfer point on the negative second floor of the front square. There is a direct shuttle between Jianmenguan High-speed Rail Station and the South Gate of Jianmenguan Scenic Area, passing through Jianmenguan Bus Station and Jianmenguan Tourist Center (North Gate). The fare is 6 yuan per person, with departures from 8:00 to 19:30, every half hour, and buses leave immediately when full during peak hours.
Must-See Attractions
- Jianmenguan Tower: With a long history and a strategic location, it allows visitors to deeply feel the momentum of "one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot pass."
- Yuannao Path and Bird Path: Highly challenging, they are excellent choices to experience the hardships of the ancient Shudao, but have age restrictions and require advance reservation.
- Jianmenguan Glass Viewing Platform: Located at a high point in the scenic area, it offers magnificent views and the thrill of glass viewing.
Travel Tips
- Bring sunscreen products as the scenic area has long routes, strong sunlight, and high physical exertion.
- Carry appropriate food; while water is available for purchase in the scenic area, food can be prepared according to personal preferences and needs.
- Pay attention to the route map on the back of the scenic area ticket and plan the tour route reasonably.
- If time permits, choose the south-to-south route or walk both the Yuannao Path and Bird Path to explore the scenic area more deeply.
Notes
- The scenic area is extensive and the journey is long; make full preparations and plan thoroughly before walking.
- The entire tour is relatively strenuous; mentally and physically prepare in advance and avoid hurrying.
- Pay attention to personal and property safety, and take care of accompanying elderly and children.
- The Yuannao Path is restricted to ages 7–59, requiring ID registration. Children must be over 1.2 meters tall. Blood pressure measurement, liability waiver signing, and equipment wearing are required at the entrance.