Jianmen Pass and Ancient Path

Historical Overview

AncientOrigins: Built during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) to unify China, Jianmen Pass became critical during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE), immortalized in Romance of the Three Kingdoms as Zhuge Liang’s "Empty Fort Strategy" site.

MedievalSignificance: Reinforced during the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, it served as a military stronghold and trade hub linking the Central Plains to Southwest China.

ModernEra: Preserved as a national heritage site since 1984, with UNESCO designation in 2015. Restorations have revived sections of the plank road and watchtowers, while archaeological digs uncovered Tang-era coins and Ming (1368–1644) armor fragments.

Structural Layout

The site’s 6-square-kilometer area integrates natural cliffs with man-made structures:JianmenPassFortress: A 30-meter-high stone gatehouse with three arched entrances, flanked by 10-meter-thick walls. Inside, the Command Post displays historical maps and weapons.

PlankRoad: A 5-kilometer suspended pathway carved into cliffs, featuring 2,000-year-old handrails and 13 original watchtowers, such as the Fenghuang Tower with its carved phoenix motIFS.

Seven2Watchtowers: Strategically placed along the path, these stone structures (e.g., Liangshan Tower) offered vantage points for archers and signal fires.

Major Attractions

PlankRoadSuspensionBridge: A 200-meter-long glass-bottomed bridge spanning the Jian River, offering vertigo-inducing views of the canyon below.

ThreeKingdomsCulturalZone: Interactive exhibits include a Battle Simulation Theater reenacting the 263 CE Siege of Jianmen and a Zhuge Liang Memorial Hall with wax figures and calligraphy scrolls.

Natural Wonders: The Bird’sPath, a narrow cliff ledge where falcons nest, and the First Bend of Jian River, a U-shaped meander framed by red maple forests in autumn.

Suggested Itineraries

Half-DayTour(3–4Hours): Start at the Pass Fortress → Walk 2 km of the Plank Road → Visit Liangshan Tower → Explore the Three Kingdoms Zone.

Full-DayAdventure(6–7Hours): Fortress → Full Plank Road hike → Lunch at a cliff-side teahouse → Glass Bridge → Bird’sPath observation deck → Sunset at the First Bend.

CulturalFocus(4–5Hours): Fortress museum → Three Kingdoms exhibits → Calligraphy workshops (seasonal) → Traditional Shu opera performance (weekends).

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official WeChat account "JianmenPass" (up to 3 days in advance).

On-Site: Standard ticket booths open at 7:30 AM; combo tickets include shuttle bus access.

Prices: Standard Entry: ¥105 (peak season), ¥80 (off-peak). Combo (entry + glass bridge): ¥180. Guided tours: ¥200–400 (English/Chinese, 1.5 hours).

Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.

Transportation

By Train: Chengdu East Station to Guangyuan Station (1.5 hours), then taxi (40 minutes) to Jianmen Pass.

By Bus: Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Jianmen Pass Direct Bus (4 hours, ¥95).

By Car: Self-drive via G5 (3.5 hours from Chengdu); parking available at South Gate (¥20/day).

Shuttle Service: Free buses connect the South Gate to the Fortress (10-minute ride, every 15 minutes).

Best Time & Tips

AvoidCrowds: Peak season is April–October and Chinese holidays. Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM.

Weather: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures (15–25°C) and clear views. Winters are cold but less crowded.

Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes for the Plank Road’s uneven stones. Bring sunscreen and a hat; shade is limited. Download the Jianmen Pass AR App for augmented reality guides.

ProhibitedItems: Drones, large backpacks, and selfie sticks. Pets must be leashed.

Photography: Golden hours (sunrise/sunset) illuminate the cliffs dramatically. The glass bridge prohibits tripods but allows handheld shots.