Jianmen Pass, Day 6

October 24, 2025

"一夫当关，万夫莫开"

(Yīfū dāng guān, wàn fū mò kāi)

The Ancient Shu Roads (蜀道) form a vast network spanning over 1,000 kilometres, connecting present-day Xi’an and Chengdu across the rugged Qinling and Daba Mountains. Built more than 2,000 years ago, these roads stand as a remarkable testament to ancient Chinese engineering and the early postal system.

With a history dating back 3,000 years, many of these towns and fortresses gained legendary status, particularly during the Three Kingdoms period (around 1,800 years ago). Among them, Jianmenguan Fortress (Jianmen Fortress) is the most renowned, often hailed as the greatest stronghold along the Ancient Shu Roads.

Jianmen Pass 剑门关 – known as the No.1 Impregnable Pass in the World, has been a vital military stronghold for over 1,700 years. An old saying goes, “Conquering Jianmen Pass means conquering Sichuan,” highlighting its strategic importance as a natural defense for the region.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, recognized the steep and narrow terrain of Dajian Mountain as an ideal defensive position. He ordered his men to carve through the rock, build a stone gate, and establish the pass to protect Shu Han. As one of China’s four great ancient passes, Jianmen Pass became a fiercely contested battleground, with its pass tower repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt throughout history.

Hike up (+ 150 M) to the viewing platform, standing at 1,163 M on the main peak of Dajian Mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountainous terrain, descend via the narrow Bird’s Path (鸟道).

This image shows the entrance to the Jianmen Pass scenic area in Guangyuan, Sichuan, China. The site is a famous mountain pass known for its strategic military importance in ancient times, especially during the Three Kingdoms period. The pass is located in Jiange county and is a major fortress on the Ancient Shu Roads. It is known for its steep slopes and is praised in a famous poem by Li Bai, "One man guards the fortress, 10,000 men can't pass".
The current gate structure was rebuilt in 2009 after being damaged by an earthquake.

Ascending the majestic Jianmen Pass

and trekking the ancient Shu Road

– Singapore VIP Team

The Bird Path high up the ledge

Yup that's where we are going

Cable car up to first station,

then hike up to Niao Lane

Views before the hike

These are steps? 🙄

Sarah laughing at Old Man

Finally reached the Bird Path

Resting platform at the start of the path

Start of the Bird Path

Next stage of the hike

Fairy Bridge to Suspended Glass Platform

It's slippery!

Hike back down

In the rain

Zhuge Liang

Lunch

Too many dishes, not enough space

This stone monument is at the Cuiyun Corridor (翠雲廊), a section of the ancient Shu Roads in Jiange County, Guangyuan, Sichuan, China.

Cuiyun Corridor is an ancient road system that connects Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces.

"Corridor of Royal Cypresses" is known for its thousands of ancient cypress trees, some of which are over 2,300 years old. First planted during the Qin dynasty with many planted by soldiers led by Zhang Fei during the Three Kingdoms Era.

The corridor is considered a "living fossil of land transportation" and is renowned as one of the best-preserved ancient land transportation routes in the world.