Jinniu Ancient Trail · Jianmen Pass · Cuiyun Corridor | Walk among thousand-year-old cypresses, each step blending history and nature
Connects two historical landmarks: Zhaohua Ancient Town and Jianmen Pass. Passes Tianxiong Pass, Dazhao Post Station. Day 1: explore Zhaohua; Day 2: hike to Jianmen Pass.
Walk through the world's largest ancient cypress forest. Thousands of millennium-old cypresses line the path, creating a "green time tunnel".
Known as the "No.1 Ancient Trail under Heaven". Best-preserved original appearance. Features horse-blocking walls, troughs, threshold stones, and anti-slip lines.
🌿 Longyuanpu Section: ~23.7km, features Daughter's Stele, Tianpeng Cypress.
👨👩👧 Family Hike: Lanmaqiang to Qingliang Bridge round trip ~6km, flat terrain.
❄️ Winter Special: Combine Yueba ice & snow with Cuiyunlang and Jianmen Pass.
📸 Best Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov); winter offers snowy cypress views.
📜 Historical Context: The Jinniu Trail was carved during the Warring States period, named after the legend of "stone oxen producing gold and five giants opening the mountain". It was a strategic passage connecting Guanzhong and Bashu, and a stage for Three Kingdoms history.
🏯 Core Landmarks
• Jianmen Pass: "One man defends, ten thousand cannot pass"
• Cuiyunlang: Ancient cypress forest with "tree handover" system
• Zhaohua Ancient Town: "First county of Bashu, second capital of Shu"
• Lanmaqiang: Best-preserved ancient road facilities
🚶 Unique Experience: Hiking the Shudao is a dialogue with living history. Underfoot are stones walked by ancients; beside you are thousand-year-old cypresses — an immersive walk through the "folds of time".
Cuiyunlang is the world's largest ancient cypress forest, with 7,803 surviving trees, the oldest over 2,300 years. Best hiking time: early morning or dusk when light filters through the cypresses.
Over 280 tofu dishes. A must after hiking. Jianmen Pass Ancient Town's Shuai Mansion and Huang Zhong Tofu Shop have century-old traditions.
Soul of Guangyuan breakfast. Rice noodles steamed, served with spicy chili oil. Said to be Empress Wu Zetian's favorite.
Must-eat at Pu'an night market. Fragrant and spicy skewers; Liangshan beef is dry and flavorful.
Jianmen Pass Ancient Town → Zhaohua Taishou Street → Guangyuan riverside → Pu'an night market. Try tofu banquet, noodles, pickled tofu, walnut cakes, spicy skewers.
Near the scenic area. Natural hot springs relieve fatigue. Includes Guangyuan noodle breakfast.
Three-courtyard Ming & Qing style architecture. Immerse in Three Kingdoms culture.
Farmhouse homestays in Pu'an/Hanyang. View cypresses from window. Authentic home cooking.
🚌 Click "Bus Ticketing" for buses from Guangyuan to Jianmen Pass and Jiange. 🚄 High-speed rail to "Jianmen Pass Station", then local buses to Pu'an, Hanyang, Zhaohua.
Largest grotto group in Sichuan. Begun in Northern Wei, over 7,000 statues.
The only temple dedicated to Empress Wu Zetian. Houses her true stone portrait.
Ancient plank road, towpath, waterway, highway, railway — six transportation modes in one gorge.
New night landmark in Jiange. Light shows, ancient-style performances, and local snacks.
Day hike on Shudao (Jianzhao/Cuiyunlang/Lanmaqiang), then evening at Great Shudao Night City for snacks and performances. Next day, visit Qianfo Cliff and Huangze Temple.