The Impregnable Gateway of the Three Kingdoms: Jianmen Pass and the Ancient Shu Road

The "First Pass Under Heaven"

1.Located in Jiange: County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, Jianmen Pass (Jianmenguan) is a breathtaking combination of natural defense and historical weight. As a National 5A Tourist Attraction, it is the crown jewel of the ancient Shu Road system. The pass is formed by the interruption of the Dajian Mountain range, where 72 peaks rise like swords piercing the sky, and the opposing cliffs stand like a gate, giving it the name "Sword Gate" (Jianmen). Its precipitous terrain has earned it the reputation of being "The First Pass Under Heaven" and gave rise to the famous line by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai: "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open it" (一夫当关，万夫莫开),,. For centuries, it has been a strategic military choke-point and a vital passage connecting the Central Plains to the Sichuan Basin.

A Stage for Three Kingdoms Legends

Jianmen Pass is deeply ingrained in the history of the Three Kingdoms period. It was here that Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Shu Han Kingdom, utilized the natural dangers to build the pass and station troops,. The most famous chapter in its history involves the general Jiang Wei. In the waning days of the Shu Kingdom, Jiang Wei led 30,000 soldiers to hold this pass against a Wei army of 100,000 led by Zhong Hui. Relying on the treacherous terrain and the fortified gate, Jiang Wei successfully repelled the massive enemy force, creating a military miracle of the weak overcoming the strong,. Today, visitors can explore the Guanlou (Gate Tower), a majestic structure rebuilt in the Ming and Qing architectural styles, which stands on the original site of the ancient pass, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Shu Han heroes,.

Thrilling Heights and Ancient Paths

Beyond its history, Jianmen Pass offers heart-pounding adventures. The scenic area features a Glass Observation Platform suspended at the summit of Dajian Mountain. With a cantilever extending nearly 25 meters, it is one of the premier glass viewing decks in Asia, offering a panoramic view of the 72 peaks and the dizzying abyss below. For hikers, the Bird's Way (Niadao) offers a challenging trek along the sheer cliffs, simulating the difficulty of the ancient "Road to Shu" described by Li Bai,. Contrastingly, the Cuiyun Corridor (Cuiyunlang) offers a serene journey through history. This section of the ancient Shu Road is lined with thousands of ancient cypress trees, some planted as far back as the Qin and Han dynasties. These "living fossils," numbering over 10,000, form a majestic green tunnel that has shaded travelers for two millennia,.

A Taste of Culture

2.No visit to Jianmen: Pass is complete without tasting the local delicacy: Jianmen Tofu. Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Jiang Wei’s soldiers were exhausted, so the locals made tofu to feed and revitalize the army. Today, the "Jianmen Tofu Feast" features hundreds of dishes made from locally grown soybeans, renowned for their white color, tenderness, and resilience. Whether you are a history buff, a hiking enthusiast, or a food lover, Jianmen Pass offers a profound connection to China's past and its dramatic natural beauty.