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"The Baoxiang Road was first opened by Emperor Yu of the Xia Dynasty and completed by the Han Dynasty. It guards the south and slopes the north, with steep mountains on either side, and the Bao River flowing through its middle. It was excavated during the Spring and Autumn Period, and a plank road existed during the Qin Dynasty." The Baoxiang Road mentioned in the poem is located in the Hanzhong Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area in Hedongdian Town, Mian County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. The famous story in Chinese history of Emperor Liu Bang of the Han Dynasty adopting General Han Xin's suggestion to "openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing Chencang" to capture Guanzhong took place here.
The Baoxiade Road starts from Baogukou in the south and ends at Xiagukou in the north. It runs along the Baoxia River and passes through the Baoxia Valley, hence the name. It is also called Xiagu Road. It was the main road connecting Bashu and Qinchuan in ancient times. The total length is 249 kilometers, of which 114 kilometers are in Taibai, and it passes through the four towns of Wangjiaqiao Township, Zhuitou Town, Taochuan Town, and Yingge Town.
The Baoxiade Road is the earliest, largest, and longest-used ancient plank road in Chinese history. Over 10,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic Age, ancient peoples of Hanzhong and Guanzhong, as well as those along the route, trodden a narrow path through the area, facilitating fishing, hunting, and early economic and cultural exchanges. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it became a major military thoroughfare. Extensive repairs were carried out during the Warring States Period and the Qin Dynasty, and the entire route was completed by the Han Dynasty.
The inner walls of the Baoxiadao Tunnel and the cliffs on both sides of the Nanbao River outside the tunnel are inscribed with inscriptions and poems by prominent officials and scholars from the Han and Wei dynasties onwards, known as the "Shimen Stone Inscriptions." In 1961, the State Council designated them as one of the first national key cultural relics protection sites. With the construction of the Shimen Reservoir in 1969, the "Shimen Thirteen Pieces" of the Baoxiadao Stone Inscriptions were relocated to the Municipal Museum for display and preservation. In 1975, the reservoir dam was filled to its designed high water level, submerging the Shimen Plank Road, along with Jiangjunpu, Baosipu, and the "Plank Road Song" cliff inscriptions (the "Eight Stele") and other historic sites and plank road remains.
The northern subtropical climate zone has a mild and humid climate with a moderate degree of dryness and wetness. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel.
There are inscriptions and stone carvings by many people on the cliffs near the "New Stone Gate". To the west is the ancient Stone Gate and its cliff carvings, antique plank roads and pavilions; to the north is the modern Jitouguan Iron Bridge; to the east are the ancient "Stone Tiger", "New Stone Gate" and its new cliff carvings and roads; to the south are the "Gunxue" and "Yupen" strange stone sites.
It is recommended to play for 2 to 3 hours.
Peak season: 80 yuan/person, off-season: 60 yuan/person.
Peak season (March-October) 8:15-17:40, off-season (November-February) 8:40-16:50.
Baoxiadao, located in the mountains of Hanzhong, is known for its rich natural beauty and historical importance. The area has been a cultural hub, with the Baoxi Temple being an important pilgrimage site for many centuries.
Baoxiadao is located in the Hanzhong region of Shaanxi Province, China. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center of Hanzhong. There are also buses that connect Hanzhong to nearby towns, but it is recommended to arrange for local transport due to the remote location.
The attraction is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the scenery is most vibrant. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can offer a peaceful experience and beautiful lighting for photos.
The entrance fee is usually low, but exact pricing may vary depending on the specific activities or events. Tickets can typically be purchased on-site at the entrance or through local tourism agencies.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for a general visit. However, for special events or festivals, it is recommended to book a few days in advance.
You will need about 2-3 hours to explore the main areas of Baoxiadao, including hiking, visiting the temple, and taking a boat ride. If you wish to enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace, plan for up to 4 hours.
Guided tours may be available in Mandarin, especially for larger groups or during special events. Audio guides are typically not offered, but local guides are often available for hire.
Start your visit with a hike along the main trail to reach Baoxi Temple, then explore the temple before heading down to the river for a boat ride. Conclude your visit with a relaxed walk around the area or a picnic by the river.
Night visits are not common, but the peaceful environment in the evening is ideal for a serene experience. No light shows are scheduled, but there may be special tours or events during certain festivals.
Baoxiadao is generally not crowded except during major Chinese holidays and local festivals. The least crowded times are during the weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available around the park. There are small food stalls offering local snacks and drinks. However, for more substantial meals, it is best to visit nearby towns.
Baoxiadao's terrain includes some steep areas, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and families can enjoy the main areas and the temple with ease.
Cash is still widely used, especially in remote areas. However, mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common, especially at tourist sites.
There are a few local eateries nearby, serving simple traditional Chinese dishes. For a wider selection, head towards Hanzhong city center.
Vegetarian and vegan food is available at local restaurants, but halal food options may be limited in the area.
There are several guesthouses and budget hotels in the nearby towns. For more upscale options, head towards the Hanzhong city center.
There are small souvenir stands near the entrance, selling local handicrafts, such as traditional Chinese ornaments, silk products, and postcards.
Taxis and buses are available for further travel to other attractions or the Hanzhong city center. Private cars or arranged transport may offer more flexibility for exploring nearby landmarks.
