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The Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area is a famous scenic spot in Hanzhong, located at the mouth of the Baogu Valley at the junction of Hanzhong's Hantai District, Mian County, and Liuba County. Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Plank Roads" and the "Pearl of Water Conservancy in the Northwest," it is also the legendary hometown of Baosi.
Since ancient times, countless renowned scholars and writers have left their handwritten poems and lyrics here, which have been inscribed on the cliffs on both sides, forming the famous Han and Wei Dynasty rock carvings. Legend has it that during his southern campaign against Bashu, Emperor Cao Cao, upon seeing the snow-like waves of the Bao River, wrote the character "衮雪" (Gunxue), which has also been inscribed on the rocks. In the 1960s, driven by national needs and the people's livelihood, the government built the Shimen Reservoir at the mouth of the Bao River. This reservoir traps the waters of the Bao River within the mountains. A three- to five-mile boat ride up the mountain gorge reveals a lush green lake, flanked by breathtakingly beautiful mountains.
Best season: March to August, when flowers are in full bloom in spring and summer is the perfect time to relax and escape the heat.
Peak season: 80 yuan/person
80 yuan/person in off-season
Hanzhong residents can enjoy a 50% discount by presenting their ID cards, except for Qingming Festival, May Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and weekends.
Peak season : 8:15-17:50
Off-season : 8:10-17:20
Shimen Plank Road is an ancient cliff-side path in Hanzhong, Shaanxi, historically used for military and trade purposes. It is a remarkable example of traditional engineering and cultural heritage, showcasing how people historically traversed difficult mountainous terrain.
Shimen Plank Road is located in Liuba County, Hanzhong, Shaanxi. Visitors typically reach it by taxi or local bus from Hanzhong city. Walking or hiking is required to access and traverse the plank road itself.
The area is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to pleasant temperatures and scenic views.
Booking is recommended during weekends and public holidays, ideally 1–2 days in advance. On weekdays, tickets are generally available on-site.
Allow 3–5 hours to walk the main plank road and explore surrounding trails. For a more relaxed experience, including photography stops, a full half-day is recommended.
Guided tours are mostly in Chinese. English tours are rare, and audio guides are generally not available.
Start at the main entrance, walk the plank road along the cliff, stop at key lookout points, explore connecting trails, and return via a safe loop path.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Seasonal or eco-adventure tours may be offered occasionally.
Weekdays, early mornings, and off-season months are less crowded. Weekends and holidays see higher visitor traffic.
Basic facilities include toilets at the entrance, small snack vendors, water stations, resting benches along the trail, and souvenir shops near the entrance.
Some sections are steep and narrow. Elderly visitors and children should take precautions, while disabled access is limited.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are generally accepted at entrances and nearby shops.
Small local restaurants and snack vendors are available near the main entrance and along the trail starting point.
Vegetarian options are usually available; vegan and halal options may be limited.
Guesthouses, inns, and small hotels are available in Liuba County, within 10–30 minutes of Shimen Plank Road.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, postcards, small cultural artifacts, and eco-tourism products.
Taxis or local buses back to Hanzhong city. Hanzhong offers train and bus connections to Xi’an and other Shaanxi destinations.
