Explore Guangyuan in 3 Days and 2 Nights! The Hometown of the Empress + Complete Guide to the Throat of Shu Road

Guangyuan is absolutely amazing! As a hidden gem in northern Sichuan, it boasts the cultural heritage of Empress Wu Zetian’s birthplace and the majestic scenery of Jianmen Pass. You can have an incredibly fulfilling trip in just three days and two nights! Here’s the latest 2025 guide for you👇

⛩【City Overview】
📍Location: Northernmost part of Sichuan, at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces
🌟Historical Highlights: Birthplace of Empress Wu Zetian! Jianmen Pass, guarded by Jiang Wei during the Three Kingdoms period, is right here
🌸Best Seasons:
• March to May: Mountains covered with wildflowers + Pear Blossom Sea at Libo Garden
• September to November: Red leaf season + Jian Mountain sea of clouds
• Summer average temperature only 23°C, a perfect summer resort

🚄【Transportation Guide】
• High-speed rail: 1.5 hours direct from Chengdu/Xi’an to Guangyuan Station
• Flight: Panlong Airport connects directly to over 10 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen
• Self-driving: Jingkun Expressway direct access, 3.5 hours from Chengdu / 4 hours from Xi’an

🔥【8 Must-Visit Attractions】
1️⃣ Jianmen Pass (5A)
📍45 km from downtown
🌟 The most magnificent pass in the world! Don’t miss the Bird Path / Ape Path experience
⏳ Recommended 4-5 hours, ticket 105 RMB

2️⃣ Cuiyun Corridor
📍Inside Jianmen Scenic Area
🌲 Over 8,000 ancient cypress trees, a natural oxygen bar
⏳ 1.5 hours, included in the combined ticket

3️⃣ Huangze Temple (4A)
📍By the Jialing River in the city
👑 The only imperial temple dedicated to an empress in China + Northern Wei cliff carvings
⏳ 1.5 hours, ticket 50 RMB

......(Other attraction details omitted)

🍜【Food List】
• Lizhou District: Guangyuan Cold Noodles (7 RMB/bowl), Walnut Cake (3 RMB each)
• Jianmen Pass: Jianmen Tofu Feast (158-198 RMB per table)
• Zhaohua Ancient City: He Fat Intestines, Guangyuan Guokui (baked flatbread)

🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】
• High-end: Guangyuan Wanda Realm (near high-speed rail station)
• Mid-range: Guangyuan International Hotel (next to night market)
• Unique: Jianmen Pass Hot Spring Hotel (perfect for relaxing in the hot springs)

📝【Practical Tips】
1. Jianmen Pass Bird Path is one-way and very high, be cautious if afraid of heights
2. Tangjia River is closed after 4 PM, book in advance
3. Northern Sichuan cuisine is spicy and numbing, remember to order "mildly spicy"

Just go for it! This autumn, let’s visit the hometown of the Empress and experience the grandeur of the throat of Shu Road together 🎉