In Guangyuan, I discovered the "divine way to play": hiking the ancient Shu roads by day and soaking in hot springs under the stars by night

Located in northern Sichuan Province, Guangyuan is a city that blends Shu Road culture, the hometown of Empress Wu Zetian, red tourism, and natural landscapes.

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**1. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Jianmen Pass**
-💖 The core area of the perilous Shu Road described by Li Bai as "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot breach it." Includes Jianmen Gate Tower, Cuiyun Corridor Ancient Cypress Path, and Shisun Peak—perfect for hiking through historical grandeur.
-💕 **Best season**: Cool summers and autumns.

2. **Zhaohua Ancient Town**
-💕 A 2,300-year-old cultural gem known as "Sichuan's First County and Shu Kingdom's Second Capital," featuring well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Highlights include ancient city walls, the old county government site, and the Jialing River waterfront.
- 😥**Special event**: Lotus Festival (July-August), featuring lotus viewing, "Lotus Banquet" dining, and Hanfu photo shoots.

3. **Thousand-Buddha Cliff Carvings**
- 💕 Sichuan's largest grotto complex, with over 400 niches and 7,000 statues. The central Dayun Ancient Cave and cliffside walkways offer close-up views of stone carvings.

4. **Huangze Temple**
-💗 The only temple dedicated to China's sole female emperor, Wu Zetian. Its red-walled corridors exude traditional aesthetics, ideal for photos.

5. **Zengjia Mountain**
-💗 A summer retreat with average temperatures of 23°C. The newly opened "Mountain Joy · Blossom Valley" offers creek trekking, jungle CS, and stargazing camps.

6. **Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve**
- 💗 Pristine wilderness rich in flora and fauna, great for hiking adventures.

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**2. Unique Experiences**
1. *💗*Shu Road Hiking**: Trek the ancient paths from Jianmen Pass to Cuiyun Corridor, tracing millennia of history.
2. ❣️**Live Performances**: Zhaohua Ancient Town night tours and Qifeng Lake light shows.
3. **Summer Water Activities**:
- 🎀 Pingle Colorful Water World (wave pools, water gun battles).
-💗 Tangjiahe Rafting (one of northern Sichuan's most thrilling rapids).
4. **❣️Red Tourism**: Wangcang Red Army Town and Mumen Conference Site for revolutionary history.

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**3. Food Recommendations**
1. *❣️*Guangyuan Steamed Cold Noodles**: Silky rice noodles with chili oil and garlic sauce.
2. 💗**Jianmen Tofu Banquet**: Featuring "Pregnant Tofu," "Lantern Tofu," and other💗 specialties.
3. **Zhaohua River Delicacies**: Jialing River fish hotpot and pickled fish.
4. ❣️**Zengjia Mountain Cured Meats**: Alpine bacon and sausages.

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**4. Accommodation Picks**
1. *💗*Zhaohua Ancient Town**: Gu Family Courtyard (Ming-Qing style quadrangle❣️).
2. **Zengjia Mountain**: Panyun Jianshe (a healing😥 B&B nestled in flower-filled forests).
3. **Jianmen Pass**: Qianmoli · Jianshanju (24 solar term-themed lodge).

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**5. Practical Tips**
- 💕**Transport**: High-speed trains to Guangyuan Station. Taxis/buses for city sights; rent a car for remote areas.
- 💗**Discounts**: Free entry for middle/college entrance exam takers (June-Aug 2025); 30% off for train travelers.
- ❣️**Best seasons**: Spring/autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) for culture; summer (Jun-Aug) for escapes.

Plan 3-5 days to explore Guangyuan’s cultural, natural, and red💗 routes—a destination of diverse charm!