3 Days 2 Nights Exploring Guangyuan: Discover Shu Road Culture + Stunning Autumn Scenery

Guangyuan, this underrated small city in northern Sichuan, holds so many surprises! October in Guangyuan offers crisp autumn air, making it the perfect time to travel～🍁 Follow my guide to experience the charm of Shu Road culture!

Day 1: Explore Jianmen Pass
⏰ Morning: Jianmen Pass Scenic Area
Introduction / Experience: Known as "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open," Jianmen Pass is one of the most perilous passes on the Shu Road. In October, the pass is covered in colorful autumn foliage, creating breathtaking scenery! It’s recommended to take the cable car up the mountain to save energy.
Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle bus directly from downtown Guangyuan, about a 1-hour ride.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours)

🍽️ Noon: Jianmen Pass Tofu Feast
Introduction / Experience: Jianmen Pass tofu is famous for being "white, delicate, chewy, and fragrant." You must try the tofu feast! Highly recommend the "Pregnant Tofu" and "Mapo Tofu"—the taste is amazing!
Transportation: Several restaurants near the scenic area, within walking distance.
Business Hours: Usually 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

🌆 Afternoon: Cuiyun Corridor
Introduction / Experience: Stroll along the ancient cypress-lined Cuiyun Corridor and witness the grandeur of "300 miles and 100,000 trees." The autumn sunlight filtering through the leaves makes for perfect photo opportunities!
Transportation: A sightseeing bus runs directly from Jianmen Pass Scenic Area, about 20 minutes.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

🌙 Evening: Stay at a hotel in downtown Guangyuan
Introduction / Experience: Recommended to stay in Lizhou District for convenience for the next day’s itinerary. In the evening, take a walk along the Jialing River and enjoy the night view.
Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle bus back from Jianmen Pass to the city, about 1 hour.

Day 2: Huangze Temple + Qianfo Cliff
⏰ Morning: Huangze Temple
Introduction / Experience: The only temple dedicated to Empress Wu Zetian in China, surrounded by ancient towering trees and a tranquil environment. In October, the temple is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, offering a unique charm.
Transportation: Take bus No. 12 directly from downtown, about 30 minutes.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

🍽️ Noon: Guangyuan Cold Noodles
Introduction / Experience: A local specialty snack with chewy noodles and spicy, flavorful sauce. You must try it! Recommended spot: "Wang Cold Noodles," popular among locals.
Transportation: Several snack shops near Huangze Temple, within walking distance.
Business Hours: Usually 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

🌆 Afternoon: Qianfo Cliff
Introduction / Experience: Located on the banks of the Jialing River, Qianfo Cliff is the largest grotto group in Sichuan. The cliff carvings under the autumn sunlight look even more solemn and mysterious.
Transportation: Take bus No. 5 directly from downtown, about 20 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

🌙 Evening: Jialing River Night Cruise
Introduction / Experience: Take a boat cruise at night on the Jialing River to enjoy the light shows on both banks and experience the charm of Guangyuan’s nightlife.
Transportation: There is a dock near Qianfo Cliff, within walking distance.
Business Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Reservation recommended)

Day 3: Zhaohua Ancient City
⏰ Morning: Zhaohua Ancient City
Introduction / Experience: With over 2,300 years of history, Zhaohua Ancient City was an important post station on the Shu Road. The ancient city is quiet and rustic in autumn, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Transportation: Take a shuttle bus from downtown Guangyuan, about 40 minutes.
Opening Hours: Open all day

🍽️ Noon: Ancient City Specialty Dishes
Introduction / Experience: There are many restaurants inside the ancient city. Recommended dishes include "Sour Pickled Fish with Tofu" and "Stir-fried Bacon with Bamboo Shoots," both authentic flavors!
Transportation: Walkable within the ancient city.
Business Hours: Usually 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

🌆 Afternoon: Return Trip
Introduction / Experience: Depending on your return schedule, you can explore the ancient city a bit more or head back to downtown Guangyuan directly.

Useful Tips
October in Guangyuan has a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring a jacket.
Tickets for Jianmen Pass and Qianfo Cliff can be purchased online in advance for discounts.
Guangyuan has many delicious foods besides cold noodles, such as walnut cakes and sour pickled noodle skins—don’t miss out!
Budget: About 800-1000 RMB per person (including accommodation, transportation, tickets, and meals)

If you have any questions, ask me in the comments～ Save this for your next trip!