Jianmen Pass (剑门关, Sword Gate Pass), located in Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, stands at the junction of Da Jian Mountain, flanked by steep cliffs that ascend into the clouds. The peaks resemble swords piercing the sky, forming a natural gateway known as “Jianmen,” earning it the title of “the first grand pass in the world” and the saying “one man guarding the pass is enough to thwart ten thousand.”
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, orchestrated the cutting of the mountain to facilitate passage, establishing a strategic military outpost amidst the steep cliffs, called Jiange, becoming a pivotal military stronghold.
Visitors can ascend the mountain from the north gate via a cable car to the halfway point, then choose between the Bird Path or the Ape Path to reach the summit. The Ape Path is a daring route requiring specialized climbing gear for a thrilling and hazardous ascent. Conversely, the Bird Path offers a relatively easier climb, with only a few steep sections. At the mountaintop, a glass viewing platform provides a breathtaking vantage point to admire the magnificent scenery of Jianmen Pass.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jianmen Pass
- Vlog about Jianmen Pass
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 105 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 16.30 (1st April – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 16.00 (1st November – 31st March the next year) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0839-6750978 |
Location and Transportation
Jianmen Pass is located in the southwestern part of Sichuan, near the city of Guangyuan. It is nestled within the Jianmen Shudao Scenic Area, which encompasses the Jianmen Mountain Range. This region is characterized by its dramatic mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and lush forests.
The pass itself is positioned between the Sichuan Basin to the east and the Hanzhong Basin to the west. It serves as a natural passage connecting these two basins, making it strategically significant for trade, transportation, and military purposes throughout history.
To reach Jianmen Pass, travelers can make their way to Guangyuan City (广元市) by train or air, which serves as a convenient base for exploring the area. From there, it is a short distance to the pass, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its historical and natural wonders.
Highlights of Jianmen Pass
Jiangwei City
Jiangwei City, also known as “Yingpanzui,” is situated to the east of the narrow passage at Jianmen Pass. This strategic hill has been a vital military position throughout history, serving as a natural defensive stronghold at the gateway of Jianmen Pass. The hill’s elevated terrain is covered with dense thorny shrubs, providing natural cover for military operations. During the Three Kingdoms period, the Shu Han general Jiang Wei stationed his troops here to defend against the Wei general Zhong Hui.
Historical Significance
Pingxianghou Temple, also known as Jiangwei Temple, Boyue Temple, Jiang Gong Temple, and Boli Temple, was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the Zhengde era. It is divided into two sections: the front hall features statues of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, known as the Martial Saint Palace, while the rear hall houses the main hall with a statue of Jiang Wei, named the Loyalty and Diligence Shrine. The current structure, reconstructed on the original site in 2009, closely preserves the temple’s original architectural style, including the Jiang Wei Hall, Zhuge Liang Lecture Hall, and the Tomb of Jiang Wei.
Jianmen Pass Tower
The Jianmen Pass Tower, reconstructed on the original site in 2009, stands as a testament to the historical significance of Jianmen Pass. Throughout history, successive administrations have built and rebuilt towers at this strategic location, only to see them destroyed by the ravages of war. The present tower, constructed in 1992 on the opposite side of the new tower, faced severe damage during the devastating “5.12” earthquake in 2008. The decision was made in 2009 to rebuild the tower on the exact location of the Qing Dynasty tower. The reconstructed tower is a faithful replica of the Ming Dynasty structure, measuring 18.3 meters in width, 19.61 meters in height, and 17.7 meters in depth, with a full wooden structure.
Jianmen Plank Road
Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of Shu, led his troops through the treacherous terrain of Dajian Mountain. Faced with the daunting landscape, Zhuge Liang ordered his soldiers to chisel into the mountain, constructing a plank road suspended in mid-air to aid his military expeditions against Cao Wei. Though the ancient plank road has long vanished into history, a new perilous mountain plank road has been reconstructed along these towering peaks, allowing modern-day travelers to ascend for breathtaking views. The Jianmen Plank Road clings to the mountainside, skillfully traversing the rugged terrain.
Vlog about Jianmen Pass
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Optimal Timing for a Relaxing Visit: To have a more relaxed experience, it’s recommended to enter the scenic area in the early morning. This is especially important if you plan to experience the Monkey Path (猿猱道), as this attraction tends to have long queues.
Ticket Information and Health Considerations: The ticket price for Monkey Path is 68 yuan. Before climbing, blood pressure is measured, and individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, those above 60 years old, and those under 1.2 meters in height are not advised to climb the Monkey Path.
Self-Paid Optional Activities and Package Tickets: The scenic area offers several self-paid optional activities. Purchasing a package ticket may provide some cost savings.
Equipment Tips: Bring a portable charger as there might not be charging facilities on the mountain. The back of the ticket for Cable Car 1 contains a map, so it’s advisable not to discard it. Dress in layers; avoid overly thick clothes. Suggestions include a windbreaker, fleece, and sweater. Wearing excessively thick pants can be inconvenient for climbing stairs. It’s not recommended to wear skirts, short skirts, or very short pants.
Water and Snack Preparation: Carry water and snacks. While there are food stalls on the mountain with reasonable prices, it’s good to have some supplies with you.
Choosing a Gate: The North Gate has a cable car route suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals or those who prefer not to walk much. This route takes you directly to the Monkey Path and the glass observation platform, but you might miss some scenic views.
The South Gate offers a hiking route covering approximately 13 kilometers. It takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete the journey. This route provides a more immersive experience but involves a longer walking distance.
The Jianmen Pass Bird Path is quite thrilling. After climbing, my white gloves turned into yellow ones, covered in rust. Next time, I’ll challenge the Monkey Trail.
I encountered some adorable cats; it seems like every mountain has its own little cat.
I rode a slide for just eight yuan, which saved me a significant distance. I’m so happy!
There are direct buses available at the train station, costing only 6 yuan per person, and you won’t have to wait long. Head straight out, don’t hesitate.
Actually, the touristic experience at Jianmenguan is mainly about hiking; there aren’t many other activities. I had originally planned to take the cable car for a shortcut and even bought my tickets for the zip line. I even made it to the cable car station, but the lines were two to three hours long everywhere during the holiday, so I ended up giving up.
I climbed Jianmen Pass the day before yesterday, and my whole body aches. I fell asleep at the hotel after ten o’clock. I got home yesterday afternoon and after washing up, I went to bed at 2 PM (fell asleep) and slept until after 6 PM. I went out to eat, and when I came back, I just lay down and didn’t want to move at all. This morning, I got up for work at 7:30, but I have no… Read more »
I strongly recommend entering through the North Gate. This allows you to start your journey at the beginning of two paths and then descend all the way to the South Gate, avoiding any backtracking. You’ll notice many tourists coming from the South Gate who wish to experience the “Bird Path” (鸟道) but first have to go uphill before coming back down again. The prices within the scenic area are quite reasonable. For instance, a bottle of Yibao (怡宝) costs 5… Read more »
Jiange Pass opens at 8:30, so it’s best not to arrive too early.
After walking through Jianmen Pass Bird Trail, I found it was not as scary as I had imagined!! The scenery is breathtaking when the weather is good! Definitely worth a visit!!! And it’s quite fast to walk through. After finishing the bird trail, you will start the normal mountain climbing route: Big Cave-Small Cave-Liangshan Pavilion-Stalagmite Peak-One-line Sky-Persimmon Tree Terrace-Guanlou. After exiting the south gate, there are buses to the parking lot at the north gate, as well as to the… Read more »
Heading north and exiting south involves fewer uphill sections, making it easier and faster to complete, suitable for those with limited time.
The Bird Path and Monkey Path are located on the same wall and offer similar views.
Although the scenery at Jianmen Pass may not be particularly outstanding compared to other mountains in Bashu, considering its historical significance, it is definitely worth a visit.
The locals near Jianmen Pass are friendly, warm-hearted, and sincere.
Essential Route of Jianmen Pass ⭐️North Entry, South Exit (5-6 hours): North Gate – Take Cable Car 1 to Xianü Gallery – Bird Path/Monkey Path – Glass Observation Deck – Liangshan Temple – Large/Small Tunnel – Liangshan Pavilion – Shisun Peak – Yixiantian – Juebilang – Leiming Bridge – Guanlou – South Exit ⭐️South Entry, North Exit (4 hours): South Gate – Guanlou – Leiming Bridge – Juebilang/Shisun Peak – Shuttle to Xianü Gallery – Bird Path/Monkey Path – Glass… Read more »
Itinerary tip: Entering from the south and exiting from the north, or entering from the north and exiting from the south (recommended for convenience). Choose between the Ape Path (猿猱道) or Bird Path (鸟道): – North Gate, take Cable Car No. 1 up, Ape Path/Bird Path, viewpoint, Liangshan Temple, Xianv Bridge, Small and Large through-holes, Liangshan Pavilion, Shisun Peak, Yixiantian, Leiming Bridge, Guanlou, South Gate. Choose both the Ape Path and Bird Path: – North Gate, take Cable Car No.… Read more »