Jianmen Shudao Jianmen Pass Scenic Area

Jianmen Shudao Jianmen Pass Scenic Area

The Jianmen Shudao Jianmen Pass Scenic Area is a national-level scenic spot and a AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Jianmen Shudao is one of the first national-level scenic areas, centered around Jianmen Pass, stretching 450 kilometers from Ningqiang in Shaanxi in the north to Chengdu in the south. The area boasts profound Three Kingdoms culture, with legendary tales from figures like Pang Tong, Jiang Wan, Jiang Wei, Deng Ai, Ma Chao, and Bao Sanniang. It features numerous historic relics such as the Sanxingdui Site, Deyang Confucius Temple, Zhaohua Ancient City, Qiqu Mountain Temple, Huangze Temple, and Thousand-Buddha Cliff. The region is also abundant in natural beauty, with Fulushan Mountain covered in flowers all year round, the 300-li Ancient Cypress Avenue of Cuipeng Corridor, and the “flying bridge over the cliffs” at Mingyue Gorge. Its fame spread across the world thanks to the poetic line by Li Bai, the poetic sage of a thousand years ago: “The road to Shu is hard, harder than scaling the blue sky.” Along the hundreds of li of ancient Shu roads, layered peaks and cloud-scraping cliffs form a majestic and magnificent landscape, creating a formidable barrier along the Sichuan-Shaanxi passage.

Jianmen Pass is located 15 kilometers south of Jiange County in Sichuan Province, situated at the fault-fold zone on the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin, in the middle section between the Greater and Lesser Jian Mountains. With sheer cliffs on both sides and peaks resembling swords, the opposing cliffs stand like a gate, hence the name “Jianmen” (Sword Gate). It is one of China’s most famous natural passes, renowned as the “Most Precipitous Pass Under Heaven,” “The First Pass Under Heaven,” and “The Gateway to Shu.” Zhuge Liang, the chancellor of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, once built 30 li of plank roads here and established fortifications, known as “Jian Ge” (Sword Barrier). The praise from the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai in his poem “The Road to Shu is Hard”: “The Sword Gate is towering and steep, where one man can hold the pass against ten thousand” further spread the fame of Jianmen Pass. In 1982, it was listed among the first batch of National Key Scenic Areas by the State Council; in September 2010, it was designated as a AAAAA-level scenic area.

The towering Jianmen has long been the strategic gateway to Shu. Due to its perilous terrain, it has always been a contested military site. Legend has it that during the Warring States Period, King Hui of Qin, eager to annex Shu, found no way into the region. He falsely claimed to present the King of Shu with five golden oxen and five beauties. The King of Shu believed him and sent five brave men to cut through the mountains and open a path to welcome the beauties and transport the oxen, thus creating this route known as the “Golden Ox Road,” also called Jianmen Shudao.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the chancellor of Shu, led his army in a campaign against Wei. Passing through the Greater Jian Mountain, he was struck by the majesty and ruggedness of the peaks, so he ordered his soldiers to chisel through the rocks, build flying beams, and construct plank roads. Zhuge Liang launched six northern expeditions against Wei, using this area to stockpile provisions, station troops, and train soldiers. He also built a stone gate at the canyon between the cliffs of the Greater Jian Mountain, constructing a fortified pass and stationing troops to guard it. When the Wei general Zhong Hui led 100,000 elite troops to advance into Hanzhong and push toward Jianmen Pass to seize Shu, the Shu general Jiang Wei defended the pass with just 30,000 troops, successfully holding off Zhong Hui’s massive army outside the pass. Truly, “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.”

Jianmen Pass is the core scenic area of the Jianmen Shudao National Key Scenic Area and the main part of the Jianmen Pass National Forest Park. As one of Sichuan’s four great landscapes—“The grandeur of Jianmen, the wonder of Jiuzhaigou, the beauty of Emei, and the serenity of Qingcheng”—Jianmen Pass stands out. Historically, it has been said, “Conquer Jianmen Pass, and you conquer Sichuan.” It is a vital pass along the ancient Jianmen Shudao. Total area: 186.2 square kilometers. Planned area: 142 square kilometers.

Jianmen Pass is a gap in the middle section of the hundreds of li of Greater Jian Mountain, with seventy-two peaks shaped like sharp swords, forming a natural barrier. It holds the strategic position of “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand” and has immense military importance. Over a hundred battles have taken place here, more than ten emperors have visited, and countless literati have left nearly four thousand works. In the past, the Shu general Jiang Wei used the natural defenses to repel 100,000 Wei troops outside the pass. Existing relics include the ruins of the pass built by Zhuge Liang, ancient temples, precious inscriptions, and the famous Four Sceneries of Jianmen (Jianmen Drizzle, Liangshan Pine Waves, Sunset Cliffs, and Snow-Dusted Cuipeng), as well as the Four Wonders of Jianmen (Jiang Wei Stone Statue, Millennium Redbud, Evergreen Pines and Cypresses, and Jian Mountain Stone Bamboo Shoots).

The main attractions of the Jianmen Pass Scenic Area include: Jianmen Pass, Jian Ge Road, Jianmen Pass Tower, Jian Ge Post Road, Seventy-Two Peaks, Lesser Jian Mountain, Jiang Gong Shrine, Jiang Wei Tomb, Deng Ai Tomb, Zhong Hui’s Old Fort, Golden Ox Road, Rear Pass, Stone Bamboo Peak, Liangshan Temple, Thunder Gorge, Cuiping Peak, Immortal Peak Temple, Ancient Jianxi Bridge, and Zhigong Temple.

- The Most Magnificent Pass Under Heaven

The original ancient pass tower was a three-story upturned-eave arrow tower, with a horizontal plaque hanging in the center inscribed with “The Most Magnificent Sword Gate Cliffs Under Heaven.”

The plaque at the top of the tower read “Precipitous Pass of Heaven.” Unfortunately, this magnificent ancient pass tower, which had stood for over a thousand years, was completely demolished in 1935 during the construction of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway, leaving only a rectangular “Jianmen Pass” stone stele. The current pass tower was rebuilt in 1992 at the original site as a more spectacular replica in an ancient style. During the 2008 “5.12” earthquake, Jiange County’s tourism industry suffered severe damage, with seven scenic areas affected and 100% of the area impacted. The Jianmen Pass Scenic Area was also partially damaged. To restore the glory of this world-famous pass, Jiange County invested heavily in reconstruction and upgrading. According to the master plan prepared by Tongji University, the Jianmen Pass Scenic Area will be developed into five major scenic zones: Greater Jianmen, Zhigong Temple, Leiming Valley, Wulipo, and Cuipeng Corridor, with the first four zones alone covering 75 square kilometers. The overall style is based on the Han Dynasty aesthetic, highlighting the magnificence, peril, serenity, and depth of Jianmen Pass.

- Tourism Resources

For the Jianmen Pass Scenic Area visitor map

To achieve these development goals, Jiange County has taken various measures. Jianmen Pass combines grandeur, peril, serenity, beauty, and wonder. Beyond its majestic mountains and perilous passes, it is also famed for the profundity of its gorges, the beauty of Cuipeng Corridor, the strangeness of its rocks, and the uniqueness of its caves. There are numerous scenic spots and cultural relics. Currently developed attractions include: the “Seventy-Two Peaks” of the Greater and Lesser Jian Mountains, Immortal Peak Temple, Liangshan Temple, Cuiping Peak, Jinghuang Cave, Screen Wall, Leigong Gorge, Fairy Bridge, Jade Maiden Peak, Large and Small Tunnel Caves, Sacrificial Cliff, One-Line Sky, Stone Bamboo Peak, Rear Pass, Yingpan Mouth, Jiang Wei Tomb, Ganhe Dam, and others. Now, there is a cable car at the foot of the Greater Jian Mountain leading up to the Stone Bamboo Peak, from where visitors can follow cliffside paths and climb the mountain’s ring ladder to reach the summit’s Liangshan Temple and Cuiping Peak. Alternatively, visitors can take the ring ladder from the Rear Pass along the perilous mountainside to reach the Stone Bamboo Peak, then climb the cliffside paths to the summit. Liangshan Temple is said to have been named after Emperor Wu of Liang from the Southern and Northern Dynasties, who came here to practice Buddhism. The “Jinghuang Cave” under Cuiping Mountain is said to have been named after Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who hid his treasures and Buddhist scriptures in the cave while fleeing the An Lushan Rebellion. At the mountaintop east of the pass tower, commanding the precipitous Jianmen Pass, is the “Yingpan Mouth,” also known as “Jiang Wei City,” where Jiang Wei once stationed his troops. There are also Qing Dynasty artillery emplacement ruins, and on the right cliff is an inscription of the words “The First Pass” handwritten by Prince Guo, the 17th son of Emperor Kangxi. These historic sites and legends add charm and delight to the beautiful natural scenery, making visitors linger in awe. Visiting Jianmen Pass allows one to fully appreciate the spirit of the line from Li Bai’s poem “The Road to Shu is Hard”: “The road to Shu is hard, harder than scaling the blue sky.”

- Three Kingdoms Culture

Jianmen Pass is the centerpiece of the Jianmen Shudao National Scenic Area, one of the first national-level scenic areas announced by the State Council. Here, the Jianmen landscape

features towering cliffs and perilous terrain, serving as the essential land route in and out of Sichuan, and is known as the “Shield of Northern Shu and Throat of Two Shus.” Jianmen Pass has deep-rooted Three Kingdoms culture, extensively recorded in the official history “Records of the Three Kingdoms” and vividly depicted in the novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” To this day, remnants of the Three Kingdoms era are visible everywhere, and stories from the period remain widely told.

The construction of Jianmen Pass and the establishment of Jiange County are tied to the Three Kingdoms. According to the “Universal Geography”: “Zhuge Liang, serving Shu, carved through the rocks to build aerial plank roads for travelers, and established Jianmen Pass here.” The “Geographical Records” also state: “Zhuge Liang of Shu Han... built a 30-li plank road through treacherous terrain and stationed officers to guard it.” After Liu Bei established his capital in Chengdu, he set up Jiange County in the 22nd year of Jian’an (217 AD), under the jurisdiction of Jianmen Pass, to strengthen its defense. Moreover, with Jianmen as the center, he integrated the over 1,000-li route from Hanzhong to Chengdu into a unified whole. This ensured the safety and accessibility of the Jianmen Road from Chengdu to Zitong, through Jianmen and Bai Shui, to Yang’an Pass in Mian County, Shaanxi, and Hanzhong. This laid the foundation for Zhuge Liang’s later northern campaigns from Jianmen Pass, as well as Jiang Boyue’s expedition to the Central Plains.

According to historical records, before proclaiming himself emperor, Liu Bei traveled through Jianmen Pass four times. Including the account in Chapter 65 of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” where Liu Bei returned to Jiameng Pass to watch Zhang Fei and Ma Chao battle on his way to attack Liu Zhang in Chengdu, bringing the total number of his crossings to six. Zhuge Liang also passed through Jianmen Pass multiple times during his northern campaigns against Wei. After submitting the “Memorial on the Expedition,” when he “led the armies north and stationed in Hanzhong,” he passed through Jianmen Pass. Chapter 65 of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” describes how he secretly returned to Jiameng on his way to attack Liu Zhang, using a clever strategy to win over Ma Chao. Chapter 27 states that in July of the 23rd year of Jian’an (218 AD), he and Liu Bei led 100,000 troops toward Hanzhong, setting up camp at Jiameng, crossing through Jianmen several times.

Jiang Wei battled Wei generals Deng Ai and Zhuge Xu at Jianmen Pass, camping there for three months. “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” describes Jianmen Pass dozens of times. Chapter 11, “Zhuge Liang Deceives the Enemy at Qilong Mountain, Zhang He Falls into a Trap at Jianmen,” provides a particularly vivid and detailed account: “In the second month of the ninth year of Jianxing... suddenly, news came that Sun Li was leading 200,000 troops to assist in the attack, planning to raid Jianmen... Suddenly, the sound of wooden clappers rang out, and arrows flew from both sides, shooting Zhang He and over a hundred officers to their deaths in Mumen Gorge... To this day, travelers passing through Jianmen still speak of the Military Advisor’s former fame.”

Chapter 12, “Sima Yi Battles at Weiqiao, Zhuge Liang Invents the Wooden Ox and Gliding Horse”: “In the second month of the thirteenth year of Jianxing... one day, Chief Clerk Yang Yi reported: ‘Currently, all the grain is at Jianmen. Transporting it with manpower and animals is extremely difficult. What should we do?’ Zhuge Liang smiled and said: ‘I’ve had this plan for some time. The timber I previously stockpiled, along with large logs purchased from Western Shu, has been used to create wooden oxen and gliding horses, which make transporting grain very convenient.’... He ordered General Gao Xiang to lead 1,000 soldiers driving the wooden oxen and gliding horses from Jianmen directly to Qishan Camp, transporting provisions back and forth to supply the Shu army. ... ‘The perilous Jianmen drives the gliding horses, the rugged gorge navigates the wooden oxen.’”

Chapter 16, “Zhong Hui Divides His Forces on the Hanzhong Road, Zhuge Liang’s Spirit Appears at Dingjun Mountain”: “As Jiang Wei led his troops across the bridgehead, a new force approached. It was Left General Zhang Yi and Right General Liao Hua... Liao Hua said: ‘We are now surrounded on all sides, and our supply lines are cut off. It’s better to retreat to Jianmen and plan anew.’ Jiang Wei hesitated. Suddenly, news came that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai were attacking from over ten directions. Jiang Wei wanted to split his forces to meet them. Liao Hua said: ‘Bai Shui is narrow, and the Jianmen Road is rugged—it’s not suitable for battle. It’s better to retreat and save Jianmen. If Jianmen falls, we’re doomed.’ Jiang Wei agreed and led his troops to Jianmen. As they neared the pass, suddenly drums beat, war cries rose, and banners flew everywhere. A troop had taken the pass. It was truly: ‘The dangers of Hanzhong are gone, but the turmoil of Jianmen arises again.’”

Chapter 17, “Deng Ai Takes Yinping Pass, Zhuge Zhan Dies at Mianzhu”: “Zhong Hui set up camp 25 li from Jianmen. Zhuge Xu came to surrender... Jiang Wei, seeing the solemnity of the troops, felt uneasy and probed: ‘General, you’ve taken Hanzhong, a great fortune for the court. You should plan to take Jianmen early.’... Jiang Wei replied: ‘In my opinion, you could lead a force out through the Yinping small path from Hanzhong’s Deyang Ting, use a surprise attack to take Chengdu. Jiang Wei will surely withdraw to rescue it. You can then take Jianmen while it’s empty and achieve complete success.’... They set up ladders and artillery, bombarding Jianmen Pass...”

Chapter 18, “Mourning at the Ancestral Temple, a King Dies for Filial Piety, Two Men Vie for Merit in Western Shu”: “Jiang Wei, seeing the people’s longing for Han, comforted them with kind words: ‘Generals, do not worry. I have a plan to restore the Han dynasty.’ Everyone asked for details. Jiang Wei whispered the strategy to his generals. Immediately, he raised surrender flags all around Jianmen Pass...”

Chapters 16 to 18 of the book are entirely dedicated to the Battle of Jianmen.

Episode 118, "Weeping at the Ancestral Temple, a King Dies in Filial Piety; Entering Western Shu, Two Men Vie for Merit": "Seeing that the people longed for the Han dynasty, Jiang Wei comforted them with kind words, saying, 'Generals, do not worry. I have a plan that can restore the Han regime.' Everyone urged him to share it. Jiang Wei then whispered his strategy to the generals. Immediately, he ordered surrender flags to be raised all along Jianmen Pass..."

Chapters 116 to 118 of the book, three consecutive chapters in a row, all revolve around the Battle of Jianmen.

Jiange also boasts numerous relics from the Three Kingdoms period, such as the ancient Guan Tower, Wuhou Bridge, Wuhou Slope, Flag-Planting Stone, General-Pointing Platform, Camp Mouth, Zhong Hui's Former Fortress, Jiang Wei's Statue, Zhang Fei's Cypress, Guan Dao Tree, A'dou Cypress, Zhang Fei's Well, remnants of the plank roads, Kong Ming's Book Box Cave, Kong Ming's Staff, Guan Dao River, Guan Dao Stone, Deng Ai's Tomb, Jiang Wei's Tomb, Jiang Wei's Shrine, Zhang Wang Temple, Seal Platform Mountain, Beacon Tower, Horse Feeding Trough, and more.

A folk legend in Jiange depicts a corner of the Cuiping Grove Scenic Area at Jianmen Pass.

There are even more stories related to the Three Kingdoms, with nearly every relic having a vivid legend. For instance, Zhang Fei punched open a well with his fist, and Zhuge Liang hid military treatises on the cliffs of Jianmen Pass. Jianmen Pass is inseparable from the Three Kingdoms—not only evident in wars and historical figures, but even closely tied to the lives of the local people. The origin and development of Jiange tofu are linked to Three Kingdoms culture. Legend has it that when Jiang Wei guarded Jianmen Pass, he fed his soldiers with tofu and used soybean dregs to feed horses, resulting in strong troops and robust steeds that ultimately defeated Deng Ai. (By Sun Hongfang and Yang Shifu)

Another account: Jianmen Pass is a renowned and perilous mountain pass, anciently famous, located at the Dajian Mountain Pass in Jiange County, 50 kilometers south of Guangyuan. Dajian Mountain, like a sword, features continuous, steep cliffs stretching like a city wall. Where the mountain breaks, two cliffs face each other like a gate, hence the name "Jianmen" (Sword Gate). Jianmen Pass has been a military stronghold throughout history. Within the pass are Jiang Wei City, where Jiang Wei resisted Zhong Hui's 100,000 strong army, as well as ancient sites like Jiang Wei Cave, Jianggong Bridge, and Jiang Wei's Tomb. There are also scenic wonders such as the ancient Liangshan Temple, Fairy Bridge on Sacrifice Cliff, Golden Ox Gorge, Thundering Gorge, Big Tunnel, Small Tunnel, Jing, Huang Cave, Cuiping Peak, and Jade Maiden Peak.

- Cuiping Grove

Commonly known as the "Imperial Cypress Avenue," Cuiping Grove stretches from Longtan and Zhaohua in Guangyuan northward through Jiange to Zitong, and southeast to Langzhong, renowned for its "300-li journey lined with 100,000 trees." Along the Shu Road, ancient cypresses tower above, their dense canopies blocking out the sun, lush and verdant, resembling overarching umbrellas. Walking along the path, one feels neither the summer heat nor the winter cold. Over 8,000 ancient cypresses remain today. Legend has it that when the Shu Han general Zhang Fei marched through the area, the rugged mountain paths were hard to navigate, so he ordered his soldiers to plant cypresses along both sides of the road to mark the way, giving rise to the tale of "Zhang Fei's Cypresses." Today, the ancient road is shaded by verdant cypresses, resembling a green jade corridor—creating the marvel of Cuiping Grove. Later generations praised it with the verse: "The verdant cypress of Marquis Huan stands proud for millennia; the seven-fold screen of Quci rises like a hundred-zhang mast."

- Jiange Tofu

Introduction

"Jiange Tofu" refers to the uniquely crafted tofu produced around Jianmen Pass in the Jiange Shu Road Scenic Area.

As the saying goes: A visit to the world’s most formidable pass is incomplete without tasting Jiange tofu. Jiange tofu is a specialty of Jianmen Pass Town in Jiange County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province—the site famed for "the unparalleled peril of Jianmen." One variety of Jiange tofu

Features

Tofu in Jiange is made using stone mills and crank mills, yielding less residue and producing tofu that is not only abundant but also smooth, tender, and delightful to eat. Dining on the quaint streets of Jianmen Pass Town, simply step into any eatery, and the menu is overwhelmed with tofu dishes—hundreds of names that dazzle the eyes before the appetite.

Tofu is a traditional, widely enjoyed food, rich in nutrition, capable of strengthening the body, healing ailments, beautifying the skin, and prolonging life. In ancient times, it was called "dragon brain." "Jiange Tofu" refers to the uniquely crafted tofu produced around Jianmen Pass in the Jiange Shu Road Scenic Area of Jiange County, Sichuan.

Historical Legend

Historical records indicate its origins trace back to the Western Han Dynasty, initially crafted and enjoyed by noble houses in certain prefectures of Anhui and Hubei, later spreading to regions along the Han River and Huai River. The tofu-making technique in Jianmen Pass Town originated during the Three Kingdoms period and has a history of over a thousand years. Legend says that after the Shu Han general Jiang Wei was defeated by the Wei generals Zhong Hui and Deng Ai in Hanzhong, he retreated to the perilous Jianmen Pass. At the time, Jiang Wei’s troops were exhausted and unfit for battle, and their horses were too weary to ride—the northern gateway of Shu, Jianmen Pass, was in imminent danger. A local official in Jianmen proposed a plan: close the pass for three days without battle, commanding households to grind soy milk and serve tofu to the soldiers while feeding soybean dregs to the horses. After resting and recovering for three days, Jiang Wei led just 5,000 soldiers down the pass and decisively defeated Zhong Hui, driving Wei forces back dozens of li and lifting the siege of Jianmen.

Another legend tells of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang passing through Jianmen on his way into Shu. Exhausted and pining for his beloved concubine Yang Guifei, he could neither sleep nor eat. When served a bowl of Jiange tofu, his appetite instantly returned. Delighted, he proclaimed the locally grown soybeans as "Imperial Beans."

Craftsmanship Features

Tofu in Jianmen Pass Town is made from soybeans grown in the gravel, oil-sand soil of the Jiange mountain region, using water from the "Jianquan" Springs originating from the seventy-one peaks of Jianmen. The process involves soaking beans, grinding, filtering residue, boiling the slurry, coagulating, and dehydrating. Jiange tofu is snow-white, tender, and delicious, with a smooth taste and subtle fragrance, coupled with exceptional resilience. Using cooking methods such as stir-frying, deep-frying, sautéing, braising, stewing, steaming, scalding, or serving cold, over 200 varieties of dishes can be prepared.

Innovative Tofu

Cuiping Grove Scenic Area along the Jianmen Shu Road

Nowadays, visitors to Jianmen Pass can also sample innovative tofu dishes. These are divided into two types: creative shape and creative flavor. The former includes creations like Water Well Tofu—a clear glass cup inverted in the center of a white plate, filled halfway with water and topped with a radish-carved lotus petal floating atop. Patrons are instructed: do not touch the cup, just enjoy the surrounding medley of tofu. Guests eat, admire, and puzzle over how the dish was created, adding an entertaining twist to the meal.

A typical creative-flavor dish is Pregnant Tofu. Shaped like a mother rabbit about to give birth, the dish consists of a dozen golden-yellow, elliptical tofu balls. The "rabbit’s belly" contains layers—egg-wrapped tofu and tofu-stuffed meat, each layer distinctly flavored.

Four Key Features

Over centuries, Jiange locals have developed various tofu-making and culinary techniques, gradually creating a distinctive local delicacy. Compared to tofu from other regions, its four standout traits are: first, its snow-white color; second, its delicate texture; third, its remarkable elasticity—it can be diced, pulled into strips, sliced, or shredded effortlessly without breaking; fourth, its exquisite flavor, surpassing even that of tofu made in Jiange County’s seat just 30 km away. Although chefs skilled in Jiange tofu-making have been summoned elsewhere, the resulting tofu differs notably in both color and taste. The reasons are threefold: first, the soybeans grown in Jiange’s rocky, sandy mountain soil benefit from dry, well-aerated conditions, yielding high-protein, fatty beans; second, the water used comes from springs atop Jiange’s seventy-two peaks, rich in mineral content that enhances flavor; third, the production method is meticulous and unique.

Hometown of Tofu

Jiange tofu emphasizes cooking methods, with over 80 varieties including stir-fried, deep-fried, roasted, braised, steamed, pan-fried, simmered, and cold dishes. In recent years, with the development of Jianmen’s Three Kingdoms culture, over ten new varieties—such as Lantern Tofu, Pregnant Tofu, Grass Boat Stealing Arrows, Flooded Seven Armies, and Eight Trigrams Formation—have been introduced. Though Jianmen has a population of just over a thousand, it hosts more than 130 tofu shops. Upon entering this ancient town, one feels immersed in a “tofu homeland,” with tofu dishes displayed on tables, simmering in pots, steaming in baskets. Tourists visiting Jianmen and travelers on the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway dine almost exclusively on tofu.

Jiange tofu is not only high in quality and flavor, but also affordable. Tofu shops often offer complete tofu banquets for 30–40 yuan per table, priced by quality. Solo diners or couples ordering just one or two dishes can enjoy a filling meal for just a few yuan. In short, after exploring the majestic Jianmen Pass, savoring Jiange tofu is truly a rare delight.

Jiange Tofu Banquet

Jiange tofu has evolved into an entire culinary series, comprising over 100 dishes. Recommended: Snowflake Tofu, Minced Meat Tofu, Immortal Tofu, Bear Paw Tofu; and a Guinness World Record holder—the "Jianmen Pass Tofu King."

Tofu King

Recently, the Guinness World Records headquarters in London, UK, announced that the "King of Tofu" created at Jianmenguan on September 28, 2003, has been officially recognized as a Guinness World Record, becoming the world’s most acknowledged largest, heaviest, and most tasted tofu. The "King of Tofu" measures 2.2 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, 0.9 meters in height, and weighs 3,300 kilograms.

Jianmenguan Dried Tofu

This refers to a green, vacuum-packed snack made from Jianmenguan tofu as the base material, processed through pressing and brining. It boasts a great texture, high nutritional value, and comes in multiple flavors. Its bulk varieties are even more distinctive, and freshly made ones are especially delicious.

- Jianmenguan Scenic Area

(I) Geographic Overview of Jianmenguan

The Jianmenguan Mountain Range is an extension of the Longmen Mountain range. It stretches across Yuanba District of Guangyuan City and the northern part of Jiange County, extending southeastward for hundreds of miles. The area features abrupt peaks, mountain waves, and sea-like clouds. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, roughly elliptical in shape, predominantly characterized by low mountain landforms. The hills are dense, valleys crisscrossed, mountains continuous and precipitous, and ridges rise abruptly into the sky.

Jianmenguan Mountain forms a natural barrier in northern Sichuan with its strategically treacherous terrain, where passes are perilous and have always been contested battlegrounds. Starting from Tianxiong Pass to the northwest of Zhaohua, the northern side includes Baiweiling, Yuntaishan, Maojiazhai, Motianling, and Tudi Guan. The southern side features Dongshanzhai, Jianmenguan, Kuzhuzhai, Xiaodiaoyan, Yanshizhai, and Qingqiangling. Together, they form the famous perilous passes of the ancient Shu Road. The saying “The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the blue sky” and “The fearful path is jagged and steep, hard to climb” refer precisely to this place.

The formation of Jianmenguan Mountain occurred over a long geological evolution. The Jianmenguan alluvial fan at the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin's Longmen Mountain foothills formed thick layers of conglomerate that surfaced and are known as the Chengqiangyan Group Jianmenguan Formation, also called Jianmenguan Conglomerate. From top to bottom, the Jianmenguan rock strata display diminishing layers of conglomerate, decreasing pebble sizes, and gradually increasing pebbly mudstone. The rock strata incline asymmetrically southeastward, with the northern slope steep and the southern slope gradually gentler. These geological features have shaped the unique and precipitous landscape of Jianmenguan Mountain.

Jianmenguan Mountain lies within the fault-fold zone at the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin. During the Jurassic period (approximately 200–140 million years ago), the surrounding areas of Sichuan rose to form mountains while the basin accumulated water into a lake. Intense weathering and erosion provided abundant sediment from the mountains into the lake basin, forming the North and South Bashan Lakes and the Shuhu Lake. In the Cretaceous period (approximately 140–65 million years ago), Jianmenguan Mountain was located at the northern edge of the Shuhu Lake and the frontal mountain zone of the Longmen Mountains. When the Longmen Mountains rose sharply, Jianmenguan alluvium and conglomerates were deposited. During the Himalayan movement, the Longmen Mountains rose again forcefully.

As a result, Jianmenguan Mountain was further uplifted, forming the Jianmenguan we see today.

Jianmenguan Mountain was anciently known as Liangshan, consisting of Greater and Lesser Jian Mountains. It forms the southwestern section of the Jianmenguan Mountain Range, located 30 kilometers from present-day Jiange County. The mountains rise abruptly into the sky with perilous cliffs towering high, stretching northeast to southwest for over a hundred li, exuding grand momentum. The main peak, Greater Jian Mountain, has a summit shaped like a sword thrust into the air, with rocky cliffs stretching horizontally and resembling a fortified city. At the break of the cliffs, two crags stand opposite each other with a narrow passage in between—resembling a grand gate, hence the name “Jianmen” (Sword Gate). The rugged terrain of Jianmen has historically served as the strategic throat connecting the Qin and Shu regions.

Wuzishan (Five Peaks Mountain) is the highest peak in the Jianmenguan Mountain Range, with an elevation of 1,330 meters. Its shape is sharp and round, towering high into the sky. Below each of the five peaks lies a cave. The cave beneath the first peak is called “Laolong Cave,” which is the source of the Xianxi River in Jiange County. The Five Peaks area enjoys plentiful rainfall, high peaks, and deep clouds that bring ever-changing weather and landscapes, including the natural sight “Five Peaks Clear Haze,” one of the Eight Famous Sceneries of the prefecture and county.

The Jianmenguan Mountain area boasts rich vegetation. Its forests mainly consist of evergreen conifers like cypress and pine, along with deciduous broadleaf trees such as alder, oak, and minor amounts of poplar, tung, maple, and elm. The region is rich in natural resources including natural gas, bentonite, placer gold, and uranium ore.

(II) Rivers and Water Systems

The Jianmenguan Mountain Range accumulates stones that block clouds and is crisscrossed with ravines, naturally forming streams. Rainwater collected from the Jianmenguan Mountains follows the terrain, which is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, converging from trickles into streams that flow through creeks and valleys, eventually joining the Qingshui River system and then emptying into the Jialing River. Rivers originating from Jianmenguan include the Xi River, Wenxi River, and Greater and Lesser Jianxi Rivers. The Xi River originates from the southwestern part of the Wuzishan watershed and flows through Dongbao, Wulian, Zhengxing, Kaifeng, Yingshui, Zheba, and Changling in Jiange County, then through Nanbu County and Langzhong City, before joining the Jialing River. The Wenxi River originates from the southeastern part of the Wuzishan watershed and flows through Yandian, Beimiao, Pu’an, Wenxi, and into the Jialing River at Jiangkou. The Greater and Lesser Jianxi Rivers originate respectively from Heishanguan in Jianmenguan Town and Beipujia Gully in Hanyang Town. The two streams converge at the Jianmen Pass to the Dashigou area, flowing into the Qingshui River. The Qingshui River then joins the Bailong River at Zhangjia in Quhui Township before emptying into the Jialing River.

(III) Climate

The Jianmenguan Mountain area has a subtropical humid monsoon climate. The climate is mild, sunlight is moderate, and there are four distinctive seasons with obvious continental monsoon characteristics. Due to geographical location and diverse terrain, vertical climatic differences are significant, and small regional climate variations are pronounced—showcasing different climates at varying altitudes.

There is a large temperature difference between high mountaintops and valley areas. Overall, temperatures decrease with altitude. Precipitation is ample but shows a steep single-peak distribution, unevenly spread across time and space, often creating scenarios where “the sun shines in the east while it rains in the west.” The average annual temperature in the Jianmenguan Mountain area is about 15.4°C, with an average annual rainfall of 1,039.4 mm. Local wind direction varies noticeably with the seasons; southerly winds prevail in summer, while northerly winds dominate in winter. The frost-free period lasts approximately 270 days annually. Mornings and winters are often foggy, and the multi-year average sunshine duration is 1,328.3 hours.

The seasonal climate characteristics of the Jianmenguan Mountain area are as follows: Spring sees rapid temperature increases, frequent spring droughts, cold waves, and sandstorms, with few rainy days and occasional late spring cold snaps. Starting from January, temperatures rise gently and comfortably, with apricot, peach, and pear blossoms blooming in succession. Wildflowers adorn the hillsides, birds sing among scented blooms, and a full view of spring scenery unfolds.

Summer brings high temperatures and concentrated rainfall. At the peak of summer, daily maximum temperatures range between 30–36°C. Evaporation rates are high, resulting in a hot and humid environment. July and August experience concentrated rainfall, often bringing heavy rain and mountain floods. However, due to the influence of altitude, valley climates tend to be hot, while mountain tops remain cool—especially after summer rain when the air turns fresh, and rainbows span across mountains, creating almost fairy-tale-like scenes. The Liangshan Temple at Jianmenguan was historically a site for immortal cultivation and now serves as a summer retreat for travelers.

Autumn marks the transitional season between summer and winter, when cold air invades from the north and warm air retreats. Fog and rainy days increase in the area. The mountains become shrouded in mist and clouds, offering marvelous views. During prolonged autumn rains or while walking through the Cuiyun Corridor, visitors encounter uniquely serene sceneries. A Qing Dynasty poem by Qiao Bo, the governor of Jianzhou, described it: “Moss flowers dampen clothes in rain, swaying branches send a cool breeze.”

Winter is the season of strongest cold and dry air in the area. Freezing conditions are marked, the weather is dry, and days with wind increase. January is the coldest month, but days with below-zero temperatures are rare, and the frost period is short—frost begins in early December and ends in early March. Snow is uncommon on valley floors, but mountain peaks offer snowy vistas with white-draped landscapes. Zhang Wentao's poem “Encountering Snow at Jianmen” reads: “Treading old footprints in the muddy earth, cold clouds connect distant villages. Tonight’s dream of returning home is blocked; wind and snow sweep out of Jianmen.”

- Jianmenguan Town

Jiange County’s Jianmenguan Town is named after the world-famous pass—Jianmenguan. It lies 14 kilometers south of the county seat, covering an area of 132.7 square kilometers, and administers 15

administrative villages, 1 neighborhood committee, 105 villager groups, 4,687 households, and 17,216 residents. It currently has 23,857 mu of arable land. National Highway 108 runs through the town. The area is home to the “Jianmenguan Shu Road National Scenic Spot,” “Jianmenguan National Forest Park,” “Jianmenguan National Geological Park,” and “Cuiyun Corridor National 4A-level Scenic Area,” boasting abundant natural tourism and forest resources. In recent years, the town has thoroughly implemented the Scientific Outlook on Development. With goals of enriching the people and strengthening the town, focusing on industrial development, and aiming to coordinate urban-rural development and improve people’s livelihoods, it has optimized its industrial structure. Seizing opportunities and implementing plans rigorously, it has built a new Jianmenguan that is developmental, innovative, ecological, service-oriented, and harmonious.

Address: Jianmenguan Town, Jiange County, Guangyuan City

Type: Forest

Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

Opening Hours:

Opening hours:

Same as the Jianmen Shudao Scenic Area: 8:30–18:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Admission is included in the Jianmen Shudao Scenic Area general pass.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of National Scenic Areas

· 28th Batch of National 5A-Level Tourist Attractions (July 2015)