Jianmenguan

　　    Jianmenguan, located 15 kilometers south of Jiange County in Sichuan Province, lies on the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin’s fault-fold zone, at the midpoint between the Greater and Lesser Jian Mountains. Surrounded by steep cliffs and jagged peaks resembling swords, with opposing cliffs forming a natural gate-like opening, it earned the name "Jianmen" (Sword Gate). It is one of China’s most renowned natural passes, celebrated as the “Most Precipitous Pass Under Heaven,” “The Number One Pass in the World,” and “The Gateway to Shu.” The Three Kingdoms period Shu Han Chancellor Zhuge Liang once built a 30-li plank road here and established a defensive post, known as “Jian’ge.” The famous line from the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai’s “The Hard Road to Shu”—“The Jian’ge is towering and steep; a single brave man can hold it against ten thousand”—further spread its fame nationwide. In 1982, it was listed among the first batch of National Key Scenic Spots by the State Council; in September 2010, it was designated as a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction.

　　    The towering Jianmen Pass guards the throat of the route into Shu. Due to its strategic and treacherous terrain, it has always been a fiercely contested military stronghold. Legend has it that during the Warring States Period, King Hui of Qin sought to annex Shu but found no way in.

　　    He falsely claimed he would present the Shu king with five golden oxen and five beauties. Believing the offer, the Shu king dispatched five strong laborers who split the mountains and carved a path through to Qin to welcome the beauties and transport the oxen—thus opening up the Shu Road, later known as the “Golden Ox Road,” or the Jianmen Shu Road.

　　    During the Three Kingdoms period, when Shu Chancellor Zhuge Liang led his army to campaign against Wei, he passed through the Greater Jian Mountains. Impressed by the majestic peaks and perilous terrain, he ordered soldiers to chisel into the rock faces, erect beams across gorges, and construct plank roads. Zhuge Liang launched six northern expeditions against the kingdom of Wei, using this area to stockpile provisions, station troops, and train soldiers. He also built a stone gate within the canyon between the cliffs of the Greater Jian Mountains, constructing a fortified pass and stationing troops to guard it. When the Wei general Zhong Hui, Commander of the Western Pacification, led 100,000 elite troops to advance into Hanzhong and push toward Jianmenguan to seize Shu, the Shu general Jiang Wei held the fort with just 30,000 soldiers, successfully holding off Zhong Hui’s massive army outside the pass. Truly, “a single brave man can hold it against ten thousand.”

　　    Jianmenguan is the core scenic area of the Jianmen Shu Road National Key Scenic Spot and the main part of the Jianmenguan 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 Seclusion of Qingcheng”—Jianmenguan stands out above the rest. Historically, it has been said, “To capture Jianmenguan is to take Sichuan.” It served as a vital stronghold along the ancient Jianmen Shu Road. Total area: 186.2 square kilometers. Planned area: 142 square kilometers.

　　    Jianmenguan is a gap in the middle section of the hundreds-of-li-long Greater Jian Mountains, where seventy-two peaks stand like sharp swords, forming a natural barrier. With the imposing presence of “a single brave man can hold it against ten thousand,” it holds extremely significant

　　    strategic geographical importance. Over a hundred battles have taken place here, more than ten emperors have visited, and countless literati have left nearly four thousand works of art. The Shu general Jiang Wei once relied on this natural stronghold to repel 100,000 Wei troops outside the pass. Existing relics include the site of the pass built by Zhuge Liang, ancient temples, precious stone inscriptions, and the famed Four Sceneries of Jianmen (Jianmen Drizzle, Liangshan Pine Waves, Sunset Cliffs, and Snow-Dusted Emerald Clouds), as well as the Four Wonders (Jiang Wei’s Stone Statue, Millennium Redbud, Evergreen Pines and Cypresses, and Jian Mountain Stone Bamboo Shoots).

　　    Major attractions in the Jianmenguan Scenic Area include: Jianmenguan, Jian’ge Path, Jianmenguan Tower, Jian’ge Post Road, Seventy-Two Peaks, Lesser Jian Mountain, Jiang Gong Shrine, Jiang Wei’s Tomb, Deng Ai’s Tomb, Zhong Hui’s Old Rampart, Golden Ox Road, Rear Gate, Stone Bamboo Shoot Peak, Liangshan Temple, Thunder Valley, Emerald Screen Peak, Immortal Peak Temple, Ancient Jianxi Bridge, and Zhigong Temple.

　　    The World’s Most Majestic Pass

　　    The original ancient fortress gatehouse was a three-story upturned-eave arrow tower, with a horizontal plaque hanging in the center inscribed “The World’s Most Majestic Jianmen Cliffs.”

　　    The plaque on the top floor was inscribed “Gateway to the Heavens.” Unfortunately, this magnificent ancient gatehouse, 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 stone stele inscribed “Jianmenguan.” The current gatehouse was rebuilt in 1992 on the original site as a more spectacular antique-style structure. During the devastating 2008 “5.12” earthquake, tourism in Jiange suffered extensive damage—seven scenic areas were affected with 100% damage—and Jianmenguan also sustained partial destruction. To restore the splendor of this world-renowned pass, the Jiange County government invested heavily in reconstruction and upgrades. Based on the master plan prepared by Tongji University, the Jianmenguan Scenic Area will be divided into five major scenic zones: Greater Jianmen, Zhigong Temple, Leiming Valley, Wulipo, and Cuiping Corridor, with the first four zones alone covering 75 square kilometers. The overall architectural style is based on the Han Dynasty, emphasizing the grandeur, peril, seclusion, and depth of Jianmenguan.

　　    Tourism Resources

　　    To achieve the goal of building the Jianmenguan Scenic Area tourist map

　　    [5]Jiange has taken various measures. Jianmenguan combines grandeur, peril, seclusion, beauty, and wonder. Beyond its majestic mountains and perilous passes, it is also famed for the profundity of its canyons, the elegance of the Cuiping Corridor, the strangeness of its rocks, and the peculiarity of its caves. There are numerous scenic spots and cultural relics. Currently developed sites include: the “Seventy-Two Peaks” of the Greater and Lesser Jian Mountains, Immortal Peak Temple, Liangshan Temple, Emerald Screen Peak, Jinghuang Cave, Screen Wall, Leigong Valley, Fairy Bridge, Jade Maiden Peak, Large and Small Tunnel Caves, Sacrificial Cliff, One-Line Sky, Stone Bamboo Shoot Peak, Rear Gate, Yingpan Mouth, Jiang Wei’s Tomb, Ganhe Dam, and others. Today, a cable car at the foot of the Greater Jian Mountains takes visitors up to Stone Bamboo Shoot Peak, then along cliffside paths and mountain sky ladders to reach the summit’s Liangshan Temple and Emerald Screen Peak. Alternatively, visitors can take the perilous mountain sky ladder from the Rear Gate to Stone Bamboo Shoot Peak, then climb cliffside paths to the summit. Liangshan Temple is said to be named after Emperor Wu of Liang from the Southern and Northern Dynasties, who came here to practice Buddhism. The “Jinghuang Cave” beneath Emerald Screen Mountain is said to have been named after Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who hid gold, silver, jewels, and Buddhist scriptures here while fleeing the An Lushan Rebellion. On the mountaintop east of the gatehouse, overlooking the perilous Jianmenguan, lies “Yingpan Mouth,” also called “Jiang Wei City,” where Jiang Wei once stationed troops. There are also Qing Dynasty artillery emplacement ruins, and on the right cliff is an inscription in the handwriting of Prince Guo, the seventeenth son of Emperor Kangxi, reading “The First Pass.” These historic sites and legends add charm and delight to the beautiful natural scenery, making visitors linger in awe. A visit to Jianmenguan offers a vivid experience of the line from the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai’s “The Hard Road to Shu”: “The road to Shu is harder than scaling the blue sky.”

　　    Three Kingdoms Culture

　　    Jianmenguan is the centerpiece of the Jianmen Shu Road National Scenic Area, the first group of national key scenic spots announced by the State Council. Here, the Jianmen landscape

　　    [6]features sheer cliffs and precipitous terrain, serving as the essential overland gateway into Sichuan and the “Shield of Northern Shu, Throat of Two Shus.” Jianmenguan is rich in Three Kingdoms cultural heritage, extensively recorded in the official history “Records of the Three Kingdoms” and described in detail numerous times in the novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” To this day, Three Kingdoms relics abound and stories are widely circulated.

　　    The construction of Jianmenguan and the establishment of Jiange County are both tied to the Three Kingdoms era. According to “Huayang Guozhi” (Chronicles of Huayang), “When Zhuge Liang was in Shu, he chiseled through stone and erected aerial beam bridges to build plank roads for travelers, establishing Jianmenguan here.” “Yu Di Guang Ji” (Broad Records of Geography) also states: “Shu Han Chancellor Zhuge Liang... seeing the thirty-li plank road as extremely dangerous, posted 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 Jianmenguan, strengthening its defenses. Moreover, with Jianmenguan as the hub, he integrated the over 1,000-li route from Hanzhong to Chengdu into a cohesive whole. This secured the safety and accessibility of the Jianmenguan Road—from Chengdu to Zitong, through Jianmenguan, past Jiameng and Baishui, to Yang’an Pass in Mian County, Shaanxi, and into Hanzhong—which laid the foundation for Zhuge Liang’s future northern campaigns from Jianmenguan.

　　    [7] including the “Shu Han Northern Expedition Relief Sculpture.”

　　    According to records, before proclaiming himself emperor, Liu Bei traveled back and forth through Jianmenguan four times. Adding the sixth chapter of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” which describes Liu Bei returning to Jiameng Pass to watch Zhang Fei and Ma Chao battle on his way to attack Chengdu, brings the total crossings to six. Zhuge Liang also traveled through Jianmenguan many 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 Jianmenguan. Chapter 65 of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” says he secretly returned to Jiameng on his way to attack Liu Zhang in Chengdu, using a clever ploy to win over Ma Chao. Chapter 27 says that in July of the 23rd year of Jian’an (218 AD), he and Liu Bei led 100,000 troops toward Hanzhong, setting camp at Jiameng, crossing paths with the pass multiple times.

　　    Jiang Wei battled Wei generals Deng Ai and Zhuge Xu at Jianmenguan, camping there for three months. “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” describes Jian’ge dozens of times. Chapter 110, “Zhuge Liang Pretends to Be a God from the Qilong Mountains, Zhang He Falls for the Trick at Jian’ge,” provides a particularly vivid and exciting 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, heading for Jian’ge... then, with a loud clatter of wooden clappers, tens of thousands of crossbows fired simultaneously, shooting Zhang He and over a hundred officers to their deaths in Mumen Valley... to this day, travelers passing through Jian’ge still speak of the Marshal’s legendary name.”

　　    Chapter 111, “Sima Yi Battles at Weiyuan Bridge, 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: ‘At present, all the grain is at Jian’ge. Transporting it with manpower and animals is difficult—what should we do?’ Zhuge Liang smiled and said: ‘I’ve had this plan for some time. The timber accumulated earlier, along with large logs purchased from Western Shu, has been used to make wooden oxen and gliding horses, which transport grain with great ease.’... He ordered General Gao Xiang to lead a thousand men driving wooden oxen and gliding horses from Jian’ge straight to Qishan, transporting provisions to supply the Shu army. ... ‘The peril of Jian’ge drives the gliding horses, the rugged valley challenges the wooden oxen.’”

　　    Chapter 116, “Zhong Hui Divides His Forces Along the Hanzhong Road, Zhuge Liang’s Spirit Appears at Dingjun Mountain”: “Just then, Jiang Wei led his troops across the bridgehead. As they marched forward, another army approached—it was Left General Zhang Yi and Right General Liao Hua. ... Liao Hua said: ‘We’re surrounded on all sides, our supply lines cut off. We’d better retreat to Jian’ge and make a new plan.’ Jiang Wei hesitated. Suddenly, news came that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai were attacking from over ten directions. Jiang Wei wanted to split forces with Zhang Yi and Liao Hua to meet them. Liao Hua said: ‘Baishui is narrow and the Jian’ge roads are many—it’s not fit for battle. We should retreat for now and go save Jian’ge. If Jian’ge falls, we’re doomed.’ Jiang Wei agreed and led his troops to Jian’ge. Approaching the pass, suddenly drums beat, war cries rose, and banners flew as an army took up the gate. It was just as the saying goes: ‘Though the dangers of Hanzhong are gone, the turmoil of Jian’ge rises again.’”

　　    [8]Chapter 117, “Deng Ai Takes Yinping Pass, Zhuge Zhan Dies at Mianzhu”: “Zhong Hui set camp 25 li from Jian’ge. Zhuge Xu came to surrender... Jiang Wei, seeing the solemnity of the troops, grew uneasy and probed: ‘General, you’ve taken Hanzhong—a great fortune for the court. You should plan to take Jian’ge early.’ ... Jiang Wei replied: ‘In my view, you could lead a force out the Yinping small path from Hanzhong’s Deyang Pavilion, use elite troops to take Chengdu directly. Jiang Wei will surely withdraw to rescue it. You can then take Jian’ge while it’s empty and claim full merit.’ ... They set up cloud ladders and artillery platforms, bombarding only Jianmenguan...”

　　    Chapter 118, “Mourn the Ancestral Temple, a King Dies in Filial Piety, Enter Shu, Two Men Vie for Merit”: “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.’ All asked for details. Jiang Wei whispered the strategy to his officers. Immediately, they raised white flags of surrender all around Jian’ge...”

　　    Chapters 116 to 118 of the novel consecutively depict the Battle of Jian’ge.

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

　　Jianmen is also home to numerous relics from the Three Kingdoms period, such as the ancient Guanlou Tower, Wuhou Bridge, Wuhou Slope, Flag-Planting Rock, General-Pointing Platform, Camp Mouth, Zhong Hui's Old Fortress, Jiang Wei's Divine Statue, Zhang Fei's Cypress, Guandao Tree, Adou's Cypress, Zhang Fei's Well, remnants of plank roads, Kongming’s Book Chest Cave, Kongming’s Staff, Guandao River, Guandao Rock, Deng Ai’s Tomb, Jiang Wei’s Tomb, Jiang Wei’s Shrine, Zhangwang Temple, Yintai Mountain, Beacon Towers, Horse Feeding Trough, and more.

　　A corner of the Jianmenguan Cuìyún Corridor scenic area as depicted in local folklore.

　　[9] There are even more stories related to the Three Kingdoms, with almost every historical site having its own vivid legend. For instance, there’s the tale of Zhang Fei punching open a water well with his fist, or Zhuge Liang hiding military treatises on the sheer cliffs of Jianmenguan. Jianmenguan is inseparable from the Three Kingdoms—not just through warfare and figures, but even through the everyday lives of the people. The origin and development of Jianmen tofu are tied to Three Kingdoms culture. Legend has it that when Jiang Wei was stationed at Jianmenguan, he fed his soldiers tofu to keep them strong and used the soybean residue to feed horses, resulting in a powerful army that eventually defeated Deng Ai. (By Sun Hongfang and Yang Shifu)

　　Another version: Jianmenguan is a renowned and perilous mountain pass, anciently famous, located at the mouth of Dajianshan Mountain in Jianmen County, about 50 kilometers south of Guangyuan. Dajianshan Mountain towers like a sword against the sky, with continuous steep cliffs forming what looks like a city wall. At the point where the mountain splits, two cliffs face each other like a gate, hence the name “Jianmen” (Sword Gate). Jianmenguan has been a strategic military stronghold throughout history. Within the pass are Jiang Wei’s City, where he held off Zhong Hui’s 100,000 troops, along with historical sites like Jiang Wei’s Cave, Jianggong Bridge, and Jiang Wei’s Tomb. There are also scenic wonders such as the ancient Liangshan Temple, Immortal Bridge at Sacrificial Cliff, Golden Ox Gorge, Thundering Gorge, Big Tunnel, Small Tunnel, Jing, Huang Cave, Cuiping Peak, and Jade Maiden Peak.

　　-Cuìyún Corridor

　　Cuìyún Corridor, commonly known as the “Imperial Cypress Avenue,” stretches from Longtan and Zhaohua in Guangyuan in the north, through Jianmen, to Zitong, extending southeast to Langzhong. It’s said there are “three hundred li of road lined with one hundred thousand trees.” Along the Shu Road, ancient cypresses tower overhead, their dense canopies providing shade and verdant beauty, creating a leafy canopy that makes one unaware of the summer heat or winter chill while walking beneath them. Today, over 8,000 ancient cypress trees remain. Legend says that when the Shu Han general Zhang Fei led his troops through this area, the rugged mountain paths made navigation difficult, so he ordered his soldiers to “plant cypress trees along the road” on both sides of the route, giving rise to the famous tale of “Zhang Fei’s Cypresses.” Now, the ancient path is lined with lush greenery and towering old cypresses, resembling a verdant jade corridor—creating the spectacular view of the Cuìyún Corridor. A later poet praised it: “The verdant cypresses of Duke Huan stand tall through the ages, while the seven twists of Qiqu display a hundred-zhang screen.”

　　-Jianmen Tofu

　　Introduction

　　“Jianmen Tofu” refers to a unique variety of tofu produced in the Jianmenguan area of the Jianmen Shu Road Scenic Region.

　　As the saying goes: If you don’t eat Jianmen tofu, your trip to this world-famous mountain pass is wasted. Jianmen tofu is a highlight of Jianmenguan Town, Jianmen County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province—the very place known as “the most perilous pass under heaven.” One variety of Jianmen tofu

　　[10] Features

　　In Jianmen, tofu is made using traditional stone mills and hand-turned grinders, which produce less soybean residue. The resulting tofu is not only abundant but also smooth, tender, and delicious. When dining on Jianmenguan’s simple streets, stepping into any eatery will reveal a menu filled entirely with tofu dishes—hundreds of options that dazzle the eyes before even satisfying the appetite.

　　Tofu is a traditional, popular food rich in nutrition, capable of strengthening the body, treating illnesses, beautifying the skin, and prolonging life. In ancient times, it was referred to as “dragon brain.” “Jianmen Tofu” specifically refers to the unique tofu produced in the Jianmenguan area of the Jianmen Shu Road Scenic Region in Jianmen County, Sichuan.

　　Historical Legend

　　According to historical records, its origins trace back to the Western Han Dynasty, initially prepared and enjoyed in the mansions of nobles and high-ranking officials in certain states and counties of Anhui and Hubei, before becoming popular along the Hanshui and Huaihe rivers. The tofu-making technique in Jianmenguan Town originated during the Three Kingdoms period and has a history of over a thousand years. Legend has it 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 treacherous Jianmenguan Pass. At the time, Jiang Wei’s troops were exhausted and unfit for battle, and their horses were too weary to ride. The strategic northern barrier of Shu, Jianmenguan, was in imminent danger. A local official in Jianmen quickly proposed a plan to Jiang Wei: close the pass for three days without fighting, and order all households to grind soy milk and prepare tofu to nourish the soldiers, using soybean residue to feed the warhorses. After the troops and horses regained their strength, they would fight again. This strategy proved highly effective. The soldiers and horses quickly recovered their vigor. Three days later, Jiang Wei led just five thousand troops down the pass and decisively defeated Zhong Hui, forcing the Wei troops to retreat dozens of li and set up camp, thereby relieving the crisis at Jianmenguan.

　　Another story tells that when Emperor Xuanzong of Tang passed through Jianmenguan while traveling into Shu, he suffered from fatigue and longing for his beloved concubine Yang Guifei, leaving him unable to sleep or enjoy his meals. When served a bowl of Jianmenguan tofu, he suddenly regained his appetite. In a moment of joy, he decreed that the region’s signature soybeans be honored as “Imperial Beans.”

　　Craftsmanship Features

　　The tofu of Jianmenguan Town uses soybeans grown in the gravelly, oil-sandy soil of the Jianmen mountain area and water from the “Jianquan” spring originating from the seventy-one peaks of Jianmen. The process involves soaking beans, grinding them into pulp, filtering the residue, boiling the slurry, coagulating the milk, and dehydrating it. Jianmen tofu is snow-white in color, delicate and delicious, with a smooth texture that lacks bitterness and even carries a faint fragrance. It also boasts remarkable toughness. Using cooking methods such as stir-frying, deep-frying, sautéing, braising, steaming, boiling, cold mixing, and more, over 200 different tofu dishes can be prepared.

　　Innovative Tofu

　　Jianmenguan Shu Road Cuìyún Corridor Scenic Area

　　[11] Nowadays, visitors to Jianmenguan can enjoy innovative tofu dishes too. These so-called “innovative tofus” fall into two categories: creative shapes and creative flavors. The former includes dishes like Water Well Tofu, where a glass cup is inverted in the center of a white plate—two-thirds filled with clear water and topped with a tiny radish-carved lotus flower floating on the surface. Waitstaff instruct diners not to touch the cup—it’s for display. The real treat is the mixed tofu surrounding it. Guests enjoy their meal while pondering how the dish was made, adding an element of fun to the dining experience.

　　A prime example of flavor innovation is Pregnant Tofu. This dish resembles a pregnant rabbit, with around a dozen golden-yellow oval tofu balls. The entire plate looks like a mother rabbit carrying her young, with the “belly” containing layers of egg-wrapped tofu and tofu-stuffed meat, each layer distinct in flavor.

　　Four Major Characteristics

　　Over centuries, the people of Jianmen have developed numerous tofu preparation and cooking techniques, gradually forming a distinctive regional specialty. Compared to tofu from other areas, its standout features are fourfold: First, its snow-white color; second, its delicate texture; third, its exceptional toughness—it can be cut, pulled, sliced, or shredded effortlessly without breaking apart; and fourth, its delicious taste—even tofu made in Jianmen County town, just 30 kilometers away, can’t compare. It’s said that chefs from the county and other regions have been brought in to replicate Jianmen’s tofu-making skills, yet the results differ greatly in both color and flavor. The reasons are threefold: first, the soybeans grown in Jianmen’s mountainous, gravelly soil benefit from dry, well-ventilated conditions, producing beans with high protein and fat content; second, the water used to make Jianmen tofu comes from springs of the seventy-two peaks of Jianmen, rich in mineral content, enhancing the flavor; and third, the meticulous and unique production techniques.

　　Land of Tofu

　　Jianmen tofu emphasizes diverse cooking methods, offering over 80 varieties including stir-frying, deep-frying, roasting, braising, steaming, pan-frying, stewing, and cold mixing. In recent years, with the development of Jianmen’s Three Kingdoms culture, new creations like Lantern Tofu, Pregnant Tofu, Grass Boat Stealing Arrows, Flooding of Seven Armies, and Eight Trigrams Formation have emerged. Though Jianmen has only a population of a thousand or so, it boasts over 130 tofu shops. Upon entering this ancient town, one feels as if arriving in a “land of tofu”—tables display tofu, pots cook tofu, steamers steam tofu, and tourists visiting Jianmen, as well as travelers on the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway, all dine on tofu.

　　Not only is Jianmen tofu high-quality and delicious, but it’s also affordable. Tofu restaurants often offer set tofu banquets, priced per table at around thirty to forty yuan, depending on quality. For one or two diners, ordering just one or two dishes for just a few yuan is enough for a satisfying meal. In short, after exploring the majestic Jianmenguan Pass, taking the time to savor Jianmen tofu is truly a rare delight.

　　Jianmen Tofu Banquet

　　Today, Jianmen tofu has evolved into a full series of dishes, totaling over a hundred recipes. Recommended dishes include Snowflake Tofu, Minced Pork Tofu, Immortal Tofu, and Bear Paw Tofu. The Guinness World Record “Jianmenguan Tofu King”

　　[12] Tofu King

　　Recently, the Guinness World Records headquarters in London, UK, announced that the "Tofu King" created at Jiange Pass on September 28, 2003, has been officially recognized as a Guinness World Record, becoming the world's largest, heaviest, and most widely tasted tofu. The "Tofu King" measures 2.2 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, 0.9 meters in height, and weighs 3,300 kilograms. [13]

　　Jiange Dried Tofu

　　Refers to a green, vacuum-packed leisure food made from Jiange tofu as the raw material, processed through pressing and brining. It boasts a pleasant texture, high nutritional value, and comes in various flavors. The bulk varieties have more distinctive flavors, and those made on the same day are even tastier.

　　- Jiange Pass Scenic Area

　　(1) Geographic Overview of Jiange Pass

　　The Jiange Mountain Range is an offshoot 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. Here, peaks rise abruptly amid sea-like clouds and mountain mists. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, roughly elliptical in shape, predominantly characterized by low mountains with dense ridges and crisscrossing ravines, forming perilous, continuous mountain ranges and soaring, steep ridges.

　　Jiange Mountain forms a natural barrier in northern Sichuan due to its strategic and precipitous terrain. The passes are treacherous and have always been contested battlegrounds. Starting from Tianxiong Pass to the northwest of Zhaohua, the northern side includes Baiweiling, Yuntai Mountain, Maojiazhai, Motianling, and Tudi Pass. On the southern side are: Dongshanzhai, Jiange Pass, Kuzhuzhai, Xiaodiaoyan, Yanshizhai, and Qingqiangling. Together, they constitute the famous perilous passes of the ancient Shu Road. The phrases “The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the blue sky” and “The fearful path is jagged and steep; I can’t even think of climbing it” refer to this area.

　　The formation of Jiange Mountain is the result of long-term geological tectonic movements. The Jiange alluvial fan at the northern edge of the Longmen Mountain foothills in the Sichuan Basin accumulated thick layers of conglomerate rock that surfaced, known as the Jiange Pass Formation of the Chengqiangyan Group or also referred to as Jiange Pass Conglomerate. From top to bottom, the Jiange rock layers show decreasing numbers of conglomerate layers, smaller gravel sizes, and increasing amounts of conglomeratic mudstone. The rock strata incline unevenly toward the southeast in a monocline structure — the northern slope is steep while the southern slope gradually flattens. These geological features contribute to the rugged and precipitous nature of Jiange Mountain.

　　Jiange Mountain is located in 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 filled with water to become a lake. Due to intense weathering and erosion, the mountains supplied abundant sediments to the lake basin, forming the North and South Bashan Lakes and the Shu Lake. During the Cretaceous Period (approximately 140–65 million years ago), Jiange Mountain was situated along the northern edge of the Shu Lake in the frontal mountain belt of Longmen Mountain. As Longmen Mountain underwent strong uplift, the Jiange alluvial fan and Jiange conglomerate were formed. During the Himalayan Movement, Longmen Mountain experienced another significant uplift.

　　[14], further highlighting Jiange Mountain and forming the Jiange Mountain we see today.

　　Jiange Mountain, anciently known as Liangshan, consists of Greater and Lesser Jiange Mountains. It forms the southwestern section of the Jiange Mountain Range, located 30 kilometers from today’s Jiange County seat. With its soaring ridges and steep cliffs, the mountain stretches over a hundred li from the northeast to the southwest, majestic and imposing. Its main peak, Greater Jiange Mountain, resembles a sword piercing the sky, with sheer stone walls stretching continuously, resembling fortress walls. At the break in the cliffs, two precipices stand opposite each other with a narrow passage in between, resembling a grand gate — hence the name "Jiange" (Sword Gate). The precipitous geography of Jiange made it a vital throat for transportation between Qin and Shu.

　　Wuzishan is the highest peak in the Jiange Mountain Range, with an elevation of 1,330 meters. Its summit is sharp and round, towering into the clouds. Beneath each of its five peaks lies a cave; the one beneath the first peak is called "Laolong Cave," which is the source of the Wenxi River in Jiange County. The Wuzishan area enjoys plentiful rainfall, high peaks, deep clouds, and ever-changing weather, making the natural landscape of “Wuzi Clear Mist” one of the scenic wonders of the region.

　　The Jiange Mountain area is rich in vegetation. The local forests consist mainly of evergreen coniferous trees such as cypress and pine, deciduous broadleaf trees such as alder and oak, along with small amounts of poplar, tung, maple, and elm. The area also holds mineral resources such as natural gas, bentonite, placer gold, and uranium.

　　(2) River Systems

　　The Jiange Mountain Range accumulates stones and obstructs clouds, with ravines running in all directions. Rainwater naturally gathers into streams. The precipitation collected by Jiange Mountain flows from higher elevations in the northwest to lower ones in the southeast, where trickles converge into streams that meander through gullies and valleys, eventually joining the Qingshui River system and flowing into the Jialing River. Rivers originating from Jiange Mountain include the Xi River, Wenxi River, and Greater and Lesser Jiange Streams. 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 before continuing into Nanbu County and Langzhong City, where it joins the Jialing River. The Wenxi River originates from the southeastern part of the Wuzishan watershed and flows through Yandian, Beimiao, Pu’an, and Wenxi before emptying into the Jialing River at Jiangkou. The Greater and Lesser Jiange Streams originate respectively from Heishanguan in Jiange Town and Beipujia Gully in Hanyang Town. The two streams converge between Jiange Pass and Dashigou before flowing into the Qingshui River, which then joins the Bailong River at Zhangjia in Quhui Township and ultimately flows into the Jialing River.

　　(3) Climate

　　The Jiange Mountain area has a subtropical humid monsoon climate. The climate is mild, with moderate sunlight, distinct seasons, and noticeable continental monsoons. Due to its geographic location and varied terrain, vertical climatic differences are significant, and microclimates vary greatly. Different altitudes bring different climates, with substantial temperature differences between high mountain peaks and valley lowlands.

　　[15] Temperatures vary greatly with altitude. Precipitation is ample but distributed in a steep single-peak pattern, with uneven spatial and temporal distribution, often resulting in scenarios where “the sun shines in the east while it rains in the west.” The average annual temperature in the Jiange Mountain area is about 15.4°C, with an average annual precipitation of 1,039.4 mm. Local wind directions change noticeably with the seasons — southerly winds prevail in summer, while northerly winds dominate in winter. The frost-free period lasts approximately 270 days annually. Fog is common in autumn and winter, and the multi-year average annual sunshine duration is 1,328.3 hours.

　　Seasonal climate characteristics in the Jiange Mountain area are as follows: Spring sees rapid temperature rises, but instability with frequent cold air intrusions, fewer rainy days, and occasional late spring cold snaps. Starting in January, temperatures climb gently, becoming mild and pleasant. Apricot, peach, and pear blossoms bloom in succession, wildflowers flourish in the mountains, birds sing among fragrant blooms, and spring scenery abounds.

　　Summer is hot with concentrated rainfall. Peak summer temperatures range between 30–36°C, with high evaporation rates, heat, and humidity. July and August bring concentrated rainfall, often leading to heavy rain and mountain floods. However, altitude impacts the climate — lower mountain areas tend to be hot, while mountaintops remain cool. Especially after initial summer rains, the air turns fresh, and rainbows may span the mountains, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. The Liangshan Temple at Jiange Pass was historically a site for Taoist cultivation and now serves as a summer retreat for visitors.

　　Autumn is a transitional season between summer and winter, when cold air from the north invades and warm air retreats, increasing foggy and rainy days. Mountain mists envelop the landscape, creating marvelous views. During prolonged autumn rains or while strolling along the emerald-green Cloud Corridor in the mountains, unique scenery unfolds. A Qing Dynasty poem by Qiao Bo, the magistrate of Jiange Prefecture, reads: “Moss flowers dampen clothes in the rain, swaying branches brush cool breezes.”

　　Winter is the season when the region experiences the strongest dry, cold air, marked by significant freezing, dry climate, and increased windy days. The coldest month is January, although temperatures rarely fall below zero, and the frost period is short — frost begins in early December and ends in early March. Snow is rare on lower plains but visible on high mountain peaks, where snow-capped summits create a silvery-white spectacle. Zhang Wentao wrote in his poem “Encountering Snow at Jiange”: “Treading on old tracks in muddy paths, cold clouds stretch far toward home villages. Tonight, dreams of returning over mountain passes are cut off, as wind and snow sweep out of Jiange Pass.”

　　- Jiange Pass Town

　　Jiange County’s Jiange Pass Town, named after the world-famous Jiange Pass, is located 14 kilometers south of the county seat. It covers an area of 132.7 square kilometers, governs 15

　　administrative villages, 1 neighborhood committee, 105 villager groups, 4,687 households, and 17,216 residents, with 23,857 mu of arable land. National Highway 108 runs through the town. The area boasts national-level tourist attractions such as the “Jiange Shu Road National Scenic Area,” “Jiange National Forest Park,” “Jiange National Geological Park,” and the “Cuiyun Corridor National 4A-Level Scenic Spot,” offering abundant natural tourism and forest resources. In recent years, while thoroughly implementing the Scientific Outlook on Development, the town has pursued goals of enriching the people and strengthening the town, focused on industrial development, and emphasized coordinated urban-rural development and improved livelihoods. It has optimized its industrial structure, seized opportunities, and implemented initiatives diligently, building a new Jiange that is developmental, innovative, ecological, service-oriented, and harmonious.

　　Jiange Pass is a