Things to do in Guangyuan

The road to Shu is difficult, more difficult than ascending to heaven. Every step we take has profound meaning: it's good exercise, we see beautiful scenery, and we also see the mountains and rivers of our great motherland. The first hour was very tiring, but we climbed the narrow, winding path.

Although the Thousand Buddha Cliff in Guangyuan is not a large scenic area, the Buddha statues are exquisitely carved. Overlooking the rolling waters of the Jialing River, the high-speed trains occasionally roar past on the opposite side, as if it is a dialogue between Buddha and modern time and space.

●Tourism Experience: The ancient city is characterized by its Three Kingdoms culture, with its antique cobblestone streets and alleys exuding a rich historical atmosphere. Visitors can experience a leisurely, lively atmosphere and admire the confluence of three rivers and the Tai Chi-like landscape of mountains and water. Folk performances and storytelling can be watched at certain times, and the nighttime scenery is particularly beautiful. Overall, it's a great place for a leisurely stroll, taking photos, and sampling Sichuan snacks. ●Tourism Suggestions: The ancient city streets are free to enter. It's recommended to start by strolling along the main street, allocating half a day to a full day. Staying overnight allows you to fully appreciate the nighttime views. Some smaller attractions charge admission, but a combined ticket is a good deal. Zhaohua West Market is a hub for food, where you can try hot pot fish, Taishou fried dough twists, and wooden hammer pastries, among other delicacies. ●Transportation: High-speed rail + tourist shuttle bus (highest recommended): A direct tourist bus service from Guangyuan High-speed Railway Station to Zhaohua Ancient City provides a seamless connection between the high-speed rail and the scenic area. Departure times: 9:50, 11:50, 13:10, and 15:10 from Guangyuan Station, 4 trips daily. Ticket price: 10 yuan/person from Guangyuan Station, 9 yuan/person from other stations. Travel time: Approximately 30-50 minutes, directly to the scenic area visitor center. Ticketing methods: Online purchase via the "Guangyun Shenma" mini-program, or purchase at the station window. Stops along the route: Guangyuan High-Speed ​​Railway Station → Nanhe Bus Station → Yushu Jiayuan → International Trade City → Quhui Health Center → Zhaohua Ancient City. Minibus: Take the Guangyuan-Zhaohua minibus from Guangyuan Nanhe Bus Station, approximately 30 minutes, 9 yuan/person; or take Baolun No. 1 bus, approximately 20 minutes, 2 yuan/person. Driving: (The Zhaohua entrance/exit is currently under renovation and cannot be accessed; it is recommended to use the nearest entrance/exit to the highway). Jingkun Expressway (G5), Guangnan Expressway, Jianzhao Highway (starting from Jianmen Pass, 33 kilometers in total, about a 50-minute drive, with beautiful scenery along the way, is a top choice for self-driving tours). Parking fee: 10 yuan/car for small cars. Parking is available at the Ancient City Visitor Center, West Gate Parking Lot, and West City Parking Lot. ● Facilities and Services: The scenic area staff are generally enthusiastic and will proactively provide directions and introduce tour routes. Major paid attractions support QR code verification, making entry convenient. Accommodation, parking, and dining facilities are readily available within the ancient city, and the environment is generally clean and hygienic. ● History and Culture: Zhaohua, formerly known as Jiameng, is known as "the first county in Bashu and the second capital of Shu," and is one of the best-preserved Three Kingdoms ancient cities in China. The city retains Ming and Qing dynasty streets and alleys with a T-shaped layout paved with bluestone slabs, also featuring military defensive characteristics. Numerous Three Kingdoms relics exist, such as Jiameng Pass, Fei Yi's Tomb, and Tianxiong Pass, and stories like Zhang Fei's battle against Ma Chao are still told today. ●Notes: The ancient town has a strong commercial atmosphere with many shops along the street; some small attractions (such as the county government office, examination hall, and city wall) have simple interiors and are not very interesting, so choose according to your own preferences; there are significantly more tourists during holidays, and some areas are crowded, so it is recommended to visit during off-peak hours.

The only temple dedicated to Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, was built in the late Northern Wei Dynasty. After Wu Zetian became empress, she named it "Huangze" to commemorate her birthplace (Guangyuan), meaning "the emperor's grace extends to her hometown." I was particularly impressed by the Two Saints Hall, the Wu Zetian True Portrait Hall, the Great Buddha Hall, the Five Buddha Pavilion, the Wu Family Temple, and the place where the Heart Sutra was written. I also saw portraits of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Wu Zetian, and her parents, Wu Shihuo and Lady Yang.

It's tranquil, with ancient trees reaching for the sky, offering a glimpse into history. My parents loved it; the photos turned out great. The best parts of the trail aren't very long, and a visit would take a maximum of two hours if you like taking pictures.

Because of some unforeseen circumstances, we didn't enter the scenic area until after 2 PM. It was so cold for the Dragon Boat Festival; the wind was howling and it was raining. I hadn't brought a jacket, so I just took a quick look around. I thought it was a riverside boardwalk, but it turned out to be a mountain climb, which was too tiring, so we gave up. We only saw monkeys around the hotel in the scenic area, which was a bit of a disappointment, but the kids had a great time.

Young people can challenge themselves and feel excited. Hahaha, those who understand will understand.

It's very tiring to go straight up the cable car and experience the bird path.

Mingyue Gorge, cliffside plank road, the long winds of the Jialing River... Beneath your feet lies the ancient plank road, above you is National Highway 108, across the river is the Baoji-Chengdu Railway, and in your ears you hear the rumble of trains cutting through the mountains. Quietly experience the history of the ancient Shu Road's multi-modal transportation development...

Exceeded expectations, matches the platform's pictures and description, great value for money, highly recommended! I'm a repeat customer, always satisfied with my experience in Jiange, the hot springs are excellent, the small hot spring pools are a perfect experience!