# Jianmen Pass (剑门关)

Jiuzhaigou and Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jianmen-pass
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥105
- **Opening hours:** 8:30–16:30 (January–April), 8:00–17:00 (April–November)
- **Time needed:** 0.5–1 day
- **Getting there:** Direct buses run from Guangyuan Bus Station (Nanhe Bus Station) to the Jianmen Pass scenic area.
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Nature

## About Jianmen Pass

‘The road to Shu is harder than climbing to the heavens’: this line from Li Bai captures the perils of the Shu Road, and only by standing at Jianmen Pass can you truly grasp the commanding force of its saying that one man holding the pass can stop ten thousand.
Jianmen Pass refers specifically to the mountain peaks between Guangyuan and Jiange, which have been carved by flowing water into steep, sword-like terrain. It is known as ‘the most formidable pass under heaven’. Only by being there can you truly appreciate the marvels of nature’s craftsmanship.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. The three ancient Shu roads were Jinniu Road, Yinping Road and Micang Road. The most important, Jinniu Road, also called the Jianmen Shu Road, was the throat of the ancient Shu road network.
- 2. Cuiyun Corridor: Along the several dozen kilometres from Jianmen Pass to Jiange county town, unbroken rows of tall, straight ancient cypress trees line the road. This is the most distinctive section of the Jianmen Shu Road, known as the Cuiyun Corridor, also called the ‘Wonder of the Shu Road’.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 380. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.