Lesser-known Spring Festival travel destination in northern Sichuan - Guangyuan, the hometown of Wu Zetian

During the Spring Festival, I recommend you to visit Guangyuan, a lesser-known city in northern Sichuan. Guangyuan is famous for being the hometown of Wu Zetian, and is the northernmost city in Sichuan, very close to Xi'an. Guangyuan has a special geographical location, it is a key town of Shu Gate, the core of Three Kingdoms culture, an ancient military fortress, and an important activity place for the Red Army. One of the top ten famous passes, Jianmen Pass, is here. When you come to Guangyuan, it is recommended to visit Huangze Temple, which is the ancestral temple of Empress Wu Zetian. The cliff carvings in the temple are shocking and can be described as the hometown of imperial grace. Phoenix Mountain Park is a comprehensive park in Guangyuan city. There is a Phoenix Tower on the top of the mountain, which is the landmark of Guangyuan city. You can overlook the whole city of Guangyuan from the tower. Note that the lights are turned off and the park is cleared at 6 o'clock, so it's a pity that you can't see the night view. Qianfo Cliff is also worth a visit, with more than 7000 large and small statues preserved on the cliff, which is very spectacular, known as the 'Art Gallery of Stone Carvings of All Ages', admiring the greatness of ancient craftsmen. Jianmen Pass in Guangyuan is very famous. It is said to have been split and opened because of the temptation of five golden bulls and five beauties to the king of Shu. The two sides are towering cliffs, leaving only a slit to pass through, which has been a must-contest place for the military since ancient times. Reciting the full text of 'The Difficulty of Shu Road' can exempt the entrance fee to Jianmen Pass. Choosing Bird Road to enter is not so thrilling, but Ape Road is very exciting. Both are 'Z'-shaped routes that need to be close to the cliff, taking about 6 hours. Friends who like excitement are recommended to try. For friends who like climbing, I personally think Jianmen Pass is enough to climb. Finally, when you come to Guangyuan, it is recommended to go to Zhaohua Ancient City. This is a famous ancient city during the Three Kingdoms period. The history of more than 4000 years is well preserved, and many famous scenes and relics are here. Guangyuan food still can't escape the spicy flavor of Sichuan. You must try Jianmen Tofu, and Sichuan pickled fish is also super delicious. It takes one and a half hours from Chengdu to Guangyuan, and two hours from Xi'an to Guangyuan, both are super close. Friends who are allowed by the itinerary are recommended not to miss Guangyuan, this small city on the Shu Road. Recommended must-visit attractions in Guangyuan: 📍Jianmen Pass, 📍Zhaohua Ancient City, 📍Huangze Temple, 📍Qianfo Cliff Recommended three-day and two-night itinerary in Guangyuan: DAY1: Huangze Temple—Qianfo Cliff—Phoenix Tower—Guangyuan Museum DAY2: Jianmen Pass—Totem Square DAY3: Zhaohua Ancient City—Return trip 📍About Guangyuan food: 🔥Jianmen Tofu, 🔥Steamed Cold Noodles, 🔥Qingchuan Copper Hot Pot, 🔥Braised Bread, 🔥Pickled Noodle Fish, 🔥Thousand-layer Tofu Skin... ✅TIPS: Sichuan has been known as the Land of Abundance since ancient times, and Guangyuan is a key route in the Sichuan Basin. Here gathers the essence of mountains and rivers and the civilization of Shu Road, it is really worth a visit!