Visitors look at ancient cypress trees shading the post road on the Shu Path. [Photo by Huang Leran for China Daily]

Consisting of two streets and two lanes, the town, constructed in the style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and early 20th century, is one of the largest and best preserved Red Army memorial sites in the country.

With a population of 120,000, a total of 12,000 people from Wangcang joined the Red Army, 3,000 of which were women, Shi says.

The building which housed the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Government, and the headquarters of the Fourth Front Army, are in the China Red Army Town.

In addition to the Red Army, Guangyuan is known as the birthplace of Wu Zetian (624-705), China's only ruling empress.

Wu was the fourth ruler of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During her reign, from 683 to 705, Wu excelled at appointing capable people and China enjoyed peace and prosperity.