An 81-year-old woman from the US, Hope Justman, had the title bestowed upon her of lifetime tourism promotion ambassador of Shudao, an ancient passageway to Sichuan, amid the gate building of Jianmen Pass Scenic Area on March 19.

US friend Hope Justman (L) receives a letter of appointment as lifetime tourism promotion ambassador of Shudao on March 19. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

"I am truly honored," she said with a radiant smile, "Moving forward, I am committed to introducing more people to the wonders of Shudao, just as I have done in the past."

On the previous day, a melodrama featuring the Three Kingdoms era (220-280) was staged at Jianmen Pass. It highlights key events that took place there such as strategist Zhuge Liang's decision and general Jiang Wei's military commands.

Hope shared her excitement about the performance. "While I had some prior knowledge of the Three Kingdoms culture through books, witnessing these lifelike enactments in person left a more profound impact."

Hope Justman (in pink and dark grey) watches a melodrama featuring the Three Kingdoms era on March 18. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Hope's remarkable journey spans traversing the vast ocean 24 times. Over five years, she painstakingly crafted the English guidebook for walking along the Shudao and established a specialized website to showcase Chinese history, culture, and traditional customs.

This year marks Hope's 24th expedition along the ancient Shudao. "The millennia-old cypress trees and pathways serve as living testaments to history," she shared with journalists. "When I gaze upon them, it's as though I can transcend time and connect with our shared heritage."

Hope mused that her deep-rooted "obsession" likely stems from an inexplicable soul connection with this ancient route. "It feels like I belong here, even though I cannot recall it," she remarked with a chuckle.

Hope Justman expresses her love for Shudao in Chinese. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Decades of unyielding devotion have only deepened her affection for the Shudao. Now, as an octogenarian, she harbors a steadfast desire to revisit Shudao annually for as long as she is able.

"Shudao holds a special place in my heart. I am grateful to delve into centuries of cultural richness and savor the breathtaking landscapes it offers," She said. "Guangyuan is great, and I hope Shudao can be a bridge between China and the US, uniting us through its beauty."