Aerial view of the Jianmen Pass Scenic Area taken from a helicopter [Photo by Xia Yu]

Around 100 photographers and journalists from China and beyond joined the "Journey Through Ancient Shudao" photography tour last week, which made its latest stop in Guangyuan, Sichuan province.

They captured the ancient splendor and cultural richness of Shudao, an ancient road system in Sichuan province that dates back over two millennia.

"The Shudao, with many segments still lush and green, has become one of the most ecologically diverse areas in China. It provides vibrant and dynamic material for news photography," said Lan Hongguang, president of the Photojournalist Society of China.

Making her first visit to Guangyuan, Han Jing, secretary-general of the Photojournalist Society of China, shared her admiration for the awe-inspiring Thousand Buddha Cliff, the picturesque Cuiyun Corridor and the grand Jianmen Pass.

"The scene where ancient shudao aligns with modern highways, railways and waterways left me captivated and eager to return," she said.

Yin Gang, president of the Photojournalist Society of Sichuan Province, has often visited Guangyuan for work over the last 30 years. Yin said Shudao is a historical symbol of Sichuan's economic development and cultural evolution.

The activity was sponsored by the Provincial Publicity Department, Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Provincial Broadcasting and Television Bureau, and the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration

Before arriving in Guangyuan, the photography group also visited other Sichuan cities, including Bazhong and Nanchong, capturing the distinct cultural essence of each location along the way.