Jianmen Pass is not a "tough-challenge-only" scenic spot, but a "smart-exploration" gem! Choose the right route, and you can not only experience the breathtaking grandeur of the perilous Shu Road, but also unlock the double joy of the majestic pass and stunning scenery.

First, recite The Hard Road to Shu to gain free entry. Then, choose the "North Entrance to South Exit" route. Take Cable Car Line 1 directly to the mountainside at 800 meters elevation, bypassing the most strenuous uphill part. The cable car ride lasts only six minutes, whereas hiking would take about an hour – both involve climbing steps.

After exiting the cable car, you can select from two hiking trails of varying difficulty according to your fitness level: the Bird Trail and the Ape Trail. Young adventurers are advised to take the Ape Trail, which features a 446-meter cliffside plank path with a maximum drop of 120 meters and no handrails along the way.

The thrill is similar to "walking a tightrope in the air", and the photos captured here are bound to be popular on your social media. For elders and children, the Bird Trail is a safer option – it features handrails and has a vertical drop of 120 meters, providing excitement with less risk.

Climbing the Bird Trail or Ape Trail is optional; you can also go straight to the Glass Observation Deck via Cable Car Line 2. Perched on a cliff above a 100-meter-deep abyss, the deck provides a panoramic view of all 72 peaks of Jianmen. While it might seem intimidating, it offers stunning photo opportunities.

Next, ride Cable Car Line 2 down the mountain, return to Xiannyu Corridor, and visit Jianmen Pass's famous Pass Tower. You can opt for a sightseeing bus (around eight minutes) or walk (about 30 minutes). This downhill stretch offers scenic views, making the walk more enjoyable.

Jianmen Pass is the "strategic gateway" of the Shu Road. The existing Pass Tower is a replica of a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) structure.

Only when you visit in person can you truly feel the peril described in the poem of Li Bai, one of the most renowned poets in Chinese history: "Even yellow cranes struggle to fly over; apes groan at the difficulty of climbing."

Standing atop the Pass Tower, you can look out over the endless Jian Mountain peaks in the distance and the towering cliffs nearby – as if the clash of swords, the rumble of warhorses, and the events of a thousand years are unfolding right before your eyes.