Zhaohua ancient town in Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province, is the best preserved historic site of the Three Kingdoms (220-280AD), namely the three separate states of Wei, Shu and Wu of ancient China.

An aerial view of Zhaohua ancient town [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

The town, perched along the Bailong River, Jialing River and Qingjiang River, is an important example for studying the politics, military, and economy of the state of Shu or Shu Han.

The Tianxiong Pass stands proud in Zhaohua ancient town in Guangyuan, Sichuan province. [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

In 221AD, Liu Bei founded the State of Shu Han in Chengdu,Sichuan. At that time, when traveling from Chengdu to Chang'an, capital of the then central government, it was necessary to go through the Jiameng Pass in Zhaohua. Thus the town was historically known as the "throat of the State of Shu Han and the key to the north of Sichuan".

Many heroes, such as Zhuge Liang, one of the most famous master strategists in China, and the famous generals Zhang Fei and Ma Chao, used to make legends here.

A night view of the Zhaohua ancient town [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

Today, the Three Kingdoms-themed art festival and tourism festival are held annually, during the Spring Festival holiday and National Day Golden Week, attracting tourists and scholars from all parts of China.

In 2003, when restoring the ancient town, Guangyuan invited professors from China's prestigious Sichuan University and Tongji University to guide local rescue efforts.

Zhanshengba gets its name from the war in which Zhang Fei fought against Ma Chao [Photo/share.gyxww.cn]

Historic spots, including the Confucius Temple, ancient government offices, Gu's Courtyard and old walls, have been rebuilt on their past sites in accordance with original designs.

"My deepest impressions of Zhaohua are the  incredible efforts in cultural conservation. I feel that the cultural atmosphere is particularly strong while viewing folk performances and the ancient complexes, such as the examination shed," said Yang Zhihong, deputy editor-in-chief of the Dubai News Network, during her recent trip to Zhanhua.