Sichuan · Guangyuan - Northern Sichuan's Hidden Gem! The Hometown of Empress Wu Zetian

✨ Opening Bombshell: Why is Guangyuan worth rushing to?​ "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open" — Jiange Pass, the free-to-visit thousand-year-old Zhaohua Ancient City, Tangjia River where you might encounter giant pandas, and the imperial temple Huangze Temple dedicated to the only female emperor... Here, there’s no overcrowding like in Chengdu, no high prices like Jiuzhaigou, yet it perfectly combines magnificent nature, rich history, and vibrant local life! 3 days with just over 500 RMB per person, covering food, accommodation, and transportation—perfect for workers and students to dive right in with eyes closed～​ ​​ 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: Say no to superficial visits, experience in depth​ 1. Jiange Pass | The ultimate romance of "The Road to Shu is hard"​ Highlights: Ranked top among China’s ten major mountain passes, sky-high glass viewing platform (a hundred-meter abyss below your feet, daredevils must stand in the middle!), Bird Path / Ape Path (climbing makes your legs weak but the mountain views are godlike; if afraid of heights, choose the gentler Golden Bull Path)​ Insider Tip: Be sure to walk the "One Line Sky" trail, the sunlight piercing through the canyon is stunning! At the summit, try the "Jiange Tofu Pudding" with chili oil—perfectly soothing after a hike～​ Tips: Enter before 9 AM to avoid tour groups; wear sports shoes! The whole hike takes 3-4 hours, bring a bottle of water (prices on the mountain are a bit high)​ 2. Zhaohua Ancient City | A free stroll through a thousand years of local life​ Highlights: The best-preserved Three Kingdoms ancient city in China, without over-commercialization! Bluestone roads, Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and the "Taiji Diagram" landform at the confluence of the Jialing and Bailong Rivers​ Insider Tip: Order a cup of gaiwan tea at the "Old Teahouse" in the city center and watch locals play cards and chat—this is the true meaning of slow living～ Stay overnight in an ancient city guesthouse, with the city wall night view right outside your window, peaceful and romantic​ Tips: The ancient city is free to enter; it’s best to visit from afternoon to evening to avoid the midday sun; recommended dishes include "Ancient City Cured Meat" and "Sour Vegetable Noodles with Fish"​ 3. Tangjia River | Enter the secret realm of giant pandas​ Highlights: A 4A-level nature reserve with abundant negative oxygen ions! High chance to encounter giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and takins (the blogger saw 3 golden monkeys stealing walnuts from tourists～)​ Insider Tip: Hike along the "Red Stone River Canyon," with babbling streams and towering ancient trees—every photo looks like a forest masterpiece; don’t miss the "Tangjia River Whole Roasted Lamb" at the park entrance, finger-licking delicious​ Tips: It’s best to hire a car or drive yourself (1.5 hours from the city); wear light-colored clothes (for better photos) and bring mosquito repellent​ 4. Huangze Temple | Unlock the empress’s secrets​ Highlights: China’s only temple dedicated to Empress Wu Zetian, featuring stone carvings of Wu Zetian and cliff sculptures over 1,200 years old​ Insider Tip: Climb the "Zetian Hall" to overlook the Jialing River, the river breeze is incredibly refreshing; the guide’s "Wu Zetian anecdotes" are fascinating—spend 20 RMB on a guided tour (otherwise it’s a wasted visit)​ Tips: 10 minutes by taxi from downtown, entrance fee 50 RMB, half price for students​ ​​ 🍜 Food Bombshell: Eat until full for about 20 RMB per person, local secret list​ Guangyuan Cold Noodles: Made from rice! Served with chili oil, bean sprouts, and garlic water, spicy and fragrant, a must-have breakfast (recommended "Zhang Laoer Cold Noodle Shop" in the city, loved by locals since childhood)​ Jiange Tofu Feast: 108 ways to prepare tofu! Highly recommend "Pregnant Tofu" (tofu stuffed with meat) and "Tofu Fish," fresh and tender, about 30 RMB per person to eat until full​ Walnut Cake: Crispy, sweet, and crumbly! The "Old Walnut Cake Shop" in the city sells them for 5 RMB each; buy 10 as souvenirs, friends will fight over them​ Empress Steamed Cold Noodles: Different from regular cold noodles, softer and stickier! Drizzled with secret sauce, sweet and sour to whet your appetite, perfect to refresh after a long walk​ ​​ Itinerary Suggestions: Flexible 2-3 days, no rush, no crowds​ 2-Day Version (Weekend Special Forces):​ D1: Jiange Pass (morning) → Zhaohua Ancient City (afternoon to evening, stay in the ancient city)​ D2: Huangze Temple (morning) → City food tour (cold noodles + walnut cake) → Return​ 3-Day Version (In-depth Tour):​ D1: Jiange Pass (all day) → Zhaohua Ancient City (evening, stay in the ancient city)​ D2: Tangjia River (all day, stay near the scenic area)​ D3: Huangze Temple (morning) → City souvenir shopping → Return​ ​​ 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Maximum cost performance​ Want to experience the ancient city vibe: Choose "Gu Family Courtyard" or "Hanshou Inn" in Zhaohua Ancient City, quaint and charming, about 150 RMB per person​ Prefer convenient transportation: Stay at "Guangyuan Fengtai International Hotel" in the city, close to the high-speed rail station, about 200 RMB per person, breakfast included​ Prefer natural tranquility: "Ecological Hotel" at Tangjia River, with mountain views from the window, about 300 RMB per person, includes shuttle to the scenic area​ ​​ 💡 Blogger’s Pitfall Warnings​ Don’t buy the "full-route cable car ticket" at Jiange Pass! Hiking one-third of the way plus half the cable car ride lets you experience it without getting too tired​ Don’t buy roadside "internet-famous specialties" in Zhaohua Ancient City; stick to old shops locals frequent​ Don’t wear high heels at Tangjia River! Many rocky hiking paths, sports shoes are a must​ Guangyuan cold noodles are only available in the morning! Don’t sleep in if you want to eat them; usually sold out after 11 AM