Mingyue Gorge Ancient Plank Road: A Historic Passage Through the Cliffs
The Mingyue Gorge Ancient Plank Road is located in Chaotian District, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, China. It sits at the entrance of the Jialing River Valley and marks the starting point of the Jianmen Shu Road Scenic Tourist Line. Once a crucial transportation route, this ancient road was carved into cliffs to connect the region, playing a vital role in both daily life and military strategy. It’s one of the most famous Chinese tunnel roads.
When was the Mingyue Gorge Ancient Plank Road built?
The plank road, also called the Pavilion Road, was constructed by ancient civilizations to facilitate movement through the rugged terrain. Alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal, it is considered one of China’s greatest ancient engineering feats, reflecting the ingenuity of the Shu Han Dynasty.
Dating back more than 2,300 years, Mingyue Gorge has served as Sichuan’s northern gateway, linking the region to Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. It has been known by different names, originally called Chaotian Gorge, referring to Chaotian Town, where Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once passed while fleeing the An Lushan Rebellion. Later, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was renamed Mingyue Gorge, inspired by a poem from Li Bai, though locals still use its original name.
Why is the Mingyue Gorge famous?
The gorge is about 4 kilometers long and 100 meters wide, with steep cliffs flanking both sides. To the east is the famous Chaotian Ridge, and the valley itself plunges to a depth of 2 kilometers. The Jialing River flows through this dramatic landscape, carving a natural barrier that once made travel treacherous.
Over centuries, multiple routes were built through Mingyue Gorge, earning it the nickname "China’s Road Traffic Museum." These include:
- The Pre-Qin Dynasty Plank Road (one of the earliest cliffside roads)
- The Jialing River Waterway
- The Bird Path of the Tracker (a perilous footpath used by laborers)
- The Jinniu Post Road (an ancient postal route)
- The 108 National Highway
- The Baocheng Railway Double Line
Can I drive through the Mingyue Gorge?
In 2016, following earthquake damage, major restoration efforts were undertaken at Mingyue Gorge and the Thousand Buddha Cliff. A significant change was the diversion of the highway, preserving the historic site while improving visitor access. The plank road was extended, and new viewpoints—such as Tiger’s Mouth, an observation area above the gorge—were added.
Today, the site is open only to tour buses, with private vehicles restricted. The reconstructed plank road offers spectacular views of the gorge, making it one of the most impressive examples of ancient Chinese cliff roads.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic: https://you.m.autohome.com.cn/details/113393