广元市

Why this place

Guangyuan is where the old road from the north enters Sichuan, and its Qianfoya cliff has more than 7,000 Buddhist carvings cut in the Tang and Song — one of the largest such groups in China. It is also the main rail gateway to Jiuzhaigou.

What to see

• The Qianfoya (Thousand Buddha Cliff) carvings, right beside the road
• The Mingyue gorge and the ancient Shu road plank paths, cut into the cliff face
• The Jianmen Pass, the great gate on the Shu road, and the old plank road sections

What to eat

• Sichuan northern cooking — hearty, with cured pork and river fish
• Guangyuan is known for its 'walnut' dishes — the local walnuts are a protected product

Best time

March–May and September–November