The plank road in Bright Moon Gorge was constructed from the Warring States Period to the Song Dynasty, with a history of over 2,300 years. It ranks among China’s three great ancient engineering marvels, together with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.

Li Bai wrote in The Hard Road to Shu: "Above, lofty peaks turn back the sun’s six dragons;

Below, swirling torrents rage and double back.

Even wild swans dare not fly across;

Gibbons despair to climb and pass." These lines vividly depict the gorge’s perilous terrain.

Also called Chaotian Gorge in ancient times, this narrow valley gathers six transportation routes spanning different eras: the Jialing River waterway, pre-Qin plank road, Baocheng Railway, trackers’ path, National Highway 108 and the ancient Jinniu Post Road. It is hailed as Museum of Chinese Transportation History.

Many historic events took place along this ancient plank road, including Zhuge Liang’s six northern expeditions, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang’s journey to Sichuan, and Li Bai’s creation of The Hard Road to Shu, endowing the site with rich legend and charm.

The gorge is about 4 kilometers long and 100 meters wide. Its plank road ruins are a key part of the ancient Jinniu Road. More than 400 plank holes remain here — the largest number, most scientifically arranged and best-preserved relics of its kind, fully representing the features of ancient plank roads.

Ticket: ¥80 per person Transportation: Take the bus bound for Chaotian from Guangyuan North Gate Bus Station and get off at Bright Moon Gorge. Fare: ¥10 per person. The ride takes around 30 minutes.