Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area

Address Hedongdian Town, Hantai District, Hanzhong, Shaanxi
Hours 08:30–17:30 (Mar–Nov) / 08:30–17:00 (Dec–Feb)
Phone +86 916 2291866
Announcement: Popular / Historical
Entrance ¥80
Hours 08:30–17:30 (Mar–N...
Best Season April–October; avo...
Time needed 3-4h
Last visit: Aug 25, 2026
Author: Hong Ma
Reviewer: Zhenyu Shi

Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area Overview

Known as the 'Hometown of Plank Roads', it was a vital transportation route crossing the Qinling Mountains in ancient times, centered on the Baoxie Plank Road and Shimen Reservoir.

Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–17:30 (Mar–Nov) / 08:30–17:00 (Dec–Feb)
  • Best season: April–October; avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) if possible.
  • Ticket note: CNY 80 (high season), booking recommended via official WeChat. Concessions for s...

Essential Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 916 2291866
  • Parking lot (fee)
  • Restrooms
  • Visitor center
  • Shuttle bus (extra fee)
  • Boating (reservoir area)
  • Food stalls

How to Get to Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area

From Hanzhong city, take bus No. 102 or a taxi (approx. 30 min, ~CNY 50). Self-driving via G5 Expressway, exit at Hanzhong.

Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 110, 120, or Scenic Area Rescue: +86 916 2291866

Practical Info

  • Hedongdian Town, Hantai District, Hanzhong, Shaanxi
  • 08:30–17:30 (Mar–Nov) / 08:30–17:00 (Dec–Feb)
  • +86 916 2291866
Hong Ma
Hong Ma
Certified Master Tour Guide
Hong Ma, a Lanzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the 8-Day Hexi Corridor expedition, ancient Buddhist grottoes pilgrimage, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.0 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • CNY 80 (high season), booking recommended via official WeChat. Concessions for s...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Plank road surfaces can be slippery after rain. Not wheelchair accessible on ancient sections.

Reality Check

  • The ancient plank road is narrow; one-way passing is enforced during peak days. Expect long queues to enter the scenic area and board shuttle buses on public holidays.
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Recent Reviews

4.0 ★★★★☆ (5)
Kai_Travels May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This place is a hidden gem! Shimen Plank Road isn't crowded like the big-name attractions, and the feeling of walking along the cliff with the river rushing below is genuinely thrilling. I loved the small waterfalls that you pass under—they cool you off on a hot day. The staff at the ticket booth were friendly and gave good tips on the best photo spots. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure.

Sandy_Explor May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I visited Shimen Plank Road expecting an easy, scenic stroll, but was disappointed by how poorly maintained parts of it were. Some wooden planks are loose and creaky, which felt unsafe, especially near the cliff edge. The views are decent but not jaw-dropping compared to other spots in the region. For the entrance fee, I'd say skip it and go to a better-maintained scenic area nearby.

Paul.the.tre May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid 4 out of 5. The plank road offers some unique perspectives, especially the section where you look straight down into the gorge. What kept it from a 5 was the lack of shade—we went around noon and it got brutally hot. Also, there are no benches along the way, so you have to keep moving. Bring water and a hat and you'll have a good time.

eliza_advent May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Came here with my family on a weekend and it was pretty crowded. The scenery is nice, but honestly, the whole experience felt overhyped. The plank road itself is just a long wooden path—nothing special. Plus, the souvenir stands at the entrance are way overpriced. We finished in under an hour and felt like we paid too much for a short walk.

Jake_Nomad May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Honestly, Shimen Plank Road was a highlight of my trip. The wooden walkway hugs the cliff so closely you can almost touch the rock face, and the view of the river winding through the canyon below is breathtaking. I went early in the morning and had the whole place almost to myself—just the sound of birds and the creak of the boards. Absolutely worth the drive out here.

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Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area Travel FAQ

Can I use Google Maps in Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area?
Google Maps is blocked in China. Download Baidu Maps or Amap before arriving, enable offline maps for Shaanxi Province, and use GPS navigation without data. The park has free Wi-Fi at the entrance, but it's slow and requires a Chinese phone number for verification.
How to book Shimen Plank Road tickets without a Chinese phone number?
Use Trip.com's English website or app. Select "Shimen Plank Road Scenic Area," choose your date, and pay with an international credit card. You'll receive a voucher via email—show the QR code and your passport at the foreign tourist lane. No Chinese number needed.
Is the plank road safe for children or people with fear of heights?
The West Route plank sections are narrow and exposed, with drops of 50+ meters. I wouldn't recommend it for young kids or those with severe acrophobia. The East Route is safer, with wider paths and railings. If unsure, stick to the east side and skip the cliff edges.
What payment methods are accepted inside the park?
Most vendors accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. To use these as a foreigner, set up Alipay's "TourPass" with your passport and top up using a foreign card. Cash (RMB) works at ticket offices and some snack stalls, but mobile payment is faster. No foreign credit cards directly.
How to get back to Hanzhong if I miss the last bus?
Walk to the main road (Highway 316) and look for shared minivans or taxis. Minivans cost RMB 15-20 per person and run until 6 PM. Alternatively, use Didi—but you'll need mobile data. I keep the Didi app pre-loaded with my hotel address as a backup.
Do shops at Shimen Plank Road accept credit cards or only mobile pay?
Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is the absolute king. For 95% of transactions, especially with independent vendors, it's the only option they'll present. The official shops in the visitor center might have a POS machine for international cards, but I wouldn't rely on it. The connection can be spotty, and the process is unfamiliar to staff. Your safest bet is to have Alipay or WeChat Pay fully functional. For detailed guides on setting these up as a foreigner, check the official help pages on Alipay's international site or WeChat's official site.
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