The archaeological Gallery Roads (simplified Chinese: 栈道; traditional Chinese: 棧道) were routes traversing remote mountainous regions of China. The roads were fashioned using wooden planks securely fastened within holes carved into cliff sides. Primarily found in the Qin Mountains, they connected the Wei River and the Han River valleys. The first gallery roads were built during the Warring States period (476–221 BC) and used by Qin to invade Shu and Ba. They were fully consolidated into a thriving network during the Han dynasty. Before the 20th century, very primitive versions were used in the western gorges of the Pamir Mountains.
 A type of ancient trackway in China | |
| Alternative names | 栈道 |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | China |
Introduction
Gallery Roads, Cliff Roads or Plank Roads are notable engineering accomplishments in ancient Chinese history. These infrastructures were predominantly constructed to ease transportation across cliffs in rugged mountainous areas.[1] The Shu Road serves as a prime illustration, traversing some of China's most rugged and desolate terrains, including the Qinling and Daba Mountain ranges. Functioning as a crucial link between the Wei River valley and the ancient capital of Chang'an, this road employed the plank road technique to secure pathways across cliffs and steep ravines.[2]
The construction of gallery roads was tailored to the specific topographical features of the surrounding terrain, resulting in unique structural implementations.[3] The most prevalent type of gallery road is a wooden plank road anchored to cliffs using holes and wooden piles, subsequently covered with wooden boards. An alternative method involved carving stone roads directly into cliff faces.[1]
Modern reconstructions of gallery roads incorporate materials like steel and stone to improve durability. Additionally, specific sections feature glass components aimed at attracting tourists.[4]
Historical evidence of Gallery Road
Shudao
Shudao is the general name of the historic road that was constructed through the Qinling, Micang and Daba mountainous barrier. The main function of the Shudao is to connect the Wei River valley (today's Guan Zhong) with the ancient capital Chang’An (today's Xi’An) in the north with Shu (today's Chengdu) in the south.[5] The Shu Roads pass through some of the most rugged and desolate terrains in China. The first major highways were most likely built in the Warring States (481–221 BCE) period. During the Qin (221–206 BCE) and Han (206 BCE – 220 CE) dynasties, this road network was massively improved upon. For the most part, the roads were built through natural corridors which had already been established as travel routes by their inhabitants. To build these important paths along the steep and dangerous cliff, the builders used the innovative road-building technique known as "Gallery Road" to fix the roads on the rock walls and cross the mountains, rivers and valleys.[2]