HomeAustralia TravelOuter Chongqing Travel Guide - Nature, Culture & UNESCO Sites

Outer Chongqing Travel Guide – Nature, Culture & UNESCO Sites


The metropolis of Chongqing China is famend for the pure magnificence that sits on its doorstep. Our outer Chongqing Travel Guide will take you past this dynamic cyberpunk metropolis to the outer districts and counties of the municipality of Chongqing.

Here you’ll uncover historic villages, meet the Tujia and Miao minority teams and stroll amid the dramatic surroundings of the Three Natural Bridges.

Chongqing Travel Guide
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Chongqing City Tourist Attractions

Before you head to the outer districts of Chongqing, ensure to take a number of days to discover town and its surrounding points of interest.

When you go to Chongqing China, the Dazu Rock Carvings, Ciqikou Ancient Town and the Giant Pandas needs to be on the highest of your listing of locations to see in Chongqing.

In the night watch the Chongqing skyline gentle up on a Yangtze and Jialing River evening cruise and marvel on the Chongqing Drone Lightshow which is held each Saturday evening.

River cruise boat lit up at night near Hongya Cave in Chongqing, with city skyscrapers and red bridge glowing in the backgroundRiver cruise boat lit up at night near Hongya Cave in Chongqing, with city skyscrapers and red bridge glowing in the background
Yangtze and Jialing River evening cruise Chongqing

Wendy Wu Tours

Wendy Wu Tours go to these well-known Chongqing metropolis points of interest on their New Horizons of China tour, the Inspiring China tour and the Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong tour.

These tour itineraries provide a superb number of locations throughout China. Visit Beijing and the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian or take pleasure in a Yangtze River cruise earlier than discovering the wonders of Chongqing.

Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong Tour 

The Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong Tour is an unforgettable vacation season extravaganza. Highlights embody celebrating Christmas Day on a Yangtze River cruise and New Years Eve with champagne and fireworks on a Hong Kong Harbour cruise. 

From begin to end Wendy Wu excursions can have you falling in love with the historical past, landscapes and tradition of China.  

Check right here for particulars on the vary of Wendy Wu China Tours

Chongqing China Attractions Further Afield

Our outer Chongqing Travel Guide will take you to the Dazu District, Tongnan District, Wulong District, Shizhu and Pengshui Counties.

Here you’ll stroll amid charming historic villages, view picturesque pure landscapes and study in regards to the tradition and life of the Tujia and Miao minority teams.

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Dazu District

On the highest of an outer Chongqing journey information is the Dazu District. Here you’ll discover one in every of Chongqing’s most intriguing points of interest, the historic Dazu Rock Carvings.

The distance from Chongqing to the Dazu Rock Carvings is 105km (65 miles) with a journey time of round 2 hours by automobile.

Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings sit in Chongqing’s Dazu District and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching throughout greater than seventy areas, these spectacular sculptures date from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries and embody hundreds of spiritual figures carved deep into cliff faces.

Reclining Buddha and surrounding stone carvings at Dazu Rock Carvings site near Chongqing, showcasing ancient Chinese Buddhist art and cultural heritageReclining Buddha and surrounding stone carvings at Dazu Rock Carvings site near Chongqing, showcasing ancient Chinese Buddhist art and cultural heritage
Reclining Buddha Dazu Rock Carvings

Three completely different non secular practices are introduced collectively in a single place. Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian beliefs stand facet by facet. Along with peaceable Buddha carvings you’ll discover scenes that share ethical classes and non secular philosophies.

As you stroll by the positioning, it’s exhausting to not be awestruck by the hassle and craftsmanship that went into creating one thing this large so way back.

Dazu Rock Carvings 8K Dome Film

When visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings it’s effectively price watching the 8K dome movie on present on the customer centre. Soar excessive throughout the carvings to get a more in-depth view of the majesty etched into the cliff partitions.

Golden Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara statue at Dazu Rock Carvings near Chongqing, featuring intricate details and vibrant colours representing Buddhist compassion and artistryGolden Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara statue at Dazu Rock Carvings near Chongqing, featuring intricate details and vibrant colours representing Buddhist compassion and artistry
Dazu Rock Carvings 8K Dome Film

Being surrounded by the photographs actually helps you perceive simply how detailed and massive the carvings are. It’s a good way to get a really feel for the positioning and respect what you’re about to see earlier than setting off to discover it your self.

Check right here for extra data on a Dazu Rock Carvings tour

Tongnan District

One of the gems of an outer Chongqing journey information is Shuangjiang Ancient Town within the Tongnan District of Chongqing.

The distance from Chongqing to Shuangjiang Ancient Town is 160km (99 miles) and journey time is round 2 ½ to three hours by automobile.

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Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Our first glimpse of Shuangjiang Ancient Town was accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and cymbals. The sq. was crammed with pleasure as folks dancers wished us a heat welcome.

Traditional Chinese dancers performing in colourful costumes during a street festival in Shuangjiang Ancient Town, Chongqing, with wooden buildings and red lanterns in the backgroundTraditional Chinese dancers performing in colourful costumes during a street festival in Shuangjiang Ancient Town, Chongqing, with wooden buildings and red lanterns in the background
Dancers performing in Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Walking round we couldn’t assist however admire the decoratively carved wood archways and exteriors of this historic Qing Dynasty city. The Yang Family Residence can have you stepping again in time as you discover its wealthy interiors swathed in crimson and darkish wooden furnishings.

Restored Qing dynasty bedroom with carved wooden furniture, round tea table, traditional canopy bed and embroidered curtains on displayRestored Qing dynasty bedroom with carved wooden furniture, round tea table, traditional canopy bed and embroidered curtains on display
Yang Family Residence

Outside you’ll discover distributors promoting native candy treats and delicacies. One gifted vendor was making toffee lollipops. It was fascinating to observe him craft animals and bugs out of a skinny stream of sticky toffee. With a smile he handed me a good looking butterfly which I tremendously treasured.

Before we left, we loved a rousing Sichuan Opera Performance which was accompanied by musicians enjoying conventional Chinese devices.

Street food vendor selling roast duck and spicy tofu snacks in Shuangjiang Ancient Town, with traditional shopfront and colourful signage attracting locals and touristsStreet food vendor selling roast duck and spicy tofu snacks in Shuangjiang Ancient Town, with traditional shopfront and colourful signage attracting locals and tourists
Food vendor in Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Wulong District

An outer Chongqing journey information wouldn’t be full with out a journey to the Wulong District to see the breathtaking surroundings of the Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area.

The distance from Chongqing to the Three Natural Bridges is 168km (104 miles) and takes roughly 2 ½ to three hours by automobile.

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Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area

The Three Natural Bridges in Wulong are a kind of locations that can cease you in your tracks. This dramatic karst panorama is made up of three huge limestone bridges that span a deep, mist shrouded gorge.

Traditional wooden sampan with red lanterns floating on clear water in near Three Natural Bridges, Chongqing, surrounded by limestone cliffs and greeneryTraditional wooden sampan with red lanterns floating on clear water in near Three Natural Bridges, Chongqing, surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery
Peaceful scenes on the Three Natural Bridges

A tall rotating elevator takes you all the way down to a set of pathways and stairs that twist their well past waterfalls, forested cliffs and slender valleys. Suddenly you might be engulfed by the rugged magnificence of those looming pure arches.

Tourists walking through narrow gorge with towering limestone cliffs at Wulong Karst National Geology Park near Chongqing, known for dramatic natural rock formations and scenic trailsTourists walking through narrow gorge with towering limestone cliffs at Wulong Karst National Geology Park near Chongqing, known for dramatic natural rock formations and scenic trails
Walking underneath one of many Three Natural Bridges

Named after dragons, the Tianlong, Qinglong and Heilong Bridges really feel nearly otherworldly of their majesty, and it comes as no shock that they’re UNESCO World Heritage listed. The surroundings can be well-known for being the movie location of Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Check right here for extra data on excursions of the TianSheng Three Bridges

Chongqing to Shizhu County High Speed Train

Waking early, we headed to Chongqingbei Railway Station to take the high-speed prepare to Shizhu County.

Chongqing North Railway Station is very large and has indicators in each Chinese and English which makes it simpler to navigate for foreigners. Inside had been a number of eateries together with a Starbucks which was good for that early morning caffeine repair.

Ros and Alan waiting to catch the train at Chongqingbei Railway StationRos and Alan waiting to catch the train at Chongqingbei Railway Station
Waiting to catch the prepare at Chongqingbei Railway Station

The prepare was clear and cozy. Our journey was easy contemplating we had been reaching speeds of round 193km per hour. Along the route we whizzed previous small villages on our approach up into the mountains of Shizhu County.

Shizhu County Attractions

Shizhu County is residence to the folks of the Tujia minority group. When you go to the Wanshoushan Scenic Area and Wanshou Ancient Village you’ll uncover the historical past, tradition and delicacies native to the area.

TIP*
When travelling in China many western web sites corresponding to Facebook, Instagram Google and so on are routinely blocked. To keep away from being blocked it is strongly recommended that you simply pre-purchase an eSim previous to your journey.

This will guarantee you’ll be able to entry web sites as you’d again residence as quickly as you arrive. We used a Simify eSim throughout our time in China which has a inbuilt VPN and had been capable of entry all websites with out restrictions.

Purchase a Simify eSim right here.

Wanshoushan Scenic Area

In Wanshoushan Scenic Area historically dressed locals welcomed us with quite a lot of snacks and rice tea. We admired their vibrant costumes and watched a strong drum and martial arts efficiency which depicted the historical past of the county.

Ros posing with Tujia minority group performers in traditional silver headdresses and colourful dresses during cultural experience in Chongqing, all smiling and making peace signsRos posing with Tujia minority group performers in traditional silver headdresses and colourful dresses during cultural experience in Chongqing, all smiling and making peace signs
Ros hanging out with the attractive younger girls of the Tujia minority group

We walked excessive into picturesque mountain surroundings, an space that additionally pays tribute to heroine General Qin Liangyu who is known for defending the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) from assault along with her expertise in army technique, horseback driving, archery and martial arts.

As we regarded out over the mountains, we had been entertained by the joyous singing of the Tujia folks. While there we listened to the mild strum of conventional musical devices and had our names written in Chinese calligraphy.

Alan receiving personalised Chinese calligraphy scrolls from local artists during cultural activity in Chongqing, featuring traditional dress and handcrafted brushwork on golden scrollsAlan receiving personalised Chinese calligraphy scrolls from local artists during cultural activity in Chongqing, featuring traditional dress and handcrafted brushwork on golden scrolls
Alan having his title written in Chinese calligraphy

Wanshou Ancient Village

Lunch was served within the open-air sq. of Wanshou Ancient Village. Here we tasted the distinctive flavours of Tujia delicacies. Each dish served showcased the contemporary produce that Shizhu County is known for.

Traditional Chinese lunch spread in Wanshou Ancient Village, Chongqing featuring roast meat, stir-fried greens, seasonal fruit and soft drink on a blue floral tablecloth with chopsticks and clay potsTraditional Chinese lunch spread in Wanshou Ancient Village, Chongqing featuring roast meat, stir-fried greens, seasonal fruit and soft drink on a blue floral tablecloth with chopsticks and clay pots
Lunch Banquet at Wanshou Ancient Village

After ingesting the final bowl of wine, it’s custom to smash the bowl on the ground. Surprise rapidly turned to enjoyable and laughter as all of us took our flip smashing these shallow earthenware bowls to the bottom.

The laughter continued once we surrendered to the beat of the drums and joined within the Tujia folks dancing.

Pengshui County Attractions

Pengshui County is residence to the Miao minority group. Popular vacationer points of interest embody the Miao Ethnicity Village and Chiyou Juilicheng Scenic Area.

The distance from Chongqing to Chiyou Juilicheng Scenic Area is 215 km (133 miles) and is round 3 hours’ drive from central Chongqing.

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Chiyou Juilicheng Scenic Area

Chiyou Jiuli City in Pengshui County is the most important conventional Miao constructing complicated in China. Set into the mountains, it pays tribute to Miao folks traditions, historical past and structure by cultural shows and performances.

Visitors walking through rain-soaked plaza with reflections of illuminated traditional Chinese buildings at night in Chiyou Jiuli City with hillside temples glowing in the backgroundVisitors walking through rain-soaked plaza with reflections of illuminated traditional Chinese buildings at night in Chiyou Jiuli City with hillside temples glowing in the background
Chiyou Jiuli City by evening

Of a night Chiyou Jiuli City turns right into a magical kingdom as these ornate buildings radiate a golden glow towards the darkish backdrop of the mountains.

Miao Ethnicity Village Long Table Banquet

We loved a protracted desk banquet dinner on the Miao Ethnicity Village. Here we sampled an nearly endless assortment of scrumptious Miao dishes. We joined within the Miao folks dancing and had numerous enjoyable and laughter enjoying Miao ingesting video games.   

Hotpot with meat and spring onions simmering over a flame at Miao Ethnicity Village Long Table Banquet, surrounded by side dishes including soup and vegetablesHotpot with meat and spring onions simmering over a flame at Miao Ethnicity Village Long Table Banquet, surrounded by side dishes including soup and vegetables
Miao Ethnicity Village Long Table Banquet

Juili Night Cruise

After dinner we watched a spectacular gentle and sound present aboard a Juili Night Cruise. As we made our approach up the river we had been entertained with musical and conventional face altering performances.

Illuminated bridge, city skyline and cruise boat reflecting on the water during night light show from a boat cruiseIlluminated bridge, city skyline and cruise boat reflecting on the water during night light show from a boat cruise
Juili Night Cruise

Last Words on Our Outer Chongqing Travel Guide

We hope our Outer Chongqing Travel Guide has helped you uncover a brand new vacation spot crammed with pure magnificence, cultural encounters, and among the greatest foodie experiences that China has to supply.

If you have got plans to go to China, ensure to place Chongqing and its outer districts and counties in your listing of locations to go to.

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