Banan

Chongqing is humid, hot, and rainy in summer, so spring and autumn are better for outdoor trips. Banan District combines mountain-and-river scenery, old-town lanes, and everyday local life, making it suitable for a short weekend trip or a family outing. The following covers attractions, food, accommodation, transportation, and practical tips to help you plan your itinerary.

• Zhongba Island: This is the third-largest island in the Yangtze River. You need to take a ferry to reach the island, which costs 5 yuan per person. The island has a relatively natural riverside landscape, with grassy areas, small flocks of sheep, and river views. It is good for camping, cycling, and taking photos, and sightseeing on the island itself is free.

• Mudong Ancient Town: A century-old water station has been renovated into an artsy neighborhood here, with flagstone roads that preserve the feel of an old street. In spring, you can see fields of cosmos flowers. In the evening, enjoy the river breeze and sunset by the water, and you can also try Mudong crispy duck, an item of intangible cultural heritage.

• Hanhai Ocean Park: A good choice for families with children, the park has a large underwater tunnel and a Galaxy Jellyfish Pavilion. Several diver feeding shows and dolphin performances are scheduled each day, making it suitable for a family visit.

• Xiliutuo Town: A riverside town built in a traditional Chinese style, with upturned eaves, pavilions, and flagstone lanes as its main sights. After the lanterns are lit in the evening, it is a good place for photos. Climb Bao’en Pagoda for a view over the river. Admission is free.

• South Hot Spring: A long-established hot spring resort area in Banan. Nearby, the Jianwen Peak Trail is suitable for forest hiking. In summer, you can go to the cave-water area to play in the water and cool off, while autumn and winter are better for natural hot springs.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (nature and old town): In the morning, visit Zhongba Island for river views and to feed the lambs; in the afternoon, head to Mudong Ancient Town to stroll the old streets, drink tea, and listen to music; at dusk, go to Lijiatuo Pier to watch the sunset.

• Two-day trip (leisure and hot springs):
  • Day 1: Visit Hanhai Ocean Park in the morning, then go to Xiliutuo Town in the afternoon to see the night views.
  • Day 2: Head to South Hot Spring or East Hot Spring Town to relax in the hot springs, or go hiking on Yunzhuan Mountain.

Recommended Banan Local Foods

Banan has many affordable old eateries and hearty local restaurants that locals often visit, making them easy to fit into your route while sightseeing.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Accommodation recommendation: If staying for more than one night, consider choosing somewhere near Longzhouwan Metro Station, where transportation is more convenient and dining options are fairly concentrated. If you plan to soak in hot springs, homestays in East Hot Spring Town usually offer discounts for Wednesday or Thursday stays. Although the Nanping commercial area may seem convenient, getting to Banan’s attractions requires crossing districts and takes a long time on the road, so choose carefully.
• Transportation: Attractions in Banan are relatively spread out, so driving makes it easier to connect them in one trip, and parking is also relatively convenient. If using public transportation, you can first take the light rail to Longzhouwan or Xuetangwan Station, then transfer to a bus or take a taxi.

Practical Tips

• Watch the last ferry: The Zhongba Island ferry operates from 7:30 to 18:00 and departs on the hour. It is best to leave the island before 18:00. If you miss the last ferry, you may need to charter a boat for 80 yuan.
• Note closing days: All museums, including Banan Museum, are closed on Mondays, so avoid Monday when planning your itinerary.
• Voucher information: Check the “Banan Culture and Tourism” WeChat public account. On the 1st of each month, 50-yuan vouchers are issued for new users only, which can help reduce some costs.
• Taxi reminder: A taxi from Jiangbei Airport to Banan should cost within a reasonable range. If it exceeds 80 yuan, be cautious and keep evidence for a complaint.
• What to wear: For Zhongba Island or the ancient town, wear comfortable flat shoes and casual clothing. For the hot spring town, you can bring a bright-colored swimsuit and a gauze scarf for photos.