Bishan

Chongqing is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are better for exploring on foot. Bishan is often called Chongqing’s “back garden.” It is best known for the waterside scenery around Daishan and Xiuhu Lake, as well as its local jianghu-style dishes. By car from downtown Chongqing or Chengdu, it takes about 1 hour to get there, making it a good choice for a short weekend trip.

• Xiuhu Park: This is a free 4A-rated park with a lake surface of about 1,500 mu. Around the lake are antique-style buildings inspired by eastern Sichuan architecture. Tianzi Bridge and its reflection on the water make it a good spot for photos, lakeside walks, and camping.

• Lourdes Church: Built in 1899, Lourdes Church is a French Gothic Catholic church. Its white walls, pointed spires, and century-old Chinese banyan trees create a quiet, exotic-looking scene.

• Dayuanxiang Museum: Known as “Dunhuang on wood,” this museum houses tens of thousands of ancient Bayu architectural components, as well as wood and stone carvings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is well worth visiting for travelers interested in historic architecture.

• Guanyintang Wetland Park: As a national wetland park, it preserves a large area of wetland scenery and has boardwalks over the water. The views are especially attractive in summer when the lotus flowers are in bloom.

• Fengxiang Lake Children’s Park: This is a free non-motorized children’s playground with facilities such as a carousel, slides, and a sand play area. It is suitable for families with children planning a half-day outing.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Historic Architecture and Lakeside Night Views
  • Morning: Set off from Chengdu or downtown Chongqing and drive about 1.5 hours to Bishan.
  • Noon: Have lunch in the urban area. Local representative dishes include Bishan rabbit and Laifeng fish.
  • Afternoon: First visit Lourdes Church to see its Gothic church architecture; then visit Dayuanxiang Museum to learn about Bayu ancient architectural components and woodcarving art.

• Evening: Take a walk in Xiuhu Park, enjoy the night views of the intangible cultural heritage town and the weekend music fountain, and experience Bishan’s relatively relaxed urban pace.

• Day 2: Wetland Nature and Leisure
  • Morning: Go to Guanyintang Wetland Park and walk along the wetland boardwalks. If traveling with children, you can also choose Fengxiang Lake Children’s Park for a more relaxed family activity.

• Afternoon: Drive to Western Deer King Valley to see sika deer and camp under a canopy; alternatively, go to Tianci Huatang Forest Hot Spring for a relaxing soak before returning.

Must-Try Food Guide

When eating in Bishan, rabbit and fish are the main highlights. Beyond that, jianghu-style dishes and local noodles are also worth setting aside a meal for.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Transport Guide:
  • By car: From Chengdu or downtown Chongqing, you can navigate directly to each attraction. The attractions in Bishan are not far from one another, so driving is convenient. Parking at most parks is free or low-cost.
  • Public transport: Take Metro Line 1 to Bishan Station, then transfer to the Bishan Yunba aerial train to reach major attractions such as Xiuhu Park.
• Where to stay: Consider staying near Bicheng Subdistrict or Xiuhu Park. Dining options are concentrated nearby, it is convenient for reaching attractions, and there are many hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
• Travel reminders:
  • Xiuhu Park and Guanyintang Wetland Park are both large, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended.
  • There are relatively more mosquitoes around the wetland park and Lourdes Church, so bring mosquito repellent.
  • Some rabbit restaurants, such as Taoma Rabbit and Caitu, may have long queues during holidays. Visit during off-peak hours or call ahead to confirm opening hours.