Changshou

Changshou is comfortable to visit in spring and autumn; in summer, take precautions against the heat.

Changshou in Chongqing has a relaxed pace. It takes just over 20 minutes by high-speed rail from central Chongqing, making it suitable for a short weekend day trip or two-day getaway. Below is a city sightseeing reference organized by attractions, routes, and food.

Core Attractions

Changshou’s sights can be roughly divided into old-town culture and natural scenery. Most major attractions are free to enter, so overall costs are low.

• Changshou Cable Car: First built in 1964, this is China’s longest, steepest, and longest-running ground passenger cable car, and the whole ride is free. From the retro carriage, you can look out over the Yangtze River and the old town. It was also a filming location for *A Writer’s Odyssey 2*.
• Sandao Guai Ancient Street: A well-preserved Ming- and Qing-dynasty old street in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Bluestone steps run along the slope, and the street still retains a strong sense of everyday life and old-city texture. Some areas are currently under renovation, so it is better to visit during the day.
• Dinghui Temple: Known as the “first temple along the ten-thousand-li Yangtze River,” it sits against the mountains and faces the river, with a quiet environment. It is both a thousand-year-old temple and the former site of the National Hydropower Engineering Headquarters, making it a good place to slow down by the riverside.
• Bodhi Mountain: A national 4A-rated scenic area. Nearly 20,000 Chinese characters for “longevity” are carved on the Wanshou Stairway. Bodhi Temple at the top of the mountain is built entirely of wood, and from the Bodhi Sacred Lamp you can overlook Changshou’s urban area and the Yangtze River scenery.
• Bodhi Ancient Town: A recreated old-style town themed around Bayu culture. Baishou Avenue and the night views are distinctive, and it is also suitable for taking photos in hanfu. There are many snack shops along the streets.
• Changshou Lake: If you have enough time, you can visit the Changshou Lake Scenic Area. On summer weekend nights, there is usually a fireworks show. The lawn area is good for watching the fireworks; it is recommended to buy tickets in advance and bring a picnic mat.

Classic Itinerary Recommendations

Depending on how long you stay, you can choose from the following two routes:

• One-day trip (compact old-town route):
  • Morning: Take the high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Changshou North Railway Station. After exiting the station, first have a bowl of Changshou rice noodles. Then take a bus to Bodhi Mountain to visit the Wanshou Stairway and Bodhi Temple, and enjoy views over the city.
  • Afternoon: Walk to the Changshou Museum to learn about longevity culture; note that it is closed on Mondays. Then visit Bodhi Ancient Town. In the evening, take the free cable car, then stroll along Sandao Guai Ancient Street and watch the sunset over the old town.
  • Evening: You can go to Dinghui Temple to enjoy the river breeze, or have feichang rice in the city before returning.
• Two-day trip (leisure sightseeing plus fireworks):
  • Day 1: Follow the one-day route. In the evening, try Tongzi pot stickers and old Chongqing-style sauced pork buns in the city, and stay overnight in Changshou’s urban area.
  • Day 2: Go to the Changshou Lake Scenic Area. Walk along the lake during the day and visit the Sky Theater. If it is a weekend night, set aside time to watch the Changshou Lake fireworks show, then return by direct bus or high-speed rail.

Must-Try Local Foods

Dining in Changshou is generally affordable, with clear local flavors. The following dishes can be used as a reference for meals.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Choosing a high-speed rail station: When buying tickets, it is recommended to choose Changshou North Railway Station. It is closer to the urban area and convenient for both taxis and buses. If you arrive at “Changshou Railway Station” or “Changshou Lake Railway Station,” the distance to the city is longer and taxi fares will be higher.
• What to wear: Sandao Guai and Bodhi Mountain both have many steps, so comfortable sneakers are recommended. Light-colored outfits or modern Chinese-style clothing fit well with the ancient town and old-street settings.
• Notes: Some malatang shops have only average hygiene conditions, so pay attention when choosing one. Changshou Museum closes at 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary in advance. On weekends, the cable car has more passengers in the afternoon, so going in the morning or around dusk is more relaxed.