Chengkou

Chengkou is relatively cool in summer, with a noticeable temperature difference between morning and evening. It is a good idea to carry a light jacket.

Chengkou lies in the heart of the Daba Mountains at the northernmost edge of Chongqing, and is often called “Chongqing’s North Pole.” Its average summer temperature is about 21°C. With alpine meadows, gorges and streams, and red culture sites, it is well suited to escaping the heat and traveling at a slower pace. Here is a reference guide for visiting Chengkou:

• Kanggu Scenic Area: Known as “Little Zhangjiajie,” this gorge is about 35 kilometers long and has a forest coverage rate of over 90%. In summer, you can camp by the stream and try rafting. The walking trails in the scenic area are generally gentle, making it suitable for relaxed family outings.
• Huang’anba Scenic Area: Home to one of the larger alpine meadows in southern China, at an elevation of about 2,200 meters. The views are wide and open, making it a good place to watch the sunset, fly kites, and enjoy broad meadow scenery.
• Guodidang: Located in Lantian Township, this is an alpine meadow with a round-trip hike of about 10 km. Along the way, you may see cattle and sheep, Bashan Tianchi Lake, and slopes of wildflowers. The route is fairly friendly for both beginners and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Tucheng Old Street: A Ming- and Qing-style old street with more than 200 years of history, and also a national 4A-level scenic area. Stone-paved lanes, gray walls, dark tiled roofs, and stilted buildings come together to create the atmosphere of mountain-town life. It is a pleasant place for a slow walk.
• Soviet Government Memorial Park: Located inside Tucheng Old Street, this park is built along the mountain slope and overlooks the county seat. It is a patriotic education base where visitors can learn about Chengkou’s red history and pay respects at the Red Army monument.
• Bashan Lake National Wetland Park: Centered on the feature of “night rain in Bashan,” this long, narrow reservoir forms a wetland landscape with clear water. It combines ecological sightseeing with leisure and vacation functions.

Must-Try Local Food

Chengkou’s cuisine has a distinctive mountain flavor, with traditional smoked foods and dishes made from mountain delicacies as its main highlights.

• Chengkou Cured Pork: A national geographical indication product made from highland free-range pigs and slowly smoked over oak wood. The meat is firm and has a clear smoky aroma. It can be sliced and eaten directly, or stir-fried with garlic sprouts.
• Rock Ear Mushroom Chicken Soup: Selected as one of the “Top Ten Famous Dishes of Chengkou” in 2022. Rock ear mushrooms grow on cliffs and are slow-simmered with mountain chicken. The soup is golden, rich, and deeply savory, ideal for those who enjoy nourishing soups.
• Chengkou Ten Bowls: A traditional local banquet spread, including egg rolls, hongduntuo, steamed cured pork with preserved vegetables, and other dishes—six meat dishes and four vegetarian ones in total. It follows the traditional “three steamed dishes and nine covered bowls” cooking style, with a savory flavor and a lingering sweetness.
• Iron-Pot Free-Range Chicken: Free-range chicken is slow-stewed in an iron pot, allowing the soup and ingredients to blend together. The chicken is tender and not dry. Dried potatoes and dried bamboo shoots become especially flavorful after soaking up the broth.
• Gege Noodles: A common Chengkou breakfast. The noodles are served with steamed pork with rice flour cooked in a small bamboo steamer called a “gege.” Highland potatoes are soft, glutinous, and flavorful, and the overall taste is quite rich.
• Kang Potatoes: Highland potatoes are pan-roasted until the skin is fragrant and crisp while the inside stays soft and starchy, then paired with a special ciba chili sauce. This is a common local street snack.

Recommended Itineraries

Chengkou is far from Chongqing’s main urban area, with a drive of over 5 hours, so it is better suited to a slow 2- to 4-day trip.

• One-Day Trip (Relaxed county-town walk and food tour):
  • Morning: Have gege noodles for breakfast, then visit the Soviet Government Memorial Park and climb the Hundred-Step Stairway for a view over the county seat.
  • Afternoon: Walk around Tucheng Old Street to learn about Ming- and Qing-era architecture and red culture. You can take a short break at a street-side café along the way.
  • Evening: Stroll along the Ren River trail and enjoy the evening breeze. For dinner, choose iron-pot free-range chicken or a neighborhood old-style hot pot.
• Three-Day Trip (In-depth summer nature getaway):
  • Day 1: Arrive in Chengkou and check in at a county-town hotel. In the afternoon, visit Tucheng Old Street and Soviet Government Memorial Park. In the evening, try Chengkou cured pork.
  • Day 2: Drive to Kanggu Scenic Area. Camp by the gorge streams, catch crabs, and enjoy the cool valley air. Stay overnight at a local farmhouse inn.
  • Day 3: Go to Huang’anba or Guodidang to see alpine meadows, then buy local specialties in the afternoon before returning.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to Stay:
  • County center: You can stay near Dongdajie or the bus station, where dining and shopping are more convenient. Most county-town sights can be reached on foot or by taxi, and there are more hotel options, such as Jinchen Hotel.
  • Near the scenic areas: If you plan to visit Kanggu, you can choose a local farmhouse inn. Prices are relatively affordable, at about 100–150 yuan including meals and accommodation. Facilities are fairly simple, but you can experience rural life.
• Transport Options:
  • Self-driving: This is the more recommended option. It takes about 5 hours from Chongqing’s main urban area. There are many bends on the mountain roads, so inexperienced drivers should be cautious. On rainy days, watch out for slippery roads and the risk of landslides.
  • Long-distance bus: There are direct buses from Chongqing North Station to Chengkou, with a journey of about 5 hours. Within the county town, most places can be reached on foot or by taxi, making getting around fairly convenient.

Practical Tips

• What to Wear: Chengkou is located in the heart of the Daba Mountains, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Even in summer, nights can be cool, so bring a windproof light jacket.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: UV rays are stronger in high-altitude areas, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses. If you plan to hike in gorges or meadows, mosquito repellent is recommended.
• Buying Local Specialties: When buying Chengkou cured pork, look for products with the “national geographical indication” laser anti-counterfeit label, or choose established shops at local markets. Try to avoid buying casually in scenic areas.
• Hiking Safety: When going to less-developed wild trails such as Guodidang, travel with companions, bring enough water and dry food, and do not enter unfamiliar side paths to avoid getting lost.