Hechuan

Hechuan is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable times to visit.

Hechuan is well suited to a short weekend trip from central Chongqing. It has wide river views formed by the meeting of three rivers, ancient battlefield sites that influenced the course of history, and plenty of local snacks hidden in the city’s streets and alleys.

• Diaoyu Fortress: A national 5A-rated scenic area and the site of an ancient battlefield where the Southern Song resisted the Mongols for 36 years. It is known as the place where “God broke his whip.” During your visit, you can walk along the old city walls, see Huguo Gate and Diaoyutai, and look out over the confluence of the three rivers. The historical atmosphere is strong.
• Wenfeng Ancient Street: An important urban leisure district in Hechuan, centered on Song-style historic-style buildings and Wenfeng Pagoda. Bluestone paths connect with Bayu-style stilted houses. After climbing the pagoda, you can overlook the three-river scenery, and the riverside steps are also good for photos.
• Laitan Ancient Town: One of China’s first famous historical and cultural towns. It still preserves more than 400 Qing-dynasty homes and a relatively complete stone-built ancient wengcheng, or defensive enclosure. The cliff carvings at Erfo Temple in the town are of high artistic value, making it suitable for visitors who prefer quiet ancient towns and cultural photography.
• Dongjintuo Riverside Park: A riverside leisure space laid out along the Jialing River, with large lawns, river-view walking paths, and an open-air theater. On clear days, the river views are wide and open. This is also the starting point for three-river sightseeing cruises.
• Hechuan Art Museum: A white modern building near the river, with a simple, well-designed exterior. Through the windows, you can see views of the Jialing River. The museum hosts art exhibitions from time to time and is open for free, making it a good stop on a relaxed city itinerary.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (compact highlights version)
  • Morning: Go to Diaoyu Fortress. It is recommended to enter through Qisheng Gate, then walk along the old city walls to learn about the history of this thousand-year-old battlefield. The scenic area is quite large, so if you want to save energy, you can take the sightseeing shuttle.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city to visit Wenfeng Ancient Street, and climb Wenfeng Pagoda to see the confluence of the three rivers. After that, you can go to the Chongqing Hot Pot Museum to learn about hot pot culture, or take a riverside walk in Dongjintuo Riverside Park.
  • Evening: Try Hechuan specialty snacks on Jiuchang Road Pedestrian Street or at Bingo City Night Market, experience the atmosphere of local city life, then return.
• Two-day trip (in-depth slow travel version)
  • Day 1: Visit Diaoyu Fortress in the morning. In the afternoon, go to Laitan Ancient Town to see the Qing-dynasty defensive enclosure and cliff carvings. In the evening, have a meal of Laitan Shui Ba Wan in the ancient town, then stay overnight in Hechuan’s urban area.
  • Day 2: In the morning, visit Hechuan Art Museum and Dongjintuo Riverside Park. At noon, try Hechuan lamb rice noodles. In the afternoon, stroll around Wenfeng Ancient Street and buy Hechuan peach slices as souvenirs, then return.

Must-try Local Food

Hechuan’s food is known for rice noodles, small snacks, and hearty jianghu-style dishes. Overall, it is close to everyday street and neighborhood food, with many choices.

• Hechuan lamb rice noodles: The broth is rich, the lamb is tender, and the rice noodles are smooth. The Zhonggulou main branch is an old shop often visited by locals. Portions are available from one to three liang, and it is commonly eaten for breakfast.
• Hechuan Shaoshui rice noodles: A type of local Hechuan rice noodle dish, often paired with a braised egg and eight-treasure porridge. It has a distinctive local flavor, and many visitors make a special trip to the Yingpan Street shop to try it.
• Tanji Guokui: A guokui shop that has become quite popular in recent years. The guokui is crisp on the outside and generously filled. The shredded-vegetable guokui and braised-pork guokui are both popular.
• Huangmin Snack Shop: A long-running local shop with a simple setting and a more traditional taste. The sweet wheat rings are crisp and have a nostalgic feel.
• People’s Park mung bean pastry: A decade-old shop where the mung bean pastries are made and pan-fried fresh. The crust is fragrant and flaky, and the mung bean filling is fine, soft, and not too heavy. They also make good souvenirs.
• Hechuan peach slices: A well-known traditional specialty with many flavor options. If buying on site, choose the freshly sliced version first; the texture is relatively softer and stickier, and the sweetness is more noticeable.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport:
  • High-speed rail: You can take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station or Chongqing West Railway Station to Hechuan Station. The trip takes about 25–45 minutes, tickets cost around 12.5 yuan, and trains are frequent, making this a convenient option.
  • Self-driving: It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from central Chongqing. Attractions within Hechuan District are relatively concentrated, and getting around by taxi or car is convenient. The starting fare for taxis is also not high.
• Accommodation: It is recommended to stay around Heyangcheng Subdistrict or in a riverside hotel. Rooms with good value can be found for around 100 yuan, making it convenient for eating and shopping while also allowing for river views.

Practical Travel Tips

• There is a lot of walking at Diaoyu Fortress: The scenic area is about 5 kilometers long, so wear comfortable sneakers. If you do not want to walk too much, you can take the sightseeing shuttle from the visitor center for 9 yuan one way.
• Try to avoid peak dining hours: Popular old shops such as Zhonggulou lamb rice noodles and Huangmin Snack Shop get busy at mealtimes. Going at off-peak times can reduce waiting.
• Keep warm and protect yourself from the wind by the river: The wind is noticeable around the three-river confluence, and it feels cooler during evening walks. Bring a light jacket.
• Learn some historical background in advance: Diaoyu Fortress is mainly about culture and history. Before setting out, you can learn about the Southern Song resistance against the Mongols, such as by watching the documentary *Diaoyu Fortress—The Place Where the Divine Whip Broke*. This will make it easier to understand the value of the ruins during your visit.