Jiangjin

Jiangjin is humid and hot in summer, while mountain areas can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. Bring rain gear.

Jiangjin is well suited for a short trip from downtown Chongqing. Its natural scenery, old-town streets and local food all have their own character. When planning your visit, you can organize the trip around two themes: “mountain and water scenery” and “old towns and local culture.”

Recommended Main Attractions

Attractions in Jiangjin are not very close to one another, so it is best to plan natural scenic areas and old towns separately.

• Simian Mountain: Jiangjin’s signature scenic area, best known for its waterfall clusters and Danxia landforms. Wangxiangtai Waterfall is known as the “highest waterfall in China,” and the area has a lot of water mist. At Tudiyan, you can try via ferrata and a glass walkway. Dahonghai is a highland lake where you can take a boat tour. Tickets are 90 yuan in peak season and 60 yuan in low season. The scenic area ticket is valid for 48 hours.
• Zhongshan Ancient Town: Free to enter and not overly commercialized. The old town stretches along the Sunxi River, with Ming- and Qing-style stilted buildings and flagstone streets. It is a good place to slow down and wander. You can also try grilled tofu and sweet potato-thread candy from street-side vendors.
• Love Ladder: No entrance fee; parking costs 10 yuan. Most of the trail is shaded by trees, so hiking here in summer is relatively protected from the sun. Below Tongxin Bridge near the entrance, there is a small stream where you can wade and rest. The round-trip hike takes about 3 hours and is suitable for couples and families with children.
• Baisha Ancient Town: Known as the “No. 1 Town on the Yangtze River,” it still preserves 38 old streets. You can visit Donghua Old Street, stop by Jiangji Distillery, or take a walk along the Yangtze River. It is especially suitable for visitors who enjoy a slower pace and photographing old streets and alleys.
• Dayuandong National Forest Park: Free to enter and suitable for family hikes. The full route is about 8–10 kilometers, with gentle slopes. Along the way, you can see Danxia landforms, waterfalls and Swan Lake. Dogs are also allowed into the mountain area.

Local Food Reference

Jiangjin’s food has distinct flavors, and there are many small eateries and snack shops in the city and its alleys that locals often visit.

Classic Itinerary Ideas

Choose a pace based on how long you have: two days and one night is better for exploring the mountain and water scenery in depth, while a one-day trip is mainly about easy hiking and relaxed old-town wandering.

Option 1: Weekend Two Days and One Night (Cool Air and Fresh Oxygen)

• Day 1: Set off from downtown Chongqing in the morning and drive to Simian Mountain. Visit Wangxiangtai Waterfall in the morning, then go to Tudiyan in the afternoon to try via ferrata or the glass walkway. Stay overnight at a guesthouse near the scenic area and have a farmhouse-style meal.
• Day 2: Go to Zhongshan Ancient Town in the morning, wandering and eating as you experience the everyday atmosphere of the old town. In the afternoon, if time allows, head to Love Ladder for a hike and some stream wading, then return.

Option 2: One-Day Trip (Easy Wandering and Eating)

• Morning: Drive to Love Ladder or Dayuandong National Forest Park for a light hike. You can also cool off by wading in the stream.
• Afternoon: Head to Baisha Ancient Town, stroll along Donghua Old Street, have tea and rest by the Yangtze River, or visit the Jiangxiaobai Distillery.
• Evening: Return to Jiangjin’s urban area for Duokoufu rice noodles, teppanyaki and night-market snacks, and experience the local evening dining scene.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting Around: Jiangjin’s attractions are spread out, so driving is recommended. If taking the high-speed train, you can arrive at Jiangjin North Station, then take a taxi or transfer to a bus. However, for more distant scenic areas such as Simian Mountain, driving is still more convenient.
• What to Bring: Wear non-slip sports shoes when visiting Simian Mountain or going hiking. The waterfall areas have heavy mist, so bring a raincoat or spare clothes. There are not many small shops in the mountains, so prepare drinking water and snacks in advance.
• Ticket Reservations: If you plan to collect the Simian Mountain 1314 Hiking Commemorative Medal, you need to reserve the hiking package one day in advance. You cannot collect it if you only go there on the day without booking.
• Safety Reminders: Once the via ferrata activity starts, you cannot quit midway, so those afraid of heights should choose carefully. Stone steps are slippery on rainy days, so try to avoid traveling in the rain, and do not enter remote wild stream areas.