Qijiang

Qijiang is mountainous, so bring rain gear even when visiting in summer to escape the heat.

Qijiang in Chongqing is well suited to a short weekend trip from the main urban area. Here you can see seas of clouds and enjoy cool air in the high mountains, experience everyday life in historic old towns, and try affordable local flavors. A 1–2 day itinerary works well.

Attractions

• Baiyun Temple on Laoying Mountain: A cliffside Taoist temple set among Danxia landforms. Admission is 5 yuan. First-time visitors can choose the relaxed 3 km short route to the summit. Along the way, you can look out over terraced fields and seas of clouds, which is why it is sometimes called “Chongqing’s Little Fanjing Mountain.”

• Dongxi Ancient Town: An old town on the thousand-year-old Salt and Horse Ancient Road, with relatively little commercial development. Its flagstone lanes, century-old yellow banyan trees, and Taiping Bridge over the river have preserved an old-time atmosphere, making it a good place to slow down, wander, and take photos.

• Nantianmen Wind Farm: At an elevation of 1,600 meters, this is a mountain destination for staying cool in summer, with an average summer temperature of 25°C. You can see rows of wind turbines and seas of clouds here, and on clear nights the Milky Way is visible directly overhead. It is suitable for camping and landscape photography.

• Sangang Memory Film, TV and Cultural-Creative Park: Converted from the former site of old Chongqing Iron and Steel facilities, it retains an industrial retro feel with red-brick factory buildings, abandoned chimneys, and old railway tracks. Next to it are the shallow shoals of the Qijiang River, where you can take children to play in the water and catch small fish.

• Gujian Mountain: Known as “Little Emei of Eastern Sichuan,” this mountain is nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. Its forest trails are good for hiking and breathing in fresh mountain air. Jingyin Temple at the summit and the Danxia cliff walkway offer wide views over the mountains and seas of clouds.

Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Old-town stroll and mountain fresh air
  • Morning: Depart from the main urban area for Laoying Mountain. Hike to visit Baiyun Temple and the suspended walkway, and enjoy the Danxia landforms and sea-of-cloud views.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Dongxi Ancient Town. Walk slowly along the flagstone lanes, drink tea and rest under the century-old yellow banyan trees, and take retro film-style photos if you like.
  • Evening: Stay in the old town or return to Qijiang’s urban area. For dinner, consider Qijiang Beidu fish and barbecue.

• Day 2: Mountain cool-off or water play at an industrial park
  • Option A (cool-weather camping): Go to Nantianmen Wind Farm. See the wind turbines and sea of clouds during the day, camp on the mountaintop in the afternoon while waiting for sunset, and photograph the Milky Way at night. This option is especially suitable for summer and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Option B (family water play): Go to Sigang Memory Cultural-Creative Park. In the afternoon, wade and catch small fish in the shallow shoals of the Qijiang River, while also taking industrial-style photos around the old factory buildings. Return in the evening.

Local Food

• Beidu Fish: A representative Qijiang dish, often described as “one fish, three ways.” Common preparations include spicy, pickled cabbage, and tomato styles. The fish is tender, and the broth has a rich flavor.

• Ganshui Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast. Tieshiya rice noodles and Geli’s “Killer Rice Noodles” are relatively well known. The minced topping has its own character, and the flavors are bold.

• Qijiang Teppanyaki: A local style commonly found in small street-side eateries. Ingredients are stir-fried and grilled to order. The chicken feet are soft and sticky, the squid is springy, and the seasoning is strong, making it good with rice.

• Other specialties: Hongqiao barbecue is inexpensive and good value. Yangchun flatbread, mung bean pastries, and Dongxi fermented tofu are also worth trying.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: If you value quality and quiet surroundings, consider designer guesthouses such as those in Gujian Mountain Art Village. If you want to experience a cooling farmhouse stay, choose guesthouses in Hengshan Town or near Nantianmen, where summer prices are friendly and the climate is cooler.

• Transport: Attractions in Qijiang are quite far apart, so self-driving is recommended for a more flexible itinerary. If taking high-speed rail, you can arrive at Qijiang East Station, then rent a car or take taxis locally to reach different places.
• Notes: Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so carry rain gear and a light jacket. If going to Baiyun Temple or Nantianmen to see seas of clouds, set out early and ideally arrive before 10 a.m.; clouds and mist often disperse in the afternoon. Be careful when playing in the shallows and do not enter deep-water areas.