Shizhu

Shizhu is cool in summer, and the temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains is noticeable, so bring a jacket when you travel.

Located in southeastern Chongqing, Shizhu is a small town with a strong Tujia character, combining high-mountain forests, grassland scenery, and old-town streets. The average summer temperature is about 21°C, making it suitable for a relaxing summer getaway. It takes about 1 hour by high-speed rail from Chongqing, and 2–3 days is a suitable amount of time for a visit.

Classic Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Chongqing in the morning and arrive in Shizhu. In the afternoon, head to Qianye Grassland to see the grassland and stone forest scenery. In the evening, visit Xituo Ancient Town and Yunti Street, then enjoy the night view of the Yangtze River. Stay overnight in the county town and try Tujia dishes.
• Day 2: Spend the whole day exploring Huangshui National Forest Park, with highlights including Dafengbao, Bizika Green Palace, and Sun Lake. Stay overnight in Huangshui Town, where you can watch a performance or soak in a hot spring.
• Day 3: In the morning, go to Wanshou Mountain to see the unusual stone pillar formations, then visit Wanshou Ancient Stockade to learn about Tujia folk customs. In the afternoon, buy local specialties before returning.

Recommended Must-visit Attractions

• Qianye Grassland: Admission is 45 yuan. This is one of the few high-mountain grasslands in Chongqing, where grassland, windmills, and karst stone forests complement one another. You can camp and go horseback riding here. There is little light pollution at night, making it suitable for stargazing when the weather is good.
• Huangshui National Forest Park: Admission to Dafengbao is 60 yuan. The average summer temperature is about 21°C. With good forest coverage and fresh air, the park includes attractions such as Bizika Green Palace, Sun Lake, and Youcao River, making it ideal for forest hiking.
• Xituo Ancient Town: Free admission. A famous historical and cultural town in China, it has Yunti Street, known as the “First Stair Street of the Yangtze River,” with 1,314 steps. You can also see the ancient Ba Salt Road and Ming- and Qing-era stilted houses. The town has a relatively light commercial atmosphere and is suitable for a slow-paced visit.
• Wanshou Mountain: Admission is 65 yuan. Here you can see the striking male and female stone pillar formations, learn about the ancient battlefield ruins associated with Qin Liangyu, and walk along a suspended plank path while taking in the mountain scenery known as “stone pillars holding up the sky.”
• Wanshou Ancient Stockade: Admission is about 40 yuan. Known as the First Tujia Stockade, this site offers Tujia folk performances such as the hand-waving dance and bowl-smashing wine ritual.

Local Food Recommendations

• Water Shield Fish / Scrambled Eggs with Water Shield: Shizhu is known as the “Home of Chinese Water Shield.” Water shield is tender, smooth, and mild in flavor, making it well suited to being served with fish or eggs.
• Firewood Potato Rice: Cooked over a wood-fired stove, the crispy rice crust has a charred aroma. It can be served with steamed bowl dishes or stir-fried cured pork with fried chili. The average cost is just over 20 yuan per person, with generous portions and fair prices.
• Hulakou Wontons: A local Shizhu-style wonton dish. The soup base has a roasted aroma, the wrappers are thin, and the meat filling is tender. It costs 9 yuan per bowl.
• Potato Chip Hot and Sour Noodles: A snack found in the alley near Nanmenkou. It costs only a few yuan per bowl. The potato slices can be crispy or soft and glutinous, with a simple local flavor.
• Dry Pot Duck Frames: The duck frames are firm and fragrant with a roasted flavor. The first taste is numbing, followed by spiciness. Potato slices and lotus root slices are placed at the bottom, and the dish becomes especially aromatic after frying.
• Banjium Tofu: A refreshing snack made from banjiu leaves. It has a springy texture and bright green color, making it especially refreshing in summer.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport: It takes about 1 hour by high-speed rail from Chongqing North Railway Station to Shizhu County Railway Station. The attractions are relatively spread out, so self-driving is more convenient. It takes about 1.5 hours from the county town to Huangshui and about 40 minutes to Qianye Grassland.
• Accommodation: If you want to explore at night, stay in the county town, where prices are about 150–300 yuan per night. If your main purpose is to escape the summer heat, choose a guesthouse in Huangshui Town, where prices are about 200–400 yuan per night. If you prefer a quiet environment, you can camp at Qianye Grassland. In peak season, it is best to book at least one week in advance.
• Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains is relatively large, so it is advisable to bring a jacket in any season. Even in summer, you should prepare a light jacket or thin layers when visiting Huangshui.
• Local Specialties: You can buy vacuum-packed Shizhu spicy chicken, sweet potato chips, and coptis as souvenirs.