Tongliang

Tongliang is comfortable for travel in spring and autumn; in summer, take precautions against the heat.

Tongliang is about a 1-hour drive from downtown Chongqing, making it suitable for a short 2-day, 1-night trip. Here you can visit Anju Ancient Town, watch the Tongliang Fire Dragon performance, and include lakeside cycling, a museum visit, and local restaurants in the same itinerary.

Itinerary

• Day 1: In the morning, head to Anju Ancient Town and stroll slowly along the flagstone streets, taking in the old lanes and waterside scenery. In the afternoon, go cycling around Xuantian Lake and relax by the water. In the evening, head to Qicai Dream Garden to watch the Tongliang Fire Dragon performance.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit Tongliang Museum to learn about the history of the “Hometown of Chinese Dragons.” In the afternoon, you can go to Bayue Mountain to see the 300-year-old Huangjue Gate Lovers’ Tree, or stay at Qicai Dream Garden to enjoy the flower fields and amusement facilities. Afterward, have a meal of Tongliang-style Shasheng Chicken before returning.

Main Attractions

Many attractions in Tongliang are free to enter, so overall sightseeing costs are not high. It is a good place to slow down and take your time.

• Anju Ancient Town: This ancient town was first built in the Sui dynasty and has a history of more than 1,000 years. In its streets, you can see a blend of Huizhou-style architecture and Bashu stilted buildings. There is no general entrance ticket for the town. You can climb Yuhuang Tower (10 yuan) for a distant view of the confluence of two rivers, or spend 10 yuan on a Fujiang River boat ride to enjoy the old town from the water.
• Xuantian Lake: A free lake-and-mountain scenic area with an 8-kilometer rainbow track around the lake. It is suitable for cycling and walking. The lake reflects the surrounding mountains, and you can also visit the heart-shaped island. In summer, the lakeside is relatively cool.
• Qicai Dream Garden: A national AAAA-level scenic area where flower fields can be enjoyed in all four seasons. The park also has amusement facilities such as a Ferris wheel and a glass water slide. Tickets are 30 yuan on regular days and 60 yuan on holidays. At night, it is also an important venue for watching the Fire Dragon performance.
• Tongliang Museum: The museum is free to visit and has fairly rich exhibitions. The Tongliang Dragon Lantern exhibition hall on the 4th floor and the Ming-dynasty stone-carved ceremonial figurines are especially worth spending time on. The Ming stone-carved ceremonial figurines are also known as the “little Terracotta Warriors.”

Local Food List

Tongliang’s local snacks and homestyle flavors are mostly found in old streets and lanes. Usually, a few dozen yuan per person is enough for a very filling meal.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Transport: Driving is the easiest option. It takes about 1 hour from downtown Chongqing. By public transport, you can first take the metro to Bishan Station, then transfer to the Bitong Line to Tongliang West Station, and then take a bus or taxi to your destination.
• Fire Dragon performance: Reservations are required in advance through the “Xuantian Lake Cultural Tourism” mini program. Performances are usually held on Friday and Saturday evenings. It is recommended to arrive 1 hour early to choose a spot. Molten iron sparks may fall near the front rows, so take proper protection.
• Visiting the ancient town: There are many flagstone roads in Anju Ancient Town, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended. If traveling with elderly family members or children, you can take the sightseeing cart for 5 yuan per person.
• Shopping reminder: Some silver accessories in the ancient town are mostly goods from Yiwu, so be cautious when buying expensive “Miao silver.” When buying local specialties such as orchid roots, try to choose established shops. Around the scenic area entrance, you may easily come across low-quality or trendy knockoff goods.