Yongchuan

Yongchuan is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable for visiting.

Yongchuan is not far from central Chongqing, about a 1-hour drive away. The pace of life here is relatively relaxed, and many attractions are free to enter, making it suitable for a short weekend leisure trip.

Transportation Guide

• High-speed rail: Take a high-speed train from central Chongqing to Yongchuan East Railway Station. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and a second-class seat costs around 24 yuan. The latest return high-speed train runs until 10 pm, so the schedule is fairly flexible.
• Self-driving: Navigate directly to your destination; the drive takes about 1 hour. Parking is relatively convenient in Yongchuan’s urban area and at major scenic spots.
• Local transport: Taxis are the easiest way to get around the city, as buses usually require transfers. In Yongchuan, you can also try the “Luobo Kuaipao” autonomous taxi service.

Main Attractions

• Chashan Bamboo Sea: One of the filming locations for *House of Flying Daggers*, with rolling tea plantations and dense bamboo forests. It feels relatively cool in summer. You can visit the bamboo forest scenes related to the film, or stop and rest at the starry-sky camping base. Some hiking routes may be temporarily closed due to recent weather conditions, so it is best to confirm opening status before setting off.
• Shennü Lake: A lakeside park in the urban area, open free of charge. The loop around the lake is about 2.2 km and mostly flat, making it suitable for a walk. You can climb the Shennü Stairway for a distant view of Shennü Lake and the cityscape; the lotus pond by the lake is also worth seeing in summer.
• Songgai Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old ancient town by the Yangtze River. It is not overly commercial and still preserves clusters of Ming- and Qing-dynasty buildings. You can visit Kuixing Pavilion, the former Yongchuan County Office, and the Qin Family Courtyard, and stop at Linjiang Teahouse for tea and river views. In the evening, you can also take a small boat to enjoy the river breeze.
• Lehe Ledu: Suitable for families with children and visitors who enjoy amusement rides. In the park, you can watch animal feeding sessions, the Royal Circus, and a dolphin show. There is also a water park in summer. If you have enough time, you can plan a two-day visit and stay at the themed hotel.

Food List

Yongchuan’s food leans toward jianghu-style cuisine, with most dishes known for bold, spicy, and numbing flavors. The following restaurants and snacks are popular with both locals and visitors:

• Tangxiang Haor Fish: One of Yongchuan’s specialty dishes. The fish is meaty and has few fine bones, and the spicy broth goes well with rice. You can add fatty intestines and shrimp for a richer flavor.
• Jiha Tofu Pudding: “Jiha” refers to stirring the tofu pudding into a texture similar to food pecked by chickens. The finished dish is fragrant, spicy, and well seasoned, making it good with rice. At this long-running restaurant, you often need to wait for a table during peak dining hours.
• Weidangxian: A long-established local restaurant. Shredded ginger rabbit and duck feet are its signature dishes; both are well seasoned and pair nicely with rice. The Wangchengpo branch has a relatively better reputation.
• Mung Bean Pastry and Zhu’erba: Common street snacks. Mung bean pastry has a crisp outer layer and a smooth filling; zhu’erba comes in both savory and sweet versions. The savory version is similar to a large glutinous rice dumpling and has a noticeable oily richness.

Recommended Itineraries

• One-day trip (urban area + food): Yongchuan East Railway Station → walk around Shennü Lake → Yongchuan Museum (see dinosaur fossils) → have Jiha Tofu Pudding for lunch → visit Sanhe Huibi Cultural and Creative Block in the afternoon → have haor fish for dinner → ride the Yuji’s Eye Ferris wheel in the evening, then return.
• Two-day trip (in-depth visit + ancient town): Day 1 as above; on Day 2, go to Chashan Bamboo Sea in the morning for hiking and scenery, then visit Songgai Ancient Town at a relaxed pace in the afternoon and eat dingguo fish before returning in the evening.

Notes

• Songgai Ancient Town is relatively far away: The ancient town is 40 km from the urban area, and the bus ride takes a little over 1 hour. It is best to set aside a full day and avoid packing the schedule too tightly.
• Museum closing time: Yongchuan Museum is closed on Mondays and open from 9:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Check the time before you go.
• Hiking route conditions: Some hiking routes in Chashan Bamboo Sea, such as Baodao Ridge, may be closed recently due to weather. It is best to check the latest road and trail conditions with the scenic area before setting off.
• Taste differences: Yongchuan cuisine is generally spicy, numbing, and heavily seasoned. If you do not handle spicy food well, mention when ordering that you would like it mildly spicy.