Yunyang

Yunyang is humid and hot in summer, while mountain scenic areas are slightly cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Built along the Yangtze River, Yunyang is surrounded by mountains, water, and mist. Visitors can see the geological landscapes of Yunyang Longgang National Geopark and experience the historical character of the Bayu region, which has continued for thousands of years. The following itinerary is suitable for first-time visitors.

• Yunyang Longgang National Geopark: A national 5A-level scenic area, famous for the “No. 1 Jar under Heaven,” a sinkhole 335 meters deep. The park also has the Cloud Corridor, the world’s longest cantilevered glass skywalk, offering a strong visual impact. It is Yunyang’s signature attraction.
• Zhang Fei Temple: A national 4A-level scenic area, first built in the late Shu Han period and with a history of more than 1,700 years. The buildings are set against the mountain and face the river. The temple preserves many stone inscriptions, calligraphy works, and paintings, making it a good place to learn about Three Kingdoms culture.
• Three Gorges Stairway City: A national 4A-level scenic area. Its core sight is the 1,999-step Dengyun Stairway, known as the “No. 1 Stairway on the Yangtze River.” After climbing up, visitors can look out over the county town and the Yangtze River.
• Moonlight Lawn: Located on Binjiang Road, this open lawn connects with the Yangtze River waterfront. It is a popular place for local residents to walk, enjoy the view, and watch the sunset.
• Yunyang Dinosaur Fossil Site Museum: The museum has the world’s largest single dinosaur fossil wall, with more than 5,000 Jurassic dinosaur fossils embedded in it. It is suitable for family visits and science education.

Classic 2–3 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: History, Culture, and Night Views of the Riverside City
  • Morning: After arriving in Yunyang, head to Zhang Fei Temple to visit Three Kingdoms cultural remains and see the glazed golden roofs, hillside layout, and stone inscription collection.
  • Afternoon: Visit Three Gorges Stairway City. Climb the 1,999-step Dengyun Stairway and reach Panshi City, where you can overlook the Yangtze River and the full view of the county town.
  • Evening: Take a walk at Moonlight Lawn or along Binjiang Road. Enjoy the river breeze and watch the lights gradually come on along both banks of the Yangtze River.
• Day 2: Natural Wonders and Geological Exploration
  • Full day: Visit Yunyang Longgang National Geopark. You can take a sightseeing bus to the north gate, then visit the Cloud Corridor, cliffside plank road, Longgang Sinkhole, and Yingyue Cave in order. If you plan to hike, you can also choose the hiking route, pass several checkpoints, and receive a medal afterward.
  • Evening: Return to the county town and try local foods such as Yunyang wontons and lamb trotters.
• Day 3: Prehistoric Discovery or a Cool Mountain Escape (Optional)
  • Morning: Visit the Yunyang Dinosaur Fossil Site Museum to learn about Jurassic dinosaur fossils. You can also go to Yun’an Ancient Town and experience the historic atmosphere of this thousand-year-old salt town along its flagstone streets.
  • Afternoon: In summer, you can drive to Qishan Grassland. At an elevation of more than 1,600 meters, the meadow temperature is about 24°C. You can ride horses and watch the clouds, making it a good place to escape the heat.

Must-Try Local Yunyang Food

Yunyang snacks and home-style dishes are mostly found in its streets and alleys. The local flavors are distinctive, and the following are worth looking for:

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport Options
  • High-speed rail: You can take a bullet train from Chongqing North Railway Station directly to Yunyang Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. After arriving, you can take a taxi or bus to the core area of the county town.
  • Self-driving: From Chongqing’s main urban area, drive via the Chongqing–Yichang Expressway. The journey takes about 3.5–4 hours. Driving to the Longgang scenic area is more convenient, but parking in the county town is limited. It is recommended to park at your hotel, then walk or take a taxi to explore.
  • Scenic area shuttle: Yunyang Passenger Transport Center has direct buses to the Longgang scenic area, taking about 1.5 hours. You can also hire a car near the high-speed railway station.
• Recommended Areas to Stay
  • Binjiang Park / core county area: The preferred area to stay. It is close to the river view, within walking distance of the Dengyun Stairway and Zhang Fei Temple, and has many guesthouse and hotel options. It is also convenient for night views.
  • Near Longgang Scenic Area: Suitable for travelers planning to enter the scenic area early in the morning. The surrounding area mainly has rural guesthouses and homestays. Accommodation standards are usually not as good as in the county town, but staying here reduces travel time. Advance booking is recommended in peak season.

Practical Tips

• Visiting Longgang: The scenic area is large, so plan a full day. Taking the sightseeing bus saves energy. If you choose the hiking route, the full route is about 6–7 kilometers, so wear comfortable sports shoes.
• Weather impact: The Cloud Corridor and glass plank road may temporarily close in rainy or windy weather. Check the weather forecast before setting out.
• Buying local specialties: It is best to buy specialties such as peach slice cake and Zhang Fei beef from regular supermarkets in the county town. Goods at the scenic area entrance may be more expensive.
• Signal issues: Mobile phone signal can be unstable on some mountain roads in Yunyang. Download offline maps in advance before departure.