Zhongxian

Zhong County is humid and hot in summer, so spring and autumn are more comfortable times to visit. Zhong County has a 2,300-year history as a city and has long been known as the “City of Loyalty and Righteousness.” Located in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, it offers both Yangtze River views and representative sights such as Shibaozhai and Zhongzhou Alley, making it suitable for a short 2-day, 1-night weekend trip.

• Shibaozhai: Known as one of the world’s eight extraordinary buildings, this 12-story wooden pavilion was built along the slope of the mountain. After the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Shibaozhai became a landscape like a “bonsai in the river.” From the higher levels, you can look out over the Yangtze River.

• Huanghua City Archaeological Site Park: This is Chongqing’s first archaeological site park on a river island. It is also a rare island-type city site from the Song-Yuan wars. The site displays help visitors understand Southern Song military history and scenes from archaeological excavation.

• Baigong Shrine Cultural and Museum Scenic Area: Built to commemorate the Tang-dynasty poet Bai Juyi, this scenic area includes Baigong Shrine and the Zhongzhou Museum. Its overall design follows a Ming- and Qing-style architectural look, making it a good place to learn about poetry culture and the local history of Bayu.

• Zhongzhou Alley: A partly submerged old city area in the Three Gorges Reservoir region that has preserved much of its original appearance. Bluestone lanes, yellow walls, dark roof tiles, and stilted buildings together create the atmosphere of the old town. After the lanterns are lit in the evening, the streets and alleys become even more scenic.
• Flames of the Three Kingdoms Live-Action Performance: This large-scale live-action show uses the Yangtze River landscape as its stage backdrop. The story centers on Guan Yu and presents classic scenes such as the Oath of the Peach Garden through song, dance, equestrian performance, and other forms.

Itinerary Route Plan

• Day 1 (River Wonders and Old-Town Atmosphere): In the morning, go to Shibaozhai to visit the wooden pavilion built along the mountainside; at noon, have farmhouse dishes on Huanghua Island; in the afternoon, visit Huanghua City Archaeological Site Park; in the evening, return to the county town and go to Zhongzhou Alley to enjoy the old town’s night views.
• Day 2 (History, Culture, and a Striking Performance): In the morning, visit Baigong Shrine and the Zhongzhou Museum to learn about the culture of loyalty and righteousness and Bai Juyi’s time in Zhongzhou; at noon, try local farmhouse specialties; in the afternoon, watch the live-action performance *Flames of the Three Kingdoms*, then end the trip.

Transportation Guide

• From downtown Chongqing:
  • By car: Navigate to “Shibaozhai Tourist Center” or Zhong County town. Take the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway; the drive takes about 2.5–3 hours.
  • By coach: You can take a coach from Chongqing Sigongli Transportation Hub or Chaotianmen Bus Station to Zhong County Central Bus Station. Tickets cost about 60–70 yuan, and the journey takes about 3.5–4 hours.
  • By high-speed rail: The Chongqing–Zhong County high-speed rail line is still under construction and has not fully opened yet. At present, taking a coach or driving is more recommended.
• Getting around the county: You can take the newly opened “Eight Views of Zhongzhou” tourist shuttle route, which connects major attractions such as Baigong Shrine, Shibaozhai, and Huanghua City. With a same-day ticket, you can transfer unlimited times.

Must-Try Local Food

Zhong County’s food combines bold jianghu-style flavors with Bayu characteristics. Staple dishes, spicy flavors, and fresh river fish are all representative.

• Shibao Steamed Tofu: Said to have originated from Tang-dynasty temple vegetarian cuisine, this dish is made by frying tofu, coating it with rice flour, and steaming it. The finished dish is bright red, gently fragrant, and recognized as an intangible cultural heritage food of Zhong County.

• Zhongzhou Fermented Tofu: Made with an intangible cultural heritage technique passed down for about 300 years, it tastes savory and slightly sweet in the aftertaste. It can be used as a dipping sauce or in everyday cooking, and is a good souvenir to take home.
• Yangtze River Fish: Thanks to the resources of the Yangtze River, the fish is fresh. Common preparations include steaming and braising in soy sauce. The meat is tender and is often found at riverside farmhouse restaurants.
• Yangrou Gege: One of Zhong County’s local snacks, made by steaming lamb and rice flour in a bamboo steamer. It has the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns, a soft and glutinous texture, and a mildly spicy, savory flavor.
• Wang’er Snacks Pea and Minced Pork Noodles: An old shop often visited by local diners in Zhong County. The noodles are mixed with sauce, the peas are soft, and the minced meat sauce is rich in flavor, making it widely approachable.
• Sweet Potato Tofu: Crispy on the outside and soft and glutinous inside, often sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. It works well as a snack at late-night beer stalls.

Accommodation Suggestions

• County center (near Wanda/Binjiang Road): Hotels are relatively concentrated here, prices are fairly friendly, and you can stay comfortably from around 100+ yuan per person. There are plenty of dining and night-market options nearby, and transportation is convenient.
• Guesthouses near Huanghua Island or Shibaozhai: If you want river views and a slower pace, consider staying in this area. At night, you can watch the stars by the river and enjoy the river breeze, making it suitable for couples or families traveling with elderly relatives.

Practical Tips

• Shibaozhai tickets: Adult tickets cost about 45–50 yuan. It is recommended to enter right when the park opens at 9:00 in the morning to avoid larger crowds and strong sun, and climbing the stairs will also feel easier.
• Zhongzhou Museum: Admission is free, but it is closed on Mondays. Check in advance when planning your itinerary to avoid arriving and being unable to visit.
• ** *Flames of the Three Kingdoms* performance**: The show usually runs from 20:00 to 21:00. There are special shuttle buses from the county town, with a one-way fare of about 8 yuan. It is best to arrive at the station early and wait there.
• What to wear: Many attractions in Zhong County involve slopes or steps, such as Zhongzhou Alley and Shibaozhai, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended. In summer, also prepare sun protection and mosquito repellent.
• Buying local specialties: Zhongzhou fermented tofu, Zhong oranges, and Wuyang liquor are local specialties. It is recommended to buy them from regular supermarkets or specialty shops in the county town, and avoid making random purchases at scenic-area entrances.