Banan

Banan District combines wooded mountains, old towns and hot springs, making it an option for a short weekend trip or a relaxing two-day, one-night break from Chongqing. An itinerary can focus on countryside walks, old-town sightseeing and hot springs.

• Yunzhuan Mountain: Rising to 650 meters, the mountain offers views of the Yangtze River and urban Banan. Its old stone-step paths are peaceful, and there is also a forest adventure park. It suits hiking, leisurely activities or group outings.

• Fengsheng Ancient Town: The town retains wooden buildings and courtyards dating back several centuries, with gray bricks, black roof tiles and decorative carvings creating a traditional streetscape. Workshops making weighing scales by hand and smoked dried tofu can still be found here. It is a good place to learn about local history and photograph old-town streets. Admission is free.

• Nanwenquan Park: One of Chongqing's long-established hot spring destinations, the park has quiet surroundings. In the evening, you can photograph traditional-style buildings in the sunset before enjoying the hot springs after dark. It suits couples and families looking for a relaxing outing.

• Hanhai Ocean Park: One of the larger ocean-themed parks in southwestern China, it has an underwater tunnel, mermaid performances and dolphin shows. It can be included in a family outing or a couple's itinerary.

• Shengdeng Mountain Forest Park: Known as the “Little Mount Emei of Eastern Sichuan,” the park has seven old fortified settlements from the Ming and Qing dynasties scattered along its ridges. You can watch the sunrise and seas of clouds here. Autumn is also a time to see maple foliage, with red maples on display at places such as Wuzhou Garden.

• Foying Gorge Rafting: The rafting route runs through a natural gorge, alternating between more intense rapids and calmer stretches. It is a place to cool off and enjoy the water in summer, particularly for groups of friends and younger visitors who enjoy thrills.

Suggested Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Old-Town Sightseeing and Hot Spring Relaxation: In the morning, travel from central Chongqing to Fengsheng Ancient Town. Walk along its stone-paved lanes and try smoked dried tofu and handmade dried noodles. Return to the urban area in the afternoon for a stroll along the riverside path at Nanwenquan Park, allowing time to enjoy the dusk scenery. Check into a hot spring hotel in the evening, choosing a private bath or shared hot spring pools to suit your preferences.

Consider staying around the Yudong shopping district or Nanwenquan, for example at Ji Hotel (Banan Yudong Tongluowan Branch). There are plenty of restaurants and night-market options nearby, and you can also walk to Huaxi Night Market for a meal and a browse.

• Day 2: Mountain Walks and Natural Scenery: In the morning, choose Yunzhuan Mountain or Shengdeng Mountain for an easy hike, stopping at viewing platforms to admire the countryside. Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant on the mountain or at its foot, trying specialties such as free-range chicken soup and cured pork. In the afternoon, depending on your return travel plans, visit the underwater tunnel at Hanhai Ocean Park or head to Yunlin Tianxiang for flowers and camping before heading home.

Dining in Banan

Banan's food combines urban neighborhood flavors with rural farmhouse cooking. Jianghu cuisine—bold, hearty local dishes—is also part of the area's food culture.

• Baxin Tianjie Pickled Greens and Pork Liver Rice Noodles: Tucked into a residential lane, this is a well-known local rice noodle shop. The pork liver is tender and smooth, while toasted dried chilies give the broth a roasted aroma and pickled greens add a savory tang. Many Banan residents come here for breakfast.

• Zeng Chaoshou: This long-running neighborhood shop on Xinmin Street in Yudong offers a budget-friendly 10-yuan self-service meal. Its wontons are wrapped by hand and cooked fresh, with thin skins and generous meat fillings. They can be served with a chili-oil dipping sauce.

• Huafangcun Old Hot Pot: This local Banan hot pot brand grew from a neighborhood restaurant into a chain. Dishes to consider include its signature egg-yolk shrimp paste and braised tiger-skin chicken feet. The overall style is traditional hot pot.

• Salted Duck and Braised Skewers: Near Banan Shangshehui, this long-running street-food shop specializes in cold skewers. Salted duck and malatang, a spicy broth dish, are also popular choices.

• Yage Taro Balls: The shop's handmade taro balls have filled centers, a springy, chewy texture and moderate sweetness. They make a dessert option while exploring an old town or night market.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting around: From central Chongqing, take Metro Line 3 to Yudong in Banan. Taxis are another option for traveling between attractions. If driving, take the Inner Ring Expressway and exit at Banan or Chayuan to reach most scenic areas. Having a car makes it easier to adjust your itinerary.
• Clothing and footwear: Banan has plenty of mountains and waterways, and sightseeing often involves stone steps and slopes. Wear non-slip trainers or light hiking shoes. Bring a light jacket for the larger morning-to-evening temperature changes in spring and autumn. For summer mountain trips, use sun protection and mosquito repellent. For winter hot spring visits, bring warm clothing and non-slip footwear, and keep warm and sheltered from the wind after leaving the water.
• Hot spring precautions: Shower before entering, and start with a cooler pool to let your body adjust gradually. Keep each soak to no more than 15 minutes and stay hydrated. After leaving the pool, you can rest briefly before showering, but do not assume that leaving minerals on your skin guarantees greater benefits. Avoid soaking on an empty stomach or immediately after a meal.
• Seasonal planning: Spring and autumn offer relatively comfortable weather for exploring Banan. In summer, head to Shengdeng Mountain to escape the heat or try rafting in Foying Gorge. In winter, visit the hot springs at Nanwenquan or Dongwenquan.