Beibei

Set beside Jinyun Mountain and the Jialing River, Beibei is known as “Chongqing’s back garden.” You can explore old villages surrounded by greenery and sample everyday local food, making it a good choice for a weekend getaway or a slower-paced two-day, one-night trip.

• Jingangbei Ancient Village: This riverside village on the Jialing River has a history of more than 300 years and is free to enter. Its flagstone lanes are lined with century-old Chinese banyan trees and moss-covered walls, offering good settings for atmospheric nature shots or vintage-style photos.

• Jinyun Mountain: This national nature reserve has lush forests and is well suited to exploring on foot. Walk around Dai Lake or climb Lion Peak for views over central Beibei.

• Wenquan Temple: This thousand-year-old temple has red courtyard walls and dark roof tiles nestled among the trees. With relatively few visitors, it is a peaceful place to experience the temple atmosphere and take traditional-style photos.

• Pianyan Ancient Town: A stream runs through this thousand-year-old town. Arrive in the early evening for a leisurely walk along the water. As night falls and the lanterns light up one by one, the town feels even quieter, giving you time to take in the local pace of life.

• Jindao Gorge: The route follows a stream along walkways through the gorge, with sunlight filtering through the leaves into the valley. It is worth considering if you enjoy hiking and mountain-and-water scenery. Allow about 3.5–5 hours to complete the full route.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Village Walks, River Views and Hot Springs: Start with breakfast in Beibei’s old town, choosing options such as Master Miao’s flatbread or pine-needle steamed dumplings. Then visit Jingangbei Ancient Village to explore its mossy old lanes and photograph shafts of sunlight. In the afternoon, follow the riverside walking trail to the natural hot springs for a foot soak, then stay by the river to watch the sunset over the Jialing River. In the evening, have tea in the old village or choose a hot-spring guesthouse for a soak.
• Day 2: Forest Hiking and Cultural Visits: Spend the morning walking on Jinyun Mountain. Admire the green waters of Dai Lake or climb Lion Peak for views over central Beibei. Return to town in the afternoon to explore the campus of Southwest University or visit the Chongqing Natural History Museum. Pick up some local food to take home before leaving.

Local Flavors of Beibei

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting around: Driving from central Chongqing to Beibei takes about an hour, offers flexibility, and most attractions have convenient parking. By public transport, take Metro Line 6 to Beibei Station, then transfer to bus 518 or 520.
• Footwear: Jingangbei and the riverside trails have many flagstone sections, and moss-covered stretches can be slippery when wet. Wear flat shoes with good grip rather than high heels.
• Mosquito and sun protection: Dense vegetation in the mountains and along the river means there are plenty of mosquitoes, so bring repellent. Although much of the riverside trail is shaded, some stretches receive strong sunlight. Bring a sun-protective layer or a hat.
• Drinking water: The riverside walk from Baiyushi Park to Jingangbei is about 3 km, with few places to buy supplies along the way. Bring around 1 L of water per person.
• Natural hot spring precautions: Locals use the natural hot springs by the river for foot soaks. The water is around 30–40°C. The surrounding ground is wet and slippery, so watch your footing and avoid entering the water for a full-body soak.