Bishan

Bishan in Chongqing is known as a “city of parks,” with more than 30 parks and a century-old French-style church. Its bold local cooking is also worth exploring. About an hour from central Chongqing by car or Metro Line 1, it makes a convenient weekend getaway.

• Xiuhu Park: This free, 4A-rated attraction covers about 100 hectares, including roughly 33 hectares of lake. Stroll along the shore to see the traditional-style buildings of Xiuhu Water Street and take period-style photos. A musical fountain also operates on weekend evenings.

• Lourdes Church: This century-old French Gothic church is free to visit. White walls, pointed spires and a blue curved dome give it a distinctive appearance, while the broad lakeside lawns offer good photo spots.

• Fengxiang Lake Children's Park: One of southwestern China's larger free playground parks focused on non-motorized play, it has a carousel, slides and climbing nets, making it a good option for outdoor family activities.

• Dayuanxiang Museum: Housed in a converted 200-year-old bowl factory, this museum holds more than 100,000 architectural components from historic buildings in the Bayu region. Alongside insights into local architectural history, its layered spaces and interplay of light and shadow offer opportunities for photography.

• Bishan SkyShuttle: This is the world's first driverless elevated mini-train, with a fare of RMB 4 for the full route. Sit at the front or rear for views over the city and gentle rises and dips reminiscent of a miniature roller coaster.

Dining in Bishan

Rabbit and fish are signature choices for exploring Bishan's food, alongside bold local dishes and street snacks.

Suggested Itineraries

Choose between these two options depending on how long you plan to stay:

• One day (a relaxed outing): In the morning, take Metro Line 1 from central Chongqing to Bishan Station, then transfer to the SkyShuttle for Xiuhu Park. Walk along the lake and photograph the traditional-style buildings. For lunch, try Bishan rabbit and Laifeng fish in town. In the afternoon, visit Lourdes Church for French-style architecture and photos, or head to Fengxiang Lake Children's Park if traveling with children. Take the SkyShuttle back in the early evening and enjoy elevated views of the city along the way.
• Two days (a leisurely visit): On the first morning, visit Xiuhu Park and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Town. Spend the afternoon at Dayuanxiang Museum learning about historic Bayu architecture. In the evening, explore Xiuhu Water Street, watch the musical fountain and stay at a lake-view hotel near Xiuhu. On the second day, drive to Lourdes Church in Zhengxing Town for photos. In the afternoon, head to Qitang Town or Batang for coffee and rice-field views at a rural café such as Moji Matcha, then return in the early evening.

Accommodation and Transport

• Getting around:
  • Metro + SkyShuttle: Take Metro Line 1 to Bishan Station, then exit and transfer to the SkyShuttle. A one-day pass costs RMB 15. The SkyShuttle connects major attractions, including Xiuhu Park and Fengxiang Lake Children's Park, and is useful for traveling between them.
  • Driving: The drive from central Chongqing to Bishan takes about an hour. Set your navigation destination to “Xiuhu Park” or your chosen attraction. Parking usually costs RMB 2–10 per visit.
• Where to stay:
  • Resort stays: New World Chongqing Hotel sits on a peninsula extending into the lake and offers lake-view rooms. Tianci Huatang Forest Hot Spring Resort Hotel offers hot spring relaxation, while Yinju Bishan Yebo Xiuhu Resort Hotel is surrounded by the Xiuhu Park setting.

• Budget-friendly, convenient stays: Ji Hotel (CBD Xiuhu Park), Lavande Hotel (Light Rail Station) and Yongli Hotel are among the options in town or along the metro line, balancing cost with ease of travel.

Travel Tips

• Mosquito and sun protection: Mosquitoes can be plentiful around the lakes at Xiuhu Park and Lourdes Church. Bring insect repellent and use sun protection when taking photos outdoors.
• Musical fountain schedule: The Xiuhu Park musical fountain usually operates from 19:15 to 20:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the day's schedule before setting out.
• Indoor attraction opening hours: Some indoor attractions, including Longyin Pavilion, may close on Mondays. Confirm opening hours when planning your itinerary.
• Clothing and walking: For French-style photos at Lourdes Church, consider a solid-colored dress or a French-style blouse. Both the parks and museum involve walking, so comfortable trainers are recommended.