Changshou

Changshou District is about an hour’s drive or half an hour by high-speed train from central Chongqing. Its name expresses wishes for good fortune and longevity, making a leisurely pace fitting here. Ride a funicular with 60 years of history, admire Southwest China’s largest artificial lake, or explore old streets for a glimpse of everyday local life.

• Changshou Funicular: Built in 1964, this line is known as the “First Funicular of the Yangtze.” It has a vertical drop of 110 meters and a 59-degree incline, and is currently free to ride. Its green carriages and views of the Yangtze create a nostalgic, 1980s feel, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and photography.

• Sandaoguai Old Street: Dating back to the Ming dynasty, this neighborhood of Ming- and Qing-style buildings stretches 2.5 kilometers along the Yangtze, with an elevation difference of 165 meters. Bluestone lanes link old Bayu-style houses with double-layered walls and traditional teahouses. Take your time exploring and photographing streets that still retain their everyday character.

• Changshou Lake: Southwest China’s largest artificial lake has broad waters dotted with islands. Take a sightseeing boat to the islands, or try a helium balloon ride for an aerial view of the islands arranged in the shape of the Chinese character “寿,” meaning longevity. Stay by the lake toward evening to watch the sunset turn the water orange.

• Bodhi Ancient Town: This commercial district, built in a traditional style, centers on the themes of good fortune, longevity and Bayu culture. Admission is free. After the lights come on at night, stroll the streets, watch intangible cultural heritage performances, browse the snack street or try wearing hanfu. It makes a convenient evening stop.

• Bodhi Mountain: The mountain combines hiking with prayers for good fortune and longevity, with signs bearing the character “寿” along the route. The walk to the summit takes about 40–60 minutes. From the top, broad views take in the old and new urban areas facing each other across the river.

A Relaxed Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Old Town Walks and Ancient Town Night Views:
  • Morning: Set out from central Chongqing. On arrival in Changshou, head first to the upper station of the Changshou Funicular. Photograph the carriages and panoramic town views from the viewing platform, then ride down to the lower station.
  • Midday: From the lower station, walk to Sandaoguai Old Street. Follow the bluestone lanes and stop at an old teahouse for tea served in a lidded bowl, soaking up the quiet atmosphere of this 600-year-old neighborhood.

• Afternoon: Visit Changshou Museum to learn about local traditions of good fortune and longevity and the area’s industrial development. Then walk to the Bodhi Ancient Town area for a short break.
  • Evening: Explore Bodhi Ancient Town, sampling local snacks and looking out for intangible cultural heritage performances. You can also stroll along the riverside path, enjoy the breeze and listen to folk music.

• Day 2: Lake Outing and a Mountain Climb for Blessings:
  • Morning: Visit Changshou Lake, arriving early to allow time for a boat trip and water activities. Alternatively, walk along the shore and enjoy the scenery of this lake, nicknamed “Little Erhai.”

• Midday: Eat near Changshou Lake and try a local Changshou Lake all-fish feast. Steamed fresh fish and fish soup are both good ways to enjoy the fish’s natural flavor.
  • Afternoon: Head to Bodhi Mountain and climb the Wanshou Stairway. Offer prayers for blessings at the summit and enjoy the panoramic views, then return to central Chongqing.

Local Flavors of Changshou

Alongside the area’s longevity traditions, its food deserves some time in your itinerary. Rice noodles, pork intestine rice and lake fish each offer distinctive flavors.

• Changshou Rice Noodles: A popular local breakfast, these noodles are thinner and smoother than those in central Chongqing, with a rice fragrance and a slightly chewy texture. Choose toppings such as chicken giblets with pickled chilies or shredded pork with pickled mustard greens for a savory bowl.

• Changshou Pork Intestine Rice: The cooked pieces of pork intestine retain a chewy, slightly crisp texture, with balanced seasoning and a savory, spicy flavor. To try this local dish, visit long-established eateries such as Jiemei Pork Intestine Rice or Xianxian Pork Intestine Rice.

• Changshou Lake Fish: Fresh fish caught in the lake has relatively firm flesh. A local all-fish feast lets you try preparations such as fish with pickled chilies, steamed fish and fish soup. Plan a meal around it while visiting Changshou Lake.

• Changshou Blood Tofu: This local dish combines pork, tofu and spices, then is smoked or red-braised. Its savory, fragrant flavor, with chili heat and a numbing kick, goes well with rice.

• Changshou Thin Crispy Biscuits: Originally from northern China, this traditional specialty is paper-thin, brightly colored and sweetly fragrant. It makes a good food souvenir.

Getting There and Where to Stay

• Transport:
  • High-speed train: The journey from Chongqing North Station to Changshou North Station takes 30–50 minutes. From there, a taxi to the ancient town or funicular station takes about 10 minutes.
  • Driving: Take the Shanghai–Chongqing Expressway from central Chongqing. The journey usually takes 1–1.5 hours, with round-trip tolls of about RMB 100. Driving offers more flexibility for families or those planning to explore farther around Changshou Lake.
• Where to Stay:
  • Near Bodhi Ancient Town: There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels, making evening visits to the ancient town convenient. Some hotels offer free hanfu experiences, though the area can be noisy during holidays.
  • Central Changshou (Taoyuan Road / Century Square): Accommodation offers good value, with plenty of places to eat nearby and relatively short taxi rides to the sights. This area suits travelers who want convenient dining and city sightseeing.

Before You Go: Practical Tips

• Funicular operating hours: The Changshou Funicular usually runs from 7:00 to 19:00. A one-way ride takes about 3–4 minutes and is free. Late-afternoon light near sunset is good for nostalgic-looking photos, but keep an eye on the last departure time.
• Walking conditions on Sandaoguai Old Street: Built along the hillside, the neighborhood has many stone steps and substantial changes in elevation. Wear comfortable, flat shoes. Walking from top to bottom reduces uphill effort and makes it easy to stop for photos along the way.
• Planning a visit to Changshou Lake: Consider arriving at 8:00 to allow time for water activities. Most water activities and sightseeing shuttles stop operating between 16:00 and 18:00. If you do not plan to buy admission to the scenic area, you can still enjoy lakeside views from Shengtian Lake Square, which is free to enter.
• Shopping and dining in the ancient town: Bodhi Ancient Town has no admission fee. Compare prices before buying snacks or souvenirs. Explore the lanes farther inside the district to find more distinctly local foods, such as handmade chili sauce and crispy treats made from dried cooked glutinous rice.