Fengjie

Fengjie, on the Yangtze River, has a long history and a rich poetic tradition. The dramatic landscape of Kuimen and the poetry of the Three Gorges together give this destination its character. Around two hours from central Chongqing by high-speed train, it is well suited to a weekend or short holiday trip.

• Baidicheng · Qutang Gorge: This site combines Three Kingdoms historical remains with centuries of poetic associations. It is where Liu Bei entrusted his son to the care of his advisers. You can see the Kuimen landscape depicted on the back of the 10-yuan banknote, or take an extended sightseeing cruise for close-up views of Qutang Gorge from the river.

• Three Gorges Summit: At 1,388 meters above sea level, this is the highest point of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges. The viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of Qutang Gorge, Kuimen and Baidicheng, helping you take in the full sweep of the river and mountains.

• Kuizhou Museum: This national second-tier museum presents the history and culture of Fengjie and ancient Kuizhou. The museum building also makes a good photography subject. Allow half a day for an unhurried visit.

• Han Kuimen: Deep in the mountains, sheer cliffs 600 meters high face each other, forming a natural landscape known as “Kuimen on Land.” Quiet and largely unspoiled, it is a good destination for a self-drive trip or for hikers who prefer peaceful surroundings.

Suggested Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Climb to the Three Gorges Summit for Gorge Views
  • Morning: Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Fengjie Station, a journey of about 1.5–2 hours. Then head to the station's transport interchange for a direct shuttle to the Three Gorges Summit scenic area. The ride takes about one hour and costs 30 yuan.
  • Midday: After arriving at Lanyuehe or Shimiao Visitor Center, you can save energy by taking the cable car uphill. A one-way ride costs 50 yuan and takes about 18 minutes. From the upper station, walk another 20 minutes or so to the viewing platform, where you can photograph a 10-yuan banknote alongside the distant Kuimen landscape depicted on it.

• Afternoon: Walk along the cliffside walkway to enjoy the wooded gorge and river views, and experience the mountain scenery evoked in Three Gorges poetry. After your visit, take the sightseeing shuttle or cable car downhill, then head to Fengjie town and stay near the Binjiang International shopping district.
• Day 2: Explore Baidicheng and Cruise the Gorge
  • Morning: After breakfast, take bus 403 or a taxi to the Baidicheng · Qutang Gorge scenic area. Cross the covered bridge, then visit Baidi Temple and Tuogu Hall in turn.
  • Midday: Board the extended Qutang Gorge sightseeing cruise at Zhongyi Ferry Landing. It costs about 50 yuan and lasts around one hour, offering close-up views of Kuimen from the water. On the return journey, the boat stops at Jiangxia Ferry Landing, where you can get off to visit Chijia Tower. You may also see wild macaques along the way.

• Afternoon: From Zhongyi Wharf, take the road to the left leading up the hill behind it. This relatively easy route offers open views and good spots for panoramic photographs of Kuimen. After your visit, take a direct shuttle back to Fengjie Station, then return by high-speed train.

Fengjie Specialties

• Zhuyuan Guzi Chicken: This signature Fengjie dish is recognized as intangible cultural heritage. It is prepared in a special earthenware pot without added water: steam condenses to form the broth. After at least four hours of slow steaming, the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and savory, with the aroma of cured meat.

• Dada Noodles: A traditional handmade noodle dish from Kuizhou. The dough is repeatedly slapped against a work surface and stretched into wide, chewy noodles. Served with an egg-and-potato mash and fried bean-paste sauce, it is a traditional breakfast commonly found in Fengjie's old town.

• Fengjie Gege: A common local street snack made by steaming pork ribs, lamb or pork intestines with ground rice. The rice coating is soft and sticky, while the meat is tender, with the ribs coming easily off the bone. It is usually served with a special dipping sauce.

• Li Shaola: Try the local specialty shaola flatbread here. The springy bread is filled with braised meats such as pork cheek and dressed with a sweet-and-sour, numbing-spicy sauce for a savory-sweet flavor.

• Dazhang Cold Noodles: The Fengjie-style cold noodles here are seasoned with yellow mustard and combine sour, sweet, numbing and spicy flavors. Refreshing in summer, they also provide a welcome contrast to rich, oily dishes.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting There and Back: High-speed trains from Chongqing North Station to Fengjie Station take about 1.5–2 hours, with second-class tickets costing around 158 yuan. This is a convenient way to travel. Driving from central Chongqing takes about 3.5–4 hours.
• Local Transport: Direct scenic-area shuttles are available outside Fengjie Station. Fares are 15 yuan per person to Baidicheng and 30 yuan per person to the Three Gorges Summit. Taxis and buses are also options for travel between scenic areas. It can be difficult to find a taxi back from the Three Gorges Summit, so consider a direct shuttle or a hired car when planning your visit.
• Where to Stay: Consider staying near the Binjiang International shopping district in Fengjie town. Close to the river, it is convenient for night views and sunrise, offers plenty of dining options, and has useful transport connections to the scenic areas.

Travel Tips

• Bring a 10-yuan Banknote: When visiting Baidicheng and the Three Gorges Summit, bring a 10-yuan banknote so you can photograph the image on its back alongside the actual landscape at a Kuimen viewpoint.
• Check Cruise Times in Advance: The extended Qutang Gorge sightseeing cruise from Baidicheng usually runs three times a day, for example at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30. Plan your sightseeing around the schedule to avoid a long wait if you miss a departure.
• Bring a Layer and Suitable Walking Shoes: The Three Gorges Summit is at a relatively high elevation, so it is cooler and windier at the top than below. Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable athletic shoes with good grip for walking.
• Allow Time for Your Return Journey: Traffic in Fengjie town and around the high-speed railway station can become congested around 5 p.m. If you are returning by high-speed train, plan to leave the scenic area at least 1.5 hours before departure.
• Keep Your Distance from Wild Macaques: You may encounter wild macaques near Chijia Tower and Monkey Hill. Watch and photograph them from a distance. Do not feed them by hand or provoke them, to avoid injury.