Hechuan

Hechuan is located in Chongqing and is well suited to a weekend or short trip. A high-speed train from central Chongqing takes about 25 minutes. The area is home to Diaoyu City, which bears witness to the history of the Southern Song dynasty, as well as relatively quiet ancient towns and scenery where three rivers meet.

• Diaoyu City: The site of an ancient Southern Song battlefield, famous as “the place where God broke his whip.” The scenic area is surrounded by rivers on three sides and occupies strategically important terrain. From places such as Huguo Gate and Diaoyu Platform, you can look out over the confluence of the Jialing, Qu and Fu rivers, making it a good place to combine historical sites with sightseeing.

• Laitan Ancient Town: Laitan Ancient Town is one of the first ten famous historical and cultural towns in China. It has relatively little commercial development and retains a strong local, everyday atmosphere. The town is home to the only fully preserved ancient barbican in southwest China, as well as the thousand-year-old cliff carvings at Erfo Temple. A morning walk along the Qu River offers views of mist rising over the water.

• Wenfeng Ancient Street: This area has a concentrated cluster of Bayu-style stilt houses built along the river and is known as “a branch of Hongyadong.” Once the lights come on at night, the riverfront takes on an especially atmospheric look. From the top of Wenfeng Pagoda, you can overlook the confluence of the three rivers. The street also features a rainbow staircase and the Chongqing Hot Pot Museum.

• Former Residence of Lu Zuofu: The residence displays simple old belongings and faded historical photographs documenting the experience of Lu Zuofu, known as the “King of Chinese Shipping,” and his efforts to save the country through industry. The small courtyard is relatively quiet in the afternoon, making it a good place to slow down and explore.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (compact highlights): Visit Diaoyu City in the morning to explore this thousand-year-old battlefield site, then take a sightseeing bus to Huguo Gate, Diaoyu Platform and the Hanging Reclining Buddha. Return to the urban area for Hechuan pork slices at lunchtime. In the afternoon, explore Wenfeng Ancient Street, pass by the rainbow staircase and climb Wenfeng Pagoda for views of the rivers. Take an evening stroll along the riverside walkway, then have dinner at a neighborhood hot-pot restaurant before heading home.
• Two-day trip (in-depth and relaxed):
  • Day 1: After arriving in Hechuan, visit Diaoyu City first. Hiring a guide or renting an audio guide is recommended. In the afternoon, visit the Former Residence of Lu Zuofu, then head to Wenfeng Ancient Street in the evening for local snacks and nighttime views of the three rivers.

Accommodation can be arranged at a hotel near People's Square, or you can choose a guesthouse inside Wenfeng Ancient Street.

• Day 2: Get up early and head to Laitan Ancient Town. Visit the Ming- and Qing-era old street, the ancient barbican and the cliff sculptures at Erfo Temple in succession, and experience the area's slower pace of life. Have a farm-style lunch in the town, then buy Hechuan peach slices as gifts before heading home.

Hechuan Specialties

Hechuan cuisine focuses on local flavors, and many long-established restaurants are tucked away in the streets and lanes.

• Hechuan pork slices: This intangible cultural heritage dish is crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a sweet-and-sour lychee flavor. It goes well with rice and can be found at many long-established local restaurants.

• Hechuan rice noodles with lamb: A common local breakfast choice, with a fragrant, savory broth and little of the usual gamey smell. The rice noodles are soft and smooth, and can also be served with lamb offal soup.

• Hechuan peach slices: A specialty from one of Hechuan's long-established brands. The salt-and-pepper flavor is more distinctive than the sweet version. The texture is fine and delicate, making it a good gift for friends and family.

• Chen Kuanfen: Hechuan-style wide noodles with a rich, spicy and numbing flavor. This long-established shop can be found in places such as Jiuchang Road Pedestrian Street.

• Yikuai'er Barbecue: A traditional Hechuan skewer restaurant with fairly reasonable prices and fresh meat. The pineapple beef and grilled shiitake mushrooms are among its signature choices.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Transportation: A high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Hechuan Station takes about 25 minutes. From the station, a taxi ride of about 15 minutes will take you to Diaoyu City. Driving from central Chongqing takes about one hour. Taxis, shared electric bikes and buses are all convenient within Hechuan's urban area. For trips to Laitan Ancient Town, driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
• Accommodation: If your budget allows, you can choose a riverside hotel in the urban area; higher floors usually offer better views. If you prioritize price and convenient transport, stay near Hechuan Station or at the foot of Diaoyu City. These locations make it relatively easy to set out in the morning and find parking.

Travel Tips

• Footwear: Diaoyu City has many stone steps, so high heels are not suitable. Comfortable sports shoes are recommended.
• Wind protection and warmth: The wind can be noticeable by the river and on the mountaintop, so bring a light jacket, especially if you plan to watch the sunset in the evening.
• Pace of sightseeing: Diaoyu City covers a large area. You can take a sightseeing bus up the mountain and walk back down; the round-trip fare is 18 yuan. The full visit takes about 3–4 hours.
• Book ahead: Some popular long-established restaurants, such as Hebang Shuitang Duck Soup, may require advance telephone reservations. This helps avoid a long wait or being unable to dine after arriving.