Jiangjin

Jiangjin combines natural scenery with the charm of historic towns. Simian Mountain is a 5A-rated scenic area, while Zhongshan Ancient Town and Shimen Old Street retain a strong sense of local life. Jiangjin is also the birthplace of Jiangjin pickled-fish dishes and rice-flower candy. Below is a roundup of attractions, local food and suggested itineraries to help you plan your trip.

Must-Try Food in Jiangjin

Jiangjin is one of the important birthplaces of Chongqing-style river-and-lake cuisine. The area is also home to many selenium-rich specialty foods and traditional snacks.

Suggested Itineraries

Choose one of the following two routes according to how much time you have:

Two-Day Leisure Trip (Ideal for a Relaxing Weekend)

• Day 1: Drive from central Chongqing to Jiangjin, a journey of about 1.5–2 hours. Visit the Nie Rongzhen Marshal Exhibition Hall in the morning, then explore Kuixing Pavilion and Rainbow Steps in the afternoon. In the evening, try Jiangjin pickled fish or hot mixed rabbit in the city center, and stay overnight in central Jiangjin.

• Day 2: Visit the old streets of Zhongshan Ancient Town and try stone-slab glutinous rice cakes. Then hike to Lovers' Ladder and tackle its 6,000 steps before returning in the afternoon.

Three-Day In-Depth Trip (Ideal for Escaping the Heat and Enjoying the Fresh Air)

• Day 1: Leave central Chongqing for Simian Mountain Scenic Area. Visit Wangxiangtai Waterfall and the Danxia landforms at Tudi Cliff, then stay at a guesthouse in the scenic area and enjoy the stars at night.

• Day 2: Take a boat tour of Dahonghai or Longtan Lake in the morning, then head to Lovers' Ladder in the afternoon. In the evening, you can dine in Zhongshan Ancient Town.

• Day 3: Visit Shimen Old Street to see a train pass through the street and take a ferry across the river. Stop by Shimen Grand Buddha Temple, then buy Jiangjin rice-flower candy and other local specialties before heading home.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Jiangjin's attractions are spread out, and the sights within Simian Mountain Scenic Area are especially far apart. Driving is the most convenient way to organize your itinerary. If using public transportation, first take a high-speed train or bus to central Jiangjin, then transfer to a local shuttle bus for the scenic areas.
• Accommodation: When visiting Simian Mountain, staying at a guesthouse or hotel inside the scenic area makes it easier to get up early to see the waterfalls and sunrise. If you mainly plan to visit the city and ancient towns, an inn in central Jiangjin or Zhongshan Ancient Town is a better choice.

Travel Tips

• Temperature Differences and Gear: Mountain areas such as Simian Mountain and Dayuandong have noticeable temperature differences between day and night, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket even in summer. Lovers' Ladder and Dayuandong both involve long climbs up steps, so wear non-slip athletic shoes and consider bringing trekking poles.
• Parking Fees: Some smaller attractions within Simian Mountain Scenic Area charge a separate parking fee of about 5 yuan per visit. Plan your sightseeing order in advance and try to visit nearby attractions together to avoid repeated entry and exit.
• Book Ahead: During the summer peak season and public holidays, guesthouses inside Simian Mountain Scenic Area are in high demand, so it is advisable to book several days ahead. When visiting Shimen Old Street, try to arrive early as parking spaces are limited.
• Train Passing Times: If you want to watch a train pass through Shimen Old Street, plan your timing carefully. Usually, two trains pass between noon and 1 p.m.; outside this window, it can be difficult to see one.