Nanchuan

Nanchuan makes a good weekend destination near Chongqing. You can explore Jinfo Mountain, a World Natural Heritage site, wander through retro-style streets, or enjoy mountain and lake scenery along the 178 Driving Loop. The following guide covers sights, itineraries, food, transport and accommodation.

• Jinfo Mountain: Both a national 5A-rated scenic area and a World Natural Heritage site. Take the cable car up, then explore the cliffside walkway, Golden Turtle Facing the Sun rock formation, Ancient Buddha Cave and Yaochiba alpine meadows. Summer offers a retreat from the heat, autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter offers skiing. A sea of clouds is more likely on the day after rain.

• Shanwangping Karst National Ecological Park: During the seasonal transition, the forest takes on two distinct colors, creating a landscape where summer and autumn seem to meet. In autumn, the extensive dawn redwood forest gradually turns red and becomes the main attraction. The park also suits gentle hikes, camping and relaxing among the trees.

• Nanchuan 178 Driving Loop: This roughly 178-kilometer driving route links places such as Jinshan Lake, Fengchuiling and Longya Fortress. Along the way are mountain lakes, waterfalls cascading down cliffs and clear streams. It is also known as Chongqing’s “Little Route 318.”

• Jinshan Lake: The broad expanse of emerald-green water between the canyon walls makes this a good spot for photography. Several viewing platforms around the lake offer stops on a driving trip. You can also camp or paddle in the shallows.

• Fengchuiling: On a scenic stretch of the 178 Driving Loop, this is a good place to watch clouds spill over the ridges like a waterfall. Early morning after rain clears is a particularly good time. You can also hike from here to the Longya Fortress ruins and Maniaoshui Waterfall, enjoying sweeping mountain views along the way.

• Nanchuan East Street: This retro-style visitor district recreates street life from the 1980s and 1990s. It features oversized versions of everyday objects from the past, a Ferris wheel and a range of local snacks. Stay into the evening to see the streets lit up.

Suggested Itineraries

• Two-day, one-night itinerary (best by car)
  • Day 1: Drive from central Chongqing to the western side of Jinfo Mountain, a journey of about 1.5 hours, then take the cable car up. Explore the cliffside walkway, Golden Turtle Facing the Sun and Ancient Buddha Cave, along with the alpine meadows and sea of clouds. Descend in the afternoon and continue to Fengchuiling. Camp or stay at a guesthouse so you have time to watch the cascading clouds early the next morning if the weather is suitable.

• Day 2: Get up early at Fengchuiling for sunrise and cascading clouds, then drive along the 178 Driving Loop, visiting Jinshan Lake and Longya Fortress along the way. Return to central Nanchuan in the afternoon to stroll through Nanchuan East Street and try some snacks. Head home in the early evening.

• Relaxed one-day itinerary (for high-speed rail travelers or those who prefer less time on the road)
  • Morning: Visit Xilai Temple on Yonglong Mountain to see the 30-meter gilded Buddha and seven-story ancient pagoda. With relatively few visitors and a quiet setting, it is a place to offer prayers or sit in contemplation.

• Afternoon: Head to Nanchuan East Street to photograph the retro streetscapes and try local snacks such as chicken-broth pan-fried buns and triangular sweet potato starch wrappers.
  • Evening: Stay on East Street to enjoy the nighttime lights. For dinner, try Nanchuan barbecue or beef and greens hotpot before heading home.

Nanchuan Specialties

Local dining centers on everyday dishes, and a few dozen yuan per person will usually buy a filling meal. Here are some foods to consider ordering.

• Square bamboo shoots: A Nanchuan specialty, these shoots are tender and crisp, with little astringency. Local farmhouse restaurants often serve them stir-fried with aged cured pork or cooked in lard without chili—two ways to sample their flavor.

• Triangular sweet potato starch wrappers: A common item at Nanchuan barbecue stalls, these are grilled by hand until lightly charred outside and soft and chewy inside. They are usually filled with diced preserved mustard stem or pickled radish, brushed with chili oil and have a stretchy texture when bitten into.

• Mai erduo: A local pasta dish made by tearing off pieces of dough and cooking them straight away, served with diced cured pork and crushed peanuts. Dip them in the restaurant’s toasted-chili sauce for extra fragrance and heat.

• Beef and greens hotpot: A Nanchuan specialty seasoned with pickled chilies, with a broth that combines a fermented tang and a toasted aroma. The beef is cut into long strips, the tripe is simmered until tender, and greens lining the bottom absorb the richly flavored broth.

• Wadiban barbecue: The specialty grilled lotus root known as “wadiban,” literally “sock soles,” is a local favorite. The slices are crisp, tender and chewy, with a coating of chili powder. Other options include grilled sweet potato starch wrappers and boneless chicken feet.

• Nanmen Bridge potato slices: Sold by the skewer, these potato slices are deep-fried and then tossed with the vendor’s own seasoning blend. Spicy, fragrant and crisp, they make a relatively inexpensive late-night snack.

Transport and Accommodation

• Driving: From central Chongqing, take the Chongqing–Hunan Expressway (G65) to central Nanchuan, a drive of about 1.5 hours. A car is the most convenient way to reach Jinfo Mountain and explore the 178 Driving Loop. The loop has many bends, so less experienced drivers in particular should slow down and never move into the oncoming lane to overtake.
• Public transport: High-speed trains from Chongqing West or Chongqing East station take about 30 minutes to reach Nanchuan North station. From there, take a taxi or transfer to a tourist shuttle to the scenic areas.
• Accommodation options:
  • Views and a retreat from the heat: Consider guesthouses or campsites at the foot of Jinfo Mountain, in Fengchuiling or around Jinshan Lake, such as Huyingju Guesthouse and Yunduan · Tingzhuli. These locations suit travelers hoping to watch cascading clouds in the early morning or stargaze at night.
  • Convenient dining and transport: If food and transport matter more, stay in central Nanchuan, near Wanda or East Street. These areas have plenty of dining options, taxis are easy to find, and accommodation is relatively affordable.

Travel Tips

• Conditions for cascading clouds: This phenomenon at Fengchuiling usually requires weather conditions such as rain the night before followed by clear skies early the next morning. Check the forecast before deciding whether to get up early for the views.
• Clothing and footwear: Mountain temperatures vary noticeably in the mornings and evenings. Even in summer, bring a light jacket or windproof outer layer to Jinfo Mountain or Fengchuiling. Wear shoes with good grip if you plan to hike.
• Tickets: You can buy a Jinfo Mountain package online in advance that includes admission, the cable car and sightseeing shuttle. It is usually cheaper than buying tickets on site and can reduce time spent queuing.
• Stream and shallow-water safety: Places along the 178 Driving Loop, including Jinshan Lake, Pangguandu and Shanwangdian, have clear streams where you can paddle in the shallows and camp. Do not swim in deep pools, and watch for slippery footing near the water.
• Fuel: Petrol stations are sparse in the villages and towns along the 178 Driving Loop. Fill your tank in central Nanchuan or at the start of the route before setting off.