Qijiang

Qijiang is about a one-hour drive from central Chongqing. With old towns that retain their traditional character, Danxia rock formations and mountain areas suited to restful breaks, it is an option for a short weekend trip.

• Gujian Mountain: Known as the “Little Mount Emei of Eastern Sichuan,” this mountain is densely forested. Hike along the Danxia boardwalk, have a vegetarian meal at Jingyin Temple, then climb higher for views of the Danxia formations and a sea of clouds.

• Dongxi Ancient Town: Set along the thousand-year-old Salt and Horse Trail, this town has seen relatively little commercial development. Follow its stone-paved lanes past century-old Chinese banyan trees, Taiping Bridge, streams and waterfalls. It is well suited to leisurely walks and photography.

• Laoying Mountain: A core area of Qijiang National Geopark, its main attractions include the largest collection of fossilized dinosaur footprints in southwestern China and the Danxia scenery at Hongyanping. It is worth considering for visitors interested in geology or outdoor hiking.

• Baiyun Taoist Temple: This temple stands atop an isolated peak deep in the mountains. Admission is 5 yuan, and reaching it involves climbing around a thousand stone steps. Early morning offers a better chance of seeing a sea of clouds and mountain mist. The temple’s 600-year-old ginkgo tree is another highlight for photography.

• Hengshan Tourist Resort: This resort focuses on mountain wellness breaks and relaxing stays. Its higher elevation makes summers relatively cool. You can climb Tiantai Mountain to see a sea of clouds or unwind in the resort’s hot springs.

Local Specialties

• Beidu Fish: This signature Qijiang dish, part of the region’s bold, rustic cooking tradition, originated at Beidu Ferry on the Qi River. It uses fish freshly killed for cooking and comes in flavors such as spicy and numbing, pickled mustard greens, and tomato. A single fish can be prepared in several ways, with tender flesh and little fishy taste.

• Anwen Goat: Made with locally raised, free-range black goats, this dish is slowly simmered with Chinese herbs. The meat is tender without being greasy. Choose between a spicy red broth and a clear broth; either makes a warming winter meal.

• Qijiang Rice Noodles: Made from Guichao rice, these noodles are thin yet springy, with a fragrant rice flavor. Usually served with bone broth and a minced-meat topping, they are an everyday local breakfast. Sigang rice noodles and Ganshui rice noodles each have their own local character.

• Dongxi Fermented Tofu and Liu’s Black Duck: Both are local Dongxi Ancient Town foods associated with intangible cultural heritage traditions, and both make good gifts to take home. The tofu-making tradition dates back a thousand years. The duck is cooked in a seasoned master stock, giving it tender meat and a lingering savory aroma.

• Yongxin Braised Pork Intestines: Gently braised until golden, the intestines are soft yet springy, rich but not greasy. Crisp, tender bamboo shoots add a contrasting texture.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Forest Hiking and Old-Town Strolls): Visit Gujian Mountain in the morning, hiking through the forest and climbing to viewpoints overlooking the Danxia landforms. For lunch, try vegetarian noodles near the scenic area or return to the urban area for Beidu fish. Drive to Dongxi Ancient Town in the afternoon and explore its stone-paved lanes. Watch the sunset at Taiping Bridge, then have Qijiang rice noodles in the evening before heading back.
• Two-Day In-Depth Trip (Geological Scenery and a Relaxing Mountain Break):
  • Day 1: Visit Laoying Mountain in the morning to see fossilized dinosaur footprints and Danxia scenery. Continue to Dongxi Ancient Town in the afternoon for a glimpse of life along the thousand-year-old Salt and Horse Trail. Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Hengshan Resort or a hotel in the urban area.
  • Day 2: Head to Baiyun Taoist Temple or Tiantai Mountain in Hengshan early in the morning to see the sea of clouds and sunrise. For lunch, try local specialties such as Hengshan cured pork and firm-textured grass carp. Spend the afternoon walking along Gujian Mountain’s forest trails, ending the trip in the peaceful, Zen-inspired mountain surroundings before heading back.
• Family Learning Trip: On the first day, examine dinosaur footprints at Laoying Mountain, then visit Qijiang Museum or the Comrade Wang Liang Memorial Hall to learn about local revolutionary history. On the second day, try printmaking in Dongxi Ancient Town, followed by family activities at Yingpanshan Health and Sports Park in the afternoon.

Where to Stay

• Gujian Mountain Art Village: Known for its designer guesthouses, this village has quiet surroundings and relatively high levels of negative air ions. It suits travelers who value comfortable accommodation and a peaceful rest.

• Guesthouses in Dongxi Ancient Town: Options include stilt houses and converted traditional homes, with streams visible from the windows. They offer an easy way to experience the town’s quiet daily life. Rooms usually cost 150–250 yuan per night.
• Hotels in Qijiang’s Urban Area: Consider hotels around Wanda Golden Street or Yingpan Mountain for convenient dining and transport. Accommodation meeting four-star standards is available locally for a little over 200 yuan, offering relatively good value.

Travel Tips

• Transport: Attractions are spread out, so driving is the most convenient way to travel between them. The drive from central Chongqing takes about 1–1.5 hours. Some mountain roads, including those toward Baiyun Taoist Temple, have frequent bends, so keep your speed down and drive carefully.
• When to See Clouds and Mist: If you plan to see a sea of clouds or mist at Baiyun Taoist Temple or the Gujian Mountain viewing platforms, aim to arrive before 10 a.m. Clouds and mist generally begin to disperse in the afternoon.
• What to Bring: Stone-paved lanes in the old town and mountain trails both have uneven sections, so wear comfortable trainers with good grip. Mountain weather can change quickly; bring rain gear.
• Mosquito and Sun Protection: Bring insect repellent when visiting Dongxi Ancient Town or the mountains in summer and early autumn. Use sun protection when hiking on clear days.