Tongliang

Tongliang is well suited to a weekend trip or a short holiday: you can explore historic towns, enjoy lake and mountain scenery, and watch the traditional molten-iron fireworks display, an intangible cultural heritage performance. The journey from central Chongqing takes about 1 hour.

• Anju Ancient Town: Dating back more than 1,400 years to the Sui dynasty, this old town stands at the confluence of the Fu and Qiong rivers. Bluestone lanes run through the town, and its nine palaces and eighteen temples remain relatively well preserved. Commercial development is fairly limited, so everyday local life is still visible. Climb Yuhuang Tower for a panoramic view of the town. Entry to the town is free, but some attractions inside charge separately.

• Xuantian Lake: An approximately 10-kilometer rubber-surfaced running track circles the lake and is described as the longest of its kind in China. The clear water reflects the surrounding mountains, and bicycles are available to rent for rides along the shore. The entire area is free to visit and is a popular weekend leisure spot for local residents.

• Tongliang Museum: Add this museum to your itinerary if you want to learn about Tongliang’s local history and folk traditions. Its collection includes more than a hundred historic plaques, as well as Ming-dynasty stone ceremonial attendant figures with distinctive local features. The museum closes at midday and reopens at 2 p.m.

• Qicai Mengyuan: This national AAAA-rated attraction is known for its seasonal flower displays and also has rides such as a miniature train and a Ferris wheel. At night, you can watch *Chasing Dreams: Tongliang Dragon*, which combines the Tongliang dragon dance with traditional molten-iron fireworks, offering a different experience from a daytime visit.

• Laohukou Waterfall: Known locally as “Little Hukou,” this waterfall cascades down a series of tiers to create an impressive sight. It is especially worth seeing after rain, so consider this when planning your visit. Admission is free.

• Qiu Shaoyun Martyr Memorial Hall: Set within Fengshan Park, the memorial hall has a solemn landscaped setting. Exhibits use historical objects and reconstructed scenes to tell the story of Qiu Shaoyun’s heroic deeds. It is a suitable stop for learning about China’s revolutionary history, and admission is free.

Local Food Specialties

Tongliang offers local flavors to try during your trip, as well as foods that are easy to take home.

• Tongliang Pickled Chicken Feet: The signature flavor is toasted chili, made with seasonings roasted by hand for a pronounced heat that does not catch in the throat. Established local shops such as Yang Penglong and Qin Laoyao sell them, including vacuum-packed versions that are convenient to take home.

• Chongchong Cake: This traditional Tongliang snack is freshly steamed from glutinous rice flour and sprinkled with brown sugar. Soft, chewy, and sweet, it sells at street stalls for 1 yuan each and is best eaten right away.

• Heritage-Style Braised Rabbit: Mainly spicy and numbing, with notes of Chinese medicinal herbs, this dish features firm yet tender rabbit meat that absorbs the seasoning well. It is a distinctive Tongliang main course suited to sharing.

• Handmade Hot-and-Sour Noodles: Available in Tongliang’s old streets, this snack comes with peanuts, fried meat sauce, and cilantro. Portions are generous, with an appetizing sour and spicy flavor.

• Flaky Chestnut Pastries: Baiweiju on the pedestrian street sells both sweet and savory versions. Fresh from the oven, they have a crisp, flaky crust and a soft filling, and are best enjoyed warm.

Suggested Itineraries

Tongliang’s attractions are relatively close together, making it easy to plan a one- or two-day visit.

• One-Day Trip (Leisurely Route):
  • Morning: Set off from central Chongqing and head first to Anju Ancient Town. Walk its bluestone lanes to experience the pace of life in this thousand-year-old riverside town, then stroll by the river and take photos.
  • Lunch: Try chongchong cake and mahua fried dough twists in the old town, or head to the urban center for Tongliang pickled chicken feet and Yang’s crucian carp.
  • Afternoon: Back in the urban center, rent a bicycle at Xuantian Lake and ride around the lake, enjoying reflections of Bayue Mountain on the water. If you prefer history and culture, visit Tongliang Museum instead to learn about the area’s dragon traditions.
  • Evening: If the timing works, head to Qicai Mengyuan for molten-iron fireworks and Tongliang dragon performances, or watch *Chasing Dreams: Tongliang Dragon* at Xuantian Lake.
• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Route):
  • Day 1: Visit Anju Ancient Town in the morning and cycle around Xuantian Lake in the afternoon. In the evening, stroll and dine along the pedestrian street in the urban center, sampling Tongliang’s hot-and-sour noodles and flaky chestnut pastries.
  • Day 2: Visit Tongliang Museum and the Qiu Shaoyun Martyr Memorial Hall in the morning to learn about local history and heroic deeds. Spend the afternoon at Qicai Mengyuan enjoying the flowers or rides, then head home in the early evening.

Getting Around

• Rail: From central Chongqing, take Metro Line 1 to Bishan Station, then transfer within the station to the suburban Bitong Line for Tongliang West Station. From there, take a taxi or bus to the attractions.
• Driving: Take the Chongqing–Suining Expressway or the Ring Expressway from central Chongqing. The drive takes about 1 hour. Roads in Tongliang are generally in good condition, and parking is fairly convenient at most attractions.
• Buses: Routes such as 104 and 302 serve the urban area. Route 302 also goes to Anju Ancient Town.

Practical Tips

• Reservations and Opening Hours: Tongliang Museum closes from noon to 2 p.m., so plan around this break. Some venues, including museums and memorial halls, may require advance online reservations.
• Cycling Safety: Bicycles are not allowed on the Xuantian Lake greenway after 6 p.m. Keep right, control your speed, and supervise children closely.
• Choosing Performance Seats: For the molten-iron fireworks in *Chasing Dreams: Tongliang Dragon*, try to avoid the first three rows to reduce the risk from flying sparks. Central sections such as B or C generally offer a good balance of visibility and safety.
• Clothing and Footwear: Anju Ancient Town mainly has stone-paved streets, and a visit to Xuantian Lake may involve cycling, so wear comfortable athletic shoes with good grip. Autumn mornings and evenings can be cool; bring a light jacket.