Xiushan

Xiushan is a good choice for a relaxed weekend or short holiday. You can explore ferry crossings associated with Shen Congwen’s novel *Border Town*, or head to highland meadows to see a sea of clouds. Commercial development is relatively limited, everyday prices are reasonable, and there is no need to pack your itinerary too tightly.

Relaxed 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xiushan and explore the border town: From central Chongqing, Xiushan is about 2.5 hours away by high-speed train or around 4.5 hours by car. Spend the afternoon in Hong’an Border Town, taking the hand-pulled ferry to experience the meeting point of three provincial-level regions. Then explore Hong’an Old Street and see the boundary marker. For dinner, try the riverside specialty known as “three regions in one pot.” Stay overnight in a stilt-house guesthouse in the old town, or return to the county town.
• Day 2: Enjoy Chuanhegai’s scenery and explore West Street at night: Drive to Chuanhegai in the morning via the winding mountain road with 45 bends. Once there, walk through the highland meadows and enjoy the sea of clouds. Return to the county town in the afternoon to explore Xiushan West Street, watch traditional lantern performances recognized as intangible cultural heritage, and visit Tianhou Temple and Bagua Well. For dinner, try local snacks at the night market around Huadeng Square.

• Day 3: Explore the scenery and shop for gifts: In the morning, visit Daxi Youshui National Wetland Park for canyon views, or stay in the county town and climb to a panoramic viewpoint in Fenghuang Mountain Forest Park. Have Xiushan rice tofu and shefan rice for lunch, then pick up gifts such as Miao embroidered sachets and Hong’an vinegar before heading home.

Local Food in Xiushan

Local cooking combines flavors from Chongqing, Hunan and Guizhou. Eating out is reasonably priced, and local snacks are easy to find along the streets and lanes.

• Hong’an Fish with Pickled Vegetables: This dish embodies the idea of “three regions in one pot,” combining fish from Hunan, tofu from Guizhou and pickled mustard greens from Chongqing. The flavors are sour, spicy and savory.
• Xiushan Rice Tofu: Pick up pieces with a bamboo skewer and enjoy them with small hot chilies, fish mint and a special chili oil. It is refreshing and appetizing.

• Tujia Shefan Rice: Glutinous rice is mixed with wild greens and diced cured pork, then steamed. It combines the aroma of wild ingredients with a soft, sticky texture and savory flavor.

• Xiushan Mung Bean Noodles: Similar in texture to rice cakes but lighter to eat, these noodles are usually served with chili oil and braised pork and are popular locally.

• Zhang’s Pickles: Locals often queue for these pickles, which include radish and a range of other vegetables. Well seasoned but still crisp, they are mixed with a special chili oil and make a refreshing accompaniment to rich dishes.

• “Air” Wontons: This Xiushan specialty consists of hollow wonton wrappers with no filling. Chewy wrappers and a special chili oil make for a different take on the usual wonton dish.

Getting There and Where to Stay

• Transport:
  • High-speed train: Trains from Chongqing North Station to Xiushan Station take about 2.5 hours. A second-class ticket costs around RMB 113. On arrival, take a taxi or transfer to a bus to reach the attractions.
  • Driving: The Baotou–Maoming Expressway leads directly to Xiushan. The drive takes about 4.5 hours, with tolls of around RMB 195. A car gives you more flexibility if you also plan to visit nearby attractions such as Chuanhegai.
  • Local connections: Buses between Xiushan and Hong’an Ancient Town run every half hour and cost about RMB 17 per person. To reach Chuanhegai, drive or hire a car; the route follows the mountain road with 45 bends.
• Accommodation:
  • Hong’an Ancient Town: Riverside stilt-house guesthouses offer river views from the windows. In the low season, expect to pay around RMB 120–200 per person per night. The setting is quieter than the Chadong side in Hunan.
  • Xiushan County Town: There is a wider choice of accommodation, prices and facilities, with rates around RMB 150–250 per person per night. Staying here is more convenient if you plan to visit Huadeng Square and the West Street night market in the evening.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hand-pulled ferry hours: The ferry costs RMB 2 per person and offers a way to experience border-town culture. It usually stops running between 5 and 6 p.m.; after that, you will need to cross the river via Hongcha Bridge.
• Clothing and footwear: Chuanhegai is 1,200 meters above sea level. The mountaintop can be windy and is cooler than the county town, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Comfortable flat shoes are best for exploring the old town and West Street.
• Cuicui Island visits and performances: Daytime admission to Cuicui Island costs RMB 30 per person. There are also evening performances, and your guesthouse host may be able to buy tickets at a lower price. Before setting out, check that the relevant facilities are working and the attraction is open to avoid a wasted trip.
• Night market food: In the evening, head to the night market near Huadeng Square to try chilled rice porridge, Zhang’s pickles and grilled rice crusts. Snacks here are reasonably priced and offer a taste of everyday food in Xiushan.