Changshou

Changshou in Chongqing is a hidden gem of a small city with a wonderfully slow-paced feel. It is just over 20 minutes by high-speed rail from the main urban area, making it perfect for a weekend day trip or a two-day getaway. Here is a detailed, no-backtracking guide for you!

Core Attractions Overview

Changshou’s attractions mainly fall into two categories: old-town culture and natural scenery. Most of the key sights are free, offering excellent value.

• Changshou Cable Car: Built in 1964, this is China’s longest, steepest, and longest-running ground passenger cable car, and the whole ride is free. Sitting in the retro carriage as you overlook the Yangtze River and the old town feels like traveling back in time. It was also a filming location for *A Writer’s Odyssey 2*.
• Sandaoguai Ancient Street: A relatively well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty old street in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Its winding bluestone steps are full of authentic everyday life and a kind of weathered beauty. However, some areas are currently under renovation, so it is best to visit during the day to soak up the atmosphere.
• Dinghui Temple: Known as “the first temple along the ten-thousand-li Yangtze River,” it backs onto green hills and faces the Yangtze, with a peaceful setting. More than just a thousand-year-old temple, it is also the former site of the National Hydropower Engineering Headquarters. The river breeze here is incredibly soothing.
• Bodhi Mountain: A national 4A-rated scenic area where you can check in at the Wanshou Heavenly Stairway, carved with nearly 20,000 Chinese characters for “longevity.” Bodhi Temple at the summit is built entirely of wood, and from the Bodhi Holy Lamp you can overlook the entire Changshou urban area and a panoramic view of the Yangtze River.
• Bodhi Ancient Town: A faux-ancient town themed around Bayu culture. Baishou Avenue and the night views are beautiful, making it a good place for photos in Hanfu. There are also plenty of snack shops along the streets.
• Changshou Lake: If you have enough time, head to Changshou Lake Scenic Area. On summer weekend evenings, there is usually a fireworks show. Watching the fireworks from the lawn area is very romantic, so it is recommended to buy tickets in advance and bring a picnic mat.

Recommended Classic Itineraries

Depending on how much time you have available, you can choose between the following two routes:

• One-Day Trip (intensive old-town highlights):
  • Morning: Take the high-speed rail from Chongqing North Railway Station directly to Changshou North Railway Station. After arriving, have a bowl of authentic Changshou rice noodles. Then take a bus to Bodhi Mountain to visit the Wanshou Heavenly Stairway and Bodhi Temple, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
  • Afternoon: Walk to Changshou Museum (closed on Mondays, so check the timing) to learn about longevity culture, then explore Bodhi Ancient Town. In the evening, take the free cable car and stroll along Sandaoguai Ancient Street to experience the old town at sunset.
  • Evening: Go to Dinghui Temple to enjoy the river breeze, or have a bowl of fatty intestine rice in the city before heading back.
• Two-Day Trip (relaxed deep dive + fireworks):
  • Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary above. In the evening, try Tongzi pot stickers and old Chongqing soy-braised pork buns in the city, then stay overnight in Changshou urban area.
  • Day 2: Head to Changshou Lake Scenic Area. Spend the day walking by the lake and checking in at the Sky Theater. If it is a weekend evening, leave time for the Changshou Lake fireworks show, then return by direct shuttle or high-speed rail afterward.

Must-Try Local Food List

Changshou’s food is affordable and full of flavor. Do not miss these local specialties.

Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• High-speed rail station choice: Be sure to buy a ticket to Changshou North Railway Station! It is very close to the urban area, and getting around by taxi or bus is convenient. If you buy a ticket to “Changshou Railway Station” or “Changshou Lake Railway Station,” they are much farther from the city, and taxi costs will be higher.
• What to wear: Both Sandaoguai and Bodhi Mountain involve lots of stairs, so comfortable sneakers are a must. Light-colored or modern Chinese-style clothing is recommended, as it matches the ancient town and old streets well.
• Pitfall reminders: Some popular internet-famous malatang shops have average hygiene conditions, so choose carefully. The museum closes at 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, so plan your time in advance. The cable car gets crowded on weekend afternoons, so it is better to go in the morning or around dusk.