Fengjie

Fengjie is a city filled with poetry, with both the grandeur of “Kuimen, the mightiest pass under heaven” and the everyday warmth of its streets and alleyways. Here is a detailed Fengjie travel guide to help you explore the City of Poetry with ease!

Top Attractions

• Top of the Three Gorges: At 1,388 meters above sea level, this is the highest point of the Yangtze Three Gorges. From here, you can overlook the magnificent 8-kilometer panorama of Qutang Gorge. It is also one of the best spots to photograph the Kuimen scenery featured on the back of the RMB 10 note. The summit is relatively cool, but the sun is strong, so it is recommended to check in along the viewing boardwalk.
• White Emperor City · Qutang Gorge: The place where Liu Bei entrusted his heir, and the source of inspiration for Li Bai’s line “My light boat has passed ten thousand mountains.” A recommended route is to take the free ferry from Zhongyi Pier to the opposite bank to see the monkeys and photograph Qutang Gorge, then visit White Emperor Temple. Descending from the back gate saves a lot of effort.
• Little Red Boat: You can take a boat trip through Qutang Gorge, enjoying the river breeze and the green mountains on both banks. The scenery is most beautiful during the first third of the journey. The boat has air conditioning, making it much more comfortable than standing in the sun onshore, and it is ideal for travelers who do not want to hike.
• Dry Kuimen: A free attraction with scenery no less impressive than paid scenic areas. This area features alpine meadow terrain, with Tianjingtai Ground Fissure and Longhe Bridge along the way. It is quiet and uncrowded, suitable for self-driving or chartering a car to enjoy the water and escape the summer heat.

Suggested Itineraries

Two-Day Trip (Relaxed and Unhurried)

• Day 1: In the morning, take the high-speed train from Chongqing North to Fengjie Station. After exiting the station, head straight to the scenic-area direct shuttle bound for the Top of the Three Gorges. At noon, check in at the summit viewing platform. In the afternoon, take the sightseeing bus down the mountain, then transfer to a bus to White Emperor City. In the evening, return to the county town for guzi chicken, then stroll along Shicheng Road at night to enjoy the river views.
• Day 2: In the morning, take a bus to White Emperor City for an in-depth visit, and have a simple meal in the scenic area at noon. In the afternoon, choose either the Little Red Boat cruise through Qutang Gorge or head to Dry Kuimen to cool off. Return by high-speed train in the evening.

One-Day Trip (Commando Version)

• Take an early high-speed train, around 6:40, to Fengjie, then take the direct shuttle to the Top of the Three Gorges. After descending around noon, transfer to White Emperor City and catch the 13:30 in-depth Qutang Gorge cruise. The trip ends around 4 p.m., after which you can go directly to the high-speed rail station for the return journey. Note: A one-day trip is very physically demanding. In summer, it is recommended to choose the easier version with only the cableway and boat cruise.

Must-Try Food Recommendations

Transportation and Accommodation

• Long-Distance Transport: Take the high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Fengjie Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and tickets cost around 130 yuan. After exiting the station, scenic-area direct shuttles and buses are available, making it very convenient.
• Local Transport: To reach the Top of the Three Gorges, you can take a direct shuttle, 30 yuan per person, or share a ride. To go to White Emperor City, take bus 402 or 403, 5 yuan. It is recommended to buy direct shuttle tickets in advance through the “Yukexing” mini program.
• Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near the Binjiang International commercial area or Buyun Street. These areas are close to the Little Red Boat pier and are also starting points for buses, making dining and transport convenient. Prices are around 100-200 yuan per night.

Pitfalls and Notes

• Heat and Sun Protection: Fengjie is extremely hot in summer. White Emperor City is at a low elevation, and the perceived temperature can reach 40°C, so be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun umbrella, and Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid. The Top of the Three Gorges is higher in elevation and relatively cooler, but sun protection is still necessary.
• Hiking Gear: If you plan to hike at the Top of the Three Gorges, be sure to wear non-slip shoes and bring trekking poles and knee pads. Mountain paths are slippery on rainy days, so hiking is not recommended then.
• Transport Pitfalls: Do not casually take unlicensed cars soliciting passengers outside scenic areas. Shared rides usually cost 15-30 yuan; be cautious if the price is higher than that. Before going down the mountain, it is best to contact a driver in advance to avoid being overcharged on the spot.
• Ticket Reservations: Tickets for White Emperor City and the Top of the Three Gorges can be bought on site, but advance online booking is recommended during holidays. The Little Red Boat price rises to around 50 yuan after August, and tickets can be bought on site.