Qijiang

Qijiang, Chongqing is an underrated small treasure of a city, with cool mountain cloud seas for escaping the heat, a thousand-year-old ancient town full of everyday charm, and authentic local food at excellent value. It is perfect for a relaxing 1- to 2-day weekend trip from the main urban area.

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Lao Ying Mountain Baiyun Temple​​: A cliffside Taoist temple hidden amid Danxia landforms, with admission at only 5 yuan. Beginners can take the easy 3 km short route to the summit, overlooking terraced fields and a sea of clouds. It is known as “Chongqing’s Little Fanjing Mountain.”

• ​​Dongxi Ancient Town​​: A small town on the thousand-year-old Salt and Horse Road, without excessive commercialization. Its bluestone lanes, century-old Chinese banyan trees, and Taiping Bridge over the river are full of stories, making it ideal for slow wandering and photos.

• ​​Nantianmen Wind Farm​​: A summer retreat at an altitude of 1,600 meters, with an average summer temperature of 25°C. Here you will find wind turbines across the mountains, seas of clouds, and even the Milky Way visible to the naked eye at night, making it an excellent spot for camping and striking photos.

• ​​Fourth Steel Memory Film, TV, Cultural and Creative Park​​: Transformed from the former site of old Chongqing Steel, with red-brick factory buildings, abandoned chimneys, and old railway tracks that create a strong industrial-retro atmosphere. Nearby are the shallow banks of the Qi River, where you can bring children to play in the water and catch fish.

• ​​Gu Jian Mountain​​: Known as “Little Emei of Eastern Sichuan,” it rises to nearly 1,000 meters, with forest trails that are perfect for hiking and breathing fresh air. Jingyin Temple at the summit and the Danxia cliff walkway offer views over rolling mountains and cloud seas.

Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• ​​Day 1: Ancient Town Strolls and Fresh Air Above the Clouds​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Depart from the main urban area for Lao Ying Mountain, hike to Baiyun Temple and the suspended walkway, and take in the Danxia landforms and sea of clouds.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Drive to Dongxi Ancient Town, stroll along the bluestone lanes, drink tea and rest beneath century-old Chinese banyan trees, and take retro film-style photos.
  • ​​Evening​​: Stay in the ancient town or return to Qijiang’s urban area, and try authentic Qijiang Beidu Fish and barbecue.

• ​​Day 2: Cool Summer Escape or Industrial-Style Water Fun​​
  • ​​Option A (Summer Camping)​​: Head to Nantianmen Wind Farm, see wind turbines and cloud seas during the day, camp on the mountaintop in the afternoon to watch the sunset, and photograph the Milky Way at night (best for summer and outdoor enthusiasts).
  • ​​Option B (Family Water Play)​​: Visit the Fourth Steel Memory Cultural and Creative Park, spend the afternoon wading and catching fish in the shallows of the Qi River, take industrial-style photos in the old factory buildings, and return in the evening.

Must-Try Local Food

• ​​Beidu Fish​​: Qijiang’s signature dish, with one fish served three ways: spicy, pickled cabbage, and tomato. The fish is tender and smooth, and the broth is rich.

• ​​Ganshui Rice Noodles​​: A favorite local breakfast, especially Tieshiya Rice Noodles and the “Killer Rice Noodles” from the song. The minced topping is distinctive and the flavor is outstanding.

• ​​Qijiang Teppanyaki​​: A must at humble street eateries, stir-fried and grilled to order. The chicken feet are soft and sticky, the squid is springy, and the secret seasoning pairs perfectly with rice.

• ​​Other Specialties​​: Hongqiao Barbecue (cheap per item and great value), Yangchun flatbread, mung bean pastries, and Dongxi fermented tofu.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• ​​Where to Stay​​: For quality and quiet, choose designer guesthouses such as those in Gu Jian Mountain Art Village; for a cool farmhouse stay, choose guesthouses in Hengshan Town or near Nantianmen, which are affordable and refreshing in summer.

• ​​Getting Around​​: Attractions in Qijiang are quite far from one another, so self-driving is recommended for greater flexibility. If taking the high-speed rail, arrive at Qijiang East Station, then rent a car locally or take taxis.
• ​​Pitfall Alerts​​: Mountain weather changes quickly, so be sure to bring rain gear and a light jacket. Go early if visiting Baiyun Temple or Nantianmen to see the sea of clouds (before 10:00 a.m.), as clouds and mist tend to disperse in the afternoon. When playing in the water, put safety first and do not enter deep-water areas.