Tongnan

Tongnan is a seriously underrated hidden gem on the Sichuan-Chongqing border, known for “few crowds, beautiful scenery, mostly free attractions, and authentic food.” From Chengdu or Chongqing, it takes about 1.5 hours by either car or high-speed rail, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend slow trip.

• Shuangjiang Ancient Town: One of China’s first ten famous historical and cultural towns, with well-preserved flagstone streets. Recommended stops include the Yang Family Residence, Former Residence of Yang Angong, and Yu King Palace, where you can experience Qing-dynasty architectural aesthetics and revolutionary history. Admission is free.

• Tongnan Great Buddha Temple: A national 4A-rated scenic area, home to the world’s tallest indoor gilded Buddha, standing 18.43 meters high. The temple’s “Sound of the Stone Steps” is one of China’s four great acoustic wonders, and the cliff-carved character “Buddha” reaches 8.85 meters in height. It is currently open for free.

• Tongnan Museum: Converted from an old granary, the museum displays Asia’s largest sauropod dinosaur fossil, the Tongnan Mamenchisaurus, along with a group of thousand-year-old sunken logs stretching 35 meters. It is a great place to learn about Tongnan’s past and present. Admission is free, but advance reservation is required.

• Chen Tuan’s Hometown Scenic Area: Located in Chongkan Town, this area is famous for its vast rapeseed flower fields in March and April. The giant Taiji diagram in the flower sea, with a diameter of 236 meters, is especially impressive. You can also ride a sightseeing mini train or take a painted boat through the flowers. It is open for free during the spring season only.

• Malong Mountain Reclining Buddha: Located in southern Tongnan, this 36-meter-long open-air cliff-carved reclining Buddha is one of the largest stone-carved reclining Buddhas in China. Nearby is the ancient Ming-dynasty Fowan Temple. Quiet and less visited, it is ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking and exploring historic sites. Admission is free.

Transportation Guide

• Self-driving: From Chengdu or central Chongqing, take the expressway directly to Tongnan in about 1.5 hours. Round-trip tolls are around 100 yuan, and parking near the scenic areas is relatively convenient.
• High-speed rail: It takes about 1 hour from Chengdu East Railway Station to Tongnan Railway Station, and about 40-50 minutes from Chongqing North Railway Station to Tongnan Railway Station. After exiting the station, you can take a taxi or bus to the main attractions.

Recommended Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Classic Highlights): Visit Shuangjiang Ancient Town in the morning to explore old residences and eat liangfen cold jelly noodles ➡️ Visit Tongnan Museum and Tongnan Great Buddha Temple in the afternoon to experience history and Zen atmosphere ➡️ In the evening, enjoy the breeze along the Fujiang River, try Tai’an fish, then return.
• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Slow Travel):
  • Day 1: Arrive in the morning and explore Shuangjiang Ancient Town, then have local snacks in the town for lunch; in the afternoon, visit Tongnan Great Buddha Temple and the museum; in the evening, take a Fujiang River night cruise, enjoy the neon lights along the riverbanks, and have late-night snacks at Fujiang Tianjie.
  • Day 2: In spring, visit Chen Tuan’s Hometown to see the flower fields. In other seasons, you can hike at Longduo Mountain or visit Malong Mountain to see the reclining Buddha. At noon, have an authentic Tongnan stir-fried chicken or vegetable banquet in the city, then return.

Must-Try Food

Tongnan’s best food is tucked away in its streets and alleys, centered on spicy, fresh flavors and authentic jianghu-style cooking.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Ticket Policy: At present, core attractions such as Tongnan Great Buddha Temple, Shuangjiang Ancient Town, and Tongnan Museum are all open for free, but some former residences or old houses, such as the Yang Family Residence, may charge an admission fee of around 20 yuan. Please refer to the scenic area’s same-day notice for details.
• Parking Guide: For Shuangjiang Ancient Town, it is recommended to navigate to parking near the north gate of “Yang Family Residence” to avoid parking at the visitor center, which requires a 1.6-kilometer walk. The west gate of Great Buddha Temple has a very large parking lot that is cheap and convenient.
• Avoid Peak Times: The ancient town and flower fields can get crowded on weekends and holidays. It is best to enter before 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds and catch the best light for photos.
• Souvenir Choices: Recommended local specialties include Tongnan canned yellow peaches, layered mahua twists, and handmade dried tofu. Check the production date and place of origin of the canned yellow peaches carefully, and try to choose established local brands.