Sichuan-Chongqing In-depth Self-guided Tour Guide, Super Detailed
July 31 ~ August 8 (August 8 didn't play, it was a morning flight)
Since I went in summer, things mentioned in my travelogue can be referenced if you go in summer.
Airfare + accommodation + tickets + miscellaneous expenses total around 3500~4000 RMB (I'm bad at math, don't want to calculate. Mainly the airfare to go was too expensive, over 1000 RMB because it was a last-minute decision; actually other aspects were quite economical)
Chengdu Jiaoliao Humanities Boutique Hotel
The hotel's architectural style combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is reflected in the details of the hotel's interior design. Birds appear from the entrance corridor, and the guest rooms have bird-shaped decorations, echoing the hotel's name—Jiaoliao (wren).
"Stillness" lies in the antique courtyard with blue-gray bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is serene, every bamboo mat and seat elegant. Each room has a poetic name, as if full of life and vivid!
The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean, and fully equipped: King Koil Jingzhu Shiguang co-branded mattress, Kohler bathroom, TOTO smart toilet... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc. are all available, giving a very warm and comfortable feeling. There is also a small open-air balcony. In the morning you can look out at the Kuanzhai Alley, being in the world while out of it—this is the life I want. If you need to relax your tired body, they also offer professional spa services.
Breakfast is also very warm. When checking in, the butler asks about your meal time and taste preferences, very considerate. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, accompanied by fruits, dried fruits, and various pastries, and the butler delivers it to your room! Full of love.
Staying here is truly leisurely and comfortable, enjoying this beautiful scenery, and fully experiencing the joy of freedom!!
D1: Kuanzhai Alley
D2: Wuhou Shrine — Jinli Ancient Street — (evening) Chunxi Road
D3: Qingcheng Back Mountain
D4: Three Natural Bridges
D5: Longshuixia Ground Fissure — Furong Cave
D6: Baigong Mansion — Zhazi Cave — Ciqikou — Jiefangbei — Yangtze River Cableway — Hongyadong
D7: Black Valley
D8: Chaotianmen
D9: Pack up and leave
On the morning of July 31, we booked a 9:45 flight, but due to air traffic control, it was delayed to 11:00. We arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 13:10.
Then we took the airport bus (8 RMB) to Dongfu Square (exactly at Line 2), then took the subway (2 RMB) to Dongmen Bridge Station, and walked 10 minutes to the hotel.
I had heard before that Chengdu and Chongqing were super hot, but when we arrived, it was drizzling and sometimes not raining, and the weather was unusually cool. Haha, very comfortable!!
Around 15:30 we planned to stroll Kuanzhai Alley (I think it's better to go to Kuanzhai Alley during the day; at night, the lights are too dim). When we went to Kuanzhai that day, there were very few people, very relaxed.
[TIPS: There are three alleys. On the map, they look like three vertical lines, with a total of six entrances. Be sure to remember which entrance you used for transportation, as you'll need to return to it after sightseeing.] We didn't remember at the time, and later we exited through another entrance. It was too dark, and we didn't want to walk back, so we took a taxi to the hotel.
In the alley, we found a restaurant called Three-Ear Hotpot with good taste. Accompanied by melodious zither music, we enjoyed dinner, very pleasant.
In the morning, we slept in a bit, left the hotel around 9, bought breakfast at the supermarket downstairs, and importantly, I had the long-awaited Chengdu yogurt, which is highly recommended.
We took the bus to Wuhou Shrine, and the bus stop was right at Wuhou Shrine (The ticket seller won't check your student ID! Just tell him you want a student ticket, and you know what I mean! But of course, it's best to have a clear conscience. What if you get caught? Very embarrassing).
Enchanted by the Three Kingdoms at Wuhou Shrine
Around noon, we were hungry, so it was time to go to Jinli Street for a meal. After visiting Wuhou Shrine, you come to a large, open flat area. It seems there are exits on both left and right. Take the exit on the right, and you'll see a lot of people.
Yes, that's Jinli. As soon as we walked out, we turned left. Isn't it close?
I didn't even realize it at first. I just thought, why are there so many people and so much food? Halfway through, I understood it was Jinli. I was so dumb. But Jinli was incredibly crowded!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha. After leaving Jinli, there was a bus stop right across the street. We were both a bit tired from walking, so we went back to the hotel for a nap. Strangely, just a short walk made us tired—totally unlike me; I need more exercise. In the evening, we went to Chunxi Road to eat something and then strolled along Chunxi Road. There's not much to say about a commercial street. End of the day.
Qingcheng Mountain—the most sacred mountain in the immortals' scriptures: One-day tour
Originally we planned to go to Qingcheng Mountain the next day, but the weather forecast said it would rain, so we postponed it to the third day. Ah, let me complain first: the scenery is really good, but half a day is definitely not enough, and I'm referring to the back mountain!!!
[TIPS: If some people want to visit both Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain in one day, I suggest going to the front mountain of Qingcheng. The back mountain definitely requires a full day, otherwise it will be extremely rushed and torturous.]
In these scenic areas, it's best to slow down, breathe the fresh air, and take it easy.
Someone might ask, why do I go to such scenic spots all day? There's no choice—I love mountains, water, and natural scenery, I like being immersed in nature, so I'm not afraid of the effort of hiking. Haha, so it's a bittersweet experience for me.
Let me explain slowly. First, about transportation: The train from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain costs 15 RMB each way. We booked a 6:53 train. I thought it was too early, but for our tight schedule, it was the best time. We arrived at Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station. After exiting (there's only one exit), turn left. To the front mountain, take bus 101; to the back mountain, take a minibus; there's also a bus to Dujiangyan. All these vehicles are in the same area with clear signs, so don't worry. You'll see people heading that way—just follow them. But many private drivers will try to solicit you; just ignore them. It's very convenient because the transportation there is very clear and not chaotic! Get on the minibus; it departs when full. It costs 13 RMB per person. Also, if you want to return to Chengdu the same day, check the time of the last minibus back to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station and make sure it connects with your train ticket time.
After arriving at the back mountain, buy tickets. If you want a discounted ticket, they WILL check it.
[TIPS: The key is to book your outbound train tickets a few days in advance (don't hesitate). Don't think you can book on the same day—all will be sold out, especially the trains between 7 and 10 in the morning. You can check the 12306 website or other sites showing available tickets to get an idea.]
During the hike, I entered via Feiquangou, not Wulonggou! After entering the back mountain gate, the entire scenic area is a loop, starting and ending at Tai'an Ancient Town. The right side is Feiquangou, the left side is Wulonggou, depending on where you want to enter. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to summit unless you like being tortured, and there's nothing to see up there. It's important to look at the small map on your ticket or prepare in advance. If you don't want to take the cable car, pay attention to the black line on the map. It goes to Cuiying Lake (by the way, there's a lake here, and you must take a boat, 2 RMB per person, which is quite nice). Then find that path to Youyi Village, then go down (toward Wulonggou). Don't miss that black line—I missed it, and then I had to climb higher and higher... higher... higher... and finally had to take the cable car (45 RMB per person). There was nothing to see up there either. Climbing up was really tiring, very high. If you enter from Feiquangou, the uphill path is very steep!! So people entering from Wulonggou and exiting from Feiquangou should be careful. Hiking in the scenic area takes a long... long... long time. We were pressed for time and exhausted. After exiting via Wulonggou, we happened to see a 5 RMB sightseeing car to Tai'an Ancient Town. Without a second thought, we got on. It was quite a distance, so people tired from walking might consider it.
Complaint: After leaving the back mountain gate, I want to vent. Because our subsequent itinerary required us to board the minibus back to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station exactly at 12:30 to catch the 13:53 train. Originally, it was more than enough time! But unexpectedly, the trip there took 30 minutes, while the return took 1.5 hours!!!!!! The road was jammed like a snail's pace because on that very narrow winding mountain road, many tourist buses were coming in, and we had to yield. Also, there were many farmhouse inns along the road, and many private cars stopped to inquire. Some drove in, didn't like it, and backed out to continue searching! I was going crazy—no wonder it was jammed!!! Plus, many people drove in the morning and arrived at the scenic area around noon. So, I elegantly missed my train.
[TIPS: If you miss the train, don't worry. You can transfer: take a train to Xipu, then take Metro Line 2 from Xipu terminus to downtown Chengdu. Haha, the total fare is even cheaper than 15 RMB. If that's not possible, take a 2-hour-plus bus for 20+ RMB back to downtown Chengdu, or take a train to Dujiangyan and then a bus.]
Took the 18:58 bullet train to Chongqing, stayed at a relative's house. My classmate had something to do and returned to Shanghai.
At Chongqing Railway Station, took the earliest K-train at 8:04, arrived at Wulong Railway Station around 10:15 (the last train back to Chongqing seems to be before 5 PM, so pay attention to time). Then headed to Wulong Bus Station.
[TIPS: Don't take a taxi, because taxi drivers won't take you to the bus station. Forget what others write online about a 4 RMB taxi ride to the bus station—it's nonsense!! The driver thinks it's too close and won't bother with you. Same on the return. So don't waste time unless you plan to go directly from Wulong Railway Station to Fairy Town. Then you can take a taxi, and sharing with others will be cheaper, about 25 RMB per person. We walked from the railway station to the bus station. I thought it would be far, but it was only 10 minutes.]
Then we bought tickets (8 RMB each) to Fairy Town. There are minibuses to Fairy Town (Visitor Center) and to Fairy Mountain. So be clear whether you are going to the town or the mountain. The ticket seller will ask you. There were many people queuing, and buses came slowly, so one person should buy tickets while the other queues. We didn't go to Fairy Mountain this time; I heard it was super crowded, and hotels were fully booked. After about half an hour, we arrived at Fairy Town.
Our hotel was right next to the Visitor Center, super super super close. It was a villa complex with beautiful surroundings. The most important thing was its proximity to the center, which is why I chose it.
There are many restaurants near the villa complex. After arriving at the hotel, we had a quick lunch and then went to the Visitor Center to buy tickets for the Three Natural Bridges.
The white pointed building is the Visitor Center.
[TIPS: For adults, I recommend booking tickets on Ctrip 3 hours in advance to save about 10 RMB. For students, buy on-site. It's convenient, and the ticket seller won't check your student ID. You know what I mean. Haha.]
After buying tickets (the ticket includes the scenic area shuttle bus), go downstairs to the shuttle bus stop.
[TIPS: One thing to note: Usually, tourists visit the Three Natural Bridges in the morning and Longshuixia Ground Fissure in the afternoon, because these two spots are close. But that means it will be extremely crowded. We went to the Three Natural Bridges in the afternoon and to Longshuixia Ground Fissure the next day. I can say it was super comfortable—there was no one at the Ground Fissure!! Really, hahaha, what a great feeling!]
The beauty of the scenic spots goes without saying. After a few days of travel, my favorite was the Wulong scenic area. We finished the Three Natural Bridges around 4 PM, strolling leisurely. Then we took the free shuttle back to the Visitor Center and returned to the hotel to rest.
The next day we checked out. We went to buy tickets for the Ground Fissure. The Visitor Center starts selling tickets at 8 AM sharp, and people were already queuing. The first shuttle to the Three Natural Bridges was at 8 AM, and there were huge crowds waiting, though fortunately there were many buses. The shuttle to the Ground Fissure was at 8:30, and no one was queuing. We got on directly, and the bus wasn't even full. Looking at the people waiting for the Three Natural Bridges bus, I felt a bit smug, haha.
We finished viewing around 11 AM and took the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. Then we planned to go to Furong Cave. There is no bus from the Visitor Center to Furong Cave. We had to take the 8 RMB minibus back to the bus station first.
[TIPS: Regarding this 8 RMB bus, your luck determines whether you can catch one quickly back to the county town. When we returned to the Visitor Center at 4:30 PM the previous day after the Three Natural Bridges, we went specifically to check it out. First, the minibus stop is on the opposite side of the road from the villa complex. We saw a whole row of people. When we asked, they said they had been waiting for 1.5 hours! I was stunned. They added, "This is not the starting station. The minibus comes down from Fairy Mountain. If there are still passengers on board, only a few can get on. At that time, there were hardly any empty buses!!" Then we saw private cars nearby. We asked: for up to 7 people, 200 RMB total to the bus station; for Furong Cave and back to the bus station, 400 RMB. Then we asked the hotel staff, who found a private car for 150 RMB per car, 4 people, to the bus station; 500 for Furong Cave round trip. So if you're in a hurry to get back to the bus station, carpool.]
However, we returned around 11 AM and were lucky—empty bus arrived just as we reached the stop. We had it all to ourselves, hahaha. Arriving at the bus station, we took a public bus from Wulong to Jiangkou. We paid 9 RMB (including the later minivan fee), got a voucher, and at the terminus, someone took the voucher and stamped it, then led us to a minivan (a bit shabby, and the road was under construction, so we walked part of the way). We spent over an hour touring the scenic spot. Right next to it is Furong River; if you have time and interest, you can go.
Return: minivan + public bus. There are private cars outside the scenic area soliciting—ignore them. Catch the train back to Chongqing.
Here's a visual map for you [applause]!!!
Summary: The overall management, environment, etc., of Chongqing Wulong are very first-class, not messy at all. The scenic spots are beautiful and not very tiring to walk. At most, you finish one spot in 2 hours.
One-day tour of downtown Chongqing. My brother-in-law knows Chongqing transportation inside out, so I didn't have to worry about bus/metro transfers, haha. Therefore, I can't remember many details. He told me to take bus 210 at Caiyuanba to the terminal (Baigong Mansion stop).
After visiting, he told me to walk to Zhazi Cave to experience the hill-climbing of the mountain city, haha. Actually, it wasn't far. Seeing Zhazi Cave made me truly admire the greatness of the people back then.
Then I shared a taxi (10 RMB per person) with others to Ciqikou.
I strolled the ancient town, ate Chongqing noodles and Chongqing yogurt, bought Chongqing Chen Mahua (twisted dough sticks). They were delicious! Then took bus 808 to Liziba metro station, took Line 2 to see the moment the train passes through the building.
The cableway I had been longing for.
[TIPS: Get a transportation card, and the cableway costs only 1.8 RMB!!! Yes, you heard that right!!!! But if you buy a ticket as a tourist, it's 10 RMB per person.]
At Jiefangbei, we also went to Haochi Street. The braised meat skewers were delicious, and so were the hot and sour noodles. Too bad we were busy eating and didn't take photos.
Dinner: He Wangshi Skewers, haha. It was my first time eating in such a grand setting, and it was tasty.
In the evening, Hongyadong. I didn't go inside; just enjoyed the night view of the river.
Oh, by the way, the old popsicles in Chongqing are super delicious. I kept craving them and ate at least five. They're not expensive.
One-day group tour to Black Valley, booked on Ctrip, because the price was basically the same as going independently, so why not save the hassle? Originally, we were supposed to enter through the North Gate, but due to some reason, the tour group changed to the South Gate. Haha, it was a happy accident!
[TIPS: 1. If you enter from the South Gate, you definitely don't need to buy the cable car ticket (30 RMB). On that trip, I was the only one on the bus who didn't buy it, because we walked downhill, which was super easy. If you enter from the North Gate, it's up to you—if you're tired, buy it, since it's uphill, though the path is fairly flat. But the electric car!!!! You MUST buy it. The road from the scenic area exit to the North Gate is unimaginably long!!!! 30 RMB.]
Dinner: Sichuan cuisine.
The Chaotianmen Square was under construction, so we couldn't go up. We had to walk down along Chaotianmen Wharf for a long distance. At the end, you'll see the clear Jialing River and the dirty Yangtze River meeting—it's amazing.
I hope my tips are very helpful to everyone!
Ending: This is not my first self-guided tour. I was too lazy to write about the previous ones. Now it's fading a bit. I will add them later when I remember.
