Chongqing Tourism Essence: Must-Visit Spots, Autumn and Winter Tour in Southeast Chongqing, Where the Landscape is Uniquely Beautiful!

When it comes to Sichuan travel, the most beautiful scenery is in Western Sichuan's Aba, so there's an online saying: "Sichuan's scenery is in Western Sichuan, and Western Sichuan's beauty is in Aba." Then speaking of Chongqing, the landscape gallery of Southeast Chongqing is absolutely an existence that cannot be ignored. Here the water is green, the mountains are clear, with rich ethnic customs and profound cultural heritage. The Tujia brothers and Miao sisters here are handsome and good at singing and dancing. Along the Wujiang Gallery, in the Miao stilted buildings, there is a poetic life. You will know when you come that some days really shine as bright as described in books. Southeast Chongqing, a place you will never forget once you visit.

Southeast Chongqing, rooted in the Wuling Mountains, is the most abundant area in Chongqing for natural ecology and cultural tourism health resources. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, unique historical culture, and strong ethnic customs. It has gradually developed into a nationally renowned tourist hotspot, serving as the face of Chongqing tourism and an important part of the construction of the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor.

Along the route are six districts and counties: Wulong, Pengshui, Qianjiang, Youyang, Xiushan, and Shizhu. Each place is a brilliant pearl worth stopping to appreciate. On this trip to Southeast Chongqing, I traveled through mountains and rivers and deeply experienced representative scenic spots such as Qianjiang Zhuoshui Ancient Town, Wulong Baima Mountain, Pengshui Ayi River, Youyang Diedie Stone Flower Valley, Xiushan Chuanhe Gai, and Shizhu Wanshou Mountain. I witnessed the magnificent and colorful mountain, river, and gorge scenery of the Wuling Mountains area in Southeast Chongqing, the rich ancient town customs, and unique tourism projects. I also felt the beauty of autumn surrounded by clouds and mist, and the crystal-clear morning dew.

Wulong – Baima Mountain Tianchi Qingyuan

Wulong is a brilliant tourism pearl in Southeast Chongqing. It is rich in tourism resources, with rare Karst natural landscapes: caves, tiankeng (heavenly pits), ground fissures, canyons, peaks, and alpine grasslands, all available! When visiting Wulong, you must not miss the Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Ground Fissure, Furong Cave, Furong River, and Houping Tiankeng Scenic Area. Also, Fairy Mountain with its wind-blown grass revealing cattle and sheep on alpine grasslands, Baima Mountain primitive forest, and the Chongqing version of the Netherlands with 58 large windmills.

Baima Mountain Tianchi Qingyuan is a new popular check-in spot for Wulong travel. It is based on the love story of the White Dragon Horse and the Blue Fairy, a place to experience a folk love story, especially suitable for couples. The 8D cinema and the Kiss of the Sky are must-visit spots! The world's unique 8D cinema building, shaped like a flying saucer, can accommodate 120 people. It can realistically simulate flight, dive, fall, and rotation stunts, giving viewers the feeling of traveling between heaven and earth and wandering in the void.

The Kiss of the Sky is the core large-scale amusement facility of Baima Mountain, the world's only twin interactive flying island, built on the edge of a cliff over 1,300 meters high. Each flying island's sightseeing cabin can hold 60 people. Its appearance is a couple, the White Horse and the Blue Fairy. After boarding the Kiss of the Sky, the two flying islands slowly rotate to over a thousand meters high, offering a bird's-eye view of the beautiful scenery of Baima Mountain and experiencing the visual shock of high altitude.

In addition, the Three Natural Bridges, Furong Cave, Furong River, Longshuixia Ground Fissure, and Fairy Mountain National Forest Park are must-visit places in Wulong. There is also the live performance "Impression Wulong." I really cry every time I watch it; the Chuanjiang Haozi (boatmen's chants) are deeply memorable!

Pengshui – Love Drifting River, Chiyou Jiuli City

Taxue (the author) is a native of Pengshui. My hometown is in Yushan, a thousand-year-old salt and cinnabar ancient town, which once had a glorious history of four temples, nine palaces, and eighteen shrines! Although Yushan has lost its former prosperity, it is still a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters. Along the Wujiang Gallery line, Pengshui boasts charming landscapes: Wujiang Gallery, Ayi River, Chiyou Jiuli City, Mowei Mountain, Zhoujia Village, Foshan Village, Ayi Forest Sea, and Fenghuang Flower Sea – these tourism business cards of Pengshui shine brightly!

When in Pengshui, be sure to visit Ayi River. Although the best water play season is summer, Ayi River also has unique beauty in autumn and winter: clear blue water gently rippling, bamboo rafts floating lightly, accompanied by the smiles of the Jiao Ayi (Miao girls) and the melodious Miao mountain songs. This beauty is worth savoring!

Besides the 5A-level Ayi River, the 4A-level Chiyou Jiuli City is also an indispensable check-in spot in Pengshui. It is China's largest traditional Miao architectural complex, integrating Miao culture, tourist attractions, and visitor reception! Walking through the Nine Gates, Jiuli Palace, and Jiuli Tribe, or passing through the Miao King's Mansion, Chiyou Grand Hall, and Yu King's Palace, you will surely be immersed in the grandeur of Miao architecture! Here you will find the world's tallest, largest-diameter, and most ornately carved Miao totem pillar – the Jiuli Divine Pillar; and the world's tallest and largest stilted building complex – Jiuli Palace, which is also the most peculiar building cluster with buildings within buildings and halls within buildings. The Nine Gates is the Miao architectural complex with the most gateways in the world.

In addition, Mowei Mountain offers summer escapes and winter snow viewing. The forest air is fresh and the scenery pleasant, featuring geological wonders such as Yixiantian (a line of sky) ground fissure, Bai Li Stone Forest, Qianren Precipice, Wan Zhang Tiankeng, Feiyun Pass, and rime ice. Here you can stroll in the forest park, watch the mist, listen to the chirping of birds, absorb the natural essence, and cleanse the dust of the soul.

Pengshui not only has beautiful mountains and waters but also boasts amazing cuisine! Doujuanzi (a local snack), Yushan Sanxiang (three-flavor Yushan dish), Yushan Gan Su (dried cake), Jingsi Sweet Potato Noodles, and Xinfei Rice Noodles are all rare street delicacies. If you have the chance, be sure to visit Pengshui!

Qianjiang – China's Canyon City

Qianjiang is my second hometown. I lived here for two and a half years, leaving footprints in every street and alley, tasting most of the local food, and walking through many small paths. I have a deep affection for Qianjiang.

Balahu Grand Canyon is the only city grand canyon in China, also a rare conglomerate cave group in the world. Spanning seven geological eras, with a vertical drop of 900 meters, 8 kilometers long, average depth of 200 meters, maximum depth nearly 500 meters, and peak height over 600 meters, it forms a unique urban landscape of "city on the canyon, canyon in the city." The city grand canyon lies between Youyang Mountain and Chaqi Mountain. It is a typical Karst landform, about 8 kilometers long, with a giant cliff-side Guanyin statue up to 123 meters high and a suspended glass walkway.

Zhuoshui Ancient Town is the core scenic spot of Zhuoshui, a boutique tourist area integrating natural and cultural landscapes. The street layout of the ancient town is relatively well preserved, with the distinctive ethnic characteristics of Southeast Chongqing ancient towns. The architecture perfectly combines Tujia stilted buildings with Huizhou-style architecture!

A big fire in the past mercilessly burned down the entire covered bridge, but the rebuilt bridge is even more magnificent. The covered bridge, closely connected to the ancient town, lies like a beautiful rainbow over the Apeng River. The wide bridge provides shelter from wind and rain, and at night, the illuminated bridge is splendid, like a soaring fire dragon. The Canglang Bridge is charming at night. Strolling in Zhuoshui Ancient Town in the evening brings indescribable comfort!

Puhua Underground River is very close to Zhuoshui Ancient Town, only 2 kilometers away. It features a billion-year underground river that "crosses three days and two nights," a natural wonder of natural bridges and giant funnels called "Heaven Has Eyes," and a "Three Tides Water" spring that rises and falls three times daily. The underground river is about 2 kilometers long, consisting of Puhua Underground River, natural bridge group, giant funnel group, cliff plank road, and Puhua River Grand Canyon. Both sides of the underground river are covered with vines, wildflowers, and stalactite groups, full of natural fun. Besides stunning natural landscapes, Qianjiang's cuisine is also worth mentioning: green vegetable beef, Qianjiang chicken gizzards, Di Gu Niu (a local dish), and green bean noodles. Each is mouthwatering. When in Qianjiang, be sure to try them!

Youyang – Pink Sea of Diedie Stone Flower Valley

Diedie Stone Flower Valley is located in Banxi, Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County. Stacked stones are everywhere, uniquely shaped and artistic. Now the garden is full of blooming pink muhly grass. The mysterious stacked stones and the vast pink flower sea form a natural painting!

Diedie Stone Flower Valley combines stacked stone layers, stone art, and Wu Nuo culture. It is the only comprehensive scenic area in the world that integrates a stacked stone art theme park and a Wu Nuo culture exhibition park. The stacked stones are magnificent, originating from the Cambrian period about 500 million years ago, marking the "oxygen-rich" starting point of Chongqing. The Wu Nuo statues stand solemnly for blessings and rituals. The largest pink muhly grass sea in China creates a romantic and beautiful scene. The land art exhibition makes one marvel at the perfect integration of art and countryside.

Autumn in Youyang is incredibly beautiful. Different flowers bloom all year round: chenopodium, chrysanthemums, crape myrtle – each has its own beauty! There are also many art installations in the park, such as the train, Whisper, and Fleeting Time, which are great for photos. Wearing a white dress can make you look like a fairy. Special reminder: the pink muhly grass flowering period lasts until November. Don't miss it if you love pink flower seas!

Besides Diedie Stone Flower Valley, there are also Gongtan Ancient Town, Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring), Youzhou Ancient City, and Shengui Gorge! Experience the timeless tranquility at Taohuayuan, and tour the Wujiang Gallery's landscapes at Gongtan Ancient Town. During the day, go to the mountains and forests to watch the sunrise and stay until sunset. Stay overnight in Youzhou, eat green bean noodles, and drink peach blossom wine. This peaceful place will surely give you a perfect leisure holiday memory. If you have the chance to come to Youyang, don't miss any of them!

Xiushan – Original Setting of Border Town, Chuanhe Gai

Xiushan is the original setting of Mr. Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town." It is said that every man has a "Cuicui" in his heart! I went to Xiushan a few years ago and ate a bowl of rice tofu by the river; the taste is still fresh in my memory. Today I want to share with you Chuanhe Gai in Xiushan. "Gai" refers to a high-altitude area. Here the average altitude is 1,230 meters, with vast high mountain grasslands stretching across the top. Chuanhe Gai has unique scenery all year round: azaleas in spring, cosmos flowers in summer, silver grass like snow in autumn, and northern-style snowscape in winter!

Besides the vast high mountain grasslands, Chuanhe Gai also features spectacular natural landscapes such as Golden Toad Seeking Phoenix, General Rock, Comb Mountain, Granny Zhu, Lu Ban Making Saw, Lotus Blessing Village, Chuanhe Sleeping Buddha, Divine Cave Icefall, Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Divine Turtle, Three Monkeys Gathering, Longdong Terraced Fields, and Four-Door Cave. It is also a place where the Red Army fought; the standing Red Army Battle Monument engraves a piece of red history.

Coming to Chuanhe Gai, you can interact closely with nature: walk the Ring Gai Road, stay at the Starry Sky Hotel, play on the colorful slide... Bring your beloved and have a romantic trip. Chuanhe Gai can do it!

Shizhu – Female General's Camp at Wanshou Mountain

Visiting Wanshou Mountain for the second time, I love the changing light and shadow in the mountains. In the primitive forest, you can smell the moist fragrance of grass and wood. There are many fairylands unknown to the world here; the treasure land is definitely worth exploring. The male and female stone pillars are the highlight of the scenic area, while the sea of clouds at Wanshou Mountain can only be seen by chance.

Wanshou Mountain is the camp site of female general Qin Liangyu, the only female general in Chinese history recorded in official history, with many brilliant achievements. She is the pride of the people of Shizhu. It is said that locals call their daughters "female generals," probably following Qin Liangyu as a role model.

The Wanshou Mountain scenic area is centered around Qin Liangyu's military camp site park. The park has rich ecological landscapes and numerous cultural attractions, including the city landmark of Shizhu County – the "Male Stone Pillar" and "Female Stone Pillar." The male stone pillar is outside the back gate of Wanshou Mountain, about 100 meters high, resembling a robust man with prominent nose and deep eyes, lifelike. The female stone pillar is outside the front gate in the middle section of Wanshou Mountain, about 70 meters high, standing gracefully, with a slender figure like a girl sitting by the mountain, poised and charming. You must check in here!

This is also the ancient battlefield site where Qin Liangyu led the Tujia White Pole Army to build forts and defend against enemies. When visiting relics such as the ancient village gate, ancient city wall, Xuanwei Mansion, beacon tower, and Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon, you can feel Qin Liangyu's patriotic national love. There is also a cliff plank road about 1,000 meters long. In spring, wild cherry blossoms bloom, with tall cherry trees scattered in the forest, forming a sea of cherry blossoms. When alpine azaleas bloom, another wonderful scene unfolds.

In addition to the primitive natural scenery and Qin Liangyu's military camp site, there is also the Shouxian Zen Path scenic spot, with a statue of the God of Longevity 15.8 meters tall, the largest in the entire Southwest region. There are also many old Buddha statues on the cliffs, along with remaining cliff carvings and various cave wonders. It is said that the Buddha statues here are very efficacious. Many outsiders come to worship.

The beauty of Wanshou Mountain is far more than this. There are many undeveloped areas hiding many fairylands unknown to the outside world. This is a tourist area integrating sightseeing, cultural innovation and inheritance, rural experience, heritage protection and exploration, health and wellness vacation, and forest sports leisure. If you come here, you may unlock more treasure check-in spots.

When traveling to Southeast Chongqing, be sure to visit these places. This journey allows you to experience the purest landscape painting beauty, appreciate the unique charm of stilted buildings, and savor the rich Miao and Tujia culture. Just one trip is worth it!