Finally Realized My Long-Awaited Trip to Sichuan and Chongqing

July 31 ~ August 8 (August 8 no sightseeing, morning flight)

Since I went in summer, the things in my travel notes can be referenced if you go in summer.

Flight tickets + accommodation + attraction tickets + various miscellaneous expenses: about 3500~4000 (I'm bad at math and don't want to calculate. Mainly because the outbound flight ticket was too expensive, over 1000, as it was a last-minute decision. Actually, other aspects were very budget-friendly).

Chengdu Jiaoliao Humanities Boutique Hotel

The hotel's architectural style combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is reflected in the details throughout the hotel decoration. Birds catch your eye from the entrance corridor to the bird-shaped decorations in the guest rooms, echoing the hotel's name—Jiaoliao (a small bird).

"Stillness" is embodied in the imitation ancient courtyard with grey bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is elegant, every bamboo and mat has charm. Each room has a poetic name, as if full of life and vivid.

The rooms are mostly decorated with natural wood, fresh and clean, with complete amenities: King Koil Jingzhu Shiguang co-branded mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilet... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc. are all provided, giving a very warm and comfortable feeling. There is also a small open-air balcony where you can look out at Kuanzhai Alley in the morning, experiencing the world while being detached—this is the life I want. If you want to relax your tired body, professional spa services are also available.

Breakfast is also very warm. Upon check-in, the butler asks about dining time and taste preferences—very attentive. You can choose Chinese or Western food, with 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 scene and the joy of carefree living!!

D1: Kuanzhai Alley

D2: Wuhou Shrine – Jinli – (Evening) Chunxi Road

D3: Qingcheng Mountain (Back Mountain)

D4: Three Natural Bridges

D5: Longshuixia Ground Fissure – Furong Cave

D6: Baigong Mansion – Zhazidong – Ciqikou – Jiefangbei – Yangtze River Cableway – Hongya Cave

D7: Heishan Valley

D8: Chaotianmen

D9: Pack up and leave

On the morning of July 31, our scheduled flight at 9:45 was delayed to 11:00 due to air traffic control. We arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 13:10.

Then we took the airport bus (8 yuan) to Dongfu Square (right on Line 2), then took the metro (2 yuan) to Dongmen Bridge Station, and walked 10 minutes to the hotel.

I had heard others say that Chengdu and Chongqing are extremely hot, but when we arrived, it was drizzling, sometimes not even raining, and the weather was unusually cool—ha, very comfortable!!

Around 15:30 we prepared to stroll around Kuanzhai Alley (personally, I think Kuanzhai Alley is better in the daytime; at night, the lights are too dim). When we went to Kuanzhai, there were very few people, and it was very relaxing.

[TIP: There are three alleys, appearing as three vertical lines on the map, with a total of six entrances. You must remember which entrance you used for transportation, because you'll need to return to the same entrance to visit the attractions.] We didn't remember, and later we exited through another entrance. It was too dark, so we didn't want to walk back and took a taxi back to the hotel.

We found a restaurant with good taste, Sanzhier Hotpot, and enjoyed dinner accompanied by beautiful guzheng music—very pleasant.

Morning: We slept in a little, left the hotel around 9, bought breakfast at the supermarket downstairs, and importantly, drank the long-awaited Chengdu yogurt—definitely recommended.

Took the bus to Wuhou Shrine. 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, you know what I mean! But of course, it's best to be honest; if you get caught, it would be awkward.)

Intoxicated by the Three Kingdoms at Wuhou Shrine

Around noon, we were hungry, so we headed to Jinli Street for lunch. After visiting Wuhou Shrine, you'll come to a large open flat area. There seem to be exits on both left and right. Take the right exit, and you'll see many people.

That's right, this is Jinli. As soon as we walked out, we turned left—how close is that? I didn't even realize it at first; I wondered why there were so many people and so much food. After walking halfway, I finally understood it was Jinli. I was so silly, haha. But Jinli was incredibly crowded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha. After leaving Jinli, there was a bus stop right across. We were a bit tired from walking, so we went back to the hotel for a nap. Strange—we only walked a short distance but were tired. That's not like me; I lack exercise. In the evening, we went near Chunxi Road to eat and then strolled around Chunxi Road. There's not much to say about a commercial street. The day ended.

"Xian Jing Zui Shuo Qing Cheng Feng"—Qingcheng Mountain One-Day Tour

We originally planned to go to Qingcheng Mountain on the second day, but the weather forecast predicted rain, so we switched to the third day. Well, let me complain first: the scenery was really nice, but half a day was definitely not enough. And I mean the Back Mountain!!!

[TIP: If some people want to visit Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain in one day, I suggest going to the Front Mountain of Qingcheng. The Back Mountain absolutely requires a full day, otherwise it's extremely rushed and exhausting.]

In these scenic areas, it's best to slow down, breathe the fresh air, and take it easy.

Some might ask why I keep going to scenic areas all day. Well, I love mountains, water, and natural scenery, and I enjoy immersing myself in nature. I'm not afraid of climbing mountains, so it's a bittersweet story.

Let me explain. First, transportation: round-trip train from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain costs 15 yuan each. We booked the 6:53 train. At first 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 (only one exit), turn left. Bus 101 goes to the Front Mountain, a minibus goes to the Back Mountain, and there are also buses to Dujiangyan. All these buses are in the same area with clear signs—don't worry. You'll see some people; just follow them. But there are many private car drivers soliciting; just ignore them. It's convenient; the transport is very clear and not chaotic. Get on the minibus; it leaves when full. 13 yuan per person. Also, if you want to return to Chengdu the same day, pay attention to the last minibus return to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station and make sure it connects with your train ticket. After arriving at the Back Mountain, buy tickets. If you want a discounted ticket, they will check it.

[TIP: The key is to book your outbound train tickets a few days in advance (don't hesitate). Don't think you can buy them on the same day; they'll be sold out, especially the departures between 7 and 10 o'clock. You can regularly check 12306 and other sites showing remaining tickets to be informed.]

During the hike, I entered via Feiquangou, not Wulonggou! After entering the back gate of Qingcheng Back Mountain, the entire scenic area is a loop, starting and ending at Tai'an Ancient Town. Feiquangou is on the right, Wulonggou on the left—choose whichever you prefer. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to summit unless you like being exhausted, and there's not much to see. Important: Pay attention to the small map on your ticket, or do homework in advance. If someone doesn't want to take the cable car, be sure to look for a black line on the map that goes to Cuiying Lake (by the way, there is a lake here; you must take a boat, 2 yuan per person, quite nice). Then find that path to Youyi Village, then go down (toward Wulonggou). Don't miss that black line—I missed it and ended up climbing higher and higher... until I had to take the cable car (45 yuan per person). Nothing much to see at the top, but climbing up was really tiring; it was very high. If you enter via Feiquangou, the uphill path is very steep! So people entering from Wulonggou and exiting from Feiquangou should be careful. Walking inside the scenic area takes a long time... we were pressed for time and exhausted. After exiting Wulonggou, we saw a 5-yuan scenic shuttle to Tai'an Ancient Town. We got on without hesitation; it was a bit of a distance, so tired travelers can consider it.

Complaint: After exiting the back gate of Qingcheng Back Mountain, I need to vent. Our subsequent itinerary forced us to catch the minibus back to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station at exactly 12:30 to make the 13:53 train. Originally, it should have been plenty of time! But never expected that the ride took 30 minutes on the way there but 1.5 hours on the way back!!!! The traffic was as slow as a snail. Reason: On a very narrow winding mountain road, many tourist buses were coming in, and we had to give way. Also, there were many farm stays along the road, and many private cars would stop to inquire, then back up and continue searching if unsatisfied. 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.

[TIP: If you miss your train, it's okay—you can transfer. First take a train to Xipu, then take Metro Line 2 from Xipu starting station to downtown Chengdu. Haha, the total fare is cheaper than 15 yuan. If worse comes to worst, take a bus for over 2 hours (20+ yuan) 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 things to do and went back to Shanghai.

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—pay attention to time), then headed to Wulong Bus Station.

[TIP: Don't take a taxi; the taxi driver won't take you to the bus station. Don't believe what others write online about a 4-yuan taxi to the bus station—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 catch a taxi; if you share with others, it's cheaper, about 25 yuan per person. We just walked from the railway station to the bus station. Originally thought it was far, but it's only about 10 minutes.]

Then we bought tickets (8 yuan per person) to Fairy Town. There are minibuses to Fairy Town (Visitor Center) and directly to Fairy Mountain, so make sure which one you need; the ticket seller will ask. There were many people queuing, and buses were slow, so while one person buys tickets, the other can queue. We didn't go to Fairy Mountain this time; I heard it was super crowded and all hotels were full. We arrived at Fairy Town in about half an hour.

Our hotel was right next to the Visitor Center, extremely close. It was a villa complex, very beautiful surroundings. The key was its proximity to the center—that's why I chose it.

There were many restaurants next to the villa complex. After arriving at the hotel around noon, we grabbed a quick bite and then went to the Visitor Center to buy tickets for the Three Natural Bridges.

The white pointed building is the Visitor Center.

[TIP: For adults, it's recommended to book tickets on Ctrip 3 hours in advance, as you can save about 10 yuan. For students, buy on-site—it's also convenient, and the ticket seller won't check your student ID, you know. Haha.]

After buying tickets (the entrance includes a transfer bus), we went downstairs where the transfer bus was parked.

[TIP: Generally, tourists go to Three Natural Bridges in the morning and Longshuixia Ground Fissure in the afternoon, as these two attractions are close, but it's extremely crowded. We went to Three Natural Bridges in the afternoon and Longshuixia Ground Fissure the next day. I can say it was incredibly comfortable—there was no one in the Ground Fissure!! Seriously, hahaha, the feeling was awesome!]

The beauty of the attractions goes without saying. Among all the places I visited during this trip, Wulong's attractions were my favorite. We finished Three Natural Bridges around 4 pm, taking a leisurely pace. Then we took the free transfer bus back to the Visitor Center and returned to the hotel to rest.

The next day we checked out. We prepared to buy tickets for the Ground Fissure. The Visitor Center starts selling tickets at 8 am sharp; people started queuing before that. The earliest bus to Three Natural Bridges is at 8 am, and there was a long queue, but fortunately there were many buses. The transfer bus for the Ground Fissure departs at 8:30 am; no one was queuing, we got on directly, and the bus wasn't even full. Seeing the crowd waiting for Three Natural Bridges, I felt a bit smug, haha.

We finished around 11 am and took the transfer bus back to the Visitor Center. Then we prepared to go to Furong Cave. There is no bus from the Visitor Center to Furong Cave. We had to take an 8-yuan minibus from the Visitor Center back to the bus station.

[TIP: Whether you can quickly catch this 8-yuan bus back to the county depends on luck. When we returned to the Visitor Center around 4:30 pm the previous day after visiting Three Natural Bridges, we specifically checked. The minibus stop is on the roadside opposite the villa complex. We saw a long line of people; upon asking, they had been waiting 1.5 hours! I was stunned. They added that this is not the starting station; the minibus comes down from Fairy Mountain. If there are still passengers on board, only a few people from the queue can get on, as empty buses are unlikely at that time. Then we saw private cars nearby; we asked and found that for 7 or fewer people, a car costs 200 yuan total to the bus station, or 400 yuan to Furong Cave and back to the bus station. Then we asked the hotel staff, who arranged a private car for 150 yuan per car (4 people) to the bus station, or 500 to Furong Cave round trip. So if you're in a hurry to the bus station, carpool.]

However, we were lucky—when we returned around 11 am, a bus arrived immediately, empty, and we took it alone, hahaha. After arriving at the bus station, we took a public bus from Wulong to Jiangkou. Paid 9 yuan (including the later minibus fare), exchanged for a ticket stub, and at the terminal, someone guided us to continue on a small minibus (a bit run-down, and the road was under construction, so we had to walk partway then ride). After visiting the attraction for over an hour, the nearby attraction was Furong River. If interested and have time, you can visit.

Return: small minibus + public bus. There are private cars soliciting outside; ignore them. Rushed back to Wulong Railway Station to return to Chongqing.

Here's a visual diagram [applause]!!!

In summary, Wulong, Chongqing overall—management, environment, etc.—is first-class, not messy at all. The attractions are beautiful and not too tiring to visit. At most, you can finish one attraction in 2 hours.

Chongqing city one-day tour: My brother-in-law knows Chongqing like the back of his hand, so I didn't worry about bus and metro transfers. Haha, so I forgot many details. He told me to take bus 210 from Caiyuanba to the terminal (Baigong Mansion stop).

After visiting, he told me to walk to Zhazidong to experience the feeling of climbing slopes in a mountain city. Haha, it's not far. After seeing Zhazidong, I truly felt the greatness of the people back then.

Then we shared a taxi (10 yuan/person) to Ciqikou.

After visiting the ancient town, we ate Chongqing noodles, Chongqing yogurt, and bought Chongqing Chen Mahua (twisted dough sticks)—delicious! Then took bus 808 to Liziba Station, took Light Rail Line 2 to see the moment it passes through a building.

The cableway I had been longing for.

[TIP: Get a transportation card; the cableway is only 1.8 yuan!!! Yes, you heard right!!!! But if you buy a ticket as a tourist, it's 10 yuan per person.]

Jiefangbei: We also went to Delicious Street. Braised meat skewers were very tasty, as were 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 delicious.

In the evening, we went to Hongya Cave. I didn't go inside; just looked at the river夜景.

Oh, Chongqing's old-fashioned popsicles are super delicious; I kept thinking about them. I ate at least five, and they're not expensive.

One-day group tour to Heishan Valley, booked on Ctrip, because self-guided and group tour prices are basically the same, so why not save the hassle? Originally we were supposed to enter from the North Gate, but for some reason, the tour group changed to South Gate. Haha, a lucky accident!

[TIP: 1. If entering from South Gate, definitely don't need to buy the cable car ticket (30 yuan); only one person on our bus didn't buy it. Because you walk downhill, very easy. If from North Gate, decide based on fatigue; it's uphill but the road is fairly flat. But the electric cart!!!! You must buy it; the road from the exit to the North Gate is unimaginably long!!!! 30 yuan.]

Dinner: Sichuan cuisine.

Chaotianmen Square was under construction, so we couldn't go up. We had to walk down along Chaotianmen Pier for a long distance. At the end, you'll see the clear Jialing River meeting the muddy Yangtze River—amazing.

I hope my tips are very helpful to everyone!

Conclusion: This is not my first self-guided trip. I was too lazy to write about previous ones, and now I've forgotten a bit. I'll add them later when I remember.