Sichuan-Chongqing Self-Guided Tour: Memories in My Heart
July 31 ~ August 8 (August 8 was not spent sightseeing, as I had a morning flight)
Since I went in summer, the things I mention in my travel notes can be a reference if you go in summer.
Total cost for flights + accommodation + entrance fees + various miscellaneous expenses: around 3500~4000 RMB (I'm bad at math and don't feel like calculating. The main reason is that the flight ticket there was too expensive, over 1000 RMB, because it was a last-minute decision; in fact, the other expenses were very economical.)
Chengdu Jiaoliao Renwen Boutique Hotel
The hotel's architectural style combines movement and stillness. "Movement" is reflected in the meticulous details throughout the hotel's decoration. From the entrance corridor, birds come into view, and the bird-shaped decorations in the guest rooms echo the hotel's name – Jiaoliao (a small bird).
"Stillness" lies in the antique-style courtyard with black bricks and tiles. Every plant and tree is serene, every bamboo and mat elegant. Each guest room here has its own poetic and picturesque name, as if they come to life vividly!
The rooms are mostly decorated with raw wood, fresh and clean, and fully equipped. They feature a King Koil Jingzhu Shiguang co-branded mattress, Kohler bathroom fixtures, TOTO smart toilets... Various drinks, snacks, fruits, tea, etc., are all available, giving an overall warm and comfortable feeling. There is also a small open-air balcony where you can see the Wide and Narrow Alleys outside when you wake up in the morning. It's like being in the world while staying out of it – this is the life I want. And if you want to relax your tired body, they can also provide very professional spa services.
Breakfast is also very warm. When you check in, the butler will ask about your meal time and taste preferences, which is very thoughtful. You can choose between Chinese and Western meals, and they also include fruit, dried nuts, and various pastries. The butler delivers the meal to your room! Full of love.
Living here is truly carefree and comfortable, enjoying this beautiful scenery and having all the pleasure of leisure!!
D1: Wide and Narrow Alleys
D2: Wuhou Shrine – Jinli Ancient Street – (Evening) Chunxi Road
D3: Back Mountain of Qingcheng
D4: Three Natural Bridges (Tiansheng Sanqiao)
D5: Longshuixia Ground Crack – Furong Cave
D6: Bai Mansion – Zhazi Cave – Ciqikou – Jiefangbei – Yangtze River Cableway – Hongya Cave
D7: Heishan Valley
D8: Chaotianmen
D9: Pack up and leave
On the morning of July 31, I booked a 9:45 flight, but it was delayed to 11:00 due to air traffic control. I arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 13:10.
Then I took the airport bus (8 RMB) to Dongfu Square (right at Metro Line 2), then took the subway (2 RMB) to Dongmen Bridge Station, and walked 10 minutes to the hotel.
I had heard that Chengdu and Chongqing are extremely hot, but when we arrived, it was drizzling, sometimes not, and the weather was unusually cool – haha, very comfortable!!
Around 15:30 we prepared to visit the Wide and Narrow Alleys (personally, I think it's better to go in the daytime because the lighting is too dim at night). When we went to the alleys that day, there were very few people, and we felt very free.
[TIPS: The three alleys look like three vertical lines on the map, with a total of six entrances/exits. Everyone must remember which entrance you came from for transportation, because you'll need to go back to that spot after sightseeing.] At that time, we didn't pay attention, and later we went out through another exit. It was too dark, and we didn't feel like going back the same way, so we took a taxi back to the hotel.
In the alley, we found a restaurant called Sanzhi'er Hotpot with good taste. Accompanied by melodious guzheng music, we enjoyed dinner – very pleasant.
In the morning, we leisurely slept in a bit, and left the hotel after 9:00. We bought breakfast at the supermarket downstairs. The highlight was drinking the Chengdu yogurt I had been longing for – it's recommended.
We took the bus to Wuhou Shrine; the bus stop is right at Wuhou Shrine. (The ticket seller won't check your student ID! Just tell them you want a student ticket, and you know what I mean! But of course, it's best to have a clear conscience; if you get checked – well, that would be awkward.)
Enchanted by the Three Kingdoms at Wuhou Shrine
By noon, we were hungry. It was a good time to go to Jinli Street for a meal. After visiting Wuhou Shrine, you'll come to a large, flat open area; it seems there are 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 came out, we turned left – so close, right?
I didn't even realize it at first. I just thought, "Why are there so many people and so much food?" Only after walking halfway did I realize it was Jinli. I was too silly! But Jinli was so incredibly crowded!!!!!!
Haha. After leaving Jinli, there happened to be a bus stop across the street. Since we were both a bit tired from walking, we went back to the hotel and took a nap. Strangely, we got tired after such a short walk – that's not like me; I need more exercise. In the evening, we went to Chunxi Road to eat something and then strolled around. There's not much to say about a commercial street. So ends this day.
Qingcheng Peak Most Praised in Immortal Scriptures – One-Day Trip to Qingcheng Mountain
Originally we planned to go to Qingcheng Mountain the next day, but the weather forecast said it would rain, so we moved it to the third day. Well, let me first complain: the scenery is really nice, 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, it's recommended to go to the Front Mountain of Qingcheng. For the Back Mountain, you absolutely need a full day; otherwise it's super rushed and torturous]
When visiting these scenic areas, it's best to slow down, breathe the fresh air, and take it easy.
Someone might ask why I keep visiting scenic spots all day. It's because I love mountains, water, and natural scenery. I like to immerse myself in nature, so I'm not afraid of hiking. Haha, so my experience is a story of blood and tears.
Let me explain slowly. First, transportation: the train from Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain costs 15 RMB each way. We booked the 6:53 train. I thought it was too early at first, but for our tight schedule, it was the best time. After arriving at Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station, exit (only one exit), turn left. Bus 101 goes to the Front Mountain, a minibus goes to the Back Mountain, and there is also a bus to Dujiangyan. All these buses are in one area with clear signs, so don't worry. Also, you'll see some people, so just follow them. But you'll encounter many private drivers soliciting passengers – just ignore them. It's very convenient, and the transportation there is clear and not chaotic at all! Get on the minibus; it departs when full, 13 RMB per person. Also, if you want to return to Chengdu on the same day, pay attention to the last minibus back to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station and make sure it connects with your train time. After arriving at the Back Mountain, buy your ticket. 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 buy them on the same day – they'll all be sold out, especially the trains between 7:00 and 10:00. You can frequently check the 12306 website and other sites that show remaining tickets, so you'll know.]
During the hike, I entered via Feiquan Gully, not Wulong Gully! After entering the Back Mountain gate, the entire scenic area is a loop. The starting point and ending point are both Tai'an Ancient Town. On the right is Feiquan Gully, on the left is Wulong Gully – choose whichever you want to enter. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to climb to the top unless you like being tortured, and there's not much to see. Important: Pay attention to the small map on the ticket, or do your homework in advance. If some people don't want to take the cable car, make sure to see a black line on the map. It goes approximately to Cuiying Lake (by the way, there is a lake here; you must take a boat, 2 RMB per person – it's quite nice). Then you need to find this path to reach Youyi Village, then go down (in the direction of Wulong Gully). Don't miss that black line – I missed it, and later I had to climb higher and higher... higher... higher... Eventually, I had to take the cable car (45 RMB per person). There was nothing to see up there, and climbing up was really tiring – it was very high. If you go via Feiquan Gully, the uphill path is very steep!! So people who enter via Wulong Gully and exit via Feiquan Gully should be careful. Hiking in the scenic area takes a long, long, long time. We were pressed for time and exhausted. After exiting Wulong Gully, we happened to see a 5 RMB shuttle that goes to Tai'an Ancient Town. Without a second thought, we got on; it was quite a distance, so tired friends can consider it.
Complaint: After leaving the Back Mountain gate, I want to vent. Because our subsequent schedule forced us to catch the minibus back to Qingcheng Mountain Railway Station at exactly 12:30 so we could make the 13:53 train. Originally, it would be more than enough time! But I never expected that the trip here took 30 minutes, while the return trip took 1.5 hours!!!! The traffic was so jammed, like a snail's pace. The reason: on a very narrow winding mountain road, many tour buses came in, and we had to give way. Also, because there were many farmhouses along the road, many private cars stopped to inquire; some drove in, didn't like it, backed out, and continued searching! I was going crazy – no wonder it was so congested!!! Plus, many people drove in the morning and arrived at the scenic area at noon. So, I elegantly missed my train.
[TIPS: If you miss your train, it's okay because you can transfer. For example, take a train to Xipu, then take Metro Line 2 (starting from Xipu) to downtown Chengdu. Haha, the total fare is even cheaper than 15 RMB. Alternatively, take a 2-hour+ bus (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 went back to Shanghai.
Took the earliest train, 8:04 K-train, from Chongqing Railway Station; arrived at Wulong Railway Station around 10:15 (the last train back to Chongqing seems to be around 5:00 PM, so pay attention to time). Prepared to go to Wulong Bus Station.
[TIPS: Don't take a taxi because they won't take you to the bus station. Don't believe what others write online about a 4 RMB taxi ride to the bus station – nonsense!! The driver thinks it's too close and won't bother with you. The same goes for coming back. So don't waste time, unless you plan to go directly from Wulong Railway Station to Fairy Town; then they might take you. If you share a ride with many people, it will be cheaper, about 25 RMB per person. We just walked from the railway station to the bus station; we thought it would be far, but it was only about 10 minutes.]
Then we bought tickets for 8 RMB each to Fairy Town. There are minibuses going to Fairy Town (Visitor Center) and directly to Fairy Mountain. So make sure where you're going – town or mountain. The ticket seller will ask you. The queue for the bus is long and the frequency is slow, so while one person buys tickets, the other can queue. We didn't go to Fairy Mountain this time; I heard it was extremely crowded and all hotels were full. Arrived at Fairy Town in about half an hour.
Our hotel was right next to the Visitor Center – super, super, super close. It was a villa complex with very beautiful surroundings. The best part was its proximity to the center, which is why I chose it.
Also, there are many restaurants next to the villa complex. After arriving at the hotel, we had a quick lunch and then went to the Visitor Center to buy tickets for Three Natural Bridges.
[This white pointed building is the Visitor Center]
[TIPS: If you are an adult, it's recommended to book tickets on Ctrip 3 hours in advance, as you can save over 10 RMB. If you are a student, buy them on-site; it's very convenient, and the seller won't check your student ID – you know what I mean. Haha.]
After buying tickets (the entrance fee includes the scenic area transfer bus), we went downstairs and the transfer bus was parked there.
[TIPS: One thing to mention – generally, tourists go to Three Natural Bridges in the morning and Longshuixia Ground Crack in the afternoon, because these two spots are very close, but then it's super crowded. We went to Three Natural Bridges in the afternoon and visited Longshuixia Ground Crack the next day. I can say it was so comfortable – there wasn't a single person in the Ground Crack!! Seriously, hahaha, the feeling was awesome!]
I don't need to say much about how beautiful the attractions were. Among all my travels these days, I liked Wulong's scenic spots the most. We finished Three Natural Bridges around 4:00 PM, taking our time. Then we took the free scenic area transfer bus back to the Visitor Center and went to the hotel to rest.
The next day, we checked out. We prepared to buy tickets for the Ground Crack. The Visitor Center starts selling tickets at 8:00 sharp, and people start queuing before that. The earliest bus to Three Natural Bridges is at 8:00, and there were tons of people waiting, but luckily there were many buses. The transfer bus for the Ground Crack was at 8:30, and no one was queuing. We got on directly, and the bus wasn't even full. Seeing the crowd waiting for the Three Natural Bridges bus, I felt a bit smug, haha.
Finished visiting around 11:00, 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 RMB minibus back to the bus station first.
[TIPS: Here I should mention – whether you can quickly catch this 8 RMB bus back to the county depends on luck. When we returned to the Visitor Center around 4:30 PM the previous day after Three Natural Bridges, we specifically checked. First, the minibus stop is on the roadside opposite the villa complex. Then we saw a long line of people; we asked them how long they had been waiting – 1.5 hours! I was stunned. They also added that this was not the starting stop; the minibus comes from Fairy Mountain. If there are remaining passengers on the bus, only as many as there are seats can board, because they hardly ever send empty buses at that point!! Then we saw private cars nearby. When we asked, for groups of 7 or fewer, one car costs 200 RMB to go to the bus station, or 400 RMB to go to Furong Cave and then back to the bus station. Then we asked the hotel staff, and they found a private car for 150 RMB per car (4 people) to the bus station, or 500 RMB for a round trip to Furong Cave. So if you're in a hurry to get back to the bus station, just share a ride.]
However, when we came back around 11:00, we were very lucky. A bus arrived just as we reached the stop, and it was empty – we had it to ourselves, hahaha. After arriving at the bus station, we took a Wulong to Jiangkou bus outside, paid 9 RMB (which included the later minibus fee), got a small ticket, and at the terminal, someone received us, stamped our ticket, and led us to continue on a minibus (the bus was a bit old, and the road was under construction, so we walked part of the way and then took the bus). We finished visiting the scenic spot in about 1 hour. Adjacent to it is Furong River; if you have time and interest, you can visit it.
Return: minibus + bus. There are private cars soliciting business outside the scenic area – ignore them. Hurry back to the railway station and return to Chongqing.
[Let me show you a visual diagram [applause]!!!]
In summary, the overall management, environment, etc., of Wulong in Chongqing are first-class, not messy at all. The scenic spots are beautiful, and visiting them isn't very tiring. At most, it takes 2 hours to tour one scenic spot.
One-day tour of Chongqing city center. My brother-in-law knows Chongqing like the back of his hand, so I didn't worry about bus and subway transfers, haha. So I can't remember many details. He told me to take bus 210 from Caiyuanba to the terminal (Bai Mansion Station).
After visiting, he told me to walk to Zhazi Cave to experience the feeling of climbing the mountain city. Actually, walking there wasn't very far. Seeing Zhazi Cave, I really felt how great the people of that era were.
Then I shared a ride with others (10 RMB per person) to Ciqikou.
After visiting the ancient town, I ate Chongqing noodles, Chongqing yogurt, and bought Chongqing Chen Mahua (twisted dough sticks) – very tasty! Then I took bus 808 to Liziba Station, took Light Rail Line 2 to see the moment it passes through the building.
The cableway I was so yearning for.
[TIPS: Get a transportation card; the cableway only costs 1.8 RMB!!! Yes, you heard it right!!!! But if you buy a ticket as a tourist, it's 10 RMB per person.]
At Jiefangbei, we also went to the food street. The braised meat skewers were delicious, and so was the hot and sour noodles. Unfortunately, I was too busy eating to take photos.
Dinner: He Wangshi Skewers, haha. It was my first time eating with such a spread, and it was quite tasty.
In the evening, head to Hongya Cave. I didn't go inside; I just looked at the night view of the river.
By the way, Chongqing's old-style popsicles are super delicious. I've been craving them; I ate at least five of them, and they are affordable.
One-day tour to Heishan Valley with a group, booked on Ctrip. Since the cost of going independently and joining a tour group is basically the same, why not save the trouble? Originally we were supposed to enter from the North Gate, but due to some reasons, the tour group changed to the South Gate – haha, a happy accident!
[TIPS: 1. If you enter from the South Gate, you absolutely don't need to buy a cable car ticket (30 RMB) – that time, I was the only one in the car who didn't buy a cable car ticket – because it's downhill, super easy. If you enter from the North Gate, decide based on how tired you are; buy a ticket if you need to, because it's uphill, but the road is relatively flat. However, you MUST buy the electric cart ticket (30 RMB) for the stretch from the scenic exit to the North Gate – it's unimaginably long!!!! 2. ??? No second tip given in original.]
Dinner: Sichuan cuisine.
Chaotianmen Square is under construction and cannot be accessed. You have to go down along Chaotianmen Pier for quite a while. At the end, you'll see the clear Jialing River meet the dirty Yangtze River – amazing.
I hope my tips will be of great help to everyone!
Conclusion: This is not my first self-guided tour; I was too lazy to write about the previous ones. Now I'm gradually forgetting them. I'll write supplements when I remember.
