Chongqing Pianyan Ancient Town

Chongqing Pianyan Ancient Town

Pianyan Ancient Town is nestled between two spurs of the southwestern part of the Huaying Mountain Range. Located in a hilly area, it slopes from the northeast to the southwest. The average elevation is 520 meters, with the highest point reaching 942.9 meters. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to the Sixth Sub-district of Li Li in Jiangbei Ting. In the 24th year of the Qianlong reign, a market town was first established here. The town gets its name from a steep, tilted cliff that juts out high and looms precariously, hence the name Pianyan (Tilted Cliff) Town.

This town was once a bustling commercial hub on the old road from Chongqing to Huaying. In its heyday, it attracted numerous merchants and thrived in trade, gaining fame across Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hubei, and Hunan. Despite centuries of change, its streets, architecture, local customs, and market atmosphere still retain an old-world charm and elegance. Built against the mountains and beside the water, the town offers a sweeping view of wooden and brick houses cascading down the hills in a layered, well-spaced arrangement. A winding black water creek embraces the ancient town, its clear, slow-moving waters reflecting the surroundings. Towering, thick-trunked tung trees line the riverbanks, scattered densely and sparsely. These century-old trees, with their twisted roots and lush canopies, form massive umbrella-like shades that shelter the riverside homes. The back doors of these dwellings often have small stone steps leading down to the riverbank, used for fetching water or doing laundry. A narrow stone bridge stretches across the water, connecting the town to the paths beyond. Everywhere in the ancient town exudes a serene beauty, embodying the poetic charm of “a small bridge, flowing water, and rustic homes.”

Tip: Take a bus from Chongqing Chaotianmen Bus Station to Jindaoxia, and get off at Pianyan Town along the way. The fare is about 5 yuan.

Beibei District, Chongqing