Chongqing Pianyan Ancient Town

　　Pianyan Ancient Town is nestled between two offshoots of the southwestern section of the Huaying Mountain Range. Located in a hilly area, the terrain slopes from the northeast to the southwest. The average elevation is 520 meters, reaching as high as 942.9 meters. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to the Sixth Subprefecture of Lili in Jiangbei Hall. In the 24th year of the Qianlong reign, a market town was established here. It earned the name “Pianyan” (meaning “Slanted Cliff”) due to a towering, steep cliff with an overhanging rock face located to the north of the town.

　　This town was once a bustling commercial hub along the old trade route from Chongqing to Huaying. In its heyday, merchants flocked here, trade flourished, and its fame spread across Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hubei, and Hunan. Despite centuries of change, the town’s streets, architecture, local customs, and atmosphere still retain their quaint and elegant charm. Built against the mountains and beside the water, the town offers a sweeping view of wooden and brick houses scattered along the hillsides, layered and staggered in pleasing arrangement. A winding black-water creek embraces the ancient town, its clear, slow-moving waters reflecting the surroundings. Along the banks, tall, sturdy tung trees are dotted at intervals. 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 houses often connect to small stone stairways leading down to the riverbank, used for fetching water or doing laundry. A narrow stone bridge stretches across the water, linking 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 around 5 yuan.

　　 Beibei District, Chongqing