Hong’an Border Town

　　　Hong’an Ancient Town is located in the southeastern part of Xiushan County, Chongqing, 47 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 52 square kilometers. It sits at the junction of Chongqing, Guizhou, and Hunan, earning the title “Gateway to Southeastern Chongqing.” As a patchwork territory where one can literally stand in three provinces at once, it is also the prototype of the “Border Town” described in Shen Congwen’s novel. In 2002, the Chongqing Municipal Government designated Hong’an Town as a municipal-level historical and cultural town. Nestled against mountains and water, shaded by lush green trees, with emerald waters rippling gently, the scenery is picturesque. The ancient architectural complex features unique craftsmanship and designs, while the Tujia and Miao villages offer distinctive cultural charm.

　　　　The most distinctive experience in Hong’an Ancient Town is the cable-pulled ferry. A single steel wire connects the docks on both banks and serves as the ferry’s sole means of propulsion. Once full of passengers, the old ferryman leisurely sits on a square wooden platform inside the cabin, using a two-foot-long round log with fine grooves as a winch handle. He cranks the log to gradually pull the ferry across the river along the steel cable.

　　Notable attractions include the majestic Hongcha Bridge, the lifelike “Elephant Trunk Drinking Water” rock formation, the carefree “No Man’s Land” Island, the Red Army Command Post, and the Calligraphy Garden showcasing works by renowned Chinese calligraphers. Strolling along the ancient stone-paved paths, visitors can admire the black-tiled, gray-brick buildings lining the streets, and gaze at the deep courtyards divided by staggered firewalls that step down like terraces — offering a uniquely charming atmosphere.