Some say that either the soul or the body must always be on the road: the path of the soul leads to the unknown ahead. Perhaps we don’t know where the destination lies, but the cleansing of the soul is the most precious treasure along the way; the path of the body moves forward with every step, and the scenery along the way always captivates us. Quickly pack your bags and let’s journey together to the mountain city—Chongqing. We’re on the road!
First Stop: Fengdu Ghost City
Fengdu is an ancient city nestled against mountains and facing water. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was known as “Bazi Biandu.” In the second year of the Yongyuan era under Emperor He of the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was separated from Zhixian County and established as a standalone county named “Fengdu County,” boasting a history of over 1,900 years. It is home to more than 30 sites, including the Hengha Shrine, Gratitude Hall, Naihe Bridge, Jade Emperor Hall, Hundred Sons Hall, Impermanence Hall, Mahavira Hall, Ghost Gate Pass, Netherworld Road, Hometown View Terrace, Heavenly King Hall, Two Immortals Tower, Town God’s Hall, and Nine Pythons Hall. The mountain also features inscriptions and poems by famous historical figures such as Su Shi, Lu You, and Fan Chengda.
Second Stop: Ciqikou
Ciqikou Ancient Town is located by the Jialing River, 14 kilometers west of central Chongqing. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, Ciqikou has been renowned across Bashu. In the past, it was a bustling water-and-land wharf and a distribution hub for goods downstream of the Jialing River. Its timeless, rich, and simple old-world charm has made it a microcosm and symbol of the ancient Jiangzhou city of Chongqing. Ciqikou got its name from its porcelain production. The prosperity of the Ciqikou wharf in days gone by remains deeply etched in the memories of “old Chongqingers.” The gentle breeze of simplicity rustles through the leaves, whispering the language of history. Even though time has passed and we can no longer experience her past, we can still feel her stories when we are there. Her appearance remains unchanged, her flavor unchanged, her reverence for time unchanged. Let’s get closer to her and trace the outlines of her being.
Third Stop: Hongya Cave
Chongqing’s Hongya Cave is situated in the core commercial district near Jiefangbei, along Cangbai Road where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge. It combines urban tourism landscapes, business and leisure experiences, and cultural elements all in one. Dominated by the traditional stilt-house architecture unique to Chongqing, the area follows the natural contours of the mountain and riverside, extending directly from Jiefangbei to the riverbank. In the near future, Chongqing’s Hongya Cave will become a true masterpiece that “lets the world understand Chongqing and fall in love with Chongqing.” Amid the stilt-house clusters, enjoy the green drizzle of Hongya, stroll through the old streets of the mountain city, appreciate Bayu culture, savor spicy mountain-city hotpot, witness the confluence of the two rivers, indulge in global cuisines, and experience the vibrant nightlife. Step inside, close your eyes, and quietly listen to her whispers.
Fourth Stop: Wulong Tiankeng
Wulong Tiankeng is located within the Wulong Tiankeng Difeng National Geological Park, atop the Yangshui River Grand Canyon in Wulong. It is the largest national geological park in Chongqing, renowned for its natural sinkhole clusters, natural bridge clusters, dramatic rift valleys, and cascading streams and waterfalls. With its vast scale and high accessibility, it has been listed by the state as a key site aiming for World Geopark status. The park mainly includes the Wulong Tiankeng・Tiansheng Sanqiao Scenic Area and the Wulong Difeng Scenic Area. The area is particularly notable for its karst geological and landform features, featuring the world’s largest cluster of natural bridges and the world’s second-largest cluster of sinkholes, along with surface fissures that showcase the wonders of karst landforms. This is not only a prime destination for sightseeing but also a natural textbook for understanding, appreciating, and learning to protect nature. With fresh air, babbling streams, unique mountain formations, and even the clouds brimming with vitality, escape the hustle of the city and enjoy the starry night in peaceful serenity.
Fifth Stop: Zhazidong
Located at the foot of Geleshan in Chongqing, Zhazidong was the site of a shocking massacre orchestrated by Kuomintang secret agents on November 27, 1949, just before their retreat. Originally a small coal mine, it earned its name Zhazidong (“Slag Hole”) because it produced more slag than coal. Later, Kuomintang military police agents forced the mine owner to death, took over the mine, and turned it into a prison. Among those imprisoned here were revolutionaries arrested following the “June 1st” mass arrests, the “Xiao Min Ge” case, the “Tengjin Bao” case, and the failed armed uprisings in eastern Sichuan, including Jiang Zhuyun, Xu Jianye, and He Xuesong—numbering up to 300 at its peak. Literary works such as “Eternal Life in the Flames,” “Red Rock,” and “Sister Jiang” are based on this site.
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Weekends are perfect for going out and having fun too—go for it, and hit the road !