Collection China Travel 2026.08.24

A Journey to Chongqing's Ancient Towns: Where Time Stands Still Along Rivers and Mountains

A path to explore different living landscapes in each region, from Gongtan, Zhongshan, and Wanling to old dock villages

#Overseas Travel #Free Travel #Traveling in China #Chongqing Travel #Places to Visit in Chongqing

Gaojin in Chongqing is not just a single landscape of red lanterns and souvenir shops. Gongtan is characterized by its cliff views and docks, Zhongshan features a corridor-style street along the river, while Wanling is centered around immigrant culture and the traces of water transport. Even within the same old town, the terrain, residential structures, and market atmosphere vary, giving you plenty of reasons to explore each one slowly.

Since most are located far from the city center and require bus transfers, realistically, it’s better to plan for one Gaojin per day. When choosing a Gaojin, I've structured it to incorporate riverside, mountainous, and community-style villages to suit diverse preferences. Make sure to confirm your accommodation, the last return transport, and the conditions of the stone paths after rain, and please do not linger in the alleys where residents live, nor peek inside their homes.

Gongtan Old Town

Gongtan Gaojin

At this location, let’s first look at the characteristics of Gaojin, where the cliff views and long stone path along the dock are prominent. By observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently being used, the differences from other locations become clearer. Specifically, since the trip from downtown is long, it's crucial to check accommodation and boat/bus return options beforehand. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市酉阳土家族苗族自治县龚滩镇 방문 확인 도심에서 이동이 길어 숙박과 선박·버스 귀환편을 먼저 확인한다

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Zhongshan Ancient Town

Zhongshan Gaojin

At this location, let’s first note the unique feature of this mountainous Gaojin, where eaves and corridor-style shops stretch along the river. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently in use during your arrival, will clarify the differences from other locations. Especially, be cautious of the slipperiness near the riverside stone paths and wooden building sections after rain. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市江津区中山镇 방문 확인 우천 뒤 강변 돌길과 목조 건물 구간의 미끄럼에 주의한다

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Wanling Ancient Town

Wanling Gaojin

At this location, let’s first observe the characteristics of this old town, which holds traces of the Lashi River's water transport and immigrant culture. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently being used, will clarify the differences from other locations. Particularly, verify the opening of exhibition halls and local transportation and walk quietly through residential alleys. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市荣昌区万灵镇 방문 확인 전시관 개방과 지역 교통을 확인하고 주민 골목을 조용히 걷는다

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Songji Ancient Town

Songji Gaojin

At this location, let’s first recognize the features of this riverside Gaojin, which retains the Long River dock, shrines, and ancient houses. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently being used, will clarify the differences from other locations. Particularly, check the river level and intercity bus times, and do not lean against the old buildings. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市永川区松溉镇 방문 확인 강변 수위와 시외버스 시간을 확인하고 오래된 건물에 기대지 않는다

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Pianyan Ancient Town

Pianyan Gaojin

At this location, let’s first explore the characteristics of this northern Gaojin, where life alleys are centered around streams and stone bridges. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently being used, will clarify the differences from other locations. Particularly, when traveling with Jindaoxia, calculate the travel time and the last bus separately. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市北碚区金刀峡镇 방문 확인 진다오샤와 함께 갈 때 이동 시간과 마지막 버스를 따로 계산한다

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Longtan Ancient Town

Longtan Gaojin

At this location, let’s first look at the distinctive feature of this southeastern Gaojin, which has remnants of the Tujia and Miao cultures as well as commercial alleys. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently in use, will clarify the differences from other locations. Especially, since the distances are quite far, base your planning on local accommodations and long-distance transportation. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市酉阳土家族苗族自治县龙潭镇 방문 확인 거리가 매우 멀어 현지 숙박과 장거리 교통을 기준으로 계획한다

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Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Shuangzhang Gaojin

At this location, let’s first check the characteristics of this historic cultural town, which retains Qing Dynasty streets, old houses, and gardens. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently in use, will clarify the differences from other locations. Particularly, check for museum closures and bus schedules, and follow the guidelines for building access. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市潼南区双江镇 방문 확인 기념관 휴관과 버스 배차를 확인하고 건물 내부 공개 범위를 따른다

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Laitang Ancient Town

Laitang Gaojin

At this location, let’s first discover the characteristics of this defensive Gaojin, where fortress walls, temples, and residential alleys coexist. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently in use, will clarify the differences from other locations. Specifically, respect the stairway of the fortress walls and the worship route in the temple, and ensure to secure your return transportation. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市合川区涞滩镇 방문 확인 성벽 계단과 사찰 참배 동선을 존중하고 귀환 차량을 확보한다

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Dongxi Ancient Town

Dongxi Gaojin

At this location, let’s first focus on the features of this southern Gaojin, where stair alleys, ancient bridges, and Huangge trees blend together. Observing the altitude and surrounding streets during your arrival, as well as how buildings or natural spaces are currently in use, will clarify the differences from other locations. Particularly, be careful of slipping on the old stone paths and avoid vehicle congestion on market days. Use the address and key coordinates to avoid confusion with other facilities of the same name or different entrances, and while adhering to the established pathways and on-site etiquette, it’s best to leave ample time for movement and waiting between planned activities.

주소 重庆市綦江区东溪镇 방문 확인 낡은 석판길에서 미끄럼을 조심하고 장날의 차량 혼잡을 피한다

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Traveling to Gaojin is memorable when you observe the lifestyles that still exist today rather than just the age of buildings. By noting the direction of houses toward the river, the locations of marketplaces and shrines, and the narrow walkways under eaves, you can understand why the town exists in that particular spot. For distant places like Gongtan, consider accommodation, and if you need to return to the city center, calculate travel time beforehand like with Songji or Shuangzhang.

Once you step away from the commercialized main street, the daily lives of residents continue, so it's best to minimize noise and photography. On rainy days, verify the river's water level and landslide controls, and do not divert from closed old paths. Rather than quickly comparing several Gaojins, taking time for a meal and tea in one village allows the history and scenery of the outskirts of Chongqing to be seen as a living place rather than just a backdrop.

한눈에 보기 9개

Gongtan Old Town

重庆市酉阳土家族苗族自治县龚滩镇 · 도심에서 이동이 길어 숙박과 선박·버스 귀환편을 먼저 확인한다

Zhongshan Ancient Town

重庆市江津区中山镇 · 우천 뒤 강변 돌길과 목조 건물 구간의 미끄럼에 주의한다

Wanling Ancient Town

重庆市荣昌区万灵镇 · 전시관 개방과 지역 교통을 확인하고 주민 골목을 조용히 걷는다

Songji Ancient Town

重庆市永川区松溉镇 · 강변 수위와 시외버스 시간을 확인하고 오래된 건물에 기대지 않는다

Pianyan Ancient Town

重庆市北碚区金刀峡镇 · 진다오샤와 함께 갈 때 이동 시간과 마지막 버스를 따로 계산한다

Longtan Ancient Town