Pengshui Jiuli City

Introducing Pengshui Jiuli City

Located in Pengshui County, Chongqing, Chiyou Jiuli City is China's largest complex of traditional Miao architecture. Key buildings include the iconic gatehouse, nine gates, Jiuli Palace, Jiuli Tribe, the Big Dipper, Miao King's Mansion, Chiyou Hall, Yu King's Palace, a charity hall, Panhu Hall, the Hundred Miao Corridor, Jiuli God Pillars, a martial arts arena, a variety show hall, a visitor service center, a shopping arcade, and a food court. Jiuli City has become Pengshui's most dazzling city and tourism destination, a shining pearl along the tourism corridor of southeastern Chongqing and even the border regions of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing.

The Jiuli God Pillar is the Miao totem pillar with the highest height, largest diameter and most carved ghost and god images in the world; the Jiuli Palace is the world's tallest and largest stilt house, the world's largest quadrangle building, and the most peculiar cluster of pavilions and halls within buildings; the Jiudaomen is the Miao architectural landscape with the most facing gates in the world.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon humid climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Nine Gates

The landmark buildings of Chiyou Jiuli City, built along the mountain ridge, are magnificent and impressive, each gate building distinct in its own way. Each gate is carved with symbols related to Miao folk culture, historical stories, and auspicious symbols. The carvings on the ridges are exquisite and lifelike, depicting birds, animals, and ancient figures, all representing myths, legends, and auspicious beasts worshipped by the Miao people.

Jiuli Palace

The palace stands 99 meters tall and has 11 bays, symbolizing the unity of all things. The architecture, which integrates a quadrangle courtyard, stilt houses, and a towering tower, is integrated into one. Within the Jiuli Palace, you'll find various Miao cultural symbols, including the Jielong Hall, the Sun-drying Tower, the Hukou Hall, the quadrangle courtyard, the Bazi facing gate, and a cluster of stilt houses. It serves as a museum showcasing Miao culture and folk customs, and boasts the largest cluster of stilt houses currently in Pengshui.

Jiuli Divine Pillar

This symbolic pillar of the Miao ethnic group, carved from white marble, stands 24 meters tall. It symbolizes the 12 months and 24 solar terms of the four seasons, symbolizing a fulfilling and harmonious reunion. Carved on the pillar are statues of the 36 ghosts and 72 gods, the 36 Celestial Beings and 72 Earthly Fiends, worshipped in ancient Miao songs. With a base diameter of 3 meters, it is the tallest, largest, and most heavily carved Miao stone pillar in the world. The carving took 30 stone carvers over eight months, making it the most heavily carved ethnic minority totem pillar to date.

Recommended 1-day tour

Tickets

90 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

08:30-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Pengshui Jiuli City

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Pengshui Jiuli City is a historical town with deep cultural roots. It is known for its ancient buildings, rich folklore, and its role in the development of the Chongqing region during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Pengshui Jiuli City is located in the Qijiang District of Chongqing. It can be reached by taking a taxi or bus from the Chongqing city center, with a journey time of about 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Pengshui Jiuli City is open year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are most beautiful.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee varies for different attractions within the city. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official tourism website.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can be booked a few days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Pengshui Jiuli City, it is recommended to spend at least one full day, depending on the pace and the number of attractions you wish to visit.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Jiuli City Ancient Street, showcasing traditional architecture.
• The local temples and cultural monuments, such as the Baosheng Temple.
• The picturesque mountain trails that offer panoramic views of the region.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available, but it's best to check in advance for availability in other languages.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The mountain viewpoints overlooking Jiuli City.
• The temples with ancient architecture as backdrops.
• The riverside areas, which provide a tranquil and scenic setting for photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended itinerary is to start with a visit to the Jiuli City Ancient Street, followed by a hike in the surrounding mountains, and then finish with a tour of the temples and local cultural landmarks.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, night visits and light shows are not common at Pengshui Jiuli City, but special cultural tours may be available during festivals or local events.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The city can get crowded during Chinese public holidays. The least crowded times are typically weekdays in the off-season, such as during the winter months.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include public restrooms, local food vendors, rest areas, and souvenir shops throughout the area.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The main areas are accessible to elderly and children, though some mountain trails may be more challenging for those with mobility issues. It's recommended to check with local tour providers for accessibility options.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are commonly accepted at most establishments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local restaurants serving Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine.
• Tea houses offering traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and some vegan options are available, but halal food options may be limited. It is best to check in advance with local eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Local guesthouses and boutique hotels offer affordable stays.
• There are mid-range hotels and a few higher-end options available in the nearby Qijiang District.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Qijiang River and its scenic areas.
• The nearby mountain regions offering hiking opportunities.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in the area offer traditional crafts such as handmade textiles, pottery, and local food items like preserved fruits and sauces.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From Pengshui Jiuli City, taxis and buses are the best options to continue traveling to nearby destinations. For further travel to Chongqing city, buses and high-speed trains are also available.