Day 1 Chongqing → Gujian Mountain → Dongxi Ancient Town → Chongqing
08:00
7:30-8:00, check in at Exit 3B of Jiazhou Road Station on Metro Line 3 (look for staff holding yellow China-TravelNote flags), and depart on time at 8:00;
Of course, self-introduction is indispensable on the bus. We refuse to let the boring and unfamiliar travel happen. The China-TravelNote staff will lead everyone to play games on the bus as part of the journey so that you can fully integrate into the whole activity itinerary.
10:00
It takes about 2 hours to drive to the north gate of Gujian Mountain Scenic Area and start hiking. The hiking trail is narrow and steep. You can stop at Gujian Pavilion to rest and visit Sanfo Rock. There is a small shop on the top of the mountain for supplies.
Facing the warm sunshine, we stepped onto the Yang Bridge and gazed into the distance, taking photos all the way.
Loop route: 5km, 250m of cumulative ascent, 1,100m above sea level; (During forest fire prevention periods, the loop route may not be available, so choose the original route for round trip)
12:00
Go down the mountain to the bus stop and head to Dongxi Ancient Town;
13:00
Arriving in Dongxi Ancient Town, friends can enjoy local delicacies. Xiangzishen Rice Noodles – the sauerkraut and spicy shells are the highlight; Dongxi Liushi Black Duck – those who like sweet-skinned duck will also like this black duck, which is full of sweet spices; Ganshui Spicy Dried Radish – crisp and refreshing, and super greasy; Dongxi Fermented Bean Curd – made with authentic old-fashioned methods, with a fragrant aroma;
2:00 PM
After lunch, explore Dongxi Ancient Town and the Salt Transport Museum. Once a hub for salt transportation from Sichuan and Guizhou, it's now a museum showcasing paintings, calligraphy, and antiques from the salt merchants' history. From the pier in front of the museum, you can see a miniature version of the confluence of the Dingshan and Fulin Rivers, a breathtaking sight surrounded by mist.
Centennial banyan trees and the Lovers' Tree—the soul of the ancient town! Hundreds of banyan trees line the cobblestone streets, blocking out the sun. The most remarkable of all are the "Lovers' Trees"—two trees 400 years old, embracing each other as one. Legend has it that a touch between lovers promises a long life together! Any photo taken beneath the dappled shadows is a breathtaking forest-like spectacle!
Maxiangyue Minxin Post Office—the oldest post office in Southwest China! It has a Qing Dynasty-era "EMS" feel, and the facade is incredibly weathered. Buy postcards, stamp them with commemorative stamps, and send them to your besties—a truly ceremonial experience! (During the time when people from Huguang were filling Sichuan, Macheng residents used "Xiangyue" (Xiangyue) to express their homesickness, hence the name.)
There are small bridges and flowing water, roadside bamboo weaving craftsmen, and locals drinking tea and chatting; the authentic charm of the ancient town is released here!
5:00 PM
Return to the vehicle; return by vehicle;
7:30 PM
Arrive in Chongqing and end the trip;
