Leave a Day for This Ancient Village in Chongqing! ๐Ÿž๏ธโœจ

Towering ancient trees, babbling brooks under small bridges, and green-tiled stone stepsโ€ฆ Iโ€™ve been here many times, and this ancient village by the Jialing River in Chongqing is a true hidden gem. When you travel to Chongqing, donโ€™t just flock to Hongya Cave. You must set aside a day for this unique, lesser-known ancient village!

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๐ŸŒณ: Jingangbei Happy Village (Jingangbei Kuaile Cunzhuang) ้‡‘ๅˆš็ข‘ๅฟซไนๆ‘ๅบ„ (Free Entry)

๐Ÿš— By Car: Navigate to โ€œJingangbei Parking Lotโ€ (้‡‘ๅˆš็ข‘ๅœ่ฝฆๅœบ).

๐Ÿš‡ By Metro: Take Line 6 to Beibei Station (ๅŒ—็ขš็ซ™), then itโ€™s a 12-minute taxi ride straight to the village.

Nestled at the foot of the Jinyun Mountain range (็ผ™ไบ‘ๅฑฑ่„‰) and built along the Jialing River (ๅ˜‰้™ตๆฑŸ่พน), this ancient village boasts over 300 years of history. Although it has been renovated, it still beautifully preserves the traditional Bayu (ๅทดๆธ) architectural style. ๐Ÿก

As you arrive after a short taxi ride from Beibei, youโ€™ll step into a primeval forest of dozens of century-old Huangge trees (้ป„่‘›ๆ ‘). Their canopies block out the sun, vines cling to stone walls, and the swirling mist makes you feel like youโ€™ve wandered into the land of Oz! ๐ŸŒฒ Every shot you take is a stunning, forest-themed masterpiece. A small stream winds through the old town, flanked by scattered green-tiled houses. Walking on the bluestone paths is an incredible feeling! ๐ŸŒฟ

Compared to the bustle of Ciqikou (็ฃๅ™จๅฃ) and the crowds of Hongya Cave (ๆดชๅด–ๆดž), this place truly captures the โ€œChongqing Jianghuโ€ (้‡ๅบ†ๆฑŸๆน–) spiritโ€”a world of its own. Wake up to fresh, oxygen-rich air, brew a pot of Laoyin Tea (่€่ซ่Œถ, a local Chongqing herbal tea) ๐Ÿต in the afternoon at a wooden house on the mountainside, and listen to the wind rustling the leaves. As night falls, itโ€™s the perfect time for a light drink. The gentle breeze from the Jialing River has been blowing here for 300 years, and itโ€™s as soft as ever. ๐ŸŒ™

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Village Entrance โ†’ Stream-side Trail โ†’ Photo Op at the Ancient Tree Grove โ†’ Yao Family Courtyard Old Teahouse (ๅงšๅฎถ้™ขๅญ่€่Œถ้ฆ†) โ†’ Riverside Lighthouse โ†’ Evening Drinks at Damiao (ๅคงๅบ™ๅพฎ้†บ).

๐Ÿ“ธ The light between 4 PM and 7 PM is especially beautiful for photos!

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๐Ÿ’ก A Few Tips:

  1. Bring mosquito repellent! The mosquitos in the forest are very โ€œenthusiastic.โ€ ๐ŸฆŸ
  2. After passing through the old town, you can head down to the Jialing River beach. The riverside rocks are wet and slippery, so be careful and donโ€™t get too close to the edge when taking photos. โš ๏ธ
  3. There are snacks and restaurants inside. The local Douhua Fan (Tofu Pudding with Rice) ่ฑ†่Šฑ้ฅญ and Lao Larou (Cured Pork) ่€่…Š่‚‰ are excellent choices.
  4. Weekdays are less crowded! Arrive before 10 AM or after 6 PM to get the whole place to yourself. ๐Ÿ“ธ
  5. For accommodation, you can choose a hotel within the ancient town or stay in the city center.

If you have enough time, plan for a 2-day trip! Nearby attractions like Jinyun Mountain (็ผ™ไบ‘ๅฑฑ), the North Hot Springs (ๅŒ—ๆธฉๆณ‰), and the Zhang Fei Ancient Trail (ๅผ ้ฃžๅค้“) are all close and well worth a visit. ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ