Escape Hongyadong! A Chongqing Local’s Secret Itinerary 🗺️✨

Honestly, if you’re tired of the neon lights and commercialized old streets of Hongyadong, you should definitely head next door to Nan’an District. It’s less crowded, super fun, and a hidden gem that even I, a local, revisit again and again! Here, you can not only enjoy the natural scenery of Nanshan Mountain but also see the original old streets and feel the authentic history of Chongqing. 🌆

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💪 Off-the-Beaten-Path Citywalk Itinerary 💪

📍 One-Day Route: Sanmao Square (Sanmao Guangchang) → Laojun Cave (Laojundong) → Huangjueya Old Street (Huangjueya Laojie) → Sanmao’s Former Residence (Sanmao Guju) → Huangge Ancient Trail (Huangge Gudao) → Longmenhao Old Street (Longmenhao Laojie) → Xiahaoli Old Street (Xiahaoli Laojie)

⭐ Important Travel Tips ⭐

  1. Watch Your Step! 🚶‍♀️ Although this route is mostly downhill, there are a LOT of stairs. Please don’t look at your phone while walking and pay close attention to the path ahead!

  2. Laojun Cave Visit: ⛩️ The cave is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. Inside, you can have your fortune told (a practice known as Qiuqian). For the most “accurate” readings, head to the main Sanqing Hall (三清殿 Sanqing Dian). It’s said to be very effective! 🙏

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  3. Huangjueya Old Street: 🏡 Compared to other old streets, Huangjueya is much less commercialized. Local residents still hold their traditional periodic markets (Ganchang 赶场) here, which is a fantastic slice of local life.

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  4. Sanmao’s Former Residence: 📚 To enter the former home of the famous writer Sanmao, there’s a 10 RMB ticket fee, or you can get in by purchasing a creative souvenir.

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  5. Huangge Ancient Trail: ⛰️ The steps on this trail are not only numerous but also quite steep. It can get very crowded during public holidays, so please be extra careful about your footing for safety.

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  6. Longmenhao & Xiahaoli: 🏘️ Both of these old streets are built into the hillside. This means if you want to walk downwards through one, you’ll have to walk uphill to get to the other. I recommend visiting Longmenhao first, then Xiahaoli. This route gets you closer to the famous网红 (wanghong) viewing platform! 📸

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🥰 My Food & Drink Stops Along the Way 🥰

  • Yakou Puzi (垭口铺子): 🍧 Located in Huangjueya Old Street. The flavors might not be mind-blowing, but grabbing one of their sweet, refreshing drinks (Tianshuishui 甜水水) is the perfect way to rest your tired feet.
  • Heibai Hun Douhua (黑白荤豆花): 🍲 This is a meat and tofu pudding (Hun Douhua 荤豆花) spot with a self-serve veggie bar. I absolutely love the owner’s secret dipping sauce! Their freshly wrapped wontons (Chaoshou 抄手) are also delicious.
  • Taoyuan Hotpot (桃园火锅): 🌶️ The hotpot broth is incredibly fragrant and tastes amazing. Plus, it offers a fantastic view of the Yuzhong Peninsula! Go in the evening to enjoy spicy hotpot while watching the stunning city nightscape. OMG, you have to experience this! 🌌