Wuling Secret Land · Tujia Customs

Qianjiang District, Chongqing — Canyon ancient towns and Tujia culture in the hinterland of Wuling Mountains. This 2-day 1-night itinerary takes you to stroll along the world's longest wind and rain covered bridge, explore underground dark rivers and sinkholes, visit earthquake relic lakes, and experience the landscape and culture of the canyon Tujia people.

Zhuoshui Town
Dream of the Covered Bridge
Puhua River
Dark River & Sinkhole
Xiaonanhai Lake
Earthquake Wonder Lake
Shengui Gorge
Canyon Gallery
Zhuoshui Ancient Town, Qianjiang District, Chongqing
Wind and Rain Covered Bridge of Zhuoshui Ancient Town, Qianjiang District
The world's longest wind and rain covered bridge spans the Apeng River

2-Day 1-Night Canyon Ancient Town Tour of Qianjiang District

Covered Bridge Ancient Town + Underground Dark River + Earthquake Wonder Lake, appreciate the charm of Wuling landscape

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Zhuoshui Ancient Town, Puhua Dark River, Xiaonanhai Lake, Tujia Thirteen Villages
Suitable For
Ancient town lovers, geological explorers, photography enthusiasts, folk culture experiencers
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥800
01
Canyon Ancient Town Tour
Dream of the Covered Bridge & Dark River Exploration
Trip Highlights

All-day ancient town and geological experience

Attraction Arrangement
Zhuoshui Ancient Town
A millennium-old Tujia ancient town, home to the world's longest wind and rain covered bridge (658 meters). The bluestone slab street connects ancient buildings such as Baxian Hall and Wantian Palace, known as the "Wuling Water Town".
Puhua Dark River
An underground karst cave system, including wonders such as the Natural Three Bridges and the large funnel sinkhole. You can take a boat through the underground dark river and experience the light and shadow changes of "three days and two nights".
Shengui Gorge
The essence section of the Apeng River Gorge, with steep cliffs on both sides shaped like turtle patterns. Take a boat to view landscapes such as Jiuli Gallery and Tianmen Cave, known as the "Gorge River Bonsai".
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Covered bridge night lighting turns on at 19:30
  • Prepare a thin coat for the dark river cave
  • Wear non-slip walking shoes
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Diaojiaolou in Zhuoshui Ancient Town
  • Homestays by the Apeng River
  • Canyon View Hotel
02
Geological & Folk Custom Tour
Earthquake Wonder Lake & Tujia Villages
Trip Highlights

All-day geological and folk custom experience

Attraction Arrangement
Xiaonanhai Lake
A barrier lake formed by an earthquake in 1856, with scattered islands and reefs in the lake, including Chaoyang Temple Island and Niubei Island, known as the "Pearl of the Deep Mountains".
Tujia Thirteen Villages
An original ecological Tujia settlement group, including 13 ancient villages such as Banjia Stream and Hejia Village. You can experience intangible cultural heritage projects such as hand-swinging dance and Xilankapu brocade weaving.
Wuling Mountain Folk Custom Museum
Displays the folk culture of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, including the restoration of diaojiaolou dwellings, traditional farm tools, and ethnic costumes, known as the "Window of Wuling Culture".
Practical Information
Featured Experiences
  • Boating to view islands on Xiaonanhai Lake
  • Making glutinous rice cakes in Tujia villages
  • Learning to sing Tujia folk songs
  • Tasting Qianjiang Chicken Giblets
Return Suggestions
  • Purchase Xilankapu brocade
  • Reserve time for return transportation
  • Avoid the return peak at 16:00
  • Return by train

Must-Try Foods in Qianjiang District

Qianjiang Chicken Giblets

A representative delicacy of the Wuling Mountain area. Chicken gizzards and intestines are stir-fried with pickled peppers, spicy and crispy, served with mung bean noodles, a representative of Tujia flavor.

Mung Bean Noodles

A traditional staple food in Qianjiang, made by grinding rice and mung beans into pulp and baking, cut into strips and served with minced meat, smooth and fragrant, can be boiled or stir-fried, the first choice for breakfast.

Zhaha Jiao Stir-Fried with Bacon

A special Tujia dish. Zhaha Jiao (fermented corn flour) is stir-fried with smoked old bacon, sour, spicy and salty, reflecting the dietary wisdom of mountainous areas.

Banjiu Leaf Tofu

Made from wild Banjiu tree leaves, natural emerald green, served with sour and spicy dipping sauce, cool and relieves summer heat, a special cold snack in summer.

Qianjiang District Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • April-June: Lush canyon vegetation
  • September-November: Tujia harvest celebrations
  • Summer: Summer escape and exploration in the dark river
  • Winter: Festive atmosphere of ancient town folk customs
Travel Suggestions
  • Experience overnight stay in diaojiaolou in Zhuoshui Ancient Town
  • Best light in the dark river in the morning
  • Boat tour on Xiaonanhai Lake
  • Participate in hand-swinging dance in Tujia villages
Practical Information
  • Folk Custom Museum is closed on Mondays
  • Low temperature inside the dark river cave
  • Drive carefully on winding mountain roads
  • Respect the customs of ethnic minorities
Transportation Guide
  • Train to Qianjiang Station
  • Bus to Zhuoshui Ancient Town
  • Tourist special line to Xiaonanhai Lake
  • Charter a car to visit Shengui Gorge

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