Chongqing to Bishan: Historical Town & Natural Scenery 2 Day Trip Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists – A Hidden Gem Just One Metro Ride Away
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 22
- 5 min read
When it comes to historical towns and natural landscapes near Chongqing, most foreign tourists rush to Ciqikou or Dazu. Few know about Bishan (璧山, in western Chongqing municipality) – a charming blend of century-old architecture, serene lakes, and quirky local charm, all wrapped in a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from the city’s buzz.
As a Chongqing local who’s guided international travelers for over 8 years, I’ve returned to Bishan again and again. Last spring, my friend Sofia from Spain nearly skipped it for another crowded hotpot crawl downtown. I insisted she give it two days—and after riding the adorable “Piggy Worm” light rail, exploring a hidden museum full of Ming-era carvings, and strolling through a Gothic church surrounded by ancient trees, she told me, “This is the peaceful China I didn’t know existed.”
This Bishan 2 day trip guide shows you exactly how to get there from Chongqing with ease, hit every highlight without stress, and use Dolphinunion’s exclusive tools to breeze through language, payment, and navigation hurdles. Think of it as your local insider playbook—no tourist traps, just authentic moments.
（Chongqing to Bishan 2 day trip travel guide for foreign tourists）
Why Bishan Captivates
Where Heritage Meets Everyday Charm
What makes Bishan special isn’t just its sights—it’s the feeling. Unlike heavily commercialized spots, here you’ll find locals practicing tai chi by the lake, artisans restoring antique furniture, and century-old churches standing quietly amid rice fields.
Take Diego, a traveler from Brazil I met last year. He’d heard rumors of a private museum filled with Sichuan folk relics but couldn’t find directions online. Using our pre-loaded Amap link from the free toolkit, he arrived at Dayuanxiang Museum—and spent half a day marveling at Han-dynasty stone figures and Qing-era bridal beds. “It’s like stepping into a Chinese family album from 300 years ago,” he said.
For European and North American visitors, afternoon light around 4 PM is ideal for photos at Ludetang Church—soft, golden, and perfect for capturing the French-stained glass against old banyan trees. Don’t forget to download offline maps; cell service can dip in rural corners.
Bishan Must-Visit Attractions
Start with Xiuhu Park (Xiùhú Gōngyuán, 秀湖公园)—a sprawling green oasis larger than ten football fields, with wooden boardwalks, musical fountains, and retro pavilions. It’s free, open all day, and perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls.
Then visit Ludetang Church (Lùdétáng, 露德堂), built in 1899 by French missionaries. Its blue-gray brick walls, original stained-glass windows, and surrounding century-old trees create a dreamy, almost European atmosphere—yet it’s deeply rooted in Sichuan soil. Entry is free (¥5 for the backyard garden).
Don’t miss the “Piggy Worm” Light Rail—a whimsical, mini urban train painted in pastel pink, yellow, and blue. It chugs gently above the streets, offering cute views of Bishan’s neighborhoods. Locals love it; tourists adore it.
Finally, spend a few hours at Dayuanxiang Museum (Dàyuanxiáng Bówùguǎn, 大圆祥博物馆). This privately run treasure trove holds over 50,000 artifacts: Buddhist statues, carved Ming beds, old shop signs, and daily utensils from imperial China. Tickets are just ¥50—and worth every yuan.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes—Xiuhu Park is huge, and the museum involves lots of walking. And bring a light scarf; the church courtyard gets breezy in the evening.
Bishan Travel Planning
Transportation from Chongqing to Bishan
How do you reach Bishan without hassle? Take Metro Line 1.
From downtown Chongqing (e.g., Jiefangbei), hop on Line 1 heading west. The train runs every 5–8 minutes and arrives directly at Bishan Station in 40–60 minutes. No transfers, no tickets to book—just tap your phone or metro card.
Last autumn, Chloé from France tried renting a car instead—and got lost on winding country roads with zero English signage. “The metro was so much simpler,” she admitted later.
For those arriving by high-speed rail, Bishan Railway Station connects to Chengdu and Guiyang. From there, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the city center. All transit routes are pre-mapped in our China Travel Toolkit with clickable Amap links.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Attraction | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Notes |
Xiuhu Park | Free | Open 24/7 | Best visited early morning or dusk |
Ludetang Church | Free (¥5 backyard) | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Ideal photo time: 4–5 PM |
Dayuanxiang Museum | ¥50 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Allow 2–3 hours; ID required |
Piggy Worm Light Rail | ¥2 per ride | 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Runs every 15 mins; cashless payment |
Avoid visiting the museum on Mondays—it’s closed. And while the light rail accepts mobile payments, keep ¥10 cash just in case your phone dies.
2 Day Trip Recommended Itinerary（Chongqing to Bishan 2 day trip travel guide for foreign tourists）
Day 1
① Arrive at Bishan Metro Station via Chongqing Metro Line 1
② Check into your hotel (options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range chains near Xiuhu Park)
③ Lunch at Chuanjiang Restaurant – try Laifeng Fish, a local specialty
④ Ride the Piggy Worm Light Rail for fun city views
⑤ Stroll through Xiuhu Park – enjoy lakeside paths and evening lights
⑥ Dinner at Lu Hua Hua Restaurant – famous for Bishan Rabbit
Day 2
① Breakfast near your hotel
② Visit Dayuanxiang Museum (opens at 9 AM; allow 2.5 hours)
③ Lunch at a local noodle stall near the museum
④ Head to Ludetang Church (arrive by 3:30 PM for best light)
⑤ Explore the quiet lanes around the church; snap photos under banyan trees
⑥ Return to Bishan Metro Station by 5:30 PM for your trip back to Chongqing
All locations include pre-saved Amap pins in our free toolkit—just open the app and go.
Solving Common Travel Problems in Bishan
Language Barrier
Can’t read the menu or ask where the light rail stop is? Use Microsoft Translator (included in the China Travel Toolkit) to speak or scan text in real time. The PDF also lists 50+ key phrases like “Is this dish spicy?” and “Where’s the nearest metro?”—so you won’t be left guessing.
Cashless Payment
Nearly all restaurants and transport accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Link your international card in seconds using our step-by-step visual guide (in the free toolkit). For tiny vendors or temple donations, carry ¥30–50 in cash—that’s all you’ll ever need.
Navigation
Google Maps often fails in suburban China. Instead, use Amap (Gaode Map) with Dolphinunion’s ready-made links (in the China Travel Toolkit) to navigate straight to Ludetang Church’s hidden garden entrance or the best photo spot in Xiuhu Park. Download offline maps before leaving Chongqing.
Network Connection
Stay online with a reliable eSIM (we recommend one that supports WhatsApp and Instagram) and a China-tested VPN—both linked in the China Travel Toolkit. Install them before arrival so you can share stories, call rides, and translate signs on the go.
Why Choose Dolphinunion?
Grab the China Travel Toolkit (Free PDF) – it includes Amap links, eSIM & VPN setup guides, cashless payment walkthroughs, and essential Chinese phrases tailored for Bishan.
Planning more adventures? Our premium guide “Chongqing 144-hours citywalk E-guide” is now 45% off, covering Chongqing downtown, Wulong Karst, and Three Gorges Dam. Buy 2 guides for 20% off, or 6 for 55% off—ideal for multi-city explorers.
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