Chongqing to Chengkou: A 2-Day Qinba Secret & Red Legacy Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists – Undiscovered Gem
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 18
- 8 min read
When it comes to Chongqing’s nature getaways, most foreign tourists head to Wulong or Dazu. Few know about Chengkou (城口县，Chengkou County, Chongqing’s northernmost county), a “Qinba Ecological Pearl” praised by Chinese National Geography. Nestled in the Daba Mountains, it boasts alpine meadows rival to Switzerland and red revolutionary memories from the Long March – all just 5 hours from Chongqing.
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve explored Chengkou’s trails countless times. Last year, my Australian friend, Ella Wilson, planned to skip it for “more famous parks.” I convinced her to come, and she said, “Chengkou’s forests and red history are unforgettable – it’s the most authentic Chinese adventure I’ve had!” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 2-day trip to Chengkou, cover must-see spots, and share DolphinUnion’s exclusive resources to solve language, payment, and navigation issues. （Chongqing to Chengkou 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
Chengkou: Where Nature & Red History Meet
Natural Value: The Magic of Daba Mountains
Chengkou is home to Daba Mountain National Nature Reserve (大巴山国家级自然保护区，Daba Shan Guojiaji Ziran Baohuqu), a paradise of primeval forests and alpine meadows. Unlike crowded scenic areas, it’s quiet – you can hike for hours without seeing many people. The air is fresh with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and rare plants like dove trees (珙桐，gongtong) bloom in spring.
During one hike in Jiuchong Mountain (九重山), a local guide told me the reserve protects over 2,000 plant species. He pointed to a dove tree and said, “It’s called the ‘Chinese dove tree’ for its white bracts that look like flying doves.” I later learned it’s a living fossil, dating back 100 million years. This blend of raw nature and rare biodiversity makes Chengkou unique.
When you visit Huang’an Dam (黄安坝), don’t miss the sunrise over the alpine meadow. The golden light turns the grassland into a sea of gold – Ella took dozens of photos and said, “It looks like a scene from a fairy tale.”
Historical Value: Red Legacy of the Long March
Chengkou isn’t just about nature – it’s a key site of the Chinese Red Army’s Long March. The Chengkou Soviet Regime Memorial Park (城口县苏维埃政权纪念公园) preserves relics from the 1930s, including old headquarters and giant Red Army sculptures.
I took my British friend, James Carter, to the memorial park. He was shocked by the life-size sculptures: “It’s a powerful reminder of history – I knew little about the Long March before this.” A local veteran volunteer shared stories of soldiers’ struggles, which James found “moving and eye-opening.” This living history adds depth to Chengkou’s natural beauty.
Must-Visit Attractions in Chengkou（Chongqing to Chengkou 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
1. Jiuchong Mountain National Forest Park (九重山国家森林公园，Jiuchong Shan Guojia Senlin Gongyuan)
This is Chengkou’s top natural attraction – ticket costs ¥60 (includes shuttle bus). Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, it’s 30 minutes by taxi from downtown (¥40).
The park’s highlights: Wolong Meadow (卧龙草甸) for sea of clouds views, Feipu Gorge Rainbow Plank Road (飞瀑峡彩虹栈道), and wild dove tree forests. James hiked 3km to “Chongqing’s North Pole” (2,500m above sea level) and said, “The view of three counties is worth every step.” Wear waterproof shoes – trails can be muddy after rain.
2. (城口县苏维埃政权纪念公园，Chengkou Xian Suweiai Zhengquan Jinian Gongyuan)
A free red tourism site, open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It’s located downtown, a 10-minute walk from the bus station. The park features giant Red Army sculptures, a memorial square, and the Red Star Suspension Bridge (红星吊桥).
Ella was touched by the “Red Army Study” (红军书屋), which displays old books and letters. “It’s not just statues – you can feel the soldiers’ spirit here,” she said. Pick up an English leaflet at the entrance to learn about the Long March history.
3. Huang’an Dam Ecological Science Popularization Base (黄安坝生态科普基地，Huang’an Ba Shengtai Kepu Jidi)
A rare alpine pasture in southern China – free to enter, best visited from May to October. It’s 1 hour by car from downtown (¥150 round-trip taxi).
The pasture offers horse riding (¥50 per 30 minutes) and archery (¥30 per set). Ella rode a horse through wildflowers and said, “It feels like being in the Swiss Alps, but with Chinese charm.” Bring a windbreaker – the altitude (1,800m) makes it cooler than downtown.
4. Qinglong Gorge (青龙峡，Qinglong Xia)
A stunning karst canyon for stream trekking – ticket ¥40, open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The 3km trail follows a river, with waterfalls and “One-Line-Sky” (一线天) rock formations.
My Brazilian friend, Lucas Silva, loved the adventure: “The water is clear, and the rock formations look like alien landscapes.” Wear non-slip shoes – the trail can be wet. Avoid rainy seasons (June-July) as streams may rise.
Chengkou Travel Planning: Smooth Trip from Chongqing
Transportation from Chongqing to Chengkou
Two main options to reach Chengkou from Chongqing (no high-speed train yet):
Bus (大巴，daba): From Chongqing North Station South Square Bus Terminal (重庆北站南广场汽车站) to Chengkou Bus Station (城口客运站). 5 hours’ ride, ¥132 one-way. Buses run 4 times a day (7:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM).
Charter car (包车，baoche): 5.5 hours from downtown Chongqing, ¥1400-1,600 per day (fits 3-4 people). More flexible for visiting scattered attractions.
My Malaysian friend, Amara Lee, tried taking the bus first. She got lost at the bus station because signs were only in Chinese. Later, she used DolphinUnion’s “Bus Station Phrase Card” and charter car service – “The charter driver knew all the best spots, and no more stress of missing stops!” she said.
Local Transportation in Chengkou
Attractions are spread out, so recommend:
Taxi: Starts at ¥5. Trips between downtown and major attractions cost ¥30-80.
Charter car: ¥300-400 per day (with driver) – ideal for Day 2’s mountain routes.
DolphinUnion’s premium guide has pre-mapped Amap links for all attractions. Tap the link, and navigation starts instantly – no need to type Chinese addresses.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Attraction | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Notes |
Jiuchong Mountain National Forest Park | ¥60 (includes shuttle) | 8:00 AM-5:30 PM | Wear waterproof shoes |
Chengkou Soviet Regime Memorial Park | Free | 8:30 AM-5:30 PM | English leaflets available |
Huang’an Dam Ecological Science Popularization Base | Free | 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (May-Oct) | Closed in winter (Nov-Apr) |
Qinglong Gorge | ¥40 | 9:00 AM-4:30 PM | Avoid rainy seasons |
Bengxi River Geology Corridor | Free | All day | 5km hike, bring water |
Amara forgot Huang’an Dam closes in winter and planned a trip in December. “Check the season first – I had to change my itinerary!” she warned.
2-Day Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Forest Adventure & Red History
Morning (7:00 AM-12:00 PM): Take the 7:00 AM bus from Chongqing to Chengkou (arrive at 12:00 PM).
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at “Renhe Laozao” (任河老灶) on Gecheng Street. Try smoked bacon (城口老腊肉，Chengkou La Larou, ¥68) and potato cakes (洋芋粑粑，Yangyu Baba, ¥10).
Afternoon (2:30 PM-5:30 PM): Explore Jiuchong Mountain National Forest Park. Hike Wolong Meadow and visit the dove tree forest.
Evening (6:00 PM-8:30 PM): Visit Chengkou Soviet Regime Memorial Park (less crowded in the evening). Dinner at “Renhepan Barbecue” (任河畔烧烤) – try grilled mountain potatoes (¥5 per skewer). Stay at Jinchen Hotel downtown (¥180 per night, close to food streets).
Day 2: Alpine Pasture & Geology Exploration
Morning (8:30 AM-12:00 PM): Charter a car to Huang’an Dam Ecological Science Popularization Base. Ride horses and enjoy the alpine meadow views.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at “Bashan Yuanxiang” (巴山原乡) in Dong’an Town. Try hot pot feast (吊锅宴，Diaoguo Yan, ¥120 for 2 people) with bacon, mushrooms, and wild vegetables.
Afternoon (2:30 PM-5:00 PM): Visit Qinglong Gorge for stream trekking. Hike the “One-Line-Sky” trail and take photos of waterfalls.
Evening (5:30 PM-10:30 PM): Take the 5:30 PM bus back to Chongqing (arrive at 10:30 PM) or extend your stay for a third day.
Solving Common Travel Problems in Chengkou
Language Barrier: Easy Communication Tips
Amara struggled to order food at local restaurants. She used two tools from DolphinUnion’s free guide:
Google Translate (download offline Chinese pack) – scan menus and signs for instant translation.
“Red Tourism & Food Phrase Card” – print phrases like “I want non-spicy food” and “Where is the trailhead?”
Amara said, “The translation app helped me order exactly what I wanted. The restaurant owner even gave me extra bacon – so kind!”
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
Most downtown restaurants and hotels accept Alipay. Follow DolphinUnion’s 5-step guide:
Download Alipay and register with your foreign phone number.
Tap “Wallet” → “Add Card” → “International Card.”
Enter your Visa/Mastercard details and verify with SMS code.
James set this up before his trip: “I paid for buses, meals, and tickets with my phone. Only small rural stalls need cash – bring ¥200 as backup.”
Navigation: Amap + DolphinUnion’s Pre-Mapped Links
Google Maps doesn’t work in China. Use Amap (高德地图，Gaode Ditu) – search for attractions by pinyin (e.g., “Jiuchong Shan Guojia Senlin Gongyuan”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has one-click navigation links for remote spots like Huang’an Dam.
Lucas used this for Qinglong Gorge: “I would have gotten lost without the link – the canyon is in a remote area. Amap took me straight to the entrance.”
Network Connection: Stay Connected with eSIM & VPN
My French friend, Pierre Dubois, worried about no signal in Jiuchong Mountain. He bought the eSIM card recommended in DolphinUnion’s guide (¥120 for 7 days) and set up the tested VPN.
During his trip, he had signal in most areas and could share photos with family. “The eSIM saved me from being disconnected – I felt safe knowing I could call for help,” he said. Download offline maps and VPN before arriving.
Why Choose DolphinUnion? Trusted Tips + Exclusive Benefits
My Personal Endorsement
I’ve tested all the routes, tickets, and tools in this guide. I’ve compared many travel resources, and DolphinUnion’s guides stand out. They’re designed for foreign travelers – with details like “English leaflet availability” and “winter closure alerts” that other guides miss. You can trust this information to avoid pitfalls.
Exclusive DolphinUnion Benefits
As a DolphinUnion partner, I offer you these exclusive perks:
Free China Travel Toolkit: Click the link to get it (only 100 left!). It includes Chengkou tips and general China travel advice – like packing for alpine weather and red tourism etiquette.
Premium Guide Discounts: Buy the “Chongqing 144-hours citywalk E-guide” ($9.99) for 45% off. Buy 2 guides for 20% off, 6 for 55% off. These guides have hidden trails and local food secrets.
Foreign Travelers’ Feedback
Amara (Malaysia): “The translation app and charter car service made my trip stress-free. I even chatted with a local veteran – his stories were unforgettable!”
Call to Action
Ready for a memorable 2-day trip from Chongqing to Chengkou? Click now to get your free DolphinUnion China Travel Toolkit – only 100 are left! If you’re visiting other Chinese cities, check out DolphinUnion’s premium guides (like the “144hour Guilin Immersive Exploration Itinerary”). Your unforgettable Chinese nature and history adventure starts with one click!
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