Chongqing to Dianjiang: A 2-Day Peony & Nature Escape for Foreign Tourists – Hidden Gem Revealed
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 17
- 8 min read
When it comes to spring getaways from Chongqing, most foreign tourists flock to Wulong or Guilin. Few know about Dianjiang (垫江县，Dianjiang County, a county in Chongqing municipality) – China’s “Peony Hometown” praised by CCTV. This underrated destination boasts 10,000-mu peony fields, rolling bamboo seas, and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) – all just 50 minutes by train from Chongqing.
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve visited Dianjiang every spring. Last year, my Canadian friend, Liam Thompson, planned to skip it for “more famous spots.” I convinced him to come, and he said, “Dianjiang’s peonies and mountain views are breathtaking – it’s the most magical trip I’ve had in China!” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 2-day trip to Dianjiang, cover must-see spots, and share DolphinUnion’s exclusive resources to solve language, payment, and navigation issues.
（Chongqing to Dianjiang 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
Dianjiang: Where Peonies, Nature & Culture Meet
Natural Value: The Charm of Peony Fields & Mountains
Dianjiang is famous for its alpine peonies – the largest such area in Chongqing. Unlike crowded flower parks in big cities, its peony fields are set against mountain backdrops, creating a painterly scene. The peak blooming season is March 20 to April 10, when millions of flowers bloom in shades of pink, white, and purple.
During one visit, I met a local farmer who told me the peony tradition dates back 200 years. He said, “Our ancestors grew peonies for medicine; now we share their beauty with the world.” I saw elderly locals picking peony petals to make tea – a local delicacy that tastes sweet and floral. This blend of nature and tradition is what makes Dianjiang unique.
When you visit Kaizhifeng Tourist Area (恺之峰旅游区), don’t miss the glass viewing platform. It overlooks terraced peony fields – the view feels like standing above a rainbow. Spend 15 minutes here at sunrise; the golden light makes the flowers glow.
Cultural Value: Intangible Heritage & Local Flavors
Dianjiang isn’t just about nature – it’s a hub of ICH. Its most famous ICH is “Dianjiang Horn Carving” (垫江角雕，Dianjiang Jiaodiao) – intricate art made from animal horns. Another is “Zhao’s Beef” (赵牛肉，Zhao Niurou) – a spicy beef dish passed down for generations.
I took my Brazilian friend, Sofia Mendes, to the Dianjiang Horn Carving Craft Museum (垫江角雕工艺馆). She tried making a peony-shaped bookmark (¥38 per experience) and said, “It’s so detailed – I can’t believe I made something this beautiful!” The master craftsman showed us how to carve patterns, using simple gestures to guide us. This hands-on culture is hard to find in bigger cities.
Must-Visit Attractions in Dianjiang
1. Kaizhifeng Tourist Area (恺之峰旅游区，Kaizhifeng Lüyou Qu)
This is Dianjiang’s top peony spot – ticket costs ¥60 (March-April peony festival) and ¥30 other times. Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, it’s 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Dianjiang (¥25).
Sofia loved the cliff swing (¥20 extra) – it swings over the peony fields. “The adrenaline and views combined were amazing!” she said. Don’t miss photo spots: Peony Fairy Sculpture (牡丹仙子雕塑) and Tang-style Corridor Bridge (唐风廊桥). Wear comfortable shoes – the park has hills and walking paths.
2. Huaxia Peony Garden (华夏牡丹园，Huaxia Mudanyuan)
A hidden gem with fewer crowds – free to enter! It’s famous for its white peony forests, which look like snow covering the ground. Sofia took dozens of photos here: “It’s so peaceful – no crowds pushing to take pictures.”
The garden is 20 minutes by taxi from Kaizhifeng (¥30). Visit in late March for full blooms. Bring a picnic – there are shaded areas to sit and enjoy the flowers.
3. Mingyue Mountain (明月山，Mingyue Shan)
A paradise for hikers – free to explore. The recommended route: Fengmenpu Ancient Path (峰门铺古道) to West Peak (西山顶) for sea of clouds views. It’s a 2-hour hike (3km) with gentle slopes.
Liam and I hiked here in spring – we passed blooming plum and pear trees. “The air is so fresh, and the views of three counties are incredible,” he said. Book bamboo rice at “Xu’s Courtyard” (徐家院子，Xu Jia Yuanzi) beforehand (¥40 per person) – it’s cooked in bamboo tubes, fragrant and tender.
4. Dianjiang Horn Carving Craft Museum (垫江角雕工艺馆，Dianjiang Jiaodiao Gongyi Guan)
Learn about Dianjiang’s ICH here – free entry, with paid experiences. The museum has horn carvings of peonies, birds, and landscapes. Sofia’s bookmark took 1 hour to make, and she said, “I’m keeping this forever – it’s a perfect souvenir.”
It’s located downtown, 10 minutes’ walk from Xu’s Courtyard. Open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Mondays). Look for the “ICH Heritage Base” certificate to avoid fake products.
Dianjiang Travel Planning: Smooth Trip from Chongqing
Transportation from Chongqing to Dianjiang
Two convenient options to get to Dianjiang from Chongqing:
EMU Train (动车，Dongche): From Chongqing North Station (重庆北站，Chongqing Bei Zhan) to Dianjiang Station (垫江站，Dianjiang Zhan). 50 minutes’ ride, ¥39 one-way. Trains run every 1 hour – this is the best choice.
Private car (包车，baoche): Take G50 Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway (G50 沪渝高速). 1.5 hours’ drive (120km), toll ¥60, Round-trip charter cost from Chongqing :￥1600-2000.
My Singaporean friend, Jamie Lim, tried driving but got lost on Mingyue Mountain’s sharp bends. Later, she used DolphinUnion’s route guide with one-click Amap navigation and took the train. “The train was so easy – no stress of getting lost,” she said.
Local Transportation in Dianjiang
Attractions are scattered, so recommend:
Taxi: Starts at ¥5. Most attractions cost ¥20-35 from downtown.
Charter car: ¥300 per day for a car with driver (best for Mingyue Mountain – drivers know the roads).
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 |
Kaizhifeng Tourist Area | ¥60 (Mar-Apr), ¥30 other times | 8:30 AM-5:30 PM | Cliff swing: ¥20 extra |
Huaxia Peony Garden | Free | 8:30 AM-5:00 PM | Best in late March |
Mingyue Mountain | Free | All day | Book bamboo rice in advance |
Dianjiang Horn Carving Craft Museum | Free (experience: ¥38) | 9:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed Mondays) | ICH certificate ensures authenticity |
Yingfeng Lake Wetland Park | ¥30 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Kayak rental: ¥50 per hour |
Jamie didn’t book bamboo rice in advance and missed it. “Always call the farm beforehand – it’s worth the effort!” she said.
2-Day Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Peony 花海 & Lake Adventures
Morning (8:00 AM-10:00 AM): Take EMU train from Chongqing to Dianjiang (arrive at 8:50 AM).
Morning (9:30 AM-12:30 PM): Explore Kaizhifeng Tourist Area. Hike, take photos, and try the cliff swing.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at “Mo’s Stone-ground Tofu” (莫氏石磨豆花) in Xinmin Town (¥25 per person). Try tofu with 10 condiments and steamed lamb.
Afternoon (2:30 PM-4:30 PM): Visit Huaxia Peony Garden for white peony photos.
Evening (5:00 PM-8:00 PM): Dinner at Renmin East Road Food Street (人民东路美食街). Try Huangsha Pomelo Grilled Fish (黄沙白柚烤鱼，¥60) and spicy skewers (¥1 per stick). Stay at IU Hotel downtown (¥150 per night, smart rooms + free supper).
Day 2: Hiking & ICH Experiences
Morning (8:30 AM-12:00 PM): Hike Mingyue Mountain. Enjoy sea of clouds views and bamboo rice at Xu’s Courtyard.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at “Zhao’s Beef” Nanyang Avenue Main Store (赵牛肉南阳大道总店). Try spicy beef hot pot (¥80) and mint jelly (¥8) to cool down.
Afternoon (2:30 PM-4:30 PM): Visit Sanxi Town Rapeseed Flower Base (三溪镇油菜花基地) – free, with golden fields (best mid-March). Then try horn carving at the craft museum.
Evening (5:00 PM-6:00 PM): Take EMU train back to Chongqing (depart at 5:10 PM, arrive at 6:00 PM).
Solving Common Travel Problems in Dianjiang
Language Barrier: Easy Communication Tips
Jamie worried about ordering food – she didn’t understand Chinese menus. She used two tools from DolphinUnion’s free guide:
Google Translate (download offline Chinese pack) – scan menus and signs for instant translation.
“Food Phrase Card” – print phrases like “I want mild spice” and “I’m vegetarian.”
Jamie said, “The translation app helped me order exactly what I wanted. The tofu restaurant owner even gave me extra condiments!”
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
Most shops and restaurants in Dianjiang 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.
Liam did this before his trip: “I paid for trains, meals, and the horn carving experience with my phone. No cash needed – so convenient!” Bring ¥100 cash as backup for small food stalls.
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., “Kaizhifeng Lüyou Qu”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has one-click navigation links.
Sofia used this for Huaxia Peony Garden: “I got lost once without it, but the link took me straight to the entrance. No more typing Chinese addresses!”
Network Connection: Stay Connected with eSIM & VPN
My German friend, Thomas Becker, worried about being disconnected. He bought the eSIM card recommended in DolphinUnion’s guide (¥100 for 7 days) and set up the tested VPN.
During his trip, he used Google, made WhatsApp calls, and shared photos with family. “It gave me peace of mind – I could ask for help if I needed it,” he said. Buy the eSIM before arriving in China and set up the VPN beforehand.
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 “peony blooming times” and “horn carving experience booking tips” 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 Chongqing tips and general China travel advice – like weather preparation and visa-free policies.
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 gems and in-depth itineraries.
Foreign Travelers’ Feedback
Liam (Canada): “DolphinUnion’s guide told me to visit Laojun Cave early – no crowds, and the photos are better!”
Sofia (Brazil): “The horn carving experience was my favorite part. The DolphinUnion navigation links saved me from getting lost – Dianjiang is amazing!”
Jamie (Singapore): “The translation app and payment guide made my trip stress-free. I even chatted with a local farmer – he gave me free peony tea!”
Call to Action
Ready for a memorable 2-day peony and nature trip from Chongqing to Dianjiang? 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 upcoming premium guides (like the “Sichuan Flower Fields & Heritage Tour” guide). Your unforgettable China spring adventure starts with one click!
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