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Is Fengdu Worth Visiting from Chongqing? A 1-Day Local's Guide

As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve discovered that Fengdu (丰都,a district in Chongqing Municipality) is one of China’s most unique day trip spots—yet it’s often overlooked. Known as the “City of Ghosts” (鬼城,Gui Cheng), it’s the only scenic area dedicated to ghost culture in China, blending ancient legends with stunning “Oriental hell aesthetics” praised by National Geographic. My recent Brazilian client, Sofia Mendes, shared, “I thought it would be scary, but it’s more fascinating than frightening—like stepping into a mix of Coco and A Chinese Ghost Story!” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 1-day trip from Chongqing to Fengdu, with practical tips, real stories, and insider hacks.

(Chongqing to Fengdu 1-day travel guide for foreign tourists)

Cityscape with tall buildings lining a river, boats docked along the shore. Blue water, clear sky, and mountains in the distant background.
Fengdu

Morning: Explore Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城,Fengdu Gui Cheng) – Ghost Culture & History

The easiest way to get to Fengdu from Chongqing is by high-speed train (高铁,gaotie): take a train from Chongqing North Station (重庆北站,Chongqing Bei Zhan) to Fengdu Station (丰都站,Fengdu Zhan). The ride takes just 1 hour and costs ¥46 one-way. From Fengdu Station, a taxi to the Ghost City costs ¥15 (15 minutes) or you can take a ferry (荷包蛋 2 号,Hebaodan No.2) from Daijiaodu Ferry Terminal (戴家渡渡口,Daijiaodu Dokou) for ¥3 per person (departs every hour from 7:30 AM).

Lush green mountains with a large carved face, surrounded by temples with orange roofs and a tiered pagoda, under a clear blue sky.
Fengdu Ghost City

I visited with Sofia last month, and we chose to walk the scenic route instead of taking the cable car (cable car costs ¥20 one-way, ¥30 round-trip—skip it, as lines are long and walking is easy). Start with Heng Ha Temple (哼哈祠,Heng Ha Ci) and Baowen Temple (报恩殿,Baoen Dian)—these smaller temples are often missed but full of interesting statues. “The 16 ghost kings at Ghost Gate (鬼门关,Guimen Guan) were impressive, but I followed the local tip to laugh three times when crossing—so fun!” Sofia said.

A skeleton decoration hangs on a tree beside a stone stairway. People in coats walk up the stairs, surrounded by lush greenery. Eerie mood.
Ghost Gate

Don’t miss Naihe Bridge (奈何桥,Naihe Qiao) at 9-10 AM: the morning sun casts red wall reflections on the stream below. Try the spicy Meng Po Soup (孟婆汤,Meng Po Tang)—it’s a herbal drink with a spicy kick, ¥10 per cup. “I’m not good with spicy food, but this was surprisingly tasty!” Sofia laughed.


Noon: Savor Fengdu’s Spicy Delights – Food You Can’t Miss

After exploring the Ghost City, head to the entrance area for lunch. The must-try dishes are:


Spicy sesame chicken with garnishes in a bowl on a wooden table. Fresh green leaves hang above, adding a natural touch.
Fengdu Spicy Chicken

  1. Chen’s Spicy Chicken (陈记麻辣鸡,Chenji Mala Ji): Crispy chicken skin and spicy sauce—¥50 for a small plate. Sofia said, “The chicken skin is like potato chips, and the sauce is addictive even for someone who can’t handle too much spice!”

  2. Hula Ke Noodles (糊辣壳小面,Hula Ke Xiaomian): Noodles with fiery chili and Fengdu Preserved Vegetables (丰都榨菜,Fengdu Zhacai)—only ¥5 per bowl.

  3. Immortal Tofu Curd (仙家豆腐乳,Xianjia Doufuru): A national intangible cultural heritage—¥10 per jar, perfect as a souvenir.

I recommended eating at the small restaurants near the Ghost City entrance instead of tourist traps. “The food was cheaper and more authentic than I expected,” Sofia said.

Lush green hills with a pagoda overlook a wide river, beyond which lies a city skyline under a clear blue sky; serene and tranquil.
Shuanggui Mountain Park

Afternoon: Explore Shuanggui Mountain Park & Huangquan Road

Spend the afternoon at Shuanggui Mountain Park (双桂山公园,Shuanggui Shan Gongyuan)—it’s across the Yin-Yang Magpie Bridge (阴阳鹊桥,Yinyang Queqiao) from the Ghost City. The park is free to enter and takes 1 hour to explore, with spots like Enlai Pavilion (恩来亭,Enlai Ting) and Confucius Temple (孔庙,Kongmiao). “I didn’t know Zhou Enlai and He Long visited Fengdu—it added a cool historical layer,” Sofia said.


By 4-5 PM, return to the Ghost City for Huangquan Road (黄泉路,Huangquan Lu). Walk this stone path as the sun sets—tree shadows create a mysterious vibe. Remember the local legend: don’t look back, or “ghosts” will follow you! “I didn’t look back once—I wanted to pass the test!” Sofia joked.

Ancient-style gate with yellow and blue accents, red lanterns, amidst lush trees. Chinese characters on the sign create a serene ambiance.
Shuanggui Mountain Park

Evening (Optional): Night Tour of Fengdu – Spooky Fun

If you’re brave enough, stay for the Night Tour of Fengdu (夜游酆都城,Yeyou Fengdu Cheng), open every Friday and Saturday from 8-11 PM. The night tour ticket costs ¥100 (book early bird tickets online 1 day in advance for 30% off). Don’t miss the “Ghost Emperor’s Wedding Parade” (阴天子娶亲巡游,Yintianzi Quqin Xunyou) and the Ten Kings Secret Room (十王秘境密室,Shiwang Mijing Mishi)—solve puzzles to “modify your life and death book” for ¥30 per person.

Stone statue of a fierce demon with intricate details, surrounded by trees. A sign reads "The Gate to Hell" with directional arrows.
Fengdu Ghost City

Solving Common Travel Problems in Fengdu

Language Barrier

My Japanese client, Yuki Tanaka, worried about communication, but she used DolphinUnion’s free guide:

  • Download Google Translate with offline Chinese pack to scan menus and signs.

  • Save essential phrases like “I want mild spice” and “Where is the bathroom?” from the guide.

Yuki said, “The translation app helped me order food and ask for directions—no more pointing at pictures!”

Ornate black and red Chinese gate with decorative roof, surrounded by lush trees and stone statues, exuding a tranquil, historic ambiance.
Fengdu Ghost City

Cashless Payment

Many small shops in Fengdu accept Alipay/WeChat Pay. Follow DolphinUnion’s guide to link your foreign card to Alipay in 5 steps:

  1. Open Alipay → Tap “Wallet” → “Add Card” → Select “International Card”.

  2. Enter your Visa/Mastercard details and verify.

Yuki said, “I paid for everything with my phone, even the ¥3 ferry ticket—so convenient!”


Navigation

Google Maps doesn’t work in China. Use Amap (高德地图,Gaode Ditu) and search for attractions by pinyin (e.g., “Fengdu Gui Cheng”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has pre-mapped links for one-click navigation. “Amap got me from the train station to the Ghost City without any mistakes,” Yuki said.


Why Your Fengdu 1-Day Trip Will Be Unforgettable

A 1-day trip from Chongqing to Fengdu offers something no other day trip can: unique ghost culture, spicy local food, and a mix of mystery and fun. It’s affordable (total cost: ¥200-300 per person), easy to reach, and never overcrowded.

To make your trip smoother, use DolphinUnion’s “Chongqing 144-hours citywalk E-guide” ($9.99 with 45% off)—it includes train timetables, food recommendations, and Amap links.

Chongqing 144-hours citywalk E-guide
$9.99
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Buy 2 guides and get 20% off, or 6 guides for 55% off!


Sofia used this guide: “DolphinUnion’s tips saved me time—I didn’t have to wait in cable car lines and found the best local food easily.”

Ready to explore Fengdu’s ghostly charm? Grab DolphinUnion’s free China Travel Tips (only 100 left!) to start planning—your unique 1-day adventure from Chongqing awaits.

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