Chongqing to Jiangjin: Historical City & Natural Scenic Spot 2 Day Trip Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists – Waterfalls & Ancient Towns Gem
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 22
- 7 min read
When it comes to historical cities and natural scenic spots in Chongqing, most foreign tourists head to Wulong Karst or Dazu Rock Carvings. Few know about Jiangjin (江津，Jiangjin District, western Chongqing) – a hidden treasure just 1 hour from downtown Chongqing, boasting China’s tallest waterfall, thousand-year-old ancient towns, and touching love stories, where towering waterfalls cascade, stone streets wind through stilted buildings, and cultural heritage blends seamlessly with natural beauty.
As a Chongqing local with 8 years of experience helping foreign travelers, I’ve explored Jiangjin countless times. Last year, my Canadian friend Liam Wilson planned to skip it for Wulong Karst. I convinced him to come, and he said, "Jiangjin exceeded all my expectations – the massive waterfall, ancient town’s charm, and the Love Ladder’s touching story made this 2-day trip one of my favorite China experiences!"
This Jiangjin 2 day trip guide will show you how to travel from Chongqing easily, cover top spots, and share Dolphinunion’s exclusive resources to solve key travel hurdles. It’s your trusted companion to avoid pitfalls and explore like a local.
（Chongqing to Jiangjin 2 day trip travel guide for foreign tourists）
Jiangjin: Where Natural Wonders Meet Historical Charm
Historical & Cultural Value: Ancient Towns & Touching Love Stories
What makes Jiangjin’s historical charm unique, and how does it preserve traditional culture in modern times?
Take my Japanese friend Yuki Tanaka for example. During her visit to the Love Ladder (爱情天梯), she couldn’t understand the touching true story behind the 6,208 stone steps. Using the cultural phrase card from Dolphinunion’s free toolkit, she asked a local guide for details. Yuki later said, "Hearing about the couple who spent their lives building this ladder for each other – walking up those steps felt like a pilgrimage of love. It’s more moving than any romance novel."
Pro tip: Visit the Love Ladder Story Memorial Hall halfway up the mountain to learn more about the couple’s story (English leaflets available). For Southeast Asian travelers, download the offline translation pack from the China Travel Toolkit to decode ancient town histories and folk customs. Wear comfortable walking shoes – the ladder requires 1.5 hours of hiking.
Natural Value: Waterfalls, Mountains & Riverside Landscapes
What sets Jiangjin’s natural scenery apart from other Chongqing landscapes? How to experience both majestic waterfalls and serene riverside views in two days?
My Brazilian friend Camila Silva was stunned by Wangxiangtai Waterfall (望乡台瀑布) in Simian Mountain (四面山). She said, "Standing at the base of China’s tallest waterfall, feeling the mist on my face and hearing the roar of the water – it’s a powerful and breathtaking natural wonder. The green mountains and white waterfall looked like a living painting."
Pro tip: Visit Simian Mountain in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. Wear non-slip shoes as the trails can be wet from waterfall mist. Bring a light jacket even in summer – the mountain is 5-8℃ cooler than downtown. Use Dolphinunion’s pre-mapped Amap link to navigate to the hidden viewing platform of Wangxiangtai Waterfall for unobstructed views.
Jiangjin Must-Visit Attractions
Which spots are unmissable for a Jiangjin 2-day trip, and how to balance nature and culture without rushing?
My Australian friend Mia Thompson skipped Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇) to save time and regretted it: "The old streets and riverside architecture are so authentic – it’s like stepping back in time. Don’t miss it if you love historical sites!"
Here are the highlights to prioritize:
Simian Mountain Scenic Area (四面山景区，Simian Shan Jingqu)：A natural scenic area in Jiangjin District, Chongqing. Ticket: ¥90 (includes shuttle bus). Open 8:00 AM-5:30 PM. Home to Wangxiangtai Waterfall (China’s tallest waterfall), Tudiya Mural (土地岩壁画), and Pearl Beach (珍珠滩) – perfect for hiking and nature photography.
Zhongshan Ancient Town (中山古镇，Zhongshan Guzhen)：A 1,000-year-old town with stone streets and stilted buildings. Free entry (some exhibition halls charge ¥10). Open all day. Wander the 1,300-meter stone street, visit blacksmith shops and bamboo weaving workshops, and catch the sunset at the ancient pier.
Love Ladder (爱情天梯，Aiqing Tianti)：A 6,208-step stone ladder built by a couple. Free entry. Open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Hike the ladder to experience the touching love story – the memorial hall halfway up shares their journey.
Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇，Baisha Guzhen)：A riverside ancient town with Ming and Qing architecture. Free entry. Open all day. Filming location of "Chongqing Negotiations" – visit old teahouses to listen to Sichuan opera and admire Yangtze River views.
Shimen Giant Buddha (石门大佛，Shimen Dafo)：A thousand-year-old cliff carving by the Yangtze River. Ticket: ¥20. Open 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. The world’s largest Guanyin statue standing on a lotus throne – a sacred cultural site.
Jiangjin Travel Planning
Transportation from Chongqing to Jiangjin
What’s the most efficient way to travel from Chongqing to Jiangjin for a 2-day trip, and how to avoid transport hassle?
My Malaysian friend Aisha Rosli took the high-speed train and said, "It’s the best choice – only 18 minutes from Chongqing West Station to Jiangjin East Station, ¥12 one-way. Fast, comfortable, and no traffic jams!"
Three main options:
High-Speed Train (高铁，Gaotie)：Top choice for speed. Departs Chongqing West Station to Jiangjin East Station. Journey: 18 minutes, ¥12 one-way. Trains run every 15-30 minutes 6:00 AM-10:00 PM. Book via Dolphinunion’s English-guided service to skip Chinese app struggles.
Self-Driving (自驾，Zijia)：Flexible option. Take G93 Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway. Journey: 1 hour (60km). Parking fees: ¥10-20 per attraction.
Bus (大巴，Daba)：Budget alternative. Departs Chongqing Caiyuanba Bus Station to Jiangjin Bus Station. Journey: 1.5 hours, ¥25 one-way. Buses run every 30 minutes 7:00 AM-7:00 PM.
Local Transportation in Jiangjin
Attractions are spread out, so recommended options:
Charter Car (包车，Baoche)：¥300-400 per day (with driver) – ideal for visiting Simian Mountain, ancient towns, and the Love Ladder. Use Dolphinunion’s pre-mapped Amap links for direct navigation.
Taxi (出租车，Chuzuche)：Starts at ¥5. Rides from Jiangjin East Station to Zhongshan Ancient Town cost ¥80 (40 minutes); to Simian Mountain cost ¥120 (1 hour).
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Attraction | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Notes |
Simian Mountain Scenic Area (四面山景区) | ¥90 (shuttle included) | 8:00 AM-5:30 PM | Last shuttle departs at 5:30 PM; wear non-slip shoes |
Zhongshan Ancient Town (中山古镇) | Free (some halls ¥10) | All day | Smoke-cured tofu and stone glutinous rice cakes are must-try snacks |
Love Ladder (爱情天梯) | Free | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Hiking takes 1.5 hours; bring water and sunscreen |
Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇) | Free | All day | Old teahouses offer Sichuan opera performances (¥30/person) |
Shimen Giant Buddha (石门大佛) | ¥20 | 8:30 AM-5:00 PM | Best viewed in the morning to avoid backlighting |
My Norwegian friend Emma Larsen missed the last shuttle bus at Simian Mountain and had to walk down. Aim to finish exploring the mountain by 5:00 PM to catch the shuttle! Also, be cautious of overpriced "Miao silver" in Zhongshan Ancient Town – most are mass-produced, so buy local rice cakes or sesame balls instead.
2 Day Trip Recommended Itinerary（Chongqing to Jiangjin 2 day trip travel guide for foreign tourists）
Day 1: Simian Mountain Natural Wonders → Zhongshan Ancient Town
Morning (8:30 AM-12:30 PM): Take the 8:00 AM high-speed train from Chongqing West Station to Jiangjin East Station (arrives 8:18 AM). Charter a car to Simian Mountain Scenic Area (¥120 one-way, 1 hour). Explore the mountain: visit Wangxiangtai Waterfall (China’s tallest waterfall), Tudiya Mural, and Pearl Beach’s water trail.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at "Shanye Nongjia" (山野农家) in the scenic area – try three-way stewed sturgeon (酸汤 + 清蒸 + 椒盐，¥120) and bamboo rice (¥15/person).
Afternoon (2:30 PM-5:30 PM): Charter a car to Zhongshan Ancient Town (¥40 one-way, 20 minutes). Wander the 1,300-meter stone street, visit traditional workshops (blacksmith, bamboo weaving), and take photos at the ancient pier during sunset.
Evening (6:00 PM-9:00 PM): Dine on local snacks – smoke-cured tofu (¥5/piece) and stone glutinous rice cakes (¥8) – at a riverside stall. Release a river lantern to make a wish (¥10/lantern). Stay at an ancient town inn (¥80/person) with river views.
Day 2: Love Ladder → Jiangjin Cuisine → Baisha Ancient Town/Shimen Giant Buddha
Morning (8:30 AM-12:00 PM): Check out of the inn, charter a car to the Love Ladder (¥30 one-way, 15 minutes). Hike the 6,208-step ladder, visit the Story Memorial Hall halfway up, and learn about the couple’s touching story.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Drive to Jiangjin urban area (¥50 one-way, 30 minutes) for lunch at "Chen Youliang Jiaojian Ji" (陈有良尖椒鸡) headquarters – try spicy stir-fried free-range chicken with chili peppers (¥50/person).
Afternoon (2:30 PM-5:00 PM): Choose one spot to explore:
Baisha Ancient Town: Wander Ming and Qing architecture, visit the filming location of "Chongqing Negotiations", and listen to Sichuan opera in an old teahouse.
Shimen Giant Buddha: Admire the thousand-year-old cliff carving by the Yangtze River – the world’s largest Guanyin statue on a lotus throne.
Evening (5:30 PM-7:00 PM): Take a taxi to Jiangjin East Station (¥30-50, 30 minutes). Board the 5:50 PM high-speed train back to Chongqing (arrives 6:08 PM).
Solving Common Travel Problems in Jiangjin
Language Barrier
Having trouble asking about the Love Ladder route or ordering non-spicy food? Use Google Translator or Microsoft Translator (both in the China Travel Toolkit) with offline Chinese packs. The free PDF has phrases like "Where is the Love Ladder?" and "I want non-spicy food" tailored for Jiangjin’s attractions.
Cashless Payment
Most restaurants, attractions, and inns accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign card in 3 steps (guide in our toolkit): 1. Download Alipay/WeChat Pay → 2. Add international card → 3. Verify via SMS. Bring ¥100 cash for small stalls selling snacks or river lanterns.
Navigation
Google Maps doesn’t work in China – Amap (Gaode Ditu) is the best choice. Use Dolphinunion’s pre-mapped links (in the free toolkit) to find hidden spots like Simian Mountain’s waterfall viewing platform. Save offline maps for mountain roads and ancient towns, where signal is weak.
Network Connection
Stay connected with Dolphinunion’s recommended VPN (for Google/WhatsApp) and eSIM (¥80/3 days). Both are linked in the toolkit – download before arriving, as Simian Mountain’s trails have limited signal. Share your waterfall and ancient town photos seamlessly!
Why Choose Dolphinunion?
Get the China Travel Toolkit (Free PDF) – it includes Amap links (Google Maps doesn’t work in China, so Amap is the best choice), network connection solutions (VPN or eSIM), cashless payment guides (Alipay or WeChat Pay), and language barrier tools (Google Translator or Microsoft Translator) tailored for Jiangjin. For extended trips, our premium guide "Chongqing An 144-Hours Adventure Through Local Life Tour" is 45% off, covering Chongqing downtown, Wulong Karst, and Three Gorges Dam. Buy 2 guides for 20% off, or 6 for 55% off – perfect for extending your China journey. Click the link to claim your free toolkit and explore trusted, traveler-approved resources for a stress-free trip!
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