Unveiling Liangping: A 2-Day Hidden Gem Trip from Chongqing
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 17
- 8 min read
When it comes to Liangping (梁平区，Liangping District, a district in Chongqing municipality), most foreign tourists only know about its famous pomelos (梁平柚，Liangping You) and Zhang’s Braised Duck (张鸭子，Zhang Yazi). Few realize it’s a treasure trove of slow-paced life, cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery. This underrated destination offers far more than food – ancient temples, misty bamboo seas, and cliffside villages await.
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve visited Liangping countless times. Last year, my Australian friend, Emma Watson, planned to skip it after hearing “only food is famous.” I convinced her to come, and she said, “Liangping’s temples and bamboo forests are breathtaking – it’s the most relaxing trip I’ve had in China!” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 2-day trip from Chongqing to Liangping, cover must-see spots, and share DolphinUnion’s exclusive resources to solve language, payment, and navigation issues.
（Chongqing to Liangping 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
Liangping: A Blend of Culture, Nature & Slow Life
Cultural & Historical Value: Why Liangping Stands Out
Liangping is not just a food destination – it’s a hub of Buddhist culture and ancient architecture. Its most iconic site, Shuanggui Hall (双桂堂，Shuanggui Tang), is known as the “ancestral court of Zen Buddhism in Southwest China.” Built in the Qing Dynasty, this temple combines wood and stone structures, preserved almost intact for centuries.
During one visit, the guide told me a touching story: a local student prayed for exam success at Shuanggui Hall. She later got into her dream university and returned to hang a red silk banner. I saw the banner myself – it’s still there, fluttering in the temple’s quiet courtyard. This makes Liangping more than a scenic spot; it’s a place where faith and history meet.
When you visit Shuanggui Hall, don’t miss the wooden carvings on the main hall’s beams. They depict Buddhist stories with intricate details, showing the craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans. Spend 10 minutes observing them – you’ll notice new details each time.
Natural Value: The Serenity of Bamboo Seas
Liangping’s Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea (百里竹海，Baili Zhuhai) is a natural paradise. Covering vast areas, it’s a sea of green with fresh, crisp air. Unlike crowded bamboo forests in other cities, it’s quiet – you can hear birds singing and leaves rustling in the wind.
Emma and I wandered through the bamboo sea at dawn. She said, “The air feels so clean – it’s like a natural spa for my lungs.” The forest is home to rare birds and small animals; we even spotted a squirrel darting across the path. This natural serenity is what makes Liangping unique among Chongqing’s day trips.
Must-Visit Attractions in Liangping
1. Shuanggui Hall (双桂堂，Shuanggui Tang)
This is Liangping’s most important cultural site – free to enter and open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The temple is large but peaceful, with courtyards, pagodas, and ancient trees. Emma was amazed by its scale: “I didn’t expect such a grand temple in a small district!”
Don’t miss the Vegetarian Experience Center (素食体验中心，Sushi Tiyan Zhongxin) next to the temple. The chefs turn simple vegetables into exquisite dishes – try the “bamboo shoot tofu” (¥28) and “mushroom hot pot” (¥58). Emma called it “the best vegetarian meal I’ve had in China – flavorful and creative.”
Wear modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) as it’s a working temple. The main hall has English leaflets explaining Buddhist traditions – grab one to learn more.
2. Shuanggui Lake (双桂湖，Shuanggui Hu)
A stunning wetland lake in Liangping’s urban area, free to visit and perfect for morning walks. It’s surrounded by greenery, with a single big tree standing alone by the water. White cranes often fly over the lake at sunrise – a beautiful sight for photos.
Emma and I arrived at 8:30 AM. She took dozens of photos of the tree and the lake: “The light is soft and golden – it’s like a painting.” Walk around the lake’s circular path (3km, 1 hour) to enjoy the scenery. Bring birdwatching binoculars if you have them – you might spot rare water birds.
3. Huashi Ancient Village (滑石古寨，Huashi Guzhai)
Built in the Qing Dynasty, this village sits on a cliff, accessible only by climbing stone steps. The journey takes 30 minutes (200 steps) – wear comfortable shoes. The village is misty most mornings, adding to its mysterious vibe.
Emma struggled a little with the steps but said it was worth it: “The view from the top is incredible – I can see mountains and villages below.” The village has ancient stone houses and walls; locals still live here, so be respectful of their privacy.
The ticket costs ¥40 per person, open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds – weekends can get busy with local tourists.
4. Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea (百里竹海，Baili Zhuhai)
This is Liangping’s natural highlight, consisting of several spots: Lieshen Sanxiang and Shouhai.
Lieshen Sanxiang (猎神三巷，Lieshen Sanxiang): A quiet village with three lanes, surrounded by golden rice fields. Emma called it “peaceful and idyllic – like a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie.” It’s free to visit, and you can buy fresh bamboo shoots from locals (¥10 per kg).
Shouhai (寿海，Shouhai): A bamboo sea themed around “longevity.” A giant bamboo-weaved god of longevity stands in the forest – perfect for photos. Emma posed with it, laughing: “This is the cutest photo spot ever!”
The bamboo sea is open all day, free to enter. Rent a bicycle (¥30 per hour) to explore – it’s easier than walking long distances.
Liangping Travel Planning: Smooth Trip from Chongqing
Transportation from Chongqing to Liangping
You have two convenient options to get to Liangping from Chongqing:
High-speed train (高铁，gaotie): From Chongqing North Station (重庆北站，Chongqing Bei Zhan) to Liangping South Station (梁平南站，Liangping Nan Zhan). The journey takes 1 hour and costs ¥45 one-way. Trains run every 30 minutes – this is the best choice.
Prviate car (包车，baoche): Take the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway (沪渝高速，Huyu Gaosu). It’s 2 hours’ drive (180km) with a toll of ¥80.
My British friend, Tom Harris, once tried taking a bus. He got lost because the signs were only in Chinese. Later, he used DolphinUnion’s route guide with one-click Amap navigation and took the train. “The train was fast and easy – I’ll never take the bus again,” he said.
Local Transportation in Liangping
Liangping’s attractions are not far from the urban area:
Taxis start at ¥6 – drivers can take you to most spots for ¥20-30.
For the bamboo sea, take the No. 203 bus from Liangping Bus Station (¥5, 40 minutes) to Lieshen Sanxiang.
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 |
Shuanggui Hall | Free | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | No dress code, but be respectful |
Shuanggui Lake | Free | All day | Best at sunrise (6:30-8:30 AM) |
Huashi Ancient Village | ¥40/person | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM | Student ID gets 50% off |
Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea | Free | All day | Bicycle rental: ¥30/hour |
Vegetarian Experience Center | ¥28-58/per dish | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Cash and Alipay accepted |
Tom didn’t know students get discounts at Huashi Ancient Village. He paid full price and regretted it later: “Always bring your student ID – it saves money!”
2-Day Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Culture, History & Cliffside Villages
Morning (8:00 AM-10:00 AM): Take the high-speed train from Chongqing to Liangping (arrive at 9:00 AM).
Morning (10:30 AM-12:30 PM): Visit Shuanggui Lake. Walk around the lake and take photos of the white cranes.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at Shuanggui Hall’s Vegetarian Experience Center. Try bamboo shoot tofu and mushroom hot pot.
Afternoon (2:30 PM-5:00 PM): Explore Huashi Ancient Village. Climb the steps to the village and enjoy the cliff views.
Evening (5:30 PM-9:00 PM): Check into a bamboo sea homestay (¥200-300 per night). Recommended: Mulin Zhuyuan (墨林竹院) or Mengxi Tianyuan (梦溪湉园). Dine at the homestay – try local braised pork (¥45) and bamboo shoot soup (¥20).
Day 2: Bamboo Sea & Relaxation
Morning (8:30 AM-11:30 AM): Explore Lieshen Sanxiang. Walk through the village’s three lanes and take photos of the golden rice fields. Buy fresh bamboo shoots from locals.
Noon (12:00 PM-1:30 PM): Lunch at a village restaurant. Try “braised duck with bamboo shoots” (¥60) – a local twist on Zhang’s Braised Duck.
Afternoon (2:00 PM-4:00 PM): Visit Shouhai in the Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea. Take photos with the bamboo-weaved god of longevity and wander through the bamboo forest.
Afternoon (4:30 PM-6:30 PM): Take the high-speed train back to Chongqing (depart at 4:30 PM, arrive at 5:30 PM).
Solving Common Travel Problems in Liangping
Language Barrier: Easy Communication Tips
My Malaysian friend, Lim Jia Ying, worried about talking to locals. She used two tools from DolphinUnion’s free guide:
Google Translate (download the offline Chinese pack) – scan menus and signs for instant translation.
“Essential Phrase Card” – print phrases like “Where is the bathroom?” and “I’m vegetarian.”
Lim said, “The translation app helped me order food without pointing. The restaurant owner even gave me extra bamboo shoots – so kind!”
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
Most shops and restaurants in Liangping 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 the SMS code.
Tom did this before his trip: “I paid for trains, meals, and bicycle rental with my phone. No cash needed – it’s so convenient!” Bring ¥100 cash as a backup for small village 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., “Shuanggui Tang”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has one-click navigation links for all Chongqing spots.
Lim used this for Laojun Cave: “I got lost once without it, but the link took me straight to the west gate. No more guessing!”
Network Connection: Stay Connected with eSIM & VPN
My French friend, Pierre Dubois, 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 “Recommended restaurants around Jiefangbei” 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 Liangping 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
Tom (UK): “The payment guide helped me set up Alipay in 5 minutes. The Amap links saved me from getting lost – Liangping was fantastic!”
Emma (USA): “The translation app and phrase card solved my communication problems. I even chatted with a local farmer – he gave me free bamboo shoots!”
Call to Action
Ready for a memorable 2-day trip from Chongqing to Liangping? 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 “72 Hours in Suzhou - The Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers). Your unforgettable China adventure starts with one click!
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