Chongqing to Qijiang: A 1-Day Hidden Gem Guide – Oxygen Hike, Taoist Peace & Iconic Noodles
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 16
- 4 min read
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve found Qijiang (綦江，a district in Chongqing municipality) is the perfect “weekend escape” from Chongqing’s bustle. It offers three unbeatable experiences in one day: forest hiking with sea of clouds, quiet Taoist temples, and mouthwatering handmade noodles—all just 1.5 hours from downtown Chongqing. My recent Norwegian client, Emma Olsen, shared, “I went for the hike, but the noodles ended up being a surprise highlight! It’s the most relaxing day trip I’ve had in China.” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 1-day trip to Qijiang, with practical tips, personal stories, and how DolphinUnion can smooth your journey.
（Chongqing to Qijiang 1-day travel guide for foreign tourists）
1. Morning: Hike Gujian Mountain (古剑山，Gujian Shan) – Breathe in Fresh Air
Gujian Mountain is Qijiang’s top outdoor spot, known for its dense forests and occasional sea of clouds. From Chongqing’s city center, it takes 1.5 hours by car or high-speed train (高铁，gaotie): take a train from Chongqing West Station (重庆西站，Chongqing Xi Zhan) to Qijiang Station (綦江站，Qijiang Zhan) (40 minutes, ¥28 one-way), then take a taxi to Gujian Mountain (¥30, 25 minutes).
I hiked here with Emma last month—we parked for free at Jinyin Temple Lower Courtyard Parking Lot (净音寺下院停车场，Jinyinsi Xiayuan Tingchechang). The trail is friendly for all fitness levels: slopes are under 15°, and it winds through danxia landforms (丹霞地貌，danxia dimao) and pine forests. “The air felt so clean—like a natural oxygen bar,” Emma said. We stopped at Jinyin Temple (净音寺，Jinyinsi) to relax; its quiet courtyards were a nice break from hiking.
By 11:30 AM, we ate at the temple’s vegetarian restaurant: a bowl of vegetable noodles (素面，su mian) cost ¥12, and it gave us just enough energy to finish the hike. Plan 3 hours for the mountain—don’t rush; take time to enjoy the forest views.
2. Noon: Visit Baiyun Taoist Temple (白云观，Baiyun Guan) – Find Inner Peace
After Gujian Mountain, take a taxi to Baiyun Taoist Temple (30 minutes, ¥45). This 600-year-old temple sits on a hill, accessible via 1,000 stone steps. The path is lined with tall trees—Emma spotted a squirrel darting across the steps, which made her laugh. “It felt like a scene from a fairy tale,” she said.
At the top, the temple’s gray-tiled roofs and ancient ginkgo tree (古银杏，gu yinxing) create a peaceful vibe. Stand on the viewing platform to see the whole Qijiang district—on cloudy days, mist wraps around the hills, like a wonderland. Remember to keep quiet: it’s a working Taoist temple, and locals come to meditate. We spent 1.5 hours here—enough to soak in the calm before heading to lunch.
3. Afternoon: Savor Sigang Rice Noodles (四钢米粉，Sigang Mifen) – A Local Classic
No trip to Qijiang is complete without Sigang Rice Noodles—these handmade noodles have been a local favorite for over 30 years. The shop is in Sanjiang Heavy Steel Residential Area (三江重钢家属区，Sanjiang Zhonggang Jia Shuqu), a 30-minute taxi ride from Baiyun Temple (¥35).
I took Emma here, and she fell in love with the noodles: “They’re slippery but chewy, and the soup is so flavorful!” The secret is the pork broth with spicy chili flakes (糊辣壳，hula ke) and tender pork cubes. A small bowl (一两，yi liang) costs ¥8, and adding a fried egg (煎蛋，jiandan) for ¥2 makes it perfect. Emma even had a second bowl—“I couldn’t resist!” she said.
Note: The shop is busy on weekends, so arrive by 3 PM to avoid lines. It’s a family-run spot, so English is limited—but they’ll show you photos of menu options if you ask.
3 Common Problems in Qijiang (and How to Fix Them)
Language Barrier: Simple Tools for Easy Communication
My Japanese client, Yuki Tanaka, worried about ordering noodles and asking for directions. She used two tools from DolphinUnion’s free guide:
Google Translate (download the offline Chinese pack) – scan menus or signs to translate instantly.
Printable phrases – like “I want a small bowl of rice noodles” or “Where is the bathroom?”
Yuki said, “The translation app helped me order exactly what I wanted. The shop owner even smiled and gave me extra chili flakes!”
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
Most small shops in Qijiang accept Alipay. Follow DolphinUnion’s 5-step guide to set it up:
Open Alipay → Tap “Wallet” → “Add Card”
Select “International Card” → Enter your Visa/Mastercard details
Verify your card (you’ll get a text code)
My Australian client, Tom Smith, did this before his trip: “I paid for taxis, noodles, and even a bottle of water with my phone. No cash needed—so convenient!”
Navigation: Use Amap + DolphinUnion’s Pre-Mapped Links
Google Maps doesn’t work in China. Use Amap (高德地图，Gaode Ditu) and search for attractions by pinyin (e.g., “Gujian Shan”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has “one-click navigation” links for Qijiang’s spots—tap the link, and Amap opens with the exact route.
Tom used this for Gujian Mountain: “I got lost once without it, but the link took me straight to the parking lot. No more guessing!”
Why Qijiang Is Worth Your 1-Day Trip
Qijiang offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and food—all within easy reach of Chongqing. It’s cheaper than popular spots like Wulong (total cost: ¥200-300 per person) and less crowded, making it ideal for a relaxing day.
To make your trip smoother, use DolphinUnion’s “Chongqing An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites” ($9.99 with 45% off). It includes Qijiang’s train timetables, hiking trail maps, and Alipay setup tips. Buy 2 guides (e.g., add “Chengdu 1-Day Guide”) and get 20% off; buy 6 guides for 55% off!
Emma used this guide: “DolphinUnion told me to bring a rain jacket (the mountain weather changed fast!) and where to find the best noodles. It made my trip stress-free.”
Ready for a relaxing day trip to Qijiang? Grab DolphinUnion’s free China Travel Guide (only 100 left!) to start planning—your perfect Chongqing escape awaits!
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