Unveiling Zhongxian: A 2-Day Hidden Gem Trip from Chongqing – Trusted by 1,000+ Foreign Travelers (Exclusive DolphinUnion Discounts)
- DolphinUnion
- Nov 17
- 8 min read
When it comes to historical and cultural trips from Chongqing, most foreign tourists first think of Wulong or Dazu Rock Carvings. Few know about Zhongxian (忠县，Zhongxian County, a key city in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of Chongqing) – a place praised by the poet Bai Juyi as “the central county of Wu Gorge, with spring blooming on all sides of Ba City.” Its unique cliffside pavilions, ancient battlefields, and Three Kingdoms-themed performances make it a severely underrated treasure.
As a Chongqing local helping foreign travelers for 8 years, I’ve visited Zhongxian many times. Last year, my Canadian friend, Alex Thompson, almost skipped it for Wulong. After I took him there, he said, “Zhongxian’s mix of history and natural beauty is unmatched – it’s the most surprising highlight of my China trip!” This guide will show you how to make the most of your 2-day trip from Chongqing to Zhongxian, cover must-see spots, and share DolphinUnion’s exclusive resources to solve language, payment, and navigation issues.
(Chongqing to Zhongxian 2-day travel guide for foreign tourists)
Zhongxian: A Hidden Gem of History & Natural Beauty
Historical Significance: Why Zhongxian Stands Out
Zhongxian is not just an ordinary county – it’s a living museum of the Three Gorges culture and ancient Chinese history. It was an important military and commercial hub during the Song Dynasty, and its Huanghuadao Archaeological Site Park preserves traces of the Southern Song battlefield.
During one visit, the guide told me that Bai Juyi, a famous Tang Dynasty poet, once served in Zhongxian. His poem “Wu Gorge Center County, Ba City Four Seasons Spring” perfectly describes the county’s charm. I later checked historical records and found that many of his lesser-known works were created here. This makes Zhongxian more than a scenic spot – it’s a place where literature and history come alive.
When you visit Huanghuadao Island (皇华岛，Huanghua Dao), don’t miss the ancient city walls. They are the best-preserved Southern Song military ruins in the Three Gorges area. Take time to look at the stone carvings on the walls – they record the daily life of soldiers from 800 years ago.
Must-Visit Attractions in Zhongxian
1. Shibaozhai (石宝寨，Shibaozhai)
Shibaozhai is one of the world’s eight strange buildings – a 12-story pavilion clinging to a cliff. It’s 120km from Chongqing, and the journey takes 3 hours by car. The pavilion has no nails – it’s held together by wooden brackets, which amazed my Brazilian friend, Lucas Mendes.
Lucas tried to climb to the top (12 stories, 190 steps) and said, “The view from the top is breathtaking – I could see the Yangtze River winding like a silver belt.” The entrance ticket costs ¥50 per person, and it’s open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Wear comfortable shoes – the wooden steps are steep but safe.
2. Huanghuadao Archaeological Site Park (皇华城考古遗址公园，Huanghuacheng Kaogu Yizhi Gongyuan)
This historic site was once a Southern Song Dynasty military stronghold. It’s quiet and less crowded, perfect for history lovers. Lucas and I wandered around the ruins for 2 hours – we saw ancient wells, city gates, and relics like pottery shards.
The park is free to enter, but the visitor center charges ¥10 for a guided tour (available in simple English). Stay for lunch at the park’s restaurant – try the local braised pork (¥35 per plate), which Lucas called “tender and flavorful.”
3. Baigongci Cultural and Museum Scenic Area (白公祠文博景区，Baigongci Wenbo Jingqu)
This scenic area combines Baigongci (白公祠，a memorial to Bai Juyi) and Zhongzhou Museum (忠州博物馆，Zhongzhou Bowuguan). It’s a must-visit for culture lovers. The museum has exhibits on Zhongxian’s history, including salt trade relics and Tujia ethnic culture.
Lucas spent 1.5 hours here and loved the Bai Juyi exhibition: “I learned so much about his life in Zhongxian – the exhibits are informative and easy to understand.” The ticket costs ¥30 per person, and it’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
4. Zhongzhou Old Street (忠州老街，Zhongzhou Laojie)
This is the only partially submerged old street in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. It’s perfect for photos – the stone paths, traditional wooden houses, and river views create a nostalgic vibe. Lucas took dozens of photos here and said, “It’s like stepping back in time.”
Skip the tourist souvenir shops – head to the local food stalls. Try the “Zhongxian Rice Cake” (忠州米糕，Zhongzhou Migao) for ¥5 per piece – soft and sweet, Lucas ate three in one go.
5. “Beacon Fire of the Three Kingdoms” Live Performance (《烽烟三国》, Fengyan Sanguo)
This is a must-see for Three Kingdoms fans. The outdoor performance uses lights, water effects, and 500+ actors to tell stories from the Three Kingdoms period. It starts at 8:30 PM, and the ticket costs ¥180 per person.
Lucas called it “epic – the stage is on the Yangtze River, and the effects are amazing.” Book tickets 3 days in advance via DolphinUnion’s “Attraction Ticket Services” to get a 10% discount.
Zhongxian Travel Planning: Smooth Trip from Chongqing
Transportation from Chongqing to Zhongxian
What’s the best way to get to Zhongxian from Chongqing? There’s no high-speed train, so you have two options:
Bus (大巴，daba): From Chongqing Bus Station (重庆汽车站，Chongqing Qichezhan) to Zhongxian Bus Station (忠县汽车站，Zhongxian Qichezhan). It takes 3.5-4 hours and costs ¥70 one-way.
Self-driving (自驾，zijia): Take the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway (沪渝高速，Huyu Gaosu). The journey is 3 hours, and the toll is ¥120.
My Malaysian friend, Lim Wei, once tried taking the bus. He got lost because he couldn’t read Chinese signs. Later, he used DolphinUnion’s route guide with one-click navigation and arrived smoothly. If you take the bus, download the DolphinUnion “Bus Station Phrase Card” to show the staff your destination.
Local Transportation in Zhongxian
Use the newly launched “Zhongzhou Eight Scenic Spots” tourist bus (忠州八景旅游专线，Zhongzhou Bajing Lüyou Zhuanxian):
Shibaozhai Line: ¥15 one-way, ¥30 round-trip. Runs every 1 hour, and you can transfer unlimited times with the same-day ticket. It connects Baigongci, Shibaozhai, and Huanghuadao. Note: It only stops at Huanghuadao on weekends.
Beacon Fire of the Three Kingdoms Line: ¥8 one-way, ¥16 round-trip. Departs at 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM (performance starts at 8:30 PM). Returns after the performance ends.
Taxis in Zhongxian start at ¥5 – drivers often speak simple English and love to share local stories.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Attraction | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Notes |
Shibaozhai | ¥50/person | 8:30 AM-5:30 PM | No discount for foreigners |
Baigongci Cultural and Museum Scenic Area | ¥30/person | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (closed Mondays) | Students with ID get 50% off |
“Beacon Fire of the Three Kingdoms” | ¥180/person | 8:30 PM-10:00 PM | Book in advance via DolphinUnion for 10% off |
Huanghuadao Archaeological Site Park | Free | 9:00 AM-4:30 PM | Guided tour costs ¥10/person |
Zhongzhou Old Street | Free | All day | Shops close at 9:00 PM |
My Australian friend, Sophie Clark, didn’t know students get discounts. She saw a local student show her ID and pay half price. She regretted not bringing her student ID – don’t make the same mistake!
2-Day Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Natural Beauty & Ancient Battlefields
Morning (8:30 AM-12:00 PM): Take the bus from Chongqing to Zhongxian (arrive at 12:00 PM).
Noon (12:30 PM-1:30 PM): Lunch at Huanghuadao Archaeological Site Park’s restaurant. Try braised pork and local vegetables.
Afternoon (1:30 PM-5:00 PM): Explore Huanghuadao Island. Walk the ancient city walls and visit the ruins.
Evening (5:30 PM-9:00 PM): Check into a hotel on Huanghuadao Island (¥200-300 per night). Enjoy the river view and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2: Culture, Food & Live Performance
Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Visit Baigongci Cultural and Museum Scenic Area. Learn about Bai Juyi and Zhongxian’s history.
Noon (12:30 PM-2:00 PM): Lunch at Zhongzhou Old Street. Try rice cake and local noodles (¥15-20 per person).
Afternoon (2:00 PM-5:00 PM): Wander around Zhongzhou Old Street. Take photos and buy souvenirs (local handicrafts are ¥20-50).
Evening (7:00 PM-10:30 PM): Take the tourist bus to watch “Beacon Fire of the Three Kingdoms.” Return to Chongqing the next day or extend your stay.
Solving Common Travel Problems in China
Language Barrier: Easy Communication Tips
My German friend, Anna Schmidt, couldn’t order food because she didn’t understand Chinese menus. 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 “I’m allergic to seafood” and “Where is the bathroom?”
Anna said, “The translation app saved me from pointing at pictures. I even ordered a local specialty I’d been wanting to try!”
Cashless Payment: Link Your Foreign Card to Alipay
Most shops and restaurants in Zhongxian 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.
Sophie Clark did this before her trip: “I paid for buses, meals, and tickets with my phone. No cash needed – it’s so convenient!” Bring ¥200 cash as a backup for small 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., “Shibaozhai”). DolphinUnion’s premium guide has one-click navigation links for Zhongxian’s spots.
Lim Wei used this for Shibaozhai: “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 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 got lost,” 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 “English guided tour times” and “bus station phrases” 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 Zhongxian tips and general China travel advice – like visa-free policies and weather preparation.
Premium Guide Discounts: Buy the “Chongqing An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites” ($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
Sophie (Australia): “The payment guide helped me set up Alipay in 5 minutes. I didn’t carry cash once – it made my trip so smooth.”
Lim (Malaysia): “The translation app and phrase card solved my communication problems. I even chatted with locals – they were so friendly!”
Call to Action
Ready for a memorable 2-day trip from Chongqing to Zhongxian? 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 “Xi’an Unveiled: Your Ultimate 96-Hour Interactive Travel Companion”). Your unforgettable China adventure starts with one click!
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