Small Town Chongzhou: A Healing Journey of Friendship, Food, and Slow Living

Meta Description: Discover Chongzhou, Chengdu's hidden backyard. Explore ancient towns, bamboo art, and local cuisine in this 3-day itinerary. Perfect for family trips, slow living, and friendship reunions.

Introduction: Why Chongzhou Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

Some places stay in your heart not because of stunning scenery, but because someone you care about lives there. That’s how my connection with Chongzhou began—through a best friend who settled here for love and career. Located on the fertile Chengdu Plain, this small town offers an authentic slice of Sichuan life: ancient towns, bamboo forests, wetlands, and food that will make you forget your diet.

In this guide, I’ll share my two visits to Chongzhou—a healing journey of friendship, food, and slow living. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly weekend getaway or a solo slow travel retreat, this itinerary will help you experience the best of Chongzhou without the crowds.

Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights in Chongzhou (Best Explored by Car)

Day 1: Arrival, Yanhua Pond & Xiaodong Street

• Morning: Depart from Chengdu or Chongqing. Drive to Chongzhou (30 minutes by high-speed train from Chengdu, then rent a car).
• Afternoon: Visit Yanhua Pond (罨画池) – a Song Dynasty garden with tranquil ponds and pavilions.
• Evening: Stroll Xiaodong Street (小东街) for street food and local snacks.

Day 2: Bamboo Art Village, Yuantong Ancient Town & Qimu River Wetland

• Morning: Explore Bamboo Art Village (竹艺村) – take a bamboo weaving class with kids.
• Afternoon: Wander Yuantong Ancient Town (元通古镇) – find a riverside teahouse for quiet contemplation.
• Evening: Walk a section of Qimu River Wetland Park (桤木河湿地公园) – perfect for sunset photos.
• Dinner: Head to Chongzhou Wanda Plaza food street for local specialties.

Day 3: Jiezi Ancient Town & Return

• Early morning: Visit Jiezi Ancient Town (街子古镇) – arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds.
• Late morning: Return to Xiaodong Street for last-minute food shopping.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Chengdu or Chongqing.

Pro Tip: If traveling with kids, add a 4th day to visit Dujiangyan Panda Paradise – less crowded than Chengdu Panda Base, with stunning mountain views.

Best Time to Visit Each Attraction

What to See in Chongzhou: Ancient Towns, Art & Nature

Chongzhou is often called Chengdu's backyard – and for good reason. As you cross the Jinma River, the flat plains open up, revealing a landscape dotted with ancient towns, bamboo groves, and wetlands. Here are the must-visit spots:

Jiezi Ancient Town – Where Water Flows Through the Streets

Jiezi Ancient Town dates back over a thousand years and sits on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Sichuan, with authentic charm that hasn’t been overtaken by commercialization.

Highlights: - Ruilong Bridge – A covered bridge where locals cool off, play cards, and chat. It feels like a living community. - Character Pagoda (字库塔) – Built in 1852, this 20-meter-tall pagoda is carved with scenes from The Legend of the White Snake. - Unique gutters – The street gutters are wider and shallower than usual, with fish-shaped stones that double as stepping stones. You won’t see this anywhere else. - Ancient bridges – Yulong, Yongli, Huijiang, and Yuantong bridges line the Weijiang River. Fun fact: all have dragon heads but no tails.

Don’t Miss: A bowl of tofu rice (豆花饭) or ice jelly (冰粉) on a hot day. If time allows, rent a small boat to drift along the Weijiang River.

Yuantong Ancient Town – Imprints of Time and Cultural Fusion

On my first visit to Chongzhou, I met my friend at Yuantong Ancient Town. Despite its grand entrance, it’s surprisingly authentic. The town dates back to the Tang Dynasty and served as a key hub for Han-Tibetan exchanges.

What to Do: - Walk the cobblestone streets and watch locals go about their daily lives. - Find a riverside teahouse and spend an hour doing nothing. - Visit the ancient opera stage and Guangyan Zen Temple (built in the Jin Dynasty).

Bamboo Art Village – A Hands-On Cultural Experience

The Bamboo Art Village is a living museum of Sichuan’s bamboo weaving tradition. You can watch artisans at work, buy handmade baskets and mats, or take a class yourself.

Great for families: Kids love the hands-on bamboo weaving lessons. The village is also surrounded by bamboo groves, making it a peaceful morning outing.

Qimu River Wetland Park – Nature’s Escape

This massive wetland park is perfect for an evening stroll. You don’t need to walk the entire park – just pick a section near the water and enjoy the sunset. It’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn.

Local Food: What to Eat in Chongzhou

Chongzhou is a food lover’s paradise. My friend stuffed two suitcases full of local delicacies for me to take home (she even shipped our clothes back to make room for food). Here’s what you must try:

• Tofu Rice (豆花饭) – A simple, comforting dish of silky tofu served with rice and chili oil.
• Ice Jelly (冰粉) – A refreshing dessert made from plant seeds, served with syrup and toppings.
• Chongzhou-style hotpot – Less spicy than Chengdu’s, with a focus on fresh ingredients.
• Bamboo shoot dishes – Fresh from the local bamboo groves.
• Street snacks on Xiaodong Street – Try everything from grilled skewers to sweet rice cakes.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chongzhou

1. How do I get to Chongzhou from Chengdu?

The high-speed train takes just 30 minutes from Chengdu. Once you arrive, rent a car at the station – it’s the easiest way to explore the surrounding attractions.

2. Is Chongzhou suitable for a family trip?

Absolutely. The roads are simple, attractions are close together, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities like bamboo weaving classes and panda visits. For families, I recommend a 4-day trip to include Dujiangyan Panda Paradise.

3. What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather. Summer can be hot, but the wetlands and riverside teahouses provide relief. Winter is quiet but cold.

4. How many days do I need in Chongzhou?

3 days are enough for a weekend getaway without kids. Add a 4th day if you’re traveling with children or want to visit the panda base.

5. Is Chongzhou crowded with tourists?

Not compared to Chengdu or Leshan. Jiezi Ancient Town can get busy on weekends, but if you go early in the morning or on weekdays, you’ll have it almost to yourself.

Internal Linking Suggestions

• [Link: Best weekend getaways from Chengdu]
• [Link: Sichuan ancient towns guide]
• [Link: Family-friendly travel in China]
• [Link: Slow travel destinations in Sichuan]
• [Link: Bamboo weaving workshops in China]

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Chongzhou

Chongzhou isn’t a tourist trap – it’s a living, breathing small town where you can reconnect with friends, slow down, and eat your way through history. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking peace, a family looking for a fun weekend, or a foodie chasing authentic Sichuan flavors, Chongzhou delivers.

Ready to plan your trip? Start by booking your train to Chengdu, then rent a car and follow this itinerary. And don’t forget to bring an empty suitcase – you’ll need it for all the local delicacies you’ll want to take home.

Have you visited Chongzhou? Share your experience in the comments below!