Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area is located in Qianjiang District, Chongqing City. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The scenic area combines natural landscapes and cultural customs. The Apeng River runs through it, forming a unique landscape of mountains and waters. The area of the scenic area is approximately 50 square kilometers, and it has an excellent ecological environment with rich vegetation. Zhuoshui Ancient Town is an important part of the scenic area. The ancient town has a unique architectural style, preserving a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of the Bayu region. There are also natural landscapes such as the Puhua Dark River in the scenic area. The dark river is 1.6 kilometers long, with clear water and beautiful scenery on both banks.
History and Culture
Zhuoshui Ancient Town has a long history. As early as the Tang Dynasty, people lived here. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became an important commercial town. The Wind-Rain Bridge in the ancient town - Zhuoshui Wind-Rain Bridge was first built in the first year of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and has been repaired several times. The bridge is 658 meters long and is the longest corridor bridge in Asia, carrying the local historical memories and cultural connotations. Most of the buildings in the ancient town are of wooden structure, integrating the architectural characteristics of ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao nationalities, reflecting the blending of multi-ethnic cultures. The Apeng River, as the mother river of ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao, has given birth to unique ethnic cultures, and folk activities such as the Tujia Hand-waving Dance and the Miao Flying Song are rich and colorful.
Main Attractions
Zhuoshui Ancient Town
The buildings in Zhuoshui Ancient Town are simple and unsophisticated. The streets wind through it, preserving many buildings such as residential houses and commercial shops from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Tianli Liangxin Stele in the ancient town witnesses the commercial culture and moral inheritance of the ancient town. The streets and alleys of the ancient town are full of life. Tourists can taste local characteristic delicacies, buy handicrafts, and experience the unique charm of the ancient town.
Zhuoshui Wind-Rain Bridge
The Zhuoshui Wind-Rain Bridge spans the Apeng River, with a total length of 658 meters. There are buildings such as bridge pavilions and towers on the bridge. The bridge has a beautiful shape and a delicate structure. When the lights are on at night, the scenery is very charming. Tourists can stroll on the bridge, admire the scenery of the Apeng River, and feel the historical and cultural charm.
Puhua Dark River
The Puhua Dark River is a natural underground river landscape, with a total length of 1.6 kilometers. There are scenic spots such as the Tiansheng Three Bridges and the Chixue Cave in the dark river. Tourists can take a boat tour to feel the mystery and beauty of the dark river. The vegetation on both banks of the dark river is dense, with various rare plants, and the ecological environment is good.
Delicacies
Qianjiang Chicken Giblets
Qianjiang Chicken Giblets is a local characteristic delicacy. Using chicken giblets as the main ingredient, it is stir-fried with seasonings such as chili peppers and pickled peppers. The chicken giblets have a crispy and tender taste, and the flavor is spicy and delicious. It is one of the must-try delicacies when visiting the Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area.
Stir-fried Bacon with Fermented Chili
For Stir-fried Bacon with Fermented Chili, local bacon and fermented chili are selected. The bacon has a firm texture, and the fermented chili is spicy and delicious. When the two are stir-fried together, the aroma of the bacon blends with the spiciness of the fermented chili, with a unique flavor and a strong local taste.
Mung Bean Noodles
Mung bean noodles are mainly made from mung beans and have a smooth and slippery taste. They can be paired with ingredients such as shredded meat and vegetables, and there are various flavors such as clear soup and red soup. It is a traditional snack loved by local residents and a good choice for tourists to taste the local flavor.
Admission Tickets
Zhuoshui Ancient Town is free to visit. The ticket price for the Puhua Dark River is 80 yuan per person (including the boat ticket). Some other attractions in the scenic area may charge separately. Please refer to the announcements of the scenic area for details.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "黔江濯水景区", to obtain the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Zhuoshui Ancient Town is open all day. The Puhua Dark River is open from 8:30 to 17:00 (ticket sales and ticket checking stop at 16:30). The specific opening hours may be adjusted due to factors such as seasons and weather. It is recommended to consult the scenic area in advance.
Tour Routes
Tourists can first visit Zhuoshui Ancient Town, stroll through the streets of the ancient town, admire the Ming and Qing buildings, and learn about the history and culture of the ancient town. Then go to the Zhuoshui Wind-Rain Bridge, stroll on the bridge, and admire the scenery of the Apeng River. In the afternoon, you can go to the Puhua Dark River, take a boat tour of the dark river, and admire scenic spots such as the Tiansheng Three Bridges. After the tour, return to the ancient town to taste local delicacies and buy special souvenirs.
Transportation
- Public transportation: Take the bus to Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area in Qianjiang urban area. There are many bus trips, and the transportation is convenient.
- Self-driving: Start from Qianjiang urban area, drive along the Chongqing-Xiangxi Expressway, get off at the Zhuoshui interchange, and then drive for a certain distance to reach the scenic area. The scenic area has a parking lot, which is convenient for parking.
Must-visit Attractions
- Zhuoshui Ancient Town: The ancient town has a long history, simple buildings, and is full of life. It is a great place to experience the Bayu culture and Tujia customs.
- Zhuoshui Wind-Rain Bridge: It is the longest corridor bridge in Asia, with exquisite architecture and bright lights at night. It is a landmark attraction of the scenic area.
- Puhua Dark River: It is a natural underground river landscape. Take a boat tour to feel the uncanny workmanship of nature and admire the beautiful scenery on both banks.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend more than one day visiting to fully experience the charm of the scenic area.
- When taking a boat tour of the Puhua Dark River, follow the arrangements of the staff and wear a life jacket.
- When visiting the ancient town, you can taste local delicacies, but pay attention to food hygiene.
- When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures; when visiting in winter, keep warm.
Precautions
- Comply with the rules and regulations of the scenic area, take care of the environment, and do not litter.
- When visiting attractions such as the Wind-Rain Bridge, pay attention to safety and do not climb the railings.
- Some attractions in the scenic area may have restrictions such as age and physical conditions. Please understand the relevant information before visiting.
- Respect the local customs and habits, especially the cultures and traditions of ethnic minorities.