CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- In summer, those idyllic ancient villages that are surrounded by green mountains have become places that many people want to visit.

Chongqing has many ancient villages hidden deep in the mountains, each with its own unique glamour, including cool mountain breezes, centuries of history and rich cultures. Which of the following ancient villages is your favorite?

Tianchiba Miao Village, Wulong

With a long history, Tianchiba Miao Village is hidden in the mountains and is still very well-preserved like a colorful treasure. The Miao and Tujia people have lived here for generations, working in the morning and resting in the evening just like the secluded world described by Tao Yuanming.

The stilted buildings in the village are so patchwork that, on a serious look, they are actually in the shape of a crescent moon. It is also dotted with cobblestone paths, clear ponds, breezy pavilions and elegant promenades, giving it some ancient charm.

Location: Wenfeng Village, Houping Township, Wulong

Self-driving route: Downtown – Yinchuan-Baise Expressway –Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway – Tianchiba Miao Village

Nearby attractions: Fairy Mountain, Sky Hole Group, Furong River

Huashi Ancient Village, Liangping

With a history of more than 200 years, Huashi Ancient Village is known as the “ancient village on the rock”. There are many mysterious legends about it, but there is still no one definitive answer. 

The terrain around Huashi Ancient Village is very flat, but it juts up out of the plains with a difference. Because there is a large area of exposed, steep and smooth rocks in front of it, it was named “Huashi Ancient Village”.

The only access to the outside world is via a stone pathway on the cliff, which is why the natural scenery and ruggedness of the village have been preserved intact. Today, the ancient village has built a new amusement facility and an animation light show, which is very much anticipated.

Location: Group 3, Huashi Village, Jindai Town, Liangping

Self-driving route: Downtown – Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway – Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway – 303 Provincial Highway – Huashi Village

Nearby attractions: Zhufeng Tianchi, Guanyindong, Dongming Lake

Suoshuixi, Youyang

When you first hear the name, it may make you think it is a creek. In fact, Suoshuixi is a village in Youyang, and the village has only one road leading to the outside world. 

In addition, the place where Suoshuixi is located is quite remote. Few people know about this place and come to visit, so it is called the secret place on earth. The water here is also exceptionally sweet. 

The village, surrounded by stone and fire-clay brick walls, is divided into an upper and lower village, each of which is divided into two courtyards. Now there are only ten households in the village, where the clear water, green bamboo, blue sky, white clouds and great rocks are in order, which are very fresh and picturesque.

Location: Group 4, Changyuan Village, Youshuihe Town, Youyang

Self-driving route: Downtown – Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway – Yinchuan-Baise Expressway – Baotou-Maoming Expressway – 409 Provincial Highway – Suoshuixi

Nearby attractions: Taohuayuan, Longtan Ancient Town, Gongtan Ancient Town

Yanyuan Ancient Village, Xiushan

The stilted building group on the mountain and near the water is one of the major features of Yanyuan Ancient Village. The all-wooden structure is simple and elegant, yet comfortable and cool.

It enjoys refreshing breezes, verdant grass, lush trees and green bamboo forests. Under the sunlight, the mountains and rivers are merged into one color.

The spring water in the village is trickling and tinkling wonderfully. The oxen are eating grass leisurely with their heads down, and the chicken and ducks are foraging. Drinking a glass of the village’s water is like adding a little salt to your ordinary life, which is extra tasty.

Location: Haiyang Village, Xiushan Tujia and Miao Autonomous County

Self-driving route: Downtown – Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway – Yinchuan-Baise Expressway – Baotou-Maoming Expressway – 319 Provincial Highway – Yanyuan Ancient Village

Nearby attractions: Taohuayuan, Longtan Ancient Town, Apeng River, Hong’an Ancient Town

Do you want to find an ancient village to escape away from the hustle and bustle in summer? (Translated by Wang Huixin, Fathom Language Limited)