CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- After spending too much time in a busy city, you may want to go for a walk in a small town. Continuous stone roads, the patchwork of old buildings, and the warm sunshine with antique sense all lull you into the ancient atmosphere. In early autumn, join us for a visit to these ancient towns and old streets in Chongqing.

Pianyan Ancient Town

With a history of more than three hundred years, Pianyan Ancient Town is small in scale, but exquisite in its beauty and its serenity. You can not only stroll around the Ancient Town, but also have fun in water and catch crabs here. The towering trees are planted everywhere and as beautiful as oil paintings. Nearby, you can also visit Shengtian Lake and Jindao Gorge.

Location: Jindao Gorge, Northeast Beibei District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Shuitu – Jingguan – Liuyin – Pianyan

Cuntan Old Street

Located on Haier Road, Jiangbei District, Cuntan Old Street is close to the junction of the Yangtze River and Xiaojia River. The narrow lanes and alleys paved with stones are straight to the river.

The mottled earthen walls, tender green vines, and sunbathing dogs on the old stone road all gather together to guard the memories of old times. You can still feel the prosperity that once existed here as you walk along the stone road.

Location: Next to Free Trade Port, Haier Road, Jiangbei District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Yulu Avenue – Haier Road – Cuntan Old Street

Fengsheng Ancient Town

Fengsheng Ancient Town has preserved many intact ancient dwellings whose exquisite wood carvings and symmetrical architectural structure all show the representative style of Bayu dwellings. The Ancient Town is rich in preserved ancient buildings of the Qing Dynasty. You can take a stroll and if you get tired, go for a bowl of authentic hand-ground Douhua and handmade noodles, which will make you comfortable.

Location: Northeast Banan District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway – Fengsheng Interchange – Fengsheng Ancient Town

Longxing Ancient Town

Longxing has both new and ancient areas, but what remain unchanged are the free and leisurely atmosphere, as well as the original way of life. In addition, there are a number of parks near Longxing, which are great for an autumn picnic at present.

Location: Southeast Yubei District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Chongqing-Changshou Expressway – Exit at Fusheng – Entering Longxing Ancient Town by signposts

Yudong Old Street

The century-old Yudong Old Street is built as a market on a hillside near the river with staggered heights, stone roads and ancient trees, forming a unique stone street and stairway-style alleys and lanes. The Old Street is also home to a number of long-established restaurants that serve home-style, Jianghu and folk dishes.

Location: East Yudong, Banan District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Yunan Subchannel – Longzhou Avenue – Yudong Old Street

Mudong Old Street

Buildings on Mudong unfold along the Yangtze River. Streets and alleys of Mudong are complete, with detailed wooden structures interspersed with mortises and tenons as well as supporting arches and window grilles, forming a large view of a traditional Bayu settlement. The wide area of shallow is a great place for outdoor trekking. You can lie flat on the grass to enjoy the slight river breeze, or take a cruise to Zhongba Isle.

Location: Mudong Town, Banan District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Inner Ring Highway – Riverside Expressway – Driving about 7km towards Mudong Town from Mudong Toll Station

Longmenhao Old Street

The newly opened Longmenhao Old Street, where every brick and tile was collected from elsewhere, has been made not to be wasteful, but to add some charm to the Old Street. Next to Yangtze River Cableway, there is a breathtaking view of the Yangtze River, and the all-glass-made Starlight Observatory is as good as Liziba.

Location: Longmenhao Old Street, Nanbin Road, Nan’an District

Self-driving route: Downtown – Wuhong Road – Chaotianmen Yangtze River Bridge – Inner Ring Highway – Longmenhao Old Street

Which of these ancient towns and old streets in Chongqing with different characteristics do you prefer? (Translated by Wang Huixin, Fathom Language Limited)