CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Where are you going to avoid summer heat this weekend? It is not realistic to go far away, so why not go to the Shuangzhai Mountain in Banan District, which only takes one hour’s drive?

Hide in the mountains and enjoy the cool

Shuangzhai Mountain is located in Shitan town, Banan district, only a one hour drive from downtown. The mountain has natural scenery with an average temperature of 25℃ in summer. It is honored as “the main urban areas’ fairy mountain”. It preserves the ancient living buildings of Bayu villages. None of the local residents install air conditioners because they still need quilts to keep warm at night even in the middle of summer on the mountain.

Acres of flowers are in full bloom

The Shuangzhai Mountain now has entered the most beautiful season of the year. In early summer, vervain and lotus bloom everywhere. Shuangzhai village has planted dozens of acres of vervain. Because of the high altitude, even the vervain down the mountain have gradually withered, the vervain on the mountain just start to bloom. There are over forty ponds, thousands of acres of lotus in red, yellow, and white. Terraces also make a beautiful scene in the mountain, and the green terrace is so intoxicating in June.

Cross the village to seek historical site

Two stone village gates, built during late Ming and early Qing Dynasty, are hidden in the forests of Shuangzhai Mountain. The villages, originally built by local residents, once had a strong defense function. You can explore the mountain forest along the old pass, seek the ancient village gate covered with moss, cross back to mysterious Bashu villages and experience the village culture. There is an ancient temple, “Yong Feng Si” on the Shuangzhai Mountain. It was built in the 24th year of the Qianlong Dynasty, and has a history of over 200 years.

Bus route: Regular bus from Longzhouwan / Nanping to Shitan town with a whole journey of 1.5 hours.

Tips: As is a lot of grass and trees in the area, and many mosquitoes in the summer on Shuangzhai Mountain. Mosquito repellent is a necessity before your departure. Also, since the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, bring a coat with long sleeves and trousers if you plan to stay overnight.

(Translated by Liu Shumiao, Fathom Language Limited)