CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Every city has its typical architecture, such as the Hutong (胡同) in Beijing, the Longtang (弄堂lane) in Shanghai, the Xiangzi (巷子 alley) in Chengdu. As for Chongqing, its representative is pillar-supported dwelling (吊脚楼) that back against the green mountains and facing the river. Today, we would like to recommend some original pillar-supported dwellings in Chongqing. Less populated, these places boast breathtaking sceneries which are ideal tourist destination in the summer.

Hong’an Old Street 洪安老街

When it comes to pillar-supported dwelling, people cannot help thinking of the novel Border Town by Shen Congwen. The fascinating old city bears an old and mysterious atmosphere where tourists can see the flavour of western Hu’nan everywhere. The Border Town is modelled on Hong’an town in which stand plenty of old buildings, the Tujia and Miao villages are built in particular style, and the river is picturesque with its blue waves. Actually, the most eye-catching site is the Soula Ferry, moving between banks by a steel wire that connects the wharfs.

Address: Hong’an Town, Xiushan County

Surrounding attractions: Chuanhegai, Xiushan County

Chiyou Jiuli Town 蚩尤九黎城

In the drizzling mountains, there is such a city that bears the dream of Miao people for thousand years. It is Chiyou Jiuli Town, located in Pengshui County. In the town, the most fascinating site is the pillar-supported dwelling complex which is built against the mountain, with more than 300 houses with a drop of 81 meters high, making it the biggest pillar-supported dwelling complex in the world.

Address: east bank of Wujiang River, Pengshui County

Surrounding attractions: A’yi River, Mowei Mountain, Pengshui County

Zhuoshui Ancient Town 濯水古镇

The pillar-supported dwellings of Zhuoshui Old Town lie on the four or five meters-high levee of A’peng River built with stripped rocks. Despite the water erosion in the past two centuries, the levee did not tilt. Looking up from the levee, the pillar-supported dwellings look like standing in the cloud. Standing on the pillar-supported dwellings, looking at the distant mountains and A’pengjiang River, the relaxed and happy feeling rises in the heart.

Address: Zhuoshui Town, Qianjiang County

Surrounding attractions: A’peng River, Youyang County; Mini South China Sea

Baisha Ancient Town 白沙古镇

Baisha Old Town is worth savoring than many other towns. Along the rivers in the town, there are lots of pillar-supported dwellings built in diverse style. Without much business, everything here can be reflected in a pot of tea in the old teahouse where the stories are being narrated by storytellers. It is a joy to do nothing here.

Address: Baisha Town, Jiangjin District

Surrounding attractions: Simian Mountain, Dayuan Cave, Jiangjin District

(Translated by Song Zhipeng, Fathom Language Limited)