Chongqing locals' secret free ancient town is 10 times quieter than Ciqikou! Fewer people, delicious food, and perfect for photos
I've finally discovered a hidden gem ancient town in Chongqing❗️
Nestled deep in the mountains of Tongnan, completely free, zero commercialization, almost no tourists
Surrounded by two streams, Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, bluestone alleys, towering ancient trees
No crowded crowds like Ciqikou, no noisy internet-famous streets
Only a slow-paced local life, centuries-old charm, and streets filled with fragrant food
A quiet secret spot locals quietly visit on weekends, 10 times more comfortable than Ciqikou🌿
This is Tongnan Shuangjiang Ancient Town
Gently embraced by the Houxi and Fuxi streams
Mountains and water coexist, full of spiritual charm
Founded in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it has withstood centuries of wind and rain while remaining authentic
No overdevelopment, no clusters of shops
Generations of indigenous residents live here, filling the streets with a relaxed local atmosphere
Free admission, stress-free strolling and photo-taking, affordable and reliable food
Perfect for niche vacations, Hanfu photoshoots, family outings, and foodies hunting for treats
The most underrated quiet ancient town around Chongqing—you won’t want to leave once you arrive✨
🌊 Twin streams embrace the ancient town! A Ming and Qing secret hidden in the mountains and waters
The beauty of Shuangjiang Ancient Town is gentle and healing
No grandiose scenery, but a lasting ancient charm
The twin streams of Houxi and Fuxi flow around the town, green water winding through alleys, ancient trees reflecting in clear waves
The bluestone roads are polished smooth by time, Ming and Qing old houses nestled by the mountains and water
White walls and black tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners, carved wooden doors, old wells and stone steps
Every corner tells a story of peaceful times
Strolling through the alleys, you hear the babbling streams, birdsong, and feel the gentle breeze
It’s a true escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, a hidden paradise
Here there are no bustling tourists, no loud hawking
Only local elders sitting at doorsteps basking in the sun and chatting
Children chasing and playing in the alleys, small street shops leisurely open
Time slows down here, peaceful and healing
Truly embodying the poetic "small bridge, flowing water, and people’s homes"
No need to squeeze through crowds or rush schedules
Just find a corner to sit and enjoy the town’s gentle charm alone
🏮 Three must-visit spots! Cultural photo ops both online and offline
1️⃣ Yang Family Residence (Tianba Courtyard)✨ A national treasure certified by Liang Sicheng
The absolute highlight of the ancient town, praised by architect Liang Sicheng as a national treasure
A textbook example of Qing dynasty residential architecture, stunning and exquisite
The entire courtyard is grand in scale, with 108 doors and over 300 carved windows
Courtyards staggered, layered yards, winding corridors
Stepping into any courtyard feels like traveling back to the Qing dynasty
Every brick and tile, every window and edge is finely crafted
Centuries-old grapevines entwine the courtyard, lush and green
Wearing Hanfu or qipao for photos instantly enhances the ancient atmosphere
Every shot looks like a time-travel masterpiece, full of cultural texture
2️⃣ Yuwang Palace Ancient Opera Stage🎭 Home to authentic Bayu local life
The most spirited place in the ancient town, with exquisitely upturned eaves
The antique opera stage stands in the middle of the street
Carved beams and painted rafters, simple and solemn, every photo is a Chinese aesthetic masterpiece
In the afternoon, Sichuan opera face-changing and folk art performances often take place
No ticket needed, just sit quietly and watch
Face-changing, fire-spitting, Sichuan opera singing—authentic Bayu folk customs
Capture performance moments for stunning cultural photos
Both beautiful and profound, far surpassing typical internet-famous ancient towns
3️⃣ Xinglong Street Night View🏮 Atmosphere that’s simply divine
Be sure to stay until evening! The night view of Xinglong Street is breathtaking
At dusk, red lanterns light up one by one along the street
Warm yellow lights reflect on the moist bluestone pavement, casting a soft glow
Ancient alleys, red lanterns, black tiles, flowing water compose a stunning ink painting
No harsh neon lights, only quiet and gentle night
Perfect for night photography, silhouettes, and ancient-style atmosphere shots
The ancient town at night feels even more serene, romantic, and healing
🍜 Ancient town delicacies! Affordable and fail-proof foodie list
When visiting Shuangjiang Ancient Town, food is definitely a highlight
All local old brands, handmade fresh, affordable and authentic
You can eat with your eyes closed and not go wrong, foodies rush here👇
✅ Chen Liangfen | The soul food of the ancient town
A must-eat TOP1! Handmade from peas, soft yet chewy texture
Secret recipe spicy red oil, fragrant and addictive
Smooth and flavorful, unforgettable after tasting
A flavor locals have enjoyed since childhood, a must-try
✅ Crispy White Fish | A specialty for all ages
Made from fresh fish from the twin streams, fish bones so soft they can be eaten
Crispy outside, tender inside, savory and flavorful
Completely free of fishy smell, safe for elders and kids
A unique water-town delicacy, don’t miss it
✅ Freshly Fried Small Mahua (twisted dough sticks) | Top choice for gifts
Fried and sold fresh on the street, the aroma fills the whole street when just out of the fryer
Crispy texture, moderately salty and fragrant, a hundred times better than packaged snacks
Perfect for binge-watching, snacking, or as gifts
Great value, buy as many as you want without guilt
📍 Practical nanny-level guide, just copy and go
📍 Ancient Town Name: Chongqing Tongnan · Shuangjiang Ancient Town
🎫 Tickets: Completely free! Free admission! No hidden costs
📍 Address: Shuangjiang Town, Tongnan District, Chongqing
🚗 Transportation Guide
✅ Best by car: About 2 hours from the main city, accurate navigation, convenient parking
✅ Public transport: Take a bus to Tongnan city center, then transfer to the ancient town shuttle bus
⏰ Best visiting times
▪️ Daytime: 9:00-17:00, explore ancient buildings, take Hanfu photos, enjoy food, perfect lighting
▪️ Evening: 18:00-20:00, stroll Xinglong Street night view, atmosphere at its peak
⏰ Recommended duration: Half-day or full-day tour, leisurely strolling and eating just right
💡 Thoughtful travel tips
1. The ancient town is flat with no steep climbs, easy for elders and children
2. Hanfu, qipao, and modern Chinese styles are perfect for photos, very photogenic
3. All food is on the main street and alleys, eat as you walk, no need to search
4. The town is quiet with few people, plenty of photo opportunities, no need to fight for spots
5. Respect local residents, speak softly, don’t disturb daily life
6. Surrounded by streams, cool and refreshing in summer, very comfortable
💛 Final words
Chongqing never lacks lively internet-famous ancient towns
But Shuangjiang Ancient Town is a rare quiet place preserving authentic local life
It doesn’t have the crowds of Ciqikou, nor the restless commercialization
Only twin streams winding through alleys, Ming and Qing old houses, red lantern alleys, and authentic food
And centuries of local life etched into the streets
Free, quiet, delicious, photogenic, and rich in culture
Fulfills all your fantasies about an ancient town
No ticket fee needed, you can enjoy the entire town’s gentle charm
In the fast pace of life, come here to steal a peaceful half-day
Feel slow time and heal all your fatigue
This is the most worthwhile secret ancient town around Chongqing
Stop squeezing into popular spots, save this and go now
Enjoy this undisturbed century-old charm all to yourself🌿