开州区 — Land of Hanfeng Lake & Marshal Liu's Hometown
Kaizhou District, located in the northeastern part of Chongqing Municipality, is a region blessed with abundant water resources and rich historical heritage. Centered around the expansive Hanfeng Lake — the largest urban lake in western China — the district offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural sites, and modern recreational facilities. With a history stretching back over 1,800 years, Kaizhou has been an important administrative and cultural center in the Three Gorges area.
The district is internationally known as the hometown of Liu Bo Cheng, one of China's most revered military strategists and a Marshal of the People's Republic. Visitors can explore his former residence and learn about his remarkable life through well-curated exhibits. Kaizhou also boasts the unique Juzi Garden celebrating the region's scholarly traditions, while Xuebao Mountain offers pristine wilderness experiences. The district's famous ice-thin mooncakes (冰薄月饼) and natural hot springs make it a delightful destination for cultural exploration and relaxation.
Hanfeng Lake is the crown jewel of Kaizhou, formed by the damming of the Pengxi River as part of the Three Gorges Project. Spanning over 15 square kilometers, it is the largest urban lake in western China. The lake features crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green hills, walking and cycling paths, lakeside parks, and several scenic islands. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, water sports, fishing, and spectacular sunset views across the vast water surface.
The lakeside development includes beautiful gardens, cultural sculptures, recreational areas, and the impressive Hanfeng Lake Bridge that illuminates magnificently at night. Bird watchers will find the area particularly rewarding, as the lake attracts over 130 species of migratory birds throughout the year. The annual Hanfeng Lake International Marathon draws thousands of participants who run along the scenic lakeside route.
Hours: Open 24/7 (public areas), Boat tours 8:00–18:00
Admission: Free (lake access), ¥50–80 (boat tours)
Transport: Bus No. 1, 3, or 8 to Hanfeng Lake Park Station
The former residence of Liu Bo Cheng (1892–1986), one of China's most illustrious military leaders and a founding Marshal of the PRC, is a beautifully preserved traditional courtyard house in Zhaojia Town. The museum displays personal artifacts, photographs, military documents, and interactive exhibits chronicling Liu's extraordinary life — from his early years in Kaizhou to his pivotal role in the Long March, anti-Japanese war, and liberation of China.
The residence is surrounded by peaceful gardens, ancient trees, and a memorial square featuring a towering statue of the Marshal. Knowledgeable guides provide detailed explanations of Liu's military strategies and historical significance. The site also includes a modern exhibition hall with multimedia presentations, making it an essential visit for those interested in modern Chinese military history and the revolution era.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Tuesday–Sunday, closed Mondays)
Admission: Free (bring ID for entry)
Transport: Bus from Kaizhou Bus Station to Zhaojia Town (45 min), then taxi or local bus to residence
Shengshan Botanical Garden is a sprawling 200-hectare natural paradise located on Shengshan Mountain, featuring over 1,500 plant species from around the world. The garden is divided into themed sections including a rose garden, medicinal herb garden, bamboo grove, orchid house, and a spectacular cherry blossom valley that draws huge crowds during spring (March–April). Well-maintained trails wind through diverse landscapes with gazebos and rest areas.
The garden also features a small zoo, children's playground, picnic areas, and a mountaintop observation deck offering panoramic views of Kaizhou city and Hanfeng Lake. Seasonal flower festivals are held throughout the year, showcasing tulips, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers. The on-site restaurant serves local mountain cuisine made with freshly foraged ingredients, making it a perfect day-trip destination for families and nature lovers.
Hours: 8:00–18:00 (March–October), 8:30–17:30 (November–February)
Admission: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors)
Transport: Bus No. 5 or 12 to Shengshan Botanical Garden Station (30 min from downtown)
Xuebao Mountain (Snow Treasure Mountain) is a pristine wilderness area spanning over 18,000 hectares with elevations reaching 2,629 meters. The park features ancient fir forests, alpine meadows, rare wildlife including golden snub-nosed monkeys and clouded leopards, and spectacular seasonal changes — lush green in summer, brilliant red and gold in autumn, and snow-covered wonderland in winter. Over 140 bird species make it a paradise for birdwatchers.
The mountain offers numerous hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs. Highlights include the "Sea of Clouds" viewpoint at dawn, the alpine rhododendron gardens (best in May–June), and the refreshing mountain streams perfect for summer cooling. Basic guesthouses and campsites are available for overnight stays, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility of this unspoiled mountain sanctuary.
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (daily, weather permitting)
Admission: ¥60 (March–October), ¥40 (November–February)
Transport: Bus from Kaizhou to Xuebao Mountain Scenic Area (2 hours), then scenic area shuttle
Kaizhou has been famous for its natural hot springs for over 1,000 years, with water temperatures reaching 47°C and rich mineral content including sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. The modern hot spring resorts offer dozens of indoor and outdoor pools with different temperatures and therapeutic properties. Traditional Chinese medicine consultations are available to recommend specific pools for various health conditions, from skin ailments to joint pain relief.
The hot spring facilities include luxury spa treatments, massage services, herbal medicine baths, salt scrubs, and relaxation lounges. Many resorts offer overnight packages with accommodation in traditional-style guesthouses surrounded by gardens. Winter is the most popular season, but the springs are open year-round and provide a soothing retreat after hiking in nearby Xuebao Mountain or exploring the district's cultural sites.
Hours: 9:00–23:00 (daily), some resorts open 24/7
Admission: ¥128–298 (depending on resort and package)
Transport: Bus No. 7 or 9 to Hot Spring Town (Wenquan Zhen), or taxi from downtown (~¥30)
Juzi Garden is a cultural theme park celebrating Kaizhou's rich scholarly traditions and its history as a cradle of examination scholars during imperial China. The beautifully landscaped gardens feature traditional architecture, including a replica of an ancient examination hall, Confucian temple, library pavilions, and scholar's studios. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the rigorous imperial examination system and highlight famous scholars who emerged from this region throughout history.
The garden hosts regular cultural activities including calligraphy classes, traditional music performances, tea ceremonies, and ancient costume photo sessions. The on-site museum displays ancient books, examination papers, writing brushes, and ink stones used by scholars centuries ago. During the annual Cultural Festival (usually in autumn), the garden comes alive with folk performances, lantern displays, and traditional handicraft demonstrations.
Hours: 8:30–17:30 (daily)
Admission: ¥30
Transport: Bus No. 2, 4, or 11 to Juzi Garden Station (15 min from downtown)
This district continues to reveal new attractions and experiences for visitors. Local cultural sites, natural landscapes, and community events offer authentic glimpses into daily life in Chongqing's diverse districts. The area is particularly known for its warm hospitality and unique regional characteristics.
Travelers who venture here often discover hidden gems not found in typical guidebooks. From local festivals to weekend markets, from family-run eateries to scenic walking paths, the district rewards curious explorers with genuine experiences that create lasting memories of their time in Chongqing municipality.
This district rewards slow travel. Take time to chat with locals, try small family restaurants, and wander down side streets. The best experiences are rarely the most famous ones.