巫溪县 — The Ancient Salt Road & Alpine Grassland Paradise
Wuxi County is nestled in the eastern Daba Mountains in northeastern Chongqing, bordering both Hubei and Shaanxi provinces. This remote mountain county boasts some of Chongqing's most spectacular and unspoiled natural landscapes, including the vast Hongchiba Alpine Grassland, the dramatic Lanying Grand Canyon, and the historic Daning River that once formed a vital salt trading route. With its high elevation and dense forests, Wuxi offers clean air and stunning vistas that draw nature lovers and adventurers.
The county's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient salt industry, as evidenced by the well-preserved Ningchang Ancient Town — one of China's oldest salt-producing settlements dating back over 4,000 years. The Lingwu Cave complex offers a unique blend of natural karst wonders and Daoist cultural heritage. Wuxi's isolation has preserved its traditional mountain culture and cuisine, making it a fascinating destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path in search of authentic experiences and pristine landscapes.
Hongchiba is a magnificent high-altitude grassland spanning over 360 square kilometers at approximately 2,400 meters elevation, making it one of the largest and highest alpine meadows in central China. The rolling emerald hills stretch to the horizon, dotted with grazing horses, cattle, and sheep. During summer, the grasslands explode with wildflowers including stunning fields of purple lavender-like blooms. The crystal-clear mountain air and vast open spaces create a sense of boundless freedom reminiscent of the Swiss Alps or Tibetan plateau.
The area has been developed with tourist facilities including wooden chalets, horseback riding circuits, cycling paths, and camping grounds. Visitors can hike to scenic viewpoints, enjoy the famous "Sea of Clouds" at dawn, and experience spectacular stargazing at night with minimal light pollution. The summer average temperature of 17°C makes it a perfect escape from lowland heat. In winter, Hongchiba transforms into a snow-covered wonderland with opportunities for snow sports.
Hours: 8:00–18:00 (scenic area), 24/7 for overnight visitors
Admission: ¥60 (scenic area), horse riding ¥80–150 per hour
Transport: Bus from Wuxi town to Hongchiba (1.5 hours), multiple departures daily in summer
Ningchang is one of China's oldest salt-producing towns, with a history spanning over 4,000 years dating back to the Shang Dynasty. The ancient town stretches along the Daning River, characterized by traditional stilted wooden buildings clinging to the cliffsides and connected by narrow stone pathways and bridges. The ruins of the ancient salt wells and evaporation ponds offer fascinating insights into traditional salt-making techniques that powered the regional economy for millennia.
Walking through Ningchang is like exploring a living museum, where crumbling old houses, rusted salt-making equipment, and weathered stone inscriptions tell the story of a once-thriving salt empire. The town's atmospheric lanes are lined with wild vegetation pushing through the ruins, creating a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic aesthetic. Local elders still live in the remaining houses and are happy to share stories of the town's glorious past. The Daning River flowing alongside adds to the tranquil charm.
Hours: Open 24/7 (unmanned open-air site)
Admission: Free
Transport: Bus from Wuxi town to Ningchang (30 min), or taxi (~¥50)
Lingwu Cave is a magnificent karst cave system located on the banks of the Daning River, featuring an extraordinary collection of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and flowstone formations illuminated by colorful LED lighting. The cave extends over 2 kilometers into the mountain, with multiple chambers of varying sizes, the largest being over 50 meters high. The cave's name means "Spirit Shaman Cave," reflecting its historical use for shamanic rituals and Daoist meditation practices.
Beyond the natural cave formations, Lingwu Cave also houses a small temple complex and rock carvings that demonstrate the site's spiritual significance throughout history. Notable formations include the "Heavenly Pillar," "Jade Waterfall," and "Dragon Palace," each with its own legend. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18°C, offering a cool retreat in summer. A glass viewing platform near the entrance provides stunning views of the Daning River gorge below.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (daily)
Admission: ¥80 (includes guided tour)
Transport: Bus from Wuxi to Lingwu Cave (40 min), or included in Daning River tour packages
The Daning River is the largest tributary of the Yangtze River in Chongqing's Three Gorges region, flowing through some of the most spectacular gorges in China. For centuries, the river served as the main transportation route for the region's salt trade, with ancient plank roads carved into the cliffsides still visible today. The river's emerald-green waters wind through steep limestone gorges, past towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and traditional riverside villages.
Boat tours on the Daning River offer varying experiences, from short excursions near Wushan's Lesser Three Gorges to longer journeys upstream into Wuxi's more remote sections. The upper reaches near Wuxi are less traveled, offering a more pristine experience. Visitors can spot hanging coffins on cliff faces, ancient inscriptions, and abundant birdlife including egrets and kingfishers. Kayaking and rafting are available on gentler sections during the summer months.
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (boat tours and rafting)
Admission: ¥80–200 (depending on boat tour length)
Transport: Tours depart from Wuxi Daning River pier (10-min walk from town center)
Lanying Grand Canyon is one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in central China, with vertical drops exceeding 1,500 meters from rim to river. The canyon stretches over 60 kilometers through the Daba Mountains, featuring dramatic cliff walls, cascading waterfalls, and dense virgin forests. The scale and raw beauty of this canyon rivals famous counterparts like the Grand Canyon of Colorado, but with thick subtropical vegetation clinging to its near-vertical walls, creating a uniquely lush landscape.
Several viewpoints along the canyon rim offer breathtaking panoramas, with the best vantage points accessible via winding mountain roads. Autumn brings spectacular foliage colors across the canyon walls. For adventurous travelers, hiking trails descend into the canyon to explore waterfalls, natural pools, and traditional farming communities in the valley floor. The area remains relatively undeveloped compared to other Three Gorges attractions, offering a genuine wilderness experience for those seeking untouched nature.
Hours: 8:00–17:30 (viewing platforms)
Admission: Free (viewing areas), local guide recommended for hiking
Transport: Private car or chartered vehicle from Wuxi (1 hour on mountain roads), bus service limited
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.
Located within Chongqing municipality, this area combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. Whether you are interested in hiking, photography, or food, you will find plenty to explore throughout the year.
Don't forget to bring a camera - the landscapes here are stunning, especially during golden hour just after sunrise and before sunset. The misty mornings over the hills create particularly atmospheric photos.
This district offers authentic experiences away from mass tourism. Take time to explore side streets, visit local markets, and try food at family-run places.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a reusable water bottle. The terrain can be hilly, and staying hydrated makes the trip more enjoyable.