Hidden Gem Rongchang: Lesser-Known Spots to Explore

Zhenyuan Church is located on the mountaintop of Zhengjiawan, Jingtang Village, Rongchang District. It's truly a hidden gem! It's a 45-minute drive from downtown Rongchang. Public transportation isn't very convenient; you'd have to take a bus to Hebao Town first. The church was originally built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty but was later destroyed by war. It was moved to its current location in 1905 and has a history of over a century. It's the only well-preserved brick-and-wood double-bell-tower church in the Chongqing area and a Romanesque double-bell-tower church in Southwest China. The church is located on a mountaintop, surrounded by dense forests, making for a fantastic environment! Previously, you had to climb more than 200 steps, but now there's a newly built road that leads directly to the back of the church. Although the church isn't large, you can feel the weight of history as you walk inside, bearing witness to stories from different periods. Admission is free, and you can also visit the Leaning Tower and White Pagoda of Jingtang Village nearby. The scenery outside the church is also beautiful and perfect for taking photos. After visiting the church, you can go to nearby farmhouses to enjoy some local cuisine and experience rural life. In terms of transportation, driving is the fastest way to get there from downtown Chongqing, taking about 2 hours. This attraction is truly unique, so don't miss it if you come to Rongchang!