Complete Guide to a 1-Day Tour of Tongxi Ancient Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing

Of course! As a travel blogger deeply immersed in Bayu culture, I am honored to bring you an in-depth 1-day travel guide to Tongxi Ancient Town in Hechuan District. This is a riverside old town gently touched by time—without over-commercialization, winding bluestone paths, stilted buildings standing by the river, a rare “original ecological ancient town” near Chongqing’s main city area. We will create a low-cost, high-quality, warm one-day micro-trip with a budget under 100 RMB, taking you into the real “old Chongqing life scene.” 📍 Destination: Tongxi Ancient Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing 📅 Recommended duration: 1 day (weekends or sunny days preferred) ⏰ Best time: 9:00 AM — 4:30 PM 💰 Total budget: under 100 RMB (including transportation, meals, pocket money) 🌄 1. Highlights ✅ Free admission! A truly “zero-fee” original ecological ancient town 🚉 Convenient transportation: about 1 hour from the main city, accessible by bus + walking 📸 Bluestone alleys, old teahouses, riverside docks, century-old Huangjue trees—every frame has a vintage film feel 🍜 Authentic local snacks, about 20 RMB per person to eat well 🐾 Chance encounters with slow-moving cats and dogs and sunbathing elders, experiencing genuine local life 💬 Blogger’s whisper: “This isn’t a 5A tourist spot, but it’s the town with the most ‘human flavor’ in my lens.” 🕘 2. Detailed itinerary (100 RMB budget version) ⏰ 9:00 AM — Depart for Tongxi Ancient Town (transportation cost: 40 RMB) Recommended method (economical combo): Metro + bus (most cost-effective): Take Metro Line 6 → get off at “Beibei Station” (fare about 7 RMB) Transfer to Beibei to Tongxi shuttle minibus (boarding points: Beibei Bus Station/Wulukou) About 40 minutes ride, fare 8 RMB Get off at: Tongxi Old Street entrance / near the dock ✅ Round-trip transportation total cost: Metro round-trip: 14 RMB Minibus round-trip: 16 RMB = Total: 30 RMB 💡 Tip: Minibus does not have fixed schedules; it’s recommended to arrive at Beibei Station before 9 AM. Buses run frequently (about every 30–40 minutes), last bus around 5 PM. 📌 Alternative: Taxi round-trip (about 180 RMB), suitable for group rides; solo travelers are advised to use public transport for better savings. ⏰ 10:00 AM — Arrive at Tongxi Ancient Town · Start leisurely exploration Recommended walking route (free, entire route on foot): Old Street entrance → under the century-old Huangjue tree Iconic landmark, over 100 years old, roots entwined with stone steps, dappled light, a must-shoot spot! Bluestone main street → old houses & stilted buildings on both sides Mostly late Qing to early Republic era architecture, weathered wooden doors, clotheslines across alleys, strong local life vibe Look up: carved window lattices, bamboo lanterns, faded spring couplets Descend to the old Jialing River dock site Once a key waterway, now only a few fishing boats remain River breeze on your face, distant green hills across the river, peaceful and picturesque Visit the “Old Teahouse” (optional experience) No signboard, locals call it “Bridgehead Teahouse” or “Grandma Li’s Teahouse” Bamboo chairs and wooden tables, a cup of gaiwan tea only 3–5 RMB Sit for half an hour, listen to elders chatting, feel the slow pace of local life 📷 Recommended photo spots: Depth composition of Huangjue tree and stone steps Reflection of stilted buildings in puddles after rain Grandma shelling beans at the door (please ask permission first) Minimalist scene of dead riverside tree and distant mountains ✅ The ancient town is fully open for free, no admission or mandatory spending! ⏰ 12:00 PM — Lunch: authentic local snacks (meal cost: 35 RMB) 📍 Recommended shops: “Chen’s Old Brand Noodle House” or “Dockside Restaurant” These are local favorite small shops, clean, affordable, and authentic. 🍜 Recommended combo (filling and authentic): Mixed sauce noodles (minced meat + chili oil) 12 RMB Add a fried egg or braised tofu 3 RMB Homemade pickles (free refills) Iced sour plum drink or cold jelly 6 RMB ✅ Or choose: “Grandma Wang’s Guobianmo”: freshly fried corn cakes, crispy outside, soft inside, 3 RMB each, two can serve as a main dish! ✅ Total lunch budget: 30–35 RMB ⏰ 1:30 PM — Deep exploration or riverside daydreaming Optional activities (all free): Walk along the riverside trail: about 500 meters west from the dock, there is an abandoned railway and riverside path, great for photos. Visit old craftsmen: chance encounters with cobblers, barbers, chat about old town stories (respect privacy, do not disturb). Search for remnants of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Tongxi”: such as “Ancient Ferry Fishing Lantern” and “Stone Wall Inscriptions,” many lost but the search itself is fun. Bring a book and read for half an hour under the Huangjue tree—this is what travel should be like. ⏰ 3:00 PM — Small souvenir before departure (budget: 15 RMB) 📍 You can buy at a small stall at the town entrance: Handmade spicy peanuts (vacuum small pack) 10 RMB Mountain honey (small bottle) 15 RMB (optional) Or just take a postcard-style photo, free is also the best souvenir ✅ Souvenir budget: within 15 RMB 💰 3. Total budget breakdown (per person) Item Cost (RMB) ------------------ ----------- Round-trip transportation 30 Lunch 35 Drinks/snacks 10 Teahouse experience (optional) 5 Souvenirs 15 Emergency reserve 5 Total 100 RMB ✅ Exactly controlled within 100 RMB, with rich experience and comfortable pace! 📝 Blogger’s thoughtful tips Best photo time: soft light before 10 AM, stunning backlit river views after 3 PM. Outfit suggestion: cotton-linen pants + canvas shoes + straw hat, artsy vintage style for better photos. Eco-friendly travel: bring your own water bottle, tap water is available in town (boil before drinking); take your trash with you. Respect local life: smile before taking photos, avoid disturbing residents. Extended play (if budget allows): Visit Hechuan Diaoyu Fortress (taxi about 30 RMB, admission 60 RMB) Taste Hechuan sliced meat, Xiayan cultural products (great souvenirs) 🌟 Blogger’s closing words “Tongxi has no trendy shops or check-in walls, but it has morning mist, afternoon tea, evening river breeze, and a group of elders who remember you came.” This 100 RMB one-day trip is not settling, but a tribute to real life. Here, time moves slowly, and the heart becomes light. 📸 Recommended check-in caption: “I found a forgotten town in Chongqing.” 📌 Follow me to explore all 38 districts and counties of Chongqing, discovering every overlooked light. Wishing you in Tongxi to meet the slower version of yourself.🌿📷