Chongqing Youyang 3 Days 2 Nights Off-Peak Travel Guide｜Explore Mountain Waters, Ancient Towns, and Pink Muhly Grass Sea for Just 500+ Per Person

Don’t want to be “crushed by crowds” at popular attractions? This “less crowded, beautiful scenery, budget-friendly” route in Youyang, Chongqing is tried and true! In 3 days, check in at Gongtan Ancient Town, Taohuayuan, Dieshi Flower Valley, and Wujiang Gallery, with no traffic jams throughout. Experience natural secrets and cultural charm all in one trip, with a super detailed itinerary and tips to avoid pitfalls~ 🌟 Itinerary Overview - Duration: 3 days 2 nights - Route: Gongtan Ancient Town (Day 1) → Taohuayuan (including Taigu Cave) → Dieshi Flower Valley (Day 2) → Wujiang Gallery Cruise → Return (Day 3) - Total Cost: About 500-600 RMB per person (including accommodation, meals, tickets, transportation) - Highlights: 1700-year-old ancient town night view, 10℃ natural cave, pink muhly grass sea, Wujiang emerald waters and karst landscape 📅 Daily Detailed Itinerary Day 1: First Encounter with Gongtan, Sleep by the River - Afternoon: Arrive at the ancient town, immersive food and stroll It’s recommended to enter Gongtan Ancient Town from the north gate (avoids steep slopes, saves energy). The bluestone paths connect stilted buildings, with river water flowing around the town. Every snapshot looks like an ink painting. Recommended spots: Ran Family Courtyard (experience Tujia architectural style), Xiqin Guild Hall (ancient town historical landmark). Don’t miss the small stalls selling “Gongtan dried tofu,” 2 RMB per piece, savory and chewy. - Evening: Stay at a riverside inn, enjoy the ancient town night view Choose a riverside room (off-season 150 RMB/night, great value). Open the window to see the shimmering river surface. After lanterns light up at dusk, take a walk along the Wujiang riverside path. The warm lights reflecting on the water create a more atmospheric vibe than daytime. Day 2: From “Cave Secret Realm” to “Pink Flower Sea” Morning: Taohuayuan + Taigu Cave (must-visit highlights) - Taohuayuan: After passing through “Qinren Cave,” the scenery opens up with fertile fields, bamboo fences, and peach groves (even off-season, it’s charming), recreating the scene from “The Peach Blossom Spring.” Perfect for slow walks and photos. - Taigu Cave (highly recommended!) To enter Taohuayuan, you must walk through Taigu Cave, a 1.5-hour one-way path with no turning back. The cave temperature stays between 10-18℃ year-round, a natural “air-conditioned room” (outside is 30℃+ during National Day, so bring a light jacket to avoid catching a cold). Inside, the stalactites take various shapes, illuminated like a crystal palace. Especially the “Milky Way Waterfall” and “Jade Pillar Holding Up the Sky” are so spectacular you’ll want to stop and take photos. The phone’s original camera can capture stunning shots directly. Afternoon: Dieshi Flower Valley, Encounter Pink Muhly Grass - Transportation: Take a taxi or carpool from Taohuayuan to Dieshi Flower Valley, about 1 hour, around 30 RMB per person. Enjoy mountain and rural scenery along the way. - Highlights: The pink muhly grass is in full bloom now, intertwining with 500-million-year-old layered stones, blending softness and strength. Recommended to go to the viewing platform for panoramic shots. Wear white or light-colored clothes for the best photos (Note: Strictly no stepping on the flower fields to protect the scenery). - Evening: Return to Gongtan Ancient Town, capture any spots missed during the day. The night lighting is more complete, making photos even better. Day 3: Wujiang Gallery Cruise, Return in a Painting - Morning: Wujiang Gallery cruise (a legendary experience!) The cruise is a must! Depart from Gongtan Ancient Town’s boat dock, about 1.5 hours on the water. The boat glides over emerald waves, with steep karst cliffs lining both banks. Sunlight sparkles on the river surface. Photo tip: Choose the bow on the second deck, use the ropes or boat rail as foreground for wide-angle shots to capture “mountain-water-boat” in one frame. Every shot looks like wallpaper. - Noon: Have a simple meal in the ancient town, buy some Tujia cured meat (vacuum-packed for easy carrying) as souvenirs, then head back. 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. Main transport: From Chongqing city, take the high-speed train to “Youyang West Station,” then taxi to Gongtan Ancient Town (about 1.5 hours, 150-200 RMB). You can also drive; it takes about 4 hours from the city with no traffic jams during holidays. 2. Local transport: Gongtan → Taohuayuan, Taohuayuan → Dieshi Flower Valley, carpooling is recommended (local “Jinbei” vans or ride-hailing), about 20-30 RMB per person per segment, more flexible than buses. 💡 Pitfall Avoidance & Practical Tips 1. Tickets: Taohuayuan (including Taigu Cave) about 100 RMB, Dieshi Flower Valley about 80 RMB, Wujiang cruise about 120 RMB. You can buy combo tickets on Trip.com in advance to save 10-20 RMB compared to buying on-site. 2. Clothing: Taigu Cave is cool, bring a light jacket; wear light-colored clothes for Dieshi Flower Valley photos; wear a hat on the Wujiang cruise (wind and sun protection). 3. Pace: No rush at any attraction, suitable for family or friends trips, no need to get up early to rush, focusing on “relaxed off-peak travel.” The beauty of Youyang is the pleasure of “traveling inside a painting,” the gentle slow time of the ancient town. For friends wanting to avoid crowds during National Day, this route is a no-brainer!