In November, the weather had already started to cool down, so on a weekend, I flew to Chongqing. This route is not in the main urban area of Chongqing, but has chosen the suburban Banan District. After playing, I realized that there are so many attractive and original places to explore in Chongqing, leaving the surging crowds of Hongya Cave and Monument to the people's Liberation!

Mudong Ancient Town

After visiting, I feel that it is difficult to find an old town like Mudong Ancient Town, which is quiet, ancient, but full of fireworks atmosphere.
Mudong was once a bustling Yangtze River town. Going down the Yangtze River from Chaotianmen in Chongqing, you can reach Mudong, which is located at the forefront of the waterway. Since ancient times, it has been a hub for trade, shipping, and material distribution between Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hunan, and Hubei provinces, and is known as the first water post station in Chongqing's waterway. With the changes of the times and economic development, the distribution function of Mudong Wharf has gradually withdrawn from the historical stage, and the once bustling ancient town has gradually fallen silent.

In the past, the poet Wang Wei passed by a wooden cave and wrote, "In the city of the water country, boats sail; in the mountains, bridges, and trees, trees run by the end." This is enough to show that since the Tang Dynasty, the commercial economy of wooden caves has been very prosperous.

The river street by the river is docked with several boats, and people come and go, looking very lively.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a temporary fish market. Nowadays, high-speed rail and water transportation have declined, but there are always boat people who rely on water to make a living in the Yangtze River, repeating the old jobs passed down from their ancestors.

The boatman places the newly released fish and shrimp in a large basin for buyers to freely choose and negotiate.

The picture is just fresh!

The human habit of living by water has not changed for thousands of years. Water is gentle yet powerful, tolerant yet vast.

With the sound of fish and shrimp being sold, the small market by the river gradually dispersed. Several boats returned home, and tomorrow they will still be here, gathering together in a temporary fish market, day after day, year after year.

The old streets of Mudong are built along the mountain terrain, and walking through them, you will find interesting place names such as "Five Layer Kan" and "Half Side Street".

Does the fifth floor mean that in order to reach that street, one must climb up five such steps?

The leaves of the loquat tree are dark green, and the osmanthus is still emitting its last fragrance. After breakfast and before lunchtime, the neighbors sit at the door, chatting silently and doing their own work.

The name Mudong also has a history. It is said that in ancient times, the people here suffered from floods and raised funds to build the Temple of King Yu to bless the people of all directions from suffering again. However, the wood needed to build the temple was always scarce. The descendants of Lu Ban passed by this place and were moved by everyone's spirit. They pointed to a cave in the mountain, and wood continuously rolled out of the cave until the temple was completed. The story of 'Cave out of the Divine Tree' has been passed down to this day.

When I first heard the name Mudong, I was very puzzled. Is it because this place produces high-quality wood, or is there a large place built with wood like an underground warehouse? After listening to this story, I finally cleared my doubts.

This wooden old house looks like a neat shop, but upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a Christian. This building can be described as following the local customs when in Rome!

On the wall, the words' Spring Garden Hotel 'came into view.

I am not unfamiliar with such hostels. When I was a child, during summer vacation, my dad would take me on business trips and stay in hostels like this. The room layout is simple and people come and go, but almost all the guests staying in the hotel are regulars. The waiters must be elderly aunties or grandmothers who can proficiently call out the names of every guest. Therefore, although it is a hotel, it also has the same safety and warmth as a home.

Three elderly people chatting at the foot of the wall guided me: Go up, there's still a big area!

Long stone steps covered in moss are everywhere.

Mudong is a place of outstanding people and has produced many famous figures. Revolutionary pioneer Yang Cangbai and the first female ambassador of New China, Ding Xuesong, were all from Mudong.

The wooden cave apartment has a strong Republican style and is still open today. Staying for one night only costs ten yuan.

Due to time constraints, I didn't go upstairs to take a look, but I could imagine what it looked like inside: a bit noisy, a bit old and run down. In the public kitchen, guests could cook simple meals. Although everything was rudimentary enough to only meet basic needs, its base color was still warm, bringing a temporary haven for travelers living at the bottom.

Looking up, the flowers and plants on the windowsill climbed down unwillingly.

In a daze, it felt like stepping into an old movie.

It is said that because the buildings on this street were all built during the Republican era, many movies come here to find outdoor scenes.

A small black cat with sharp eyes was squatting at its owner's feet. When it saw my camera, it glanced at me and disdainfully turned its head to one side.

The kitten, the old man, the dim hall and the light at the door, like a painting, froze in my lens.

River Street, as the name suggests, is a street located by the river. Walking down the steps, you will come to the vast Yangtze River, River Street, right by the river,

A typical Bayu style house is built along the street, with shops, restaurants, handicraft workshops, breweries, etc. on both sides.

Mudong's "Mudong honey dates", "Mudong pickles", "Mudong tofu pudding", "Mudong crispy duck", etc., with unique production technology and excellent taste, are famous and special products with a long history in the town. It's excellent to take some back as a gift to relatives and friends.

In this distillery, there are glutinous rice wine, bayberry wine, etc. The bottles used to hold the wine also have their own characteristics. After drinking the wine, you can keep the bottles as a souvenir.

This is a small stall selling bamboo weaving utensils, vegetable and fruit plates, bamboo baskets, and small bamboo baskets. There is a dazzling array of products, but what attracts me is this wildflower. The owner picked it from the corner of the wall and inserted it into the basket, making it a living sign.

Beauty is the flowers that bloom unintentionally from life.

The origin of Mudong Mountain Song can be traced back to the ancient "Bayu Song and Dance", the "Xialiba People" of the Warring States period, the "Bazi Ode" of the Han Dynasty, the "Zhuzhi" of the Tang Dynasty, and finally evolved into Mudong Mountain Song during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

In the past, Mudong Mountain Songs could only be sung in fields, mountains, slopes, and fields by farmers during labor or after work, and were considered entertainment for the lower class working people. Nowadays, Mudong Mountain Songs have become a national intangible cultural heritage and an important part of Ba Yu folk culture.

This is the performance hall, where the audience is waiting for a performance about the folk songs of Mudong Mountain to begin.

In late autumn, the weather is not cold yet, and the air by the river is humid and misty, which is the best season of the year. The hanging bell blooms like small lanterns, hanging on the branches, swaying gently as the wind blows.

When I saw the hand craftsman who made dough figurines, I stopped to observe for a while. The old man's hands were old and rough, but very flexible. He pinched a small ball of dough, and with a few strokes, the face of the senior brother appeared. After a few more strokes, his fiery eyes and golden eyes came to life. Following that, the yellow monk hat and tight talisman also appeared

It's really amazing.

The toddler is learning to walk, but behind him is a colorful little basket. Hey, kid, you are really a man from Bayu. You are so small, you have a great style!

Dongwenquan

Dongwenquan is a famous hot spring town in Banan. There are more than ten springs here, with a water temperature of 43 degrees Celsius and abundant water, which is very beneficial for human health.
A hot spring located downstream of Guanjin Gorge is revered as a "divine water" by the locals, neighboring counties, and villagers in Guizhou. Regardless of spring, summer, autumn, winter, day or night, both men and women take a bath here without any sense of restraint or shyness. The Dongwenquan nude bath has a long history, dating back over 600 years since the Ming Dynasty. It is a simple and simple way of life for the local people. It is also a unique regional folk custom in Banan District.
We are staying at Xiuquan Yingyue Hot Spring Hotel. The flowers and trees are lush and the environment is very good.
On both sides of the stone road leading to the hot spring area, there are many chrysanthemums placed, and I also took a chance to admire them.

There are many pools, some large and suitable for swimming, some small and secluded, suitable for casual friends. One pool is even full of chrysanthemums, with a strong aroma.

However, overall I feel that the temperature of the spring water here is slightly higher, and I can't soak it for a while before sweating profusely. I need to get up and breathe.

It's so relaxing to come here for a weekend in autumn and winter!
Nowadays, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai are also filled with their own hot spring resorts and hotels, but there are several that are truly geothermal, and everyone knows it. And it's expensive, expensive. It's impossible for a person not to spend four figures on transportation, accommodation, and other expenses.
Here, for only a few tens of yuan, you can enjoy it beautifully once. I envy the people of Chongqing and Banan immensely.

A group of cute little sculptures.

The largest pool where you can swim. Suitable for a group of friends to play in the water together.

The water in this pool is very shallow because it is a playground for children!

There is a horn by the big pool, shout loudly, and water jets will come out from this side.

Come to Mudong, of course you have to eat some boat gang food!

Mudong boat gang cuisine originated in the Tang and Song dynasties and is an important component of the Ba Yu cuisine. The Mudong boat gang sailed out of the river and explored the rivers and lakes, creating a straightforward, bold, and generous personality among the Mudong people. Therefore, Mudong Chuanbang cuisine is a typical representative of Chongqing cuisine in the southeastern region of Chongqing.

Almost every dish of boat gang cuisine cannot do without chili peppers, chopped into pieces and mixed with ingredients. Some are slightly spicy, some are very spicy, and some are so spicy that tears fall down.

Did the heroic and upright Mudong people create Funabayasu, or did Funabayasu create Mudong people? It's a puzzle.

Sour soup fish, tender and fragrant fish meat. In this dish, chili is just a decoration, with only a slight spiciness. So, as a girl who grew up in Jiangnan, I can indulge in it!

I am guessing that the formation of boat gang dishes is like this: the water families who sail day and night, and the housewives who are too busy to touch the ground every day, wash and chop all the dishes at hand, add chili peppers and stir fry them together to make a mixed dish, which saves time and effort when served. Over time, it becomes boat gang dishes?

Steamed pork with flour, the best to eat is actually golden sweet potatoes, sweeter than honey!

Tofu pudding in Wooden Cave is sold in every street. It used to be a necessary skill for housewives.

The tofu pudding here is soft and tender, without any beany smell. It is delicious when served with chili, scallion and salt dipping dishes!

But I added sugar inside, it's also very delicious! Is this way of eating considered unique?

Colorful Forest

Colorful Forest is located in Youfang Village, Fengsheng Town, Banan District, Chongqing. It is also known as the "Colorful Forest Family" because the scenic area has planted various types of trees such as golden leaf soapberry, maple, golden leaf water sand, etc., with different colors, hence the beautiful name.

It rained at night and the ground was a bit wet. The air in the mountains seems particularly fresh, mixed with the fresh air of plants and trees.

Girls, give it a cute look or something, it's definitely not worth it!

The colorful forest corridor stretches for several kilometers along the mountainside. In my leisure time, I invite some friends to come here for a walk. After playing, I can have a meal of local farm vegetables, which is no better.

The splendor of autumn leaves.

The economy here was not good at first, but with the construction of the colorful forest, it not only solved the employment of more than 100 local people, but also increased their income. In the future, with the gradual development of the project, it will also drive the significant development of local ecological agriculture.
So, as long as you use your brain, even deep mountains and forests can become golden nests that attract golden phoenixes.

Following the upward boardwalk, you can reach the top of the mountain and see the clouds and mist swirling in the mountains.
A floating fairy walked down.

Fengsheng Ancient Town

Fengsheng Ancient Town was founded in the Song Dynasty and is located at the intersection of Banan, Fuling, and Nanchuan districts, "stepping on three counties with one foot". Since the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it has been extremely prosperous due to the development of commerce and trade, and is known as the "first dry dock on the Yangtze River". To this day, every morning in the ancient town, there is still a bustling flow of people. However, the most famous here are the various shaped watchtowers.

In the old days, prosperous merchants gathered and shops lined the streets. Due to its location on a flat terrain between towering mountains, it was a good place for wealthy merchants and gentry to live and work. However, in times of chaos, this place became a favorite among the "outlaws of the green forest". Fengsheng is surrounded by deep mountains and forests, and bandits rush into the mountains after grabbing tickets, like water entering the sea, disappearing without a trace. The wealthy gentry were forced to defend themselves, and a series of watchtowers were erected, which was a product of a specific historical period and a special regional environment.

Do you see this wooden "little balcony" that looks like an ear on top of the watchtower located in the center of the town? This is used for observation, similar to a sentry post, which can accommodate one or two people standing and can detect enemy situations from a distance.

However, this kind of "little ear" is only found here, and has never been found on other watchtowers in Chongqing.

Fengsheng Ancient Town still has six watchtowers scattered throughout the town.

We followed the guidance of our local fellow villagers and went to find a carved building outside the town.

Walking through the courtyard, passing through the vegetable fields of farmers, the stone path is paved on the field ridges. Although it is almost late autumn, the vegetation is still lush and green.

Finally, I saw watchtowers in many residential buildings. It is about four or five stories high, with bullet holes all over the walls, fully demonstrating the impact it endured as a watchtower in the past turbulent times.

It is reported that these watchtowers are all built of soil. Why not use better materials to build such an important building? But there are actually some considerations here. Although rammed earth walls may seem fragile, the ability of bullets to strike them at that time was limited. Someone has verified that these large and small bullet holes only penetrate the wall to a depth of 5 centimeters, which is obviously not much for walls as thick as 50 centimeters.

Of course, not all of these mud walls are actually made of soil. They are mixed with lime, glutinous rice, and have excellent viscosity and toughness. They have not deteriorated for hundreds of years and are harder than cement. This is also the wisdom of ancient craftsmen!

There are small windows on all four sides of the watchtower for observation and shooting, and there are stairs inside. When encountering bandits, they can also store food and hold on for more than ten days or even longer.

In the morning of the ancient town, it seems that the entire street is a market. People come and go, flowing endlessly.

There seems to be some raindrops floating in the sky, and the ground made of bluestone stones appears to have a glossy light. The color of the big red lantern also becomes more intense.

Small Fried Dough Twists, a specialty of the ancient town. Thin, roughly the thickness of chopsticks, cut into small pieces one inch long, with several flavors: spicy, grilled, tomato. I couldn't resist buying a bag.

Blacksmith shop. The master was vigorously scratching something, and when he approached, he saw two long copper sheets. What is this for? Master picked up the spoon placed aside and showed it to me. Oh, it was originally used to make a copper spoon. It needs to be heated in the furnace and then the copper skin is gradually knocked into a half bowl shape.

These old crafts, which are no longer seen in the city and are about to disappear, still firmly occupy a place here.

The little girl who followed her mother on the street looked around.

On the main street, there is a long and deep alley, but surprisingly clean. It turns out that there is also a bar here.

If you stay for one or two nights and come for a drink in the evening, it should also be great!

A small bar, located on the side street, not noisy, wandering outside the hustle and bustle of the world, yet still able to smell the smoke and fire of the world. How good.

This long string of red lanterns is really beautiful.

This kind of alley is also suitable for taking photos!

The rich tofu pudding is also famous. As I looked around, the landlady shouted loudly, 'Would you like a bowl to taste?'?

This pottery jar, which is half a person tall, is being simmered to make white. Simply put, roasted white is a large piece of meat with alternating fat and lean, fat but not greasy, and melts in the mouth.

Due to the complex and time-consuming process of making white wine, the elderly in the family used to make it during Chinese New Year and holidays. Therefore, this specialized shop for selling white wine emerged in response to the times.

Walking and walking, I was attracted by this stall selling dried tofu.

The owner confidently said: Our dried tofu are the oldest and most prosperous brand in the whole family!

Grandpa, for your confidence, I also need to buy a pack!

The sign of this food station store is quite interesting: Meat is expensive this year, try to buy as little as possible!

However, looking at the rows of cured meat, elbows, pig trotters, sausages hanging in the store... smelling the pungent aroma of cured meat, it's probably difficult to control the desire not to pay, right?

Ciba shop. It's obvious that this is a couple's shop. As we walked past, the owner's wife who was making rice cakes took a break and greeted us: The newly cooked rice cakes are delicious and fragrant!

There are many old shops in Fengsheng Ancient Town. When dining, of course, you should choose the one with the best taste! After eating, I didn't disappoint and everything was commendable.

Braised beef, rouge colored, just by looking at the color, it makes people feel refreshed. Take a bite, your mouth is full of wax fragrance, it's really delicious!

Smoked dried tofu are the famous specialty of the ancient town.

The jacket box, although not very attractive in appearance, is always salty. It is crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. It has already amazed me without making a sound.

Glutinous rice black bone chicken. This is the first time I've tasted chicken like this, but it's light, fresh, and refreshing.

Stir fried duck with ginger, duck meat tendon, slightly spicy ginger, very good taste.

Ciba, sprinkled with white sugar, probably with Sichuan peppercorns added to the sugar, has a spicy and numbing taste. This can be called Chongqing's characteristic Ciba!

Ocean Park

I didn't expect an inland city like Chongqing to have an ocean park, right? This is actually the favorite place for children, but it's also great for adults to come and gain knowledge.

Healing tropical fish.

This head sculpture, with fish added, gives people an indescribable feeling~

Super healing jellyfish!
However, don't confuse them with their crystal clear appearance, these jellyfish are all highly toxic! Being stung by them can cause mild paralysis, and severe harm to human life!

Cute clownfish.

In fact, taking photos in a poorly lit aquarium is quite difficult because these fish are too lively.
It's so easy to catch a clear one, so clear that I have an impulse to take it back and burn it red

This black little penguin seems to come from Africa. It's also quite cute.

Visit another museum

Banan Museum. Here, you can learn about the migration and changes of the Ba people. Since the Neolithic Age, this land has been inhabited by humans and has a long history.
As a district in Chongqing, having such a large-scale museum is also impressive!

Bronze monster hahaha.

Looking at the rust stains on these copper swords, I think they are probably cultural relics from the Shang and Zhou dynasties!

chimes. Although the volume is a bit inferior to the Zeng Houyi Bianzhong, it is still quite difficult.

This bird looks a bit odd, but when viewed from the front, it's even more silly and cute.

This set of sculptures is about 'Manzi Seeking Soldiers'.
Manzi was a famous general in the state of Ba during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The country of Ba is in chaos, and General Manzi has been ordered to request troops from the state of Chu. After many twists and turns, he met the Queen of Chu, but the King of Chu showed difficulty. The matter was urgent, and General Manzi immediately promised three cities of Ba as a reward, finally seeking reinforcements.
After the internal turmoil was quelled, the envoy of Chu came to request the fulfillment of the treaty. General Manzi generously said, 'The territory of Ba cannot be divided. I would rather die than break my promise.'. After speaking, he drew his sword and committed suicide. The envoy brought General Manzi's head back to China, and the King of Chu sighed, 'If there were loyal ministers and good generals like General Manzi, why do we need a few cities?'! So the head of General Manzi was buried with the ceremony of the above officials. Ba country also buried the body of General Manzi generously.
Ba Manzi's heroic behavior is highly respected by the people of Pakistan and has therefore become a representative figure of the local community.

pillow. But to be honest, I think if the pillow is made like this and you lie down, can you really fall asleep?

Cultural relics unearthed from Qingxi Kiln in Baxian County. From a physical perspective, Qingxi Kiln dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, mainly meeting the daily needs of local people. Its shape and texture are mainly practical and simple.

The life scene of ancient beauties. Regardless of the north, south, east, or west, girls are always confined to their homes, engaged in embroidery and cooking.
Fortunately, I live now. Otherwise, how should I place this restless hoof that always thinks about seeing the world?

Say goodbye to Chongqing with a hot pot meal

When it comes to Chongqing, having a hot pot meal is a must do. This store is recommended by local friends in Chongqing. It is close to Monument to the people's Liberation and called Shenjiahongcheng Local Hotpot. The biggest feature is that there are all kinds of delicious local products, such as bacon, sausages, dried bamboo shoots, local eggs, dried pork ribs, etc. It is really the love of carnivores like me! The transportation here is also very convenient, located on the basement floor of Deyi World next to the entrance of subway lines 1 and 2.
The various wax products hanging in the store.

In neatly arranged jars, there are earth eggs.

We arrived early and haven't had many people yet. The tables and chairs are not crowded, and later when there were more people, I didn't feel stuffy.

Some guys can eat spicy food, and some can't, so they order a Double-flavor hot pot. There are many varieties of vegetables, but since we are here for local products, we naturally need to order a few more! The rouge colored cured meat, sliced thinly, makes people's fingers twitch at a glance, making them salivate. The sausage emits a sparkling light, and the cured pork ribs are very chewy. With just one bite, the aroma of cured meat fills the mouth. On top of the beef of the Noble Consort, pour a layer of milk over it, boil it briefly in the pot, and it can be scooped up and eaten, smooth and tender; The waistband is pre mixed with seasonings and cooked in the pot, soft, tender and delicious; The shrimp's slippery arrangement is very unique, packed in two split bamboo tubes, adding a touch of wildness; Frozen into white jade like fish, with more meat and fewer bones; The nine second cooked beef tripe is fresh and crispy... Halfway through the meal, the chef will come over and add two eggs to the pot to enhance the flavor.

This store has collected numerous local specialties from around Chongqing, such as Luotian local eggs, Nanchuan bamboo shoots, Pengshui ecological bean sprouts, Wulong sweet potato flour, Zhongxian black tofu, Chengkou old cured meat, sausages, pork ribs, etc., allowing customers to enjoy local specialties from all directions in one store! It is reported that this store has over 300 chain stores nationwide, with more than ten in Chongqing alone.
We ordered preserved meat, sausages, and pork ribs. They are all cooked and can be eaten directly or blanched in a pot before consumption.

Because the transportation here is really convenient, I think even tourists from other places who come to Chongqing for sightseeing can easily find it.
Like me, on my last day in Chongqing, I slept in in the morning, checked out, took the subway slowly, finished cooking hotpot, and then took the subway slowly to the airport, ending the perfect journey!