Kaizhou Travel Guide: The Lakeside Pearl of Northeast Chongqing

1.Introduction: The Happy City in the Lake Kaizhou District, often affectionately referred to as "Kaixin Kaizhou" (Happy Kaizhou), is a glittering pearl located in the northeastern part of Chongqing Municipality. Historically known as Kai County, it was upgraded to a district in 2016, marking a new era of urban development. Geographically, it sits at the southern foot of the Daba Mountains and on the northern bank of the Yangtze River's tributaries. Unlike the steep, vertical "Mountain City" image of downtown Chongqing described in travel guides as a "three-dimensional maze", Kaizhou offers a rare openness and flatness found in its central urban area, thanks to the unique hydrology of the Three Gorges Reservoir.

2.The defining characteristic of: Kaizhou is the symbiotic relationship between the city and the water. It is one of the cities most profoundly affected by and benefited from the Three Gorges Project. As the water level of the Yangtze River rose, the calm backwaters of the Xiaojiang River (a tributary of the Yangtze) formed a massive, mirror-like body of water right at the city's doorstep—Hanfeng Lake. This has transformed Kaizhou into a unique "City in the Lake, Lake in the City" landscape, reminiscent of Hangzhou's West Lake but with the rugged backdrop of the Bashan Mountains.

3.Hanfeng Lake: The Urban Living Room If Chongqing's central districts are defined by the turbulent convergence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers, Kaizhou is defined by the tranquility of Hanfeng Lake. This is not just a scenic spot; it is the heart of the city's daily life. The lake covers a vast area, acting as a natural air conditioner for the city. Walking along the lakeside promenade, one can witness the "Regulating Dam" (Tiaojie Ba), a hydraulic marvel that maintains the water level of the lake, ensuring it remains full and beautiful even when the main reservoir's level fluctuates. The promenade is lined with willow trees and landscaped gardens, providing a stark contrast to the busy commercial circles of Chongqing's main urban areas like Guanyinqiao or Jiefangbei. The "Wind and Rain Bridge" (Fengyu Qiao) spanning the lake is an architectural highlight. Drawing inspiration from traditional Dong and Miao architecture found in the broader southwest region, it serves as both a pedestrian passage and a cultural landmark. At night, the bridge is illuminated, casting golden reflections onto the water, creating a mesmerizing scene that rivals the famous night views of Chaotianmen.

4.History and Culture: The Spirit of a Marshal Kaizhou is deeply ingrained with "Red Culture" as the hometown of Liu Bocheng, one of the Ten Marshals of the People's Liberation Army. The Liu Bocheng Comrade Memorial Hall and his Former Residence are pilgrimage sites for history enthusiasts. The residence, located in Zhaojia Street, preserves the traditional Sichuan-style farmhouse architecture. It offers an intimate look into the early life of the "God of War," displaying artifacts and stories that trace his journey from a determined student in the mountains to a legendary military strategist. This historical weight adds a layer of solemnity and pride to the city, contrasting with the laid-back leisure of the lake areas. Furthermore, Kaizhou has a rich history of education and imperial examinations. The Wenfeng Pagoda, standing tall on a hill overlooking the city, symbolizes the region's reverence for culture and literature. Historically, locals believed that the pagoda would "lock" the literary luck of the region, ensuring the success of its scholars.

5.Nature and Ecology: Xuebao Mountain Moving away from the urban center, Kaizhou reveals its rugged backbone. Xuebao Mountain National Forest Park is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Unlike the typical hot and humid summers of Chongqing, Xuebao Mountain offers a cool retreat. It is part of the Daba Mountain range and serves as an important ecological barrier. The mountain is home to the "Living Fossil" plant, the Thuja sutchuenensis (Sichuan Thuja), which was once thought to be extinct. The rediscovery of this species in the deep cliffs of Xuebao Mountain brought global botanical attention to Kaizhou. The landscape here is dramatic, with deep canyons, waterfalls, and pristine forests that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. In winter, as the name "Xuebao" (Snow Treasure) suggests, the peaks are blanketed in snow, offering a scenery that is distinct from the foggy winters of downtown Chongqing.

6.Urban Lifestyle and Development: Kaizhou is a city in transition. It preserves the slow-paced, tea-drinking culture typical of the Sichuan-Chongqing area. Just as old teahouses in Chongqing are places for storytelling and relaxation, the teahouses along Hanfeng Lake are filled with locals playing cards, chatting, and enjoying the breeze. However, it is also modernizing rapidly. With the improvement of the highway network connecting it to Wanzhou and the main urban area of Chongqing, Kaizhou has integrated into the "One Hour Economic Circle" of the Three Gorges. The city planning integrates modern high-rises with wetland parks, striving to be a model for eco-friendly urban living in western China.

7.Festivals and Atmosphere The atmosphere in: Kaizhou reaches its peak during local festivals. The "Hanfeng Lake Dragon Boat Festival" is a major event where the quiet lake erupts with the sound of drums and cheering crowds. The spirit of the people here is warm and straightforward, sharing the "hot and spicy" personality traits attributed to Chongqing people. Whether you are watching the sunset over the Wind and Rain Bridge, exploring the red history of Marshal Liu, or hiking through the ancient forests of Xuebao Mountain, Kaizhou offers a diverse travel experience. It is a destination that perfectly balances the grandeur of the Three Gorges landscape with the intimacy of a livable garden city.