Tongliang District Guide: The Fiery Home of the Dragon Dance

1.Introduction: The Land of the Dragon Tongliang District, located in the northwest of Chongqing Municipality, is a place where culture burns bright and history flows deep. It serves as a crucial node in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. Unlike the vertical, cyber-punk intensity of downtown Chongqing, Tongliang offers a more grounded, culturally rich experience defined by its spiritual totem: The Dragon.

The name "Tongliang" (Copper Beam) is derived from a legend about a stone beam in the Ba Mountains that resembled copper in color. However, the district is most globally recognized not for metal, but for the "Tongliang Dragon Dance," an art form that has become a symbol of Chinese national spirit. This is not just a city; it is a stage where ancient traditions are kept alive through fire and dance, where the rivers whisper stories of ancient trade, and where the mountains guard the memory of heroes.

2.The Soul of the City: The Tongliang Dragon To understand Tongliang, one must understand the Dragon Dance. Recognized as one of the first National Intangible Cultural Heritages, the Tongliang Dragon Dance is the district's calling card. It is said, "Where there are Chinese people, there is the Dragon Dance; and the best Dragon Dance is in Tongliang." The art form dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is not merely a performance but a ritual. The most breathtaking variation is the Fire Dragon (Da Tie Hua). Performed at night, molten iron heated to 1600°C is thrown into the air by shirtless performers, creating a shower of sparks that look like meteors. The dragon dancers maneuver through this rain of fire, creating a scene of thrilling danger and exquisite beauty. This performance represents the indomitable spirit of the Tongliang people—brave, passionate, and resilient. Throughout the district, dragon imagery is ubiquitous, from architecture to festivals. The Dragon Lamp Festival held here attracts visitors from all over the world, transforming the city into a sea of lights and mythical creatures.

3.Historical Heritage: Anju Ancient Town If the Dragon Dance represents the fiery spirit of Tongliang, Anju Ancient Town (Anju Gucheng) represents its tranquil soul. Located 17 kilometers from the district center, Anju sits at the confluence of the Fujiang and Danxi rivers. It is one of the "Four Great Ancient Towns of Chongqing" and boasts a history of over 1,500 years. Unlike many commercialized tourist spots, Anju retains a sense of authentic antiquity. The town is built along the mountainside, facing the river, following the traditional Feng Shui principle of "Black Dragon wrapping around the Jade belt." Visitors wandering through Anju will encounter the "Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples," a testament to its past religious and commercial prosperity. The Huguang Guild Hall, Fujian Guild Hall, and the City God Temple are architectural marvels featuring intricate wood carvings, flying eaves, and grey tiled roofs. The town was once a bustling water wharf, a vital stop for merchants traveling along the Fujiang River. Walking along the slick bluestone streets, one can almost hear the echoes of the boat trackers' chants and the bustle of the ancient markets. The town also houses the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association Site, adding a layer of modern revolutionary history to its ancient bones.

4.Geography and Ecology: Mountains and Lakes Geographically, Tongliang features shallow hilly terrain, distinct from the steep mountains of eastern Chongqing. The climate is subtropical humid monsoon, characterized by mild winters, hot summers, and distinct four seasons. The Xuantian Lake (Xuantian Hu) scenic area is the district's ecological lung. It involves a massive reservoir surrounded by the Bashan Mountains. The lake is serpentine, winding through the valleys like a jade dragon. It is a prime destination for camping, cycling, and hot springs. The Tongliang Bachuan (Ba River) cuts through the land, nourishing the fertile soil that produces abundant agricultural products. The district is also known for the Balahu Scenic Area, where waterfalls cascade into deep pools, creating a mist-covered sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna.

The Hero's Hometown Tongliang is also the hometown of Qiu Shaoyun, a martyr of the Korean War (War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea). The Qiu Shaoyun Memorial Hall, located at the foot of Fengshan Mountain in the district center, is a place of solemn remembrance. It houses relics and tells the story of his ultimate sacrifice. This "Red Culture" is an integral part of Tongliang's identity, instilling a sense of pride and patriotism in the locals.

5.Modern Development and Lifestyle: Today, Tongliang is rapidly modernizing. It is no longer just an agricultural county but a thriving district with a high-tech industrial park and modern infrastructure. It is connected to downtown Chongqing by highways and the upcoming suburban railway, making it an accessible weekend getaway for city dwellers. The lifestyle here is "Slow Living." Locals enjoy their tea in open-air teahouses, play Mahjong by the river, and take evening strolls in the People's Park. The city is clean, green, and renowned as a "National Garden City." The juxtaposition of the ancient dragon kilns firing pottery and the modern factories producing electronics paints a picture of a city that honors its past while aggressively pursuing the future. In essence, Tongliang is a city of balance. It balances the heat of the fire dragon with the cool of the Fujiang River; it balances the ancient walls of Anju with the modern avenues of the new district. For the traveler, it offers a glimpse into the heart of Bayu culture—passionate, historic, and incredibly welcoming.