Tongnan Travel Guide: The Golden Buddha, Ancient Towns, and the Sea of Flowers

1.Introduction: The Emerald Pearl on the Fujiang River Tongnan District is a shining emerald embedded in the northwest of Chongqing Municipality. Geographically, it occupies a strategic position at the intersection of the Sichuan Basin's shallow hills, serving as a vital bridge and gateway connecting the two megacities of Chengdu and Chongqing. The majestic Fujiang River (a tributary of the Jialing River) winds its way through the district, nurturing a fertile land that has given birth to a rich history spanning over 1,600 years. Tongnan is not merely a satellite district; it is a destination with a distinct soul, renowned as the "Hometown of Marshal Yang Shangkun" and the birthplace of the legendary Taoist sage Chen Tuan.

The city is characterized by its gentle topography, dominated by low hills and flat river valleys, which contrasts sharply with the rugged, mountainous terrain typical of other Chongqing districts. This unique geography has fostered a booming agricultural industry, earning Tongnan the prestigious titles of "International Lemon Capital" and "Vegetable Capital of Western China." Walking through Tongnan, one does not feel the frenetic pace of a metropolis but rather a rhythmic, pastoral tranquility where urban life harmonizes with the flow of the river and the cycle of the seasons.

2.The Dafo Temple: A Millennial Guardian The spiritual anchor of Tongnan is undoubtedly the Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple) Scenic Area, located at the foot of Dingming Mountain along the Fujiang River. Its history traces back to the Tang Dynasty, with significant expansions during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The temple is world-famous for housing the "Gold Buddha" (Shijia-Mouni Buddha). This statue is a masterpiece of rock carving. Standing over 18 meters high, it is carved into the cliffside and enshrined within a magnificent seven-story pavilion. What makes it unique is that it is the largest indoor gold-plated clay-on-stone Buddha statue in China, and arguably the world. The statue’s body was carved from the mountain rock, then sculpted with clay, and finally adorned with layers of gold leaf, radiating a solemn and compassionate aura that has captivated pilgrims for centuries. Beyond the Buddha, the temple complex is a treasure trove of ancient engineering and art. It features the "Dingming Rock," known for its massive "Character Stone" inscription of the word "Buddha" (Fo), which is one of the largest of its kind. Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the "Stone Deng" (Stone Harp), a natural acoustic wonder. When visitors strike a specific stone on the path, it resonates with a clear, melodious sound resembling a harp or a bell, a phenomenon that remains a geological marvel. The temple's collection of calligraphy inscriptions and historic architecture provides a deep dive into the religious and aesthetic evolution of the region.

3.Shuangjiang Ancient Town: The Architecture of the Qing Dynasty Just a short distance from the city center lies Shuangjiang Ancient Town, one of the first batches of famous historical and cultural towns in China. Unlike many commercialized old towns that feel like theme parks, Shuangjiang retains a genuine, lived-in atmosphere. The town was founded in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and is renowned for its well-preserved chaotic-style architecture. The architectural highlight here is the "Yang Family Compound" (Yang Shangkun's Former Residence). The Yang family was a prominent clan in the region, and their residence is a sprawling complex of courtyards, carved wooden doors, and intricate stone engravings. It represents the pinnacle of residential architecture in the southwest region during the Qing Dynasty. Walking through the narrow, stone-paved streets of Shuangjiang, visitors can admire the "Yuans" (large courtyard houses) such as the Youyuan and Xinglongyuan. The town is flanked by the Monkey Creek and the Floating Creek, creating a "Double River" (Shuangjiang) landscape that gives the town its name. The gray tiles, white walls, and flying eaves tell stories of a prosperous trading past where salt, cloth, and grain were exchanged. It is also a site of "Red Tourism," allowing visitors to learn about the early life of the former Chinese President Yang Shangkun and his brother, the revolutionary martyr Yang Angong.

4.Chen Tuan and the Taoist Legacy: Tongnan is the hometown of Chen Tuan (Chen Tuan Ancestor), a legendary figure in Chinese Taoism known as the "Sleeping Immortal." He is famous for his philosophy of "sleeping" as a form of cultivation and his contributions to the Tai Chi diagram. The Chen Tuan Hometown Scenic Area in Chongkan Town celebrates this heritage. Every spring, this area transforms into a golden ocean. The Rapeseed Flower Festival held here is one of the most spectacular in China. Tens of thousands of acres of canola flowers bloom simultaneously, painting the landscape in vibrant yellow. Visitors can take boats along the river to view the flowers, climb the viewing platforms to see the Tai Chi diagram created by the flower fields (paying homage to Chen Tuan), or ride the mini-train through the sea of flowers. It is a visual feast that perfectly combines Taoist philosophy with natural beauty, symbolizing harmony between humanity and nature.

5.The Lemon Capital: A Green Industry Modern Tongnan has carved a niche for itself on the global agricultural map. It is one of the three largest lemon-producing areas in the world, alongside California (USA) and Sicily (Italy). The district's climate—mild, humid, and frost-free—is ideal for citrus growth. The "Lemon Town" in Tongnan is not just an agricultural base but a tourist destination. Visitors can tour the massive lemon orchards, visit the lemon museums to learn about the fruit's history, and explore the processing factories that turn these yellow fruits into essential oils, beverages, and cosmetics. The scent of lemons permeates the air in autumn, adding a refreshing zest to the city's identity. This commitment to green ecology extends to its vegetable industry; Tongnan supplies a significant portion of the vegetables to Chongqing and Chengdu, ensuring the city is always surrounded by lush, green fields.

6.Urban Living and the River Breeze: The urban center of Tongnan creates a lifestyle that is distinctly "slow" and "comfortable." The development along the Fujiang River has created miles of riverside parks and wetlands. In the evenings, locals gather at the Binjiang Road (Riverside Road) to dance, drink tea, and enjoy the cool river breeze. The night view of Tongnan, while not as vertically imposing as downtown Chongqing, is charming with its illuminated bridges and the reflection of lights on the calm river surface. The city is also developing the Jiulong Mountain Forest Park, a green lung that offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the hills. It serves as a weekend getaway for residents, further emphasizing the district's integration of urban living with ecological preservation.

Conclusion Tongnan is a city that surprises you with its depth. It is not just a passageway between two capitals but a repository of culture and a sanctuary of nature. From the solemn gaze of the Gold Buddha to the vibrant yellow of the rapeseed fields, from the historic courtyards of the Yang family to the modern scent of lemon groves, Tongnan offers a multifaceted travel experience. It is a place where you can touch history in the morning, immerse yourself in a sea of flowers in the afternoon, and enjoy a spicy fish dinner by the river at night. For the traveler seeking a blend of cultural heritage, agricultural tourism, and a relaxed pace of life, Tongnan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in the heart of the Sichuan-Chongqing basin.