Wanzhou: The City of Grilled Fish and the Great Waterfall
Wanzhou, historically known as Wanxian, is a bustling port city on the upper Yangtze River. Renowned for the majestic Wanzhou Great Waterfall and as the birthplace of the famous Wanzhou Grilled Fish, it offers a stunning "Pinghu" (calm lake) skyline and rich Three Gorges history.
About Wanzhou District - City Guide & Travel Information
Wanzhou District, often affectionately referred to as the "Second Largest City in Chongqing," is a significant metropolis located in the northeastern part of the Chongqing Municipality. Situated in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Wanzhou serves as the economic, cultural, and transportation hub of eastern Chongqing. Unlike the chaotic verticality of downtown Chongqing, Wanzhou offers a unique blend of grand river vistas, deep historical roots, and a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle that revolves around the mighty Yangtze River.
The City of "Pinghu" (Calm Lake) Following the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, the water level of the Yangtze River in the Wanzhou section rose significantly, transforming the turbulent river into a calm, lake-like expanse. This phenomenon has earned Wanzhou the beautiful moniker of "Pinghu." The widened river surface reflects the city's skyline, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect, especially at night. When darkness falls, the lights from the high-rise buildings along the north and south banks dance on the water, rivaling the famous night view of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. A stroll along the expansive Binjiang Road (Riverside Road) offers visitors a front-row seat to this spectacular urban landscape, where the mountains, the city, and the water merge into a harmonious painting.
1.Natural Wonder: The Wanzhou Great Waterfall While the city is urban, Wanzhou possesses breathtaking natural scenery. The most prominent is the Wanzhou Great Waterfall (Wanzhou Da Pubu), formerly known as Qinglong Waterfall. It is often cited as "Asia's First Waterfall" in terms of width. The waterfall spans an impressive 115 meters in width and drops 64.5 meters. Unlike many waterfalls that can only be viewed from a distance, the Wanzhou Great Waterfall allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of water into a natural cave, similar to the "Water Curtain Cave" in Chinese mythology. Standing inside the cave, looking out through the thundering sheet of water, provides an awe-inspiring perspective of nature's power. The surrounding scenic area is lush with vegetation, bamboo forests, and ancient plank roads, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
A Hub of History and Culture Historically known as Wanxian, the city has been a vital trading port for centuries. It was one of the earliest treaty ports opened in inland China, which left a legacy of western-style architecture mixed with traditional Bashu styles.
- 2.Xishan Park: This is a historic landmark in Wanzhou. It houses the famous Wanzhou Bell Tower, built in 1930. The tower is a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles and serves as a symbol of the city. The park itself is a quiet sanctuary filled with ancient trees and historical inscriptions.
- 3.Taibai Rock (Taibai Yan): Legend has it that the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai once visited this cliffside spot, drank wine, and played chess. Today, it remains a cultural site where visitors can hike up the steep paths to admire calligraphy carvings on the cliff faces and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- 4.Three Gorges Immigration Memorial Hall: Wanzhou bore a significant responsibility during the Three Gorges Project, relocating a massive number of residents. This museum is a poignant tribute to the million migrants who left their ancestral homes for the construction of the dam. It houses thousands of cultural relics and offers a deep dive into the history, sacrifice, and resilience of the local people.
The "Bangbang" Culture and Daily Life Like the main urban area of Chongqing, Wanzhou is a city built on hills. The terrain has given rise to the "Bangbang" (porters), who carry heavy loads up and down the steep stairs using bamboo sticks. Although modernization is slowly replacing this profession, they remain an iconic symbol of the local spirit—hardworking and resilient. The daily life in Wanzhou is slow-paced compared to major capitals. Locals enjoy spending time in tea houses, playing Mahjong, and gathering for late-night street food.
5.Transportation Gateway: Wanzhou acts as the gateway to the Three Gorges tourism route. It has its own airport (Wanzhou Wuqiao Airport) and a high-speed railway station, connecting it efficiently to Chongqing, Chengdu, and other major cities. Crucially, it is a major port of call for Yangtze River Cruises. Many travelers choose to take a high-speed train from Chongqing to Wanzhou and board their luxury cruise ships here to begin their journey downstream towards Yichang, bypassing the less scenic upper reaches and diving straight into the grandeur of the gorges.
In summary, Wanzhou is not just a transit stop; it is a destination with its own soul. It is a city where you can feel the pulse of the Yangtze, touch the mist of a massive waterfall, and taste the spicy passion of its people. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or urban exploration, Wanzhou offers a distinct and memorable slice of life in Southwest China.
Local Cuisine in Wanzhou District - Food & Dining Guide
1.Wanzhou is a culinary heavyweight in the: Chongqing region, famous for creating dishes that have gone viral across China.
- 2.Wanzhou Grilled Fish (Wanzhou Kaoyu): This is the city's culinary calling card. Unlike traditional grilling, Wanzhou style combines pickling, charcoal grilling, and stewing. The fish (often carp or catfish) is grilled until the skin is crispy, then placed in a large metal tray and simmered in a rich, spicy broth filled with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and various vegetables like lotus roots, potatoes, and tofu. The flavor is a complex explosion of "Mala" (numbing and spicy), savory, and smoky notes.
- 3.Wanzhou Gege (Steamed Dishes): "Gege" refers to the small bamboo steamer baskets used to cook this street food. It typically consists of meat (pork ribs, beef, or mutton) marinated in spicy rice flour and seasonings, steamed over a bed of sweet potatoes or taro. It is served in the small basket itself, piping hot, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
- 4.Wanzhou Zajiang Noodles: While Chongqing is famous for Xiao Mian, Wanzhou has its own variation. The Zajiang (meat sauce) here is distinct, often made with a rich blend of bean paste and minced meat that clings perfectly to the alkaline noodles. It is a staple breakfast for locals.
- 5.Roasted Fish with Ancient Flavor: In addition to the modern grilled fish, traditional methods of roasting fish over open fires with simple spices are still popular in the old districts.
Accommodation Tips in Wanzhou District - Hotels & Lodging Guide
1.Accommodation in: Wanzhou offers great value and variety, catering to different travel styles.
- 2.Wanda Plaza Area (Beibin Road): For those who prefer modern conveniences, staying near the Wanda Plaza on the North Bank is ideal. This area is the modern commercial center of Wanzhou, bustling with shopping malls, cinemas, and a wide selection of restaurants. The hotels here are generally newer and offer high standards of comfort.
- 3.Nanbin Road (South Bank): If you want a quieter environment with a panoramic view of the city skyline across the river, consider hotels along Nanbin Road. This area is perfect for evening strolls along the Yangtze and offers a great vantage point for night photography of the "Pinghu" scenery.
- 4.Near Gaosuntang: This is the traditional city center. Staying here puts you close to the Wanzhou Bell Tower and Xishan Park. It is a busy area with plenty of street food options and easy access to public transport, giving you a feel for the authentic, older vibe of the city.
- 5.Near the Great Waterfall: If your primary goal is to visit the waterfall and you want a nature retreat, there are smaller guesthouses and farmstays (Nongjiale) located near the scenic area (Ganning Town). However, this is far from the city center, so it is best for travelers with cars or those who want to disconnect.
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