Discover Yongchuan: Where Bamboo Seas Meet Ancient Heritage

Yongchuan District, located in the western part of Chongqing Municipality, serves as a vital bridge in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. Its name, "Yongchuan," translates to "eternal river," derived from the shape of the three main rivers flowing through the territory that resemble the Chinese character "Yong" (永). Unlike the towering, rugged canyons of eastern Chongqing or the bustling, vertical density of the Yuzhong Peninsula, Yongchuan offers a landscape defined by rolling hills, lush tea gardens, vast bamboo forests, and a pace of life that balances urban development with leisure.

1.The Green Emerald: Tea Mountain Bamboo Sea (Chashan Zhuhai) The crown jewel of Yongchuan’s tourism is undoubtedly the Tea Mountain Bamboo Sea National Forest Park. This scenic area is a masterpiece of ecological harmony, boasting 20,000 mu of contiguous tea gardens and 50,000 mu of bamboo forests. It gained international fame as the filming location for the climatic fight scene in Zhang Yimou’s martial arts epic, House of Flying Daggers.

Walking through this park offers a sensory detox. The air is thick with negative oxygen ions and the scent of fresh earth and green leaves. The bamboo forest, dense and emerald green, creates a natural canopy that blocks out the scorching summer sun, making it a favorite summer retreat for Chongqing locals. Within the forest, the wind rustling through the bamboo leaves sounds like a distant ocean wave, hence the name "Bamboo Sea."

Interspersed with the bamboo are sprawling tea plantations. Yongchuan is famous for its "Xiuya" tea. Visitors can walk among the neatly rows of tea bushes, watch tea-picking in the spring, and visit tea houses to learn about the traditional tea ceremony. The highest peak within the park, Baodao Peak, offers panoramic views of the district, where on a clear day, the sea of green seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

2.Adventure and Wildlife: Lehe Ledu Wildlife Zoo For families and thrill-seekers, Yongchuan offers Lehe Ledu, one of the largest theme parks in western China. It is not just a zoo but a comprehensive resort combining a wildlife safari, an amusement park, and performance theaters.

The wildlife section is distinct for its "caged car" experience. Unlike traditional zoos where animals are caged and humans roam free, here, visitors board protected wire-mesh buses to traverse zones where lions, tigers, and bears roam freely. This reversal provides an adrenaline-pumping opportunity to see these majestic predators up close in a semi-natural habitat. The park is also dedicated to conservation and education, housing rare species like the golden monkey and white tiger.

Beyond wildlife, the amusement section features massive roller coasters and water rides, providing entertainment for all ages. The Royal Circus performance and the Dolphin Show are highlights that draw crowds from across the province.

3.History and Heritage: Songgai Ancient Town While Yongchuan is modernizing rapidly, it retains its soul in places like Songgai Ancient Town. Located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Songgai was historically a crucial pier and commercial hub. Unlike many over-commercialized ancient towns, Songgai maintains a quiet, authentic atmosphere.

The town’s architecture is a well-preserved example of Ming and Qing dynasty styles, featuring wooden structures, slate streets, and intricate carvings. The Luo Family Ancestral Hall is a key cultural site, offering insights into the clan culture that has shaped Chinese society for centuries. Walking through Songgai feels like stepping back in time; the pace is slow, the locals are friendly, and the majestic Yangtze River flows silently by, as it has for millennia.

4.Culture and Education: Yongchuan is also known as the "City of Vocational Education" in western China. It hosts a vast number of vocational colleges and universities, injecting a youthful vibrancy into the city. This focus on education has fostered a culture of innovation and craftsmanship. The district is also the birthplace of Yongchuan Douchi (fermented soya beans), a culinary heritage item that has been recognized nationally. The craftsmanship involved in making Douchi is celebrated as an intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the district's deep connection to food and tradition.

In summary, Yongchuan is a district of diverse experiences. Whether you are hiking through the "Green Waves" of the Bamboo Sea, locking eyes with a tiger at Lehe Ledu, or sipping tea in a quiet courtyard in Songgai, Yongchuan offers a rich tapestry of nature, culture, and excitement.