Off the main tourist trail in Chongqing, the rustic village of Shuangjiang is an excellent daytrip opportunity for visitors. Its historic core is overflowing with quaint architecture and historic sites that have yet to succumb to crowds of tourists.
A tour of Shuangjiang begins at the heart of the old city. Cobblestone alleyways connect to the main thoroughfare, hosting charming teahouses, family-owned restaurants and a pair of interesting museums. One of the most unexpected sites in town is a small Catholic church with a congregation that barely numbers in the dozens.
Other sites are found outside of the city limits. Tourists can hire a bicycle to explore the countryside or negotiate a guided tour with any number of willing locals. The most prominent site outside of town is an impressive Buddha sculpture with a stone stairway that has been climbed by pilgrims for centuries.
Getting There & Away
Shuangjiang is easily accessed from Chongqing via a two-hour bus ride to Tongnan. From here, visitors can catch a minivan for the final 20 minutes to Shuangjiang. Access to the region is through Chongqing with its international airport serving Beijing (2 hours, 10 minutes), Shanghai (2 hours) and Hong Kong (2 hours, 15 minutes).
Things to Do
Shuangjiang Attractions
- Catholic church
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There are only a few christians in shuangjiang, and this quaint church with its itinerant priest tends to the local congregation.
- Teahouses
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The rustic teahouses on shuangjiang’s main avenue are the perfect place to soak up the local culture.
- Museums
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There are two small museums in town dedicated to exploring the culture and history of the local community.
Side trips from Shuangjiang
- Buddha image
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Much grander than the small catholic church is the grand tang dynasty buddha in the nearby countryside.