Towns Boasting “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in Chongqing

Nine towns in Chongqing have entered their names in the recently released list of “towns excelling in preserving local intangible cultural heritage and promoting tourism development” by the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association.

 

The entries of the list are of fourcate gories: Intangible Cultural Heritage Scenic Areas, Intangible Cultural Heritage Towns, Intangible Cultural Heritage Streets, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Villages.

 

In the following, we will introduce to you the five towns that appeal to the visitors with their cultural heritage and unique sceneries.

Gongtan Town

The town sits in Youyang county, Chongqing. It is famous for its ethnic culture, stunning stilt houses, melodious folk songs, crystal clear river and stiff mountains.

 

During the day, Gongtan is filled with the hustle and bustle of life. You will be enchanted by the long flagstone alleys, the creaking old wooden doors, the misty stilt houses. You will be comforted by the serenity of the lucid water in the river and the tranquil green mountains. When night falls, the lanterns and fires in the stoves of the Miao or Tujia ethnic families will dance with the warm valley breeze.

 

Find a seat in a tavern by the river, enjoy the singing of local girls would certainly chill you out.

 

Hong’an Town

 

 

Hong’an is located at the southeast of Xiushan County, Chongqing, and borders with Guizhou and Hunan provinces. It is reputed for its picturesque scenery, pastoral life and prosperous local markets.

 

The gurgling brooks, lush bamboo forests and traditional ferries are ideal for visitors to have a look of the traditional Chinese country life.

 

The town is busy in the morning but easy and serene in the evening.

 

As the ancient prefecture seat, the town is adorned with traditional court houses of prefecture governors and local rich families. Walking along the winding flagstone street, visitors can have authentic taste of the traditional local culture.

 

Song’gai Town

Song’gai Town sits in Yongchuan District, Chongqing. Looking at the Yangtze River, the town features sinuous street, traditional architecture, rich folk performances and traditional food delicacies.

 

If you walk pass by food vendors, you can enjoy local specialties and admire the ingenuity and faithful preservation of traditions. On a sunny day, it would be cool to simmer a good cup of tea in a tea house by the river side and watch the easy and slow paced life of the locals.

As an important dock town by the Yangtze River in the past, Songgai town used tobe a famous business hub. Now the town still preserves its tradition of holding a market fair on regular dates every month, when people gather in the town to buy and their produces or products.    

 

Xiuhu Town

 

Xiuhu Town, located in Bishan District, Chongqing, is also a Wetland Park. Covering an area of 100 hectares, the town boasts crystal clear lakes, brilliant gardens, and lush hills.

 

Sauntering along the zigzagging walking ways, you will be delighted by the sight of water birds. The town offers more than 30 intangible cultural heritages involving food, accommodation, sightseeing, study, shopping and entertainment.

 

Baisha Ancient Town

Baisha Ancient Town sits by the Yangtze River, Jiangjin District, Chongqing.

 

In the modern Baisha Town, you will find a well preserved ancient town where the old alleys and stilt houses stand as they were in the old days. There are 38 alleys and docks, temples, cave grottoes of ancient times.

 

The ancient town is well-known for its Baijiu or Shaojiu, minced meat source noodles and acrobatic performance.