CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Chongqing boasts captivating natural landscapes and brilliant culture, where you can admire the breathtaking views of Wushan Three Gorges and Qianjiang Zhuoshui, explore the history of Dazu Rock Carvings and Fengjie White Emperor City, and experience the strong flavor of Chongqing in Tongliang Anju Ancient City and Rongchang Wanling Ancient Town.

On May 19, China Tourism Day, the Chongqing Geographic Information and Remote Sensing Application Center produced the Map of 4A and 5A-level Tourist Attractions in Chongqing, which covers 12 5A-rated scenic spots and 158 4A-rated scenic spots.

In addition to fascinating natural landscapes, these exceptional A-level tourist attractions constitute a gallery of art, history, and culture. Let’s follow the map and visit these scenic spots together!

Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings

Located in the north of Dauzu District, the Dazu Rock Carvings started in the early Tang dynasty and reached its golden age in the Northern and Southern Song dynasties. As a fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, they consist of 141 cliff-side sculpture sites, including more than 50,000 statues. Among them, the rock carvings of Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shimenshan, and Shizhuanshan are artistically sculpted with the most distinctive style. Dazu Rock Carvings represents the pinnacle of the world’s grotto art between the ninth and the thirteenth centuries, as well as the last monument in the history of cave art worldwide.

Chongqing Wushan Lesser Three Gorges & Mini Three Gorges Scenic Area

Adjacent to the well-known Three-Gorges, Wushan Lesser Three Gorges is formed by Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge downstream of the Daning River in Wushan County. Wushan Mini Three Gorges, situated at the Madu River, a tributary of the Daning River, consists of Changtan Gorge, Qinwang Gorge, and Sancheng Gorge. Measure 65 kilometers long, the scenic area offers dramatic views of different types of water gaps, cliffs, caves, etc.

Chongqing Fengjie White Emperor City & Qutang Gorge Scenic Area

Nestled on Baidi Mountain on the north bank of the Yangtze River at the mouth of Qutang Gorge in Fengjie County, the White Emperor City, or Baidi City, is home to temples in memory of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Whenever the Three Gorges Reservoir is filled with water, the White Emperor City is surrounded by water on all sides, becoming a green island on the smooth lake rising in the gorges. Neighboring the Emperor City, Qutang Gorge boasts the magnificent Kui Gate known as the ‘Gate of Chinese Beautiful Landscape’. It is a good place for visitors to start their visits to the magnificent beauty of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River.

Chongqing Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area

With Zhuoshui Ancient Town as its core attraction, Chongqing Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area is located at the river bank of the Apeng River in the southeast of Qianjiang District. The ancient town was built in the late Tang Dynasty and experienced its golden time in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has been well preserved to maintain its general layout and become one of the most prestigious ancient towns in southeast Chongqing. In the scenic area, there is the Puhua Underground River, which stretches through a series of natural wonders, such as ‘the Eyes of Sky’, and the Canglang Bridge known as the first ‘Wind and Rain Covered Bridge’ in the world, as well as historical and cultural traditional buildings like Wantian Palace and Wanshou Palace.

To know more: 12 5A-level Scenic Spots in Chongqing

Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings

Chongqing Wushan Lesser Three Gorges and Mini Three Gorges

Wulong Karst Tourist Area (Three Natural Bridges, Fairy Mountain, Furong Cave)

Chongqing Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area

Chongqing Wansheng Black Mountain Valley Scenic Area

Chongqing Nanchuan Gold Buddha Mountain Scenic Area

Chongqing Jiangjin Simian Mountain Scenic Area

Chongqing Yunyang Longgang Scenic Area

Chongqing Pengshui Ayi River Scenic Area

Chongqing Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area

Chongqing Fengjie White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge Scenic Area

Chongqing Fuling Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley Scenic Area

(Photos provided by Chongqing Geographic Information and Remote Sensing Application Center) 
(Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)