Gongtan Ancient Town (龚滩古镇) is located on the eastern bank of the Wu River, where it meets the Apeng River. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, this ancient town has long been a vital transportation hub for both land and water, serving as a key transit point for goods between Sichuan (Chongqing), Guizhou, Hunan, and Hubei. It is affectionately known as “Qian Gongtan,” reflecting its historical significance in trade.
The town harmoniously integrates mountains, water, and architecture, renowned for its unique natural landscapes and often referred to as the “Brilliant Pearl on the Wu River Gallery.”
Gongtan features a well-preserved 3,000-meter-long stone-paved street, over 150 distinctive fireproof walls, more than 200 ancient and tranquil courtyard houses, and over 50 stilted buildings, showcasing the rich local characteristics. These structures represent one of the most well-preserved and substantial collections of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture in the country.
Travel Information about Gongtan Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 15 yuan
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: No. 207, Gongtan Ancient Town, Youyang County, Chongqing
Transportation:
- From Chongqing Sigongli Bus Station, take a long-distance bus to Youyang North Bus Station, then transfer to a minibus to Gongtan Scenic Area.
- From Chongqing Longtousi Bus Station, take a long-distance bus to Pengshui New Bus Station, then take a taxi to Pengshui Old Bus Station, and finally catch a minibus to Gongtan Scenic Area.
Attraction Ratings
- Special Features: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Origin of the Name “Gongtan”
According to historical records, in the first year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573), a mountain flood occurred in Youyang, causing a rockslide on Mount Phoenix that blocked the Niao River, creating a steep rapid. But why was it named “Gongtan”?
One theory suggests that it is because many of the early settlers had the surname Gong, and they were from prominent families. Given the swift currents of the river, it was originally called “Gongtuan,” which gradually evolved into “Gongtan” over time.
Another perspective argues that, both in the past and present, there are not many families with the surname Gong in the area. Therefore, the name “Gong” may not refer to a surname but rather signifies something else: “Gong means big,” suggesting that Gongtan refers to a large rapid.
Highlights of Gongtan Ancient Town
Qiao Chong Qiao (Double Bridge)
Qiao Chong Qiao, or the Double Bridge, is one of the most renowned bridges in Gongtan, famously known by the saying, “If you don’t know the Double Bridge, you’re not a local.” This unique structure consists of two bridges overlapping to form a small arch bridge. A few stone steps connect the lower bridge to the upper one, creating a harmonious and flowing design that avoids monotony. The elegance of the two bridges, with their graceful curves, gives them a romantic ambiance, making them a perfect pair.
Gongtan is characterized by numerous streams, and its bridges create a distinctive scenic line within the ancient town. Among the various types of bridges, you can find vaulted bridges, flat bridges, the Double Bridge, roof truss bridges, and larger bridges encompassing smaller ones. There are even 18 bridges spanning a single stream that flows down the rock face.
Chuan Zhu Miao (Chuan Master Temple)
Chuan Zhu Miao, or the Chuan Master Temple, is dedicated to Li Bing, a revered historical figure known for constructing the Dujiangyan irrigation system. This monumental achievement transformed the Sichuan Basin into a fertile and prosperous region. According to legend, a malevolent dragon was causing havoc in the Dujiangyan area, bringing storms and disasters that troubled the people. Li Bing subdued this dragon, restoring peace and safety to the land. As a result, temples and statues honoring Li Bing have been established throughout Sichuan, where locals pay their respects and offer sacrifices in gratitude for his contributions to their well-being.
Xi Qin Guild Hall
The most magnificent building in the ancient town is undoubtedly the Xi Qin Guild Hall, which was established during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty. This hall served as a place for the residents of Gongtan to pray for blessings and enjoy theatrical performances. Surrounded by high walls and spacious courtyards, it features a main hall, side halls, chambers, and a theater, all adorned with intricately carved beams and painted pillars.
Despite enduring several major fires over the centuries, the hall has remarkably survived, showcasing the resilience of its structure. However, the passage of time has left deep scars on the building. The plaque at the entrance has been altered to read “为人民服务 (Serve the People),” while the original stone couplets have been chiseled away, leaving only gaping holes reminiscent of scars.
The staircase is partially in ruins, but remnants of the once-luxurious red lacquer can still be discerned. On the theater’s walls, exquisite murals of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, remain, depicting her noble and dignified demeanor as it was in days of yore.
Ancient Flagstone Street
Another remarkable feature of Gongtan Ancient Town is the 2,000-meter-long flagstone street, which has been worn smooth and lustrous over the years by countless barefoot steps, straw sandals, cloth shoes, rubber shoes, and leather footwear. The flagstone path is so well-preserved that one can sit, walk, or even lie down without worrying about getting dusty.
Strolling along this tranquil stone road, free from the noise of vehicles, visitors can encounter ancient rock carvings, including the inscription “First Pass,” and a well that has been in use for over 700 years. This experience evokes a profound sense of historical continuity and immersion in traditional culture.
In the town, one can still see the unique firewalls with their flying eaves and intricate corners. These firewalls serve a critical purpose: they effectively prevent the spread of fires when emergencies occur. Today, well-defined firewalls like those in Gongtan are becoming increasingly rare across the country, making this ancient street not just a visual delight but also a significant cultural artifact.
Stilted Houses
The approximately 2-kilometer-long flagstone street and the wooden stilted houses perched on rocky cliffs are two architectural highlights of Gongtan Ancient Town. These structures have been praised by experts as “a marvel of architectural art” and serve as filming locations for numerous film and television productions. Notably, the renowned painter Wu Guanzhong created his famous piece “Old Street” inspired by this area.
Construction of the stilted houses in Gongtan began in the Southern Song Dynasty and continued until 1963. These houses are entirely supported by wood, featuring a braced frame structure made of thick wooden beams and posts. The columns are formed by bundling several large wooden logs, while the floors and walls consist of planks. The buildings rise about 10 to 15 meters and typically consist of two or three stories, accessed by wooden staircases. One side of each house faces the bustling street, while the other three sides are suspended in the air, supported by wooden pillars. The ground floor is used for storage, while the upper levels serve as living spaces, connected by walkways. From below, they evoke the grandeur of “sky palaces,” with the flowing waters of the Niao River nearby, showcasing the distinctive architectural style of the Tujia ethnic group.
The colors of the stilted houses in Gongtan are not sharply contrasted; from a distance, they appear as a uniform expanse of brown walls topped with tiled roofs. However, upon closer inspection, the abundant use of wood reveals intricate carvings. Larger families often have flowered balconies with diverse designs. The eaves have a unique inward curvature rather than a wide extension, exuding delicacy and charm.
Everything about the stilted houses harmonizes naturally with the surrounding mountain and water terrain. In this challenging and confined space, the architecture ingeniously makes the most of the steep hillside. Additionally, the structures reflect a high level of artistry and cultural significance, with names like the Weaving Maiden Tower overlooking Niulang Mountain, the heavy Jiyang Tower, and the floral pavilion-style Xiuhua Tower. Wu Guanzhong famously praised these stilted houses as “palatial and magnificent.”
Dong Family Ancestral Hall
The Dong Family Ancestral Hall is a communal hall built by the Dong clan. Accessed via several stone steps from the old street, visitors enter through a high stone threshold into a courtyard surrounded by four sides. Directly opposite the entrance lies the main hall, featuring an ancient wooden framework.
Historically, the Dong Family Ancestral Hall served as the highest authority for the Dong clan, a place where family rules were enforced, and members could be punished for violations. It functioned as a council hall for discussing significant matters and housed the ancestral tablets of the clan’s successive leaders, highlighting its importance as a center for the family’s cultural heritage and governance.
Ran Family Courtyard
Ran Family Courtyard boasts a history of over 400 years and was once the residence of the local chieftain, Ran Shenzhi, during the Yongzheng period. Today, it serves as a small cultural museum dedicated to the local chieftain’s heritage.
Inside, the courtyard features a central skylight that illuminates the space, and the main hall is adorned with an array of antique items, including ancient coins, blue-and-white ceramics, and bronze artifacts, offering a glimpse into the opulence of wealthy families in ancient times.
Visitors can ascend a narrow wooden staircase to enter what were once private chambers, where intricate wooden carvings and carefully arranged decorations captivate the eye, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship and lifestyle of the era.
Hundred-Mile Wujiang River Gallery
Wujing River, the longest tributary of the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges section, features a stunning natural landscape known as the “Hundred-Mile Wujiang River Gallery.” This scenic area stretches 89 kilometers and is characterized by five distinct gorges: Jiashi Gorge, Lizhi Gorge, Yintong Gorge, Tutuo Gorge, and Wangtuo Gorge, each offering unique views that contribute to the gallery’s charm.
The banks of the Wujin River are adorned with lush greenery, steep mountains, and striking peaks that stand majestically against the skyline. The gorges are harmoniously unified yet distinct in their features.
- Jiashi Gorge presents towering mountains that reach the clouds, with the blue sky creating a stunning backdrop. The winds sweep through the gorge, and the river’s roaring waters add to its dramatic ambiance.
- Lizhi Gorge is renowned for its alluring landscapes, featuring striking formations such as the Beautiful Girl Peak, the Heavenly Gate Stone, the Hat Stone, and the Buddha Finger Mountain, each resembling unique figures. It is celebrated as the crown jewel among the gorges.
- Yintong Gorge offers a playful atmosphere, where high mountains on either side often intrude into the river’s course. The winding peaks and winding waters create a labyrinthine experience for boats, evoking a sense of wonder and intrigue.
- Tutuo Gorge is marked by high mountains, deep waters, and secluded valleys. Here, dense bamboo forests and towering ancient trees flourish, creating a vibrant habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors might catch a glimpse of monkeys, a species that has long disappeared from the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges, as they frolic in the trees or play by the water’s edge, showcasing their playful nature.
- Wangtuo Gorge features a river that varies in width and flow speed, flanked by rich forested areas. The swaying bamboo shadows and the mist from hot springs rising in the distance add to the gorge’s ethereal beauty.
Visitor Guide for Gongtan Ancient Town
Transportation Options
There are fast boats that run directly from Chongqing, Fuling, and Pengshui to Gongtan, and special tourist lines have been opened from Qianjiang and Youyang to Gongtan. The main transportation within the scenic area relies on navigation on the Niao River, with options such as electric boats, sampan boats, and motor boats available. Additionally, there are unique local transport methods like manually carried palanquins, bicycles for rent, and ox rides.
Cuisine Recommendations
The majority of residents near Gongtan are of the Tujia ethnic group, which gives their cuisine a distinctive local flavor that leans toward sour, spicy, and hot. Local delicacies include Tujia cured meat, spicy duck, buckwheat cakes, Gongtan stuffed tofu, and Gongtan mung bean powder. A highly recommended place to stay and eat is the Sifangju Inn (四方居客栈), where you can conveniently enjoy meals and accommodation. Must-try dishes include Niao River fish, river shrimp, and stir-fried meat with spicy peppers, all of which are exceptionally delicious.
Accommodation Options
The accommodations in the ancient town are mostly residential houses with average conditions, but the beautiful views from the river-view rooms make up for the lack of comfort. Options like Xiajiayuan, Gongtan Bashike Inn, and Xiaotanzi Inn are great choices. For those who have higher environmental standards, they can opt for Renyi Hotel. It’s important to note that the entire ancient town will sometimes stop supplying water around 10 PM, so guests should wash up in advance.
Tangjie Inn (唐街客栈): Located at the entrance of the ancient town, this inn is built by the river, offering a broad view filled with green mountains and beautiful surroundings. The room layout is warm and elegant. Because the inn is situated at a high point by the river, it provides a panoramic view of both ends of the ancient town and the stunning scenery of the Bird River Gallery, making it highly recommended.
Youyang Shuibo Renjia Inn (酉阳水泊人家客栈): This is the first inn at the entrance of the southern parking lot of Gongtan Ancient Town. Sitting on the balcony allows guests to enjoy the natural mountain and water paintings of the Bird River Gallery, with an expansive view and excellent scenery. The inn offers dining and tour services, and guests can ask the owner to book tickets for the scenic area.
Things to Do at Gongtan Ancient Town
The lifestyle of the people in Gongtan, much like the architectural heritage, remains simple and diverse. In addition to enjoying the charm of the ancient town, there are plenty of colorful entertainment options available.
Niangniang Festival: Held on the 20th day of the third lunar month, this day celebrates the birthday of Niangniang. The festival takes place in the left hall of the “Wusheng Palace” in Gongtan. It is said that Niangniang grants children to young women and bestows “longevity for a hundred years,” leading people to call her the “Goddess of Fertility.”
Hand-Waving Dance: Every evening in the small square of Gongtan Ancient Town, there is a hand-waving dance performance. When the bonfire is lit and the music starts playing, you can join the dancers and participate in the festivities.
Explore the Bird River Gallery: At the passenger terminal in Gongtan Ancient Town, there are sightseeing boats that take you through the scenic Bird River Gallery. Enjoying the steep cliffs on both banks of the emerald river is truly a delightful experience.
Cat’s Time Postcard Experience: “If the sound is not remembered, please store the time,” is how the owner explains this unique activity to customers. For just a few yuan, you can buy a postcard, write a message, and send it to yourself or a friend for years in the future—definitely an experience worth trying.