Two-Day Travel Guide to Dazu, Chongqing

📅 **Day 1: Baodingshan Rock Carvings Core Art + Beishan Night Tour** **Morning: Baodingshan Rock Carvings (World Cultural Heritage Highlights)** - **Schedule**: 8:30-12:30 - **Key Highlights**: - **Thousand-Hand Guanyin** (Gilded restoration shines brilliantly, showcasing the pinnacle of Song Dynasty carving) - **Reclining Buddha of Sakyamuni's Nirvana** (31-meter-long statue with lotus feet symbolizing transcendence) - **Wheel of Life** (Visual representation of Buddhist philosophy) - **Tips**: - About 2.5 km of walking required in the scenic area—wear comfortable sports shoes; - Purchase tickets online in advance (approx. ¥110 for adults) to save queuing time; - Rent an audio guide at the entrance (or join a group tour for ¥150/group) for deeper insights into the carvings' stories. **Noon: Lunch & Rock Carvings Museum** - **Dining Recommendation**: Vegetarian restaurant in Baodingshan or try local snack "Dingjiapo Potatoes" - **Museum Visit**: 13:00-14:00, learn about the history and preservation techniques of grotto art (free, included in the combo ticket) **Afternoon: Transfer to Beishan + Evening Break** - **Transportation**: - Taxi (approx. ¥40/ride, 30 mins) or take the "Rock Carvings Tourist Line" bus (1 hour) - **Accommodation**: Hotels in Dazu urban area (recommend Kaiyuan Folklore Hotel for its cultural ambiance) **Evening: Beishan Rock Carvings Night Tour (Light Art Spectacle)** - **Time**: 19:00-21:00 (open only on Fridays/Saturdays) - **Highlights**: - **Sun-Moon Guanyin** (Lighting restores missing parts, revealing original Song Dynasty colors) - **Sutra Pillar Cave** (Lotus caisson ceiling appears more intricate under spotlights) - **Dinner**: Try "Old Youting Crucian Carp" in town—spicy and tender, a must-try! --- 📅 **Day 2: Cultural Parks + Lakeside Scenery** **Morning: Xiangguo Park & Changzhou Ancient Town (Song Dynasty Elegance)** - **Time**: 9:00-11:30 - **Xiangguo Park**: Free entry, stroll by Miaoshan Lake, and explore lotus-themed gardens. - **Changzhou Ancient Town** (5-min walk): - Experience Song Dynasty street life: city gate trials, costume parades; - Climb the city wall for panoramic views of the ancient-style architecture. **Noon: Ancient Town Specialty Lunch** - **Recommended Dishes**: - "Sanqu Cold Noodles" (pea jelly with secret spicy sauce) - "Lotus Banquet" (summer seasonal, 15-min drive to Lotus Villa) **Afternoon: Longshui Lake Resort (Mountain-Lake Therapy)** - **Time**: 13:30-17:00 - **Transportation**: Taxi (~30 mins) or Bus 208 to "Longshui Lake Dalongwan Hotel" stop. - **Activities**: - **Painted Boat Cruise**: Sail among 108 islands with views of Yulong Mountain forests; - **Hot Spring Experience**: Mineral-rich Longshui Lake hot springs relieve hiking fatigue (optional, extra fee); - **Aerial Photography**: Open lakeside areas are perfect for drone shots of "lake-island" panoramas. --- 🚗 **Transport & Accommodation Tips** 1. **External Transport**: - **High-Speed Rail**: Chongqing West Station → Dazu South Station (40 mins, ¥40), then transfer by bus/taxi; - **Self-Drive**: Exit at Dazu East on Yu-Rong Expressway (G5013), direct to Baodingshan (1.5 hours). 2. **Local Transport**: - Taxis between attractions (~¥30-40/ride) or use the "Rock Carvings Tourist Line" bus. 3. **Accommodation**: - **Budget**: Hanting Dazu Rock Carvings Sports Center Hotel (near Beishan). ⚠ **Pre-Trip Essentials** - **Ticket Budget**: Baodingshan ¥110 + Beishan ¥58 (night tour requires separate ticket); - **Gear**: Non-slip shoes (wet stone steps), mosquito repellent (lakeside/parks), telephoto lens (for carving details); - **Guided Tours**: Group tours at Baodingshan entrance (¥200/2 hours)—highly recommended; - **Best Season**: Spring/Autumn (Apr-May/Sep-Oct); adjust midday to indoor spots in summer. > **Optimization**: For rock carving enthusiasts, replace Day 2 morning with **Shimenshan Rock Carvings** (Taoist masterpieces, 20 km from town). Families can extend Longshui Lake time with kids' activities.