Gongtan Ancient Town
- Chinese Name: 龚滩古镇
- Add: :重庆市酉阳土家族苗族自治县304省道
- Opening Hours :2月18日—12月31日 08:00—22:00
- Tickets: 15 CNY
- Attractions Level: AAAA
- Climate conditions: Subtropical humid climate
- Phone:
- Area: 133 km²
- Visiting Time: 3 Hours
Gongtan Ancient Town
A Riverside Time Capsule in Chongqing’s Hidden South
A Historic Town Along the Wu River
Nestled between steep mountains and the emerald waters of the Wu River, Gongtan Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved riverside towns in Chongqing’s southeastern region. With a history of more than 1,700 years, this quiet town once served as an important trading port along ancient river routes. Today, Gongtan remains a living museum where history, nature, and everyday life blend seamlessly.
Traditional Architecture and Stone Streets
The charm of Gongtan lies in its original Ming- and Qing-style wooden houses, narrow stone-paved lanes, and riverside docks. Built along the hillside, the town follows the natural curves of the terrain, creating layers of rooftops overlooking the river below. Walking through Gongtan feels like stepping back in time, where every corner tells a story of merchants, boatmen, and generations of local families.
Culture of the Tujia and Miao People
Located in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Gongtan offers visitors a chance to experience rich ethnic traditions. Local handicrafts, folk music, and traditional cuisine reflect the cultural heritage of the Tujia and Miao people. In the evening, the town becomes especially atmospheric as warm lights reflect on the river, and the slow rhythm of local life invites visitors to pause and enjoy the moment.
A Gateway to Natural Scenery
Gongtan Ancient Town is also an ideal base for exploring nearby natural attractions, including river cruises through dramatic gorges and access to the surrounding mountains and forests. The combination of water, cliffs, and ancient architecture makes the scenery both peaceful and visually striking, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Why Visit Gongtan Ancient Town
For travelers seeking authentic culture, scenic beauty, and a slower pace of travel, Gongtan Ancient Town is a rare find. Easily reached from Chongqing yet far from the crowds, it offers an intimate look at China’s riverside heritage. Gongtan is not just a destination—it is an experience of time, tradition, and tranquility that lingers long after the journey ends.
Gongtan Ancient Town Photo
Gongtan Ancient Town Tourist Map
Gongtan Ancient Town Video
Chongqing Gongtan Ancient Town Transfer,Car Rental with Driver
Chongqing ⇌ Wu River Gallery ⇌ Gongtan Ancient Town Transfer
Things To Do
Things To Do
@Gongtan Ancient Town
Tucked away along the tranquil Wu River in Chongqing’s Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Gongtan Ancient Town is a rare place where time seems to slow down. With over 1,700 years of history, this riverside settlement offers travelers not grand monuments, but something far more precious—authentic life shaped by tradition, water, and mountains.
Gongtan is a dream destination for photography lovers. Ancient wooden houses cling to the hillside, stone steps lead down to the river, and mist often rises softly from the water in the early morning. From sunrise reflections on tiled rooftops to warm lantern light at dusk, every moment creates a natural composition. Unlike crowded tourist towns, Gongtan retains its quiet rhythm, allowing photographers to capture real scenes of daily life rather than staged performances.
As part of a Tujia and Miao autonomous region, Gongtan preserves rich ethnic traditions that can still be felt in everyday life. Visitors may encounter traditional clothing, local folk songs, handwoven crafts, and time-honored cooking methods passed down through generations. Simple meals prepared with local ingredients offer an authentic taste of mountain culture, while conversations with residents provide insight into customs rarely found in guidebooks.
Gongtan is best experienced slowly. Wander along stone-paved alleys, sit by the river with a cup of tea, or watch boats drift past under the shadow of ancient docks. The town’s riverside setting makes it an ideal starting point for leisurely Wu River cruises, offering dramatic canyon scenery combined with peaceful moments on the water.
