Chongqing Walking Tour: Shancheng Alley or Huangge Ancient Road

Chongqing

Chongqing Shancheng Alley (Mountain City Lane) is known as Chongqing's "Architectural Museum", where there are old city walls built in the early Ming Dynasty, foreign consulates and churches built during the opening of Chongqing in the late Qing Dynasty, hanging footstools, courtyards, air-raid shelters, and sea-style Shichaomen buildings during the Anti-War Period, as well as schools and residential houses built at different times after the founding of New China. We will meet up at the designed point, then hang out to Shancheng Alley. Keep walking along the trail, learn the history of Chongqing and the lifestyle of local people. There are many interesting handicraft shops and tea-houses along the way. Let's stop at a tea house and drink some tea for a short break, you may have a chance to see the traditional Sichuan Opera - Face Changing. At the end of tour, you will taste a special pepper-flavored ice cream which is only available in Chongqing.

The Huangge Ancient Road (黄葛古道) is one of Chongqing’s most scenic and historic trails, dating back to the Tang-Song dynasties. This tranquil 2-3 km flagstone path winds through lush Nan’an District, shaded by centuries-old banyan trees (Ficus virens, locally called "Huangge"). Once a vital Tea-Horse Road segment linking Sichuan and Guizhou, it now offers a gentle 3 hour hike with modest elevation gain—perfect for light explorers. Along the way, pass Ming-Qing era stone carvings, hidden temples, and nostalgic tea houses, all while enjoying skyline glimpses of the Yangtze River. The trail ends near Nanshan’s viewpoints, where you can refuel with local mountain cuisine. A serene escape blending history, nature, and urban vistas.