Best Self-Driving Routes Around Chongqing

Many friends want to go on a self-driving trip with their family and friends during the Spring Festival. So, where are some fun places to go around Chongqing? Here are some self-driving routes recommended by the editor. Let’s hit the road!

Route 1

Head East, Enjoy Both Nature and Culture

Destination: Zhangjiajie

Self-Driving Route: Chongqing Main City – Wulong – Pengshui – Qianjiang – Youyang – Xiushan – Huayuan – Zhangjiajie

Main Attractions: Wulong·Furong Cave, Pengshui·Ayi River, Qianjiang·Zhuoshui Ancient Town, Youyang·Peach Blossom Source, Youyang·Gongtan Ancient Town, Xiushan·Chuanhegai, Xiushan·Hong’an Ancient City, Xiangxi·Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi·Furong Town, Zhangjiajie·Forest Park, Zhangjiajie·Tianmen Mountain

Highlights: Snow Wonderland, Leisurely Ancient Towns, Folk Customs

Zhangjiajie Scenic Area is China’s first national forest park, a gathering of the essence of karst landforms.

The unique peaks and rocks, mountain springs and waterfalls, deep forests and strange trees, and rare birds and animals together form a natural wonder.

After sightseeing, you can also check in along the way to many attractions in Xiangxi and Southeast Chongqing.

Route 2

Explore the Secret Realm, Check in Along the Northeastern Chongqing Route

Destination: Shennongjia

Self-Driving Route: Chongqing Main City – Changshou – Dianjiang – Wanzhou – Yunyang – Wushan – Badong – Xingshan – Shennongjia

Main Attractions: Changshou·Changshou Lake, Wanzhou·Big Waterfall, Yunyang·Longgang, Wushan·Small Three Gorges, Badong·Shennongxi, Shennongjia Scenic Area

Highlights: Skiing Paradise, Mountains and Rivers, Thrilling and Exciting

Shennongjia is one of the most legendary and mysterious regions in China, and is also a World Heritage Site.

It is also the largest and most upscale ski resort in Central China. Not only is the ski resort itself excellent, but the surrounding scenery is also worth browsing.

Upon your return, you can also visit many attractions in Northeastern Chongqing along the way, checking in at many 4A and 5A scenic spots.

Route 3

Chase the Warm Sunshine, Find a Poetic Life

Destination: Lugu Lake

Self-Driving Route: Chongqing – Jiangjin – Luzhou – Leshan – Ya’an – Xichang – Yanyuan

Main Attractions: Leshan·Leshan Giant Buddha, Xichang·Satellite Launch Base, Xichang·Luoshi Mountain, Xichang·Qionghai Wetland Park, Yanyuan·Lugu Lake

Highlights: Blue Sky and Water, Sunny Days, Spring Flowers Blooming

You are shivering in the cold winter in Chongqing, while I am enjoying the warmth of spring in Sichuan next door.

Lugu Lake in winter, without the vibrant colors of flowers and plants, the scenery is even more transparent and beautiful. You can fall asleep under the stars and wake up in the sunshine.

In Xichang, besides the well-known launch base, the amazing Qionghai and Luoshi Mountain are also worth a visit.

You can also enjoy the beauty of winter here, soak in pure hot springs, and embark on a dreamy ice and snow adventure.

Route 4

Take the New Ring Road, Explore the North and South of Greater Chongqing

Destination: Northeastern Chongqing, Southeastern Chongqing

Self-Driving Route: Main City – Fuling – Fengdu – Shizhu – Qianjiang – Pengshui – Wulong – Nanchuan

Main Attractions: Fuling·Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon, Fengdu·Nantian Lake, Shizhu·Qianyecao Grassland, Qianjiang·Zhuoshui Scenic Area, Pengshui·Ayi River, Wulong·Xiannv Mountain, Nanchuan·Jinfo Mountain

Highlights: North-South Through, Essence Attractions

With the opening of the Shiqian Expressway, there is now a first direct expressway connecting Southeast Chongqing and Northeast Chongqing, running through key tourist counties of the two areas.

This route covers most of the essential scenic spots in Chongqing, allowing you to quickly capture the most beautiful scenery.

Route 5

Short-Distance Vacation, Bring the Whole Family Along

Destination: Western Chongqing

Self-Driving Route: Main City – Bishan – Tongliang – Yongchuan

Main Attractions: Bishan·Xiuhui Park, Bishan·Fengxiang Lake Park, Tongliang·Anju Ancient City, Tongliang·Xuantianxiushui Ecological Gallery, Tongliang·West Suburban Area, Yongchuan·Chashan Bamboo Sea, Yongchuan·Leheledou

Highlights: Family Outings, Eco-Friendly Countryside, Short Trips

Enjoy flower viewing, fruit picking, amusement parks, and taking children to play. The ecological tourism resources of Western Chongqing are unique, and the natural oxygen bar will take you away from the hustle and bustle.

During the Spring Festival, there are many activities waiting for you to check in, such as watching dragon dances, visiting ancient towns, digging bamboo shoots, national tide markets, bonfires, camping barbecues, and more.