Gongtan Ancient Town is full of vibrant colors, with breathtaking mountains and waters that are truly awe-inspiring. Nestled by the water, it offers picturesque scenery and is perfect for relaxation and entertainment. The town’s daytime and nighttime views are entirely different, and if you have the opportunity, consider staying in one of the stilt houses within the town for a unique experience. So, when is the best time to visit this ancient gem?
1、Travel Guide
Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn
Recommended Time to Spend: 3 hours or more
Opening Hours: 08:00-22:00
Address: Chongqing City, Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, 304 Provincial Road
2、Scenic Spot Introduction
Gongtan Ancient Town is not large, but it preserves unique fire walls, quaint courtyards, and numerous stilt houses. The residents are also mostly locals. The town has a three-li-long stone street that connects all the old buildings, including the Ran Family Courtyard, the Xiqin Guild Hall, the Chuanzhu Temple, and the Dong Family Ancestral Hall.
The Ran Family Courtyard is a must-see in the town. It was once the residence of Ran Shenzhi, a Tusi (local official) during the Qing Dynasty, and it preserves the best wood-carved window patterns and other relics in the town.
The town’s commercial atmosphere is not strong, retaining its simplicity and leisure. There are also boats along the river for sightseeing tours of the Wujiang Gallery. It’s a real treat to watch the steep cliffs on both sides from the emerald green river.
3、Precautions
Gongtan Ancient Town is located at the confluence of the Apeng River and the Wujiang River in Youyang. In the past, most residents in the town were surnamed Gong, hence the name Gongtan. Due to water conservancy projects, the original town was demolished and rebuilt. The rebuilt town still preserves unique fire walls, quaint courtyards, and numerous stilt houses, with most residents still being locals.
From the village structure to the arrangement of residents’ houses, even the smooth round cobblestone street, everything was extracted and copied from the original site, trying to restore the ancient town’s old appearance. However, the location was moved one kilometer downstream to the present-day Xiaoyintan.
It’s best to wear non-slip shoes. As Gongtan Ancient Town is located on a dangerous shoal, the roads are paved with uneven stones, and the air is humid and slippery. Non-slip shoes will ensure that you can walk freely on the steps, especially for photography enthusiasts, so you can stand steady and hold your camera with confidence.
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