[2025 Chongqing Attraction] Travel Guide for Antao Town (Updated Jul)

The morning mist cast a soft glow over the Laixi River, its ripples gently swaying the reflections of weeping crabapple trees along the banks. As I stepped into this ancient town with a thousand years of history, a light summer rain was falling, immersing the entire city of Rongchang in an ink-wash painting. This small town, historically known as "Changzhou," earned its reputation as the "Fragrant Land of Crabapples" from a Song Dynasty poem: "Though no crabapple in the world bears fragrance, only those in Changzhou bloom with intoxicating scent." Today, it quietly shines in the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing region with its intangible cultural heritage—"a piece of pottery, a bolt of fabric, and a folding fan." **Morning in Wanling: The Wrinkles of Time in a Water Town** Through the misty haze of the Laixi River, the outline of Wanling Ancient Town gradually came into view. This 4A-level scenic spot, known as the "Immigrant Water Town," is a living fossil of the "Huguang Migration to Sichuan." Passing through Taiping Gate, the bluestone pavement underfoot, polished smooth by time, led to rows of stilted houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties lining the river, resembling a frozen Jiangnan melody. The Darong Bridge spans the river, showcasing the wisdom of ancient builders—flat for pedestrians, arched for boats—still serving as a vital passage for locals today. Walking along the river, the high-pitched tunes of Sichuan opera drifted from the Huguang Guild Hall, while steam rose from teacups on octagonal tables. Around the corner, the Violin Museum housed over 300 rare instruments, and a private concert revealed the magical harmony of Western strings and Chinese wooden beams. As dusk fell, I boarded a rowing boat. The oars shattered the reflections of lantern lights, and the boatman's chants echoed in the damp air. Looking back at Darong Bridge, its eleven arches, lit by lanterns, resembled a string of pearls lost in the mortal world. **Clay and Fire: A Millennium of Craft in Anfeng Pottery Town** The next morning, I headed to Anfeng Street, where the scent of clay filled the air. Rongchang pottery, alongside Yixing purple clay, Jianshui pottery, and Qinzhou Nixing pottery, is celebrated as one of China's "Four Great Pottery Traditions." Anfeng Pottery Town is where this thousand-year-old craft thrives. In a workshop on Taobao Ancient Street, I wrestled with red clay on a spinning wheel. The potter smiled and advised, "Let the clay follow your heart, and your touch flow like water." Under my fingertips, the clay moved like silk, gradually shaping into a cup. Behind the praise of "red as dates, thin as paper" lies decades of dedication. Next door, a young man played a clay ocarina, its clear notes piercing the morning mist and intertwining with the rising kiln smoke. At the Rongchang Pottery Museum, over 4,000 pieces narrated an epic of earth and fire—from the simplicity of Han Dynasty gray pottery to the brilliance of Song Dynasty tricolor glazes. The "Belt and Road" ceramics exhibit was particularly striking, with vibrant Iranian pottery, elegant Korean celadon, and Rongchang pickle jars standing side by side, silently telling stories of cultural exchange. In a corner, an elderly craftsman shaped clay with deft fingers, lamenting, "Young folks find it too hard; this craft might end up in museums." The setting sun gilded his profile, turning him into a living monument. **Threads of Poetry: The Blue-and-White Dream of Xiaobu Fabric Town** In the afternoon, I entered Xiaobu Fabric Town, where traditional courtyard complexes were surrounded by water. Home to China's only dedicated Xiaobu (grass cloth) museum, it preserves the miracle of turning ramie into fabric. Running my fingers over the fibers on a loom, I tried weaving with a traditional shuttle. The ramie, smooth yet resilient, easily tangled with the slightest misstep—revealing the patience behind its title as the "King of Natural Fibers." As twilight fell, the Yimeng Covered Bridge lit up, its indigo-dyed curtains fluttering in the breeze. The Piglet Market buzzed with activity, the aroma of leaf-wrapped glutinous rice cakes mingling with the sweetness of brown sugar jelly. At the Yiqiu Tang studio, under a master's guidance, I tie-dyed Xiaobu fabric into lotus patterns. As the cloth dipped into the vat, the indigo bloomed like ink—an ancient blue from the *Book of Songs*, now reborn in my hands. **Flavors of Rongchang: Intangible Heritage on the Tongue** Rongchang's culinary heritage shines brightest. Spiced goose is an unmissable icon—at Huang Er's stall, 38 spices simmered in dark broth. Sliced goose, its marbling like amber, paired with a dipping sauce of chili and Houttuynia cordata, unleashed a burst of rich, spiced flavor—earning the "Spiced Goose Brother" fame at the 2025 Food Festival. Luo's yellow bean jelly at Lotus Square was unforgettable—tender pea cakes drizzled with chili paste, while Qiu's version added crushed peanuts, best enjoyed with chilled plum tea. Late at night, in a back alley, an old master stretched dough into quilt-sized sheets, tossing them into boiling water to create the hearty "Quilt Noodles" for just twenty yuan. During festivals, the spectacle of Zhong'ao's Fire Dragon Dance lit up the night—molten iron sprayed into the sky at 1600°C, creating a golden rain as the dragon twisted through the fiery cascade, met by roaring crowds. **Mountains and Rivers: From Ancient Buddha Mountain to Laixi's Bridges** On my last day, I climbed Ancient Buddha Mountain. Though only 711 meters high, the view from "Rulai Peak" stretched across rolling hills like a green scroll, clouds weaving through the trees like a fairyland. Descending, I wandered into Laixi River Wetland Park, where egrets skimmed over 914 hectares of reeds, and cyclists sped along ecological trails. Following the river, I discovered Rongchang's bridges—the Northern Song-era Shiji Bridge, moss-covered yet dignified; the Qing Dynasty Xiaotan Bridge, a dragon resting on waves; and Guanyin Bridge, standing firm for centuries. At Liansheng Covered Bridge, modern pavilions blended with blooming crabapples, elders played chess, and children chased petals—a timeless scene of prosperity. As my train departed, the clay ocarina in my backpack hummed softly, and the Xiaobu fabric felt cool to the touch. Looking back at Rongchang, the Laixi River mirrored millennia—the arches of Darong Bridge, the kiln's smoke, the threads of Xiaobu weaving an unbroken legacy. This city's charm lies in its blend of everyday life and cultural elegance—waiting patiently for you to read its landscapes in a bolt of fabric and hear its stories in a clay teapot. *The Laixi River flows past seven ancient bridges,* *Clay leaves a red date's mark in my palm,* *In the warp and weft of Xiaobu,* *Half the city's smoke, half its poetry.* —Rongchang District, Chongqing

—— Rongchang, the secret base that drives foodies and artsy youth crazy! 🚗 Transportation Guide: Who understands the joy of arriving after a quick nap! ✅ High-speed rail travelers, look here 🚄: Just search for "Rongchang North Station," only 30 minutes direct from Chongqing main city! Take a taxi 🚖 after getting off, and in 5 minutes you can dive into the city for a meal—more convenient than going to work, who gets it! ✅ Self-driving travelers, look here 🚗: Navigate to "Rongchang District Government," take the Yukun Expressway smoothly all the way~ Parking in the new city area is super convenient, park anywhere in the core area, no more stressing over parking spots! 🏨 Accommodation Guide: Sleep in the right place, and your travel experience will be maximized! ✨ Top picks in the business district center: near Lianhua Square and Dongbang City Square, downstairs is a snack street, you can even rush out for barbecue 🍢 if you get hungry at midnight! Recommended treasure hotels tested and guaranteed not to disappoint— 🏨 Tuoxin Ruier: A time-honored Rongchang brand! Grand decoration, breakfast includes freshly cooked Pugai noodles 🍜, stayed three times with no regrets, best value for money! 🏨 Promise Not to Break Up: The name is super fun! Instagram-style decor, rooms with large floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for photos, a must-book for couples 💑~ 🏨 Vienna Hotel (High-speed Rail Station Branch): A blessing for early train travelers! 5-minute walk to the station, bedding so soft it feels like sleeping on clouds 😴! 📸 Exhaustive guide! Rongchang 2 days 1 night divine itinerary (with hidden activities) 🌼【Day 1: Arts + Nature + Taste Explosion, one-stop check-in!】 🍜 Must-have breakfast: Rongchang Pugai Noodles Noodles as wide as a bedsheet! Topped with bone broth and minced meat sauce, one slurp and the noodle aroma mixed with meat fragrance is divine😭! Recommended "Tang’s Pugai Noodles," loved by locals since childhood~ 🕍 First stop: Catholic Church (hidden photo hotspot!) A Gothic building hidden in the old town, spires + stained glass as beautiful as a movie scene 🎬! The afternoon light on a sunny day is amazing, wear light-colored clothes and every shot looks like a magazine cover, and best of all, it’s free! 🏺 Second stop: Antao Town + Antao Museum The millennium-old pottery town is no exaggeration! Try your hand at wheel throwing pottery 👐, the museum displays pottery from the Han to Ming and Qing dynasties, you can even find the artistic vibe of Jay Chou’s "Blue and White Porcelain" here~ Take home a pottery jar as a souvenir, instantly boosting your artsy vibe! 🍢 Lunch: Anfu Town food crawl The town hides many local hole-in-the-wall eateries! Try spicy cold noodles with cold shrimp, then bite into crispy outside, tender inside fried dough sticks, all for about 20 RMB per person, you’ll be stuffed and happy 😋~ ⛰ Third stop: Swallow Cliff easy hike A lazy-friendly hiking route! Walk along the stream, with steep cliffs and dense bamboo forests 🌿 on both sides, sit on a rock to listen to the water sound when tired, oxygen and lung cleansing at its best~ Remember to wear non-slip shoes! 🍗 Main event: Whole Goose Feast (Rongchang braised goose is a must-eat!) Coming to Rongchang and not eating braised goose is a wasted trip! Recommended "Rongchang Braised Goose Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor," the goose meat is flavorful and tender, skin crispy and meat juicy, dip in secret chili powder, finger-licking good 🤤! Also order goose blood soup and cold mixed goose offal, a table full of goose delicacies, meat lovers rejoice! 🧵 Evening: Xiabu Town (Intangible cultural heritage + night view double hit) An ancient and quaint town, lanterns light up and you instantly feel transported 📸! Here you can see Xiabu weaving craftsmanship and buy a Xiabu handkerchief as a gift~ At night, drink tea by the river and watch lanterns, the atmosphere is perfect! 🌿【Day 2: Slow life in ancient town + city food crawl, full of local flavor!】 🍜 Breakfast: Rongchang Xiaomian (the hidden king of Chongqing noodles!) Different from Chongqing noodles, Rongchang Xiaomian is more numbing and fragrant! Recommended "Qiu Ji Noodle House," lard + Sichuan pepper + crushed peanuts, mix well and one slurp, the spicy, numbing, and fresh flavors explode on your tongue 🌶️! 🏯 First stop: Wanling Ancient Town (Chongqing’s version of "Jiangnan Water Town") Bluestone roads + stilted buildings + Laixi River running through the town, naturally picturesque! Rent a Hanfu 📸, take photos on "Da Rong Bridge," and instantly get ancient style masterpieces~ The "Zhao Clan Ancestral Hall" and "Erya Academy" in the town are also worth visiting, full of historical atmosphere! 🍢 Ancient town snack crawl list: ▪️ Ai Ba: Mugwort fragrance + soft glutinous rice, bite open to sweet sesame filling 😋 ▪️ Panlong Mahua: Freshly fried, crispy to the point of crumbling, try both sweet and salty flavors! ▪️ Lamb soup with rice: Perfect for cold days, fresh soup and tender meat, warms your heart~ 🏛 Second stop: European Style Avenue (pretend you’re abroad!) Never expected Rongchang to hide such a photogenic spot! European architecture + fountain square, wear a suit or long dress for photos, instantly feel like you’re on the streets of Paris ✅, uncrowded and perfect for casual shooting! 🛍 Afternoon: Pedestrian street food and shopping (foodie paradise!) Stroll from one end to the other, never stop snacking! Must-buys— ▪️ Wu’s Mung Bean Pastry: 30-year-old brand! Crispy to the point of crumbling, mung bean filling delicate and not too sweet, buying 10 boxes still not enough to gift friends 👯‍♀️ ▪️ Kouxiangsu Chestnut Cake: Freshly baked with sweet and salty flavors, layers of crispy crust, worth queuing for! ▪️ Lianhua Square Spicy and Sour Lotus Root Strips: Auntie cuts and mixes fresh, strong spicy and sour flavor, perfect snack for binge-watching 🌶️! 🔥 Dinner: Barbecue + Night Market (the pinnacle of local flavor!) Recommended "Binhe Road Night Market," grilled pork belly, fermented tofu, grilled brain flower... stalls one after another, full of lively atmosphere! Find a roadside stall, enjoy skewers and beer, chat with friends till late, this is what travel should be like~ 🌙 Night stroll: Yudai River Park (romance level max!) After dinner, walk to Yudai River, the riverside boardwalk lit with colorful lights, the evening breeze is super comfortable~ If lucky, catch a street musician singing, sit on a bench and enjoy the night view, the vibe is perfect! 🦐 Local foodie secrets! These places are must-go with eyes closed! 🍲 Main meal recommendations (50-80 RMB per person for a satisfying meal): ▪️ Huang Erjie Lamb Soup: The top lamb soup in Rongchang! Milky broth, sprinkled with scallions and pepper powder, eaten with dry oil dip, a bowl in winter warms your whole body 🥣~ ▪️ Jiujiu Bullfrog Fish Head: A treasure shop opposite Bingguo KTV! The bullfrog is plump, fish head flavorful, moderate spiciness, after eating you can add vegetables to cook, so good you want to pack the soup! ▪️ Dananmen Hotpot: A hole-in-the-wall in the old town, beef tallow base super fragrant, tripe and duck intestines must order, 60 RMB per person and you’ll be full! 🧁 Dessert & snack must-tries: ▪️ Yang Guofu Cold Cake: Not the spicy hot pot chain! Thick brown sugar, delicate cold cake, sprinkled with crushed peanuts, a bowl in summer instantly cools you down 🧊~ ▪️ Qiaotou Fish Restaurant: Their signature spicy crispy crucian carp! Fish meat crispy outside, tender inside, chili fragrant but not overpowering, even the side dishes are so good you’ll lick the plate! 🌙 Late-night cozy spot: Secret Garden Bar A small fresh bar hidden in an alley, surrounded by greenery like a little garden 🌿~ The resident singer’s voice is gentle, order a special cocktail, chat with friends, a slightly tipsy night is so pleasant! 📌 Thoughtful Tips (save this to avoid mistakes!) 1️⃣ Best time to visit: March-April for cherry blossoms, October-November for ginkgo viewing, autumn and winter perfect for lamb soup! 2️⃣ Photo gear: Wear Hanfu or light-colored clothes in the ancient town, vintage style suits the Catholic Church perfectly~ 3️⃣ Rongchang is small, taxi rides are basically under 10 RMB, lazy travelers can just taxi around the whole city! 💥 With Rongchang like this, why not rush over? Arts, food, and local vibe all included, 2 days and 1 night can max out your happiness~ Save this guide, grab your bestie or partner, and set off next weekend! (Whisper: Remember to thank me when you come, after all, this is a treasure route locals have kept for 20 years! ✨)

#discoverchina Chongqing is home to its own ceramic wonder – An Tao Town, known for its An Tao ceramics, one of China's four famous ceramics. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, filled with traditional charm and pottery culture. Highlights of An Tao Town: Ancient Streets and Water Lanes: Step into the town, and you'll be greeted by a massive ceramic pickle jar, setting the mood for your journey through history. Pottery Museum: Explore the museum to learn about the long history of ceramics. It's an excellent spot for those interested in ancient art and pottery traditions. Hanfu Photo Spots: Perfect for taking photos in your beautiful hanfu attire, capturing the timeless beauty of the town. Immersive Ceramic DIY Experience: Wheel Throwing: Learn from skilled artisans who guide you through shaping clay, turning it from rebellious to smooth and shapely. Ceramic Painting: Create personalized designs, making it a great activity for families or couples looking for a memorable souvenir. (Tip: Wear dark clothes as clay can splatter!) Bonus Experiences: Rongchang Ceramic Museum (Free): Discover ancient ceramics like the Song Dynasty pickled jar and Qing Dynasty teapots. The curator will also reveal the secret behind “An Tao pickles not blooming.” Ancient Style Market (Weekends/Holidays Only): Enjoy traditional street food, sugar sculpting, Peking opera face painting, and more in a delightful cultural atmosphere. #thingstodo #travel

Antao Town Antao, one of the four famous ceramics in China, is produced here. Ancient streets and water alleys The fragrance of ceramics is leisurely There is a huge ceramic pickle jar at the entrance. Stroll along Taobao Ancient Street Visit the Ceramic Museum Here you can not only learn about the history of pottery It is also very suitable for Hanfu check-in. Take photos 📷 and check in 👍👍👍 Come here for a weekend escape plan before it is commercialized. - 1️⃣ Immersive pottery DIY Pottery experience: The master teaches you hand in hand, and the clay is super healing from "rebellious" to "obedient"! Paint pottery: Paint exclusive patterns, suitable for children 🪆 or couple souvenirs (⚠️ Wear dark clothes, clay is easy to splash!) 2️⃣ Rongchang Ceramic Museum (🆓) Look at the pickle jars of the Song Dynasty and teapots of the Qing Dynasty, and the curator personally tells the secret of "Antao pickles do not bloom" 3️⃣ 🏮 Ancient style market (weekends/holidays only): Pinch sugar figurines, paint facial makeup, intangible cultural heritage food stalls, and wear Hanfu to stroll around for more atmosphere - 📷 Photo strategy 1️⃣ Pottery workshop 🪟 by the window Backlight shooting of the side shadow of the pottery, close-up of the hands + splashing mud spots 2️⃣ Old kiln site red brick wall 🫙 Wear a plain long skirt and use pottery as a prop to take a cold literary photo. 3️⃣ National style market lantern street 🏮 Evening blue tone + warm yellow lanterns, dynamic capture of swinging skirts or holding candied haws - 🍜 Local people's private collection 🧾 📍 Three unique ceramics: Lamb covered noodles: Handmade noodles are as thin as paper, and the lamb soup is so fresh that it falls off the eyebrows Yellow jelly: sour and spicy appetizer, with ceramic bowl photos are super textured Braised goose wings: Old brand in the ancient town, gnawing and shopping in the market is super cool - 🚗 Traffic guide 1️⃣ Self-driving: 1.5h from the main city of Chongqing, navigate to "Antao Town", and go directly to the Anfu toll station on the expressway 2️⃣ High-speed rail: Chongqing North → Rongchang North Station (30min), 15min by taxi to the town 3️⃣ Avoid pitfalls: Don't go around Rongchang City! It is more time-saving to go directly to the expressway. - 🚨Tips: 1️⃣ Avoid Monday! Some workshops are closed, and the museum may also be closed 2️⃣ It takes about 2 weeks to fire pottery, so fill in your home address instead of the hotel.

| Taobao Ancient Street. ◾️Taobao Ancient Street is located inside Antao Town. The entire street has an ancient charm and a strong historical atmosphere. The street is not large, less than 500 meters in length. At the front of the street stands a tall wooden archway with the inscription 'Taobao Ancient Street,' highlighting the ancient style of the street. ◾️The ancient street features bluestone pavements and antique-style buildings, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time to trace historical memories. You can visit the Rongchang pottery craft shops along the street and listen to master potters explain the process of making Rongchang pottery. You can also try your hand at making a pottery piece, experiencing the entire process of kneading clay, shaping, and throwing, and take your creation home. ◾️Visiting Taobao Ancient Street, 'treasure hunting' is the biggest fun. Prices vary, and you can find simple and rustic tea sets, exquisite and beautiful vases and ornaments, as well as very affordable flower pots, bowls, and plates. ◾️Rongchang pottery, one of the four famous potteries, reached its peak in the 1970s and was the largest ceramic production base in the entire southwestern region. Its wood-fired pottery is considered a treasure. Made from original red clay and hand-thrown, the pieces are full-bodied with rigid lines. Due to the long firing time and low yield, the prices are also high. 📍Travel Tips Location: Changyuan Street, Rongchang District, Chongqing City Ticket Information: Free Self-driving Information: Directly navigate to Antao Town or Taobao Ancient Street to reach. Travel Suggestions: Rongchang Pottery Museum; visit Antao Town, Taobao Ancient Street; pottery experience.

Antao Town is located in Anfu Street, Rongchang District, Chongqing City. Its predecessor was 'Anfu Town', which was established in the 41st year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1702), and it has been 301 years since then. The overall layout of Antao Town is 'ancient streets and water lanes'. In addition to the 400-meter-long Taobao Ancient Street, it will also build a 1.1-kilometer-long and ten-meter-wide Taishui River, cleverly using ditches and canals to separate the water lanes into individual gardens, creating the effect of 'water surrounds the ancient town, and the fragrance of pottery is leisurely'. Antao Town has a history of more than 800 years of pottery production. In 2018, it was recognized as a 'Chongqing City Research Travel Demonstration Base', and in 2019, it was successfully selected as the 'First Batch of Chongqing City Intangible Cultural Heritage Characteristic Town'. The scenic spots in the scenic area such as Taobao Ancient Street, Pingyun Villa, Kiln King Palace, Ancient Post Road, and Fire God Temple all have the characteristics of Sichuan and Chongqing immigrants. Under the influence of elements such as pottery culture, wine culture, orchid culture, anti-Japanese war culture, and immigrant culture, Antao Town has become a charming city of cultural creativity. On June 26, 2020, Antao Town was selected as the 'Second Round of National Characteristic Town Typical Experience'.