Chongqing- Rongchang, formerly the seat of Guchang Prefecture, enjoys the reputation as the land of fragrant begonia. The city once belonged to the State of Ba during the Spring and Autumn Period. It was later established as Changyuan County in the first year of Tang Dynasty Emperor Qianyuan. Now, Rongchang has a history dating back over 1,200 years.

Since ancient times, Rongchang has been the primary land transportation link between Chengdu and Chongqing. The geographical location allowed for integrating Ba and Shu culture, enabling Rongchang to precipitate a unique regional culture in the annals of history.

In particular, the mass Huguang immigration into Sichuan hundreds of years ago had a profound impact on the region, which helped lead to the unique regional culture in Rongchang.

Over time, the Huguang immigrant culture in Sichuan laid the foundations of Rongchang pottery, linen, and folded fans, the three main products listed as national intangible heritage in Rongchang.

Today, Rongchang is an important node for cooperation in the Chengdu-Chongqing basin and a shining jewel in the culture and travel corridor of ancient Bashu Country.

Rongchang has seized the historical opportunity presented in the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin City Economic Circle. The city is taking full advantage of its status as a golden connection point and bridgehead in Sichuan-Chongqing cooperation.

Rongchang is promoting the three major projects of a National High-tech Zone, National Pig Data Center, and National Cargo Airport. The city strives to establish the growth poles of a development demonstration zone and a national experimental zone for urban-rural integration between Chengdu and Chongqing.

The ancient town streets are packed with tourists. People close their eyes and ponder the spirit embodied within Xiaoya Academy, follow in ancestral footsteps on the stone steps of Millennium Water Pier, or feel the imprints of history upon the Eighteen Steps ancient building cluster.

Visitors can appreciate the profound immigrant culture in the Huguang Guild Hall, where the statue of King Yu stands imposingly.

Before the pillars in the Zhao Clan Ancestral Hall, one can sigh in admiration at the immortal legends written by predecessors.

The Yu Maojian Memorial Hall is dedicated to the man reputed as the most upright official under the heavens, and who was a high official within the Ming Dynasty Penal Department.

The mottled ancient city walls and gates, the antiquated wharf, the exquisite artistry within the Zhao Clan Ancestral Hall, the precious Han Dynasty tombs, the Thousand Buddha Grotto dating from the Song Dynasty, and the ancient temples, bridges, and trees tell the stories and legends of Wanling Ancient Town.

Here, the scene of tall poplars, emerald mountains, verdant bamboo, smoky farmhouses, and children playing small flutes all cause people to linger within this otherworldly paradise.

Qingjiang is an ancient town that once prospered by the water. It was the main transportation channel for passengers and cargo that connected Rongchang to Dazu and Luzhou in the distant past.

During the Qing Dynasty, there were shops, inns, and recreation built for merchants who traveled from all over the country, as the town developed a rich culture around the commercial port.

Today, Qingjiang relies on the rice industry in the development of ecological farming. There are now agricultural experiences available such as catching frogs, shrimp, and fish. In addition, people can also enjoy picking dragon fruit, strawberries, and longan in the village.

Gufo Mountain Scenic Area is located in Qingsheng Town, where the highest peak in Rongchang reaches a height of 711.3 meters above sea level. Vertical cliff faces offer unique scenery, while there are panoramic views over Changzhou from the lofty mountaintops.

The scenic area has a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with lush vegetation, clear springs, waterfalls, and emerald green scenery. The annual average temperature is 17.7℃; the forest coverage rate is above 80%, the negative oxygen ion content is as high as 12,000. /Cm3, there is a national PM2.5 air quality monitoring station established here.

Mountaineering trails within the scenic area total more than 16 kilometers, with a complete service facility network such as the Banshan Commercial Street and Tourist Reception Center.

Baifo Park, the cliffside plank walkway, glass suspension bridge, Jinlong Lake, Xuanwu Pool, Sansheng Cave, and many other scenic spots are fully open to the public.

Amongst the ecological settings of Gufo, there is not only mountaineering to clear the lungs and nourish the heart, but also ancient Buddhist culture to add mystery to the experience. The unique blend of climbing activities, scenic views, leisure, tea, and fruit make for an extraordinary journey of health preservation.

In Tongan Village of Anfu Neighborhood, the married couple of Guan Yongshuang and Li Yunshan stand by a kiln door as flames spiral upwards from the burning firewood, their pious eyes full of anticipation for the future.

Anfu is located at the junction between Sichuan and Chongqing, was founded in the 41st year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1702), according to historical records. As a single step can span two provinces and three counties, it is an essential node for exchanges.

Historically, Anfu is famous for Rongchang pottery. During the Qing Dynasty, the porcelain kilns of Anfu, Shiwan of Canton, and Yixing of Jiangsu Province were collectively known as the three pottery capitals of China.

Rongchang pottery has a long history. It originated in the Han Dynasty, developed through the Song, and prospered in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The pottery is famous home and abroad for its vivid red color, paper thinness, chime-like sound, and bright luster.

Rongchang has proposed the construction of Antao Town based on the fame of the pottery both at home and abroad. According to the development model, the town will integrate culture, tourism, experiences, and education to build the ceramic capital of western China.

In Tianyun Cloth Hall, the loom operates methodically to weave thin fiber threads into the famed Rongchang cloth, renowned for being light as cicada wings, thin as rice paper, flat as a water mirror, and fine as silk.

The inheritor of this intangible culture is Ma Linqin, whose shadow falls upon the linen cloth as if the annals of time have stood motionless.

When the mass immigration of ‘Huguang fills Sichuan’ took place in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty, a great number of Hakkas settled in Rongchang, who brought their know-how in ramie cultivation. This combined perfectly with the local textile industry to produce the famous Rongchang cloth of today.

Nowadays, many young people like Ma Linqin are inheriting the craftsmanship of their ancestors. They plant hemp, bleach, tear, roll, and twist silk thread on the flywheel as modernity and history join hands.

Rongchang Cloth Museum is not only a national 3A rated attraction that combines R&D, product exhibitions, and tourist facilities; the institution also serves as an industry cluster for sales, design, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The elegant Rongchang folding fans are made of light and flexible bamboo, with bright and rounded smooth lines at the top, and square lines at the base. The ancients also once spoke in praise of the fans. ‘It is a true rarity to fan such a refreshing breeze with a mere half sheet of paper.’

Li Kaijun has been learning the art of making folding fans since he was a child, as both his parents worked in a fan factory. He mastered the 16 production stages and over 140 separate procedures to make the fans when he was yet to reach 20 years.

It is essence accumulated through generations that bestow Rongchang folding fans their unique charm. The fan backbones are fine and numerous, the surface is light and soft, and spreads wide when opened. Rongchang folding fans are one of three famous brand names in China.

There are many sumptuous delicacies to encounter on a journey through Rongchang, and the braised goose is undoubtedly one of the most examples.

The golden luster holds a strong aroma of five spices, and a portion will make diners salivate and lose control of their fingers. In the mouth, the braised goose flesh is crispy and tender with a delicious aftertaste. The seasoning is mildly spicy, with a slight touch of ginger and green onion.

In Rongchang, the famous mutton soup is a dish suitable for all times of the year. It is the pride of Rongchang people, who serve the dish as breakfast to entertain relatives and friends, yet also grace the most high-end occasions in etiquette.

Mutton soup is milky white, savory, aromatic, and tender. It is a nutritious dish to consume in the winter season.

Chefs use lamb head and bones to stew the broth, and use the meat, organs, and blood as the main ingredients. The thick white soup is sprinkled with chopped green onions, while fried bean paste and millet are prepared as a dipping sauce to tantalize the appetites of diners.

Yellow cool noodles can be seen on stalls throughout Rongchang. The texture is soft but whole and tastes powdery with a lingering fragrance of peas between the lips and teeth.

Rongchang noodles are made by skilfully pulling the kneaded dough into thin lengths, boiling in water for a minute or two, then mixing with a tasty blend of fragrant spices and condiments.

The noodles look smooth and delicate, yet firm to the bite. Sweet peas left at the bottom of the bowl in the remaining soup leaves a rich, long-lasting aftertaste.

There are many large scale national sports events held in Rongchang, such as the Triathlon Open, Martial Arts Tournament, National Boxing Championship. These events have given Rongchang the reputation as a base for outdoor sports, leisure, and health.

The Rongchang International Marathon is not just a sports event, but an agile journey through ancient towns and intangible cultural heritage, where participants can learn about the city, flavors, and history.

Laixi River Sports and Cultural Park offers wonderful natural scenery on either side of the river, along with complete facilities. It is the only professional marathon track set amongst a waterside bamboo forest in Chongqing Municipality and is a gathering place for urban tourism, leisure, and health.

Gufo Mountain Eco-tourism and Recreation Area has a forest coverage rate of over 60% and offers beautiful scenery, including clear springs, dramatic cliff faces, and waterfalls. Citizens visit to experience mountain climbing and enjoy leisure activities.

Within, there are also undulating mountains, ravines, valleys, peaks, forest, and rivers covering over 1,000 mu, and which attract countless Rongchang locals to foster health.