Chongqing – The "Cool Chongqing Journey" overseas media exchange program reached its Fengdu leg on August 19, bringing a group of international influencers to Nantian Lake Scenic Area. After departing from Wulong's Fairy Mountain, the group arrived in just 30 minutes, trading vast grasslands for the cool, sapphire-blue waters of one of Chongqing's premier summer retreats.

Morning Thrills: China's Longest Rail Coaster 

The day began with an adrenaline rush. The influencers took on the scenic area's rail coaster, a 3,000-meter tubular track with a vertical drop of 182 meters and top speeds reaching 40 km/h. Currently the longest and most intelligent coaster of its kind in China, the ride initially tested the nerves of even the most adventurous guests. Some struggled with fear of heights; others had second thoughts moments before boarding. But after the twists and turns, cheers of "One more lap!" filled the air.

Influencers experience the roller coaster. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

From there, the group ascended to the 1958 Observation Deck atop Luanjia Mountain. At an elevation of 1,958 meters, the deck offers sweeping panoramic views of Nantian Lake, with layered green mountains, drifting mist, and the entire lake stretching out below, a stark contrast to the screams of the coaster moments before.

Afternoon: A "Chinese Style Moment"

The afternoon program shifted to culture. The influencers changed into traditional Chinese costumes, blending ancient elegance with modern energy against the lakeside backdrop. They boarded a mini-train along the shore and interacted with classic characters (NPCs) along the lake boardwalk, creating spontaneous, shareable moments.

Influencers try on traditional Chinese costumes. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

A traditional Chinese-style performance unfolded by the water, featuring a series of intangible cultural heritage acts. Among them was the Longkong Ox Dance (Longkong Xiniu Wu), a folk dance with nearly 400 years of history that was added to Chongqing's municipal intangible cultural heritage list in 2014. The performance - featuring a "divine ox" trotting, rolling, and playfully interacting with its herder - drew laughter and applause from the international audience.

Influencers stroll around Nantian Lake in traditional Chinese attire. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

Two Groups, Two Experiences

The influencers then split into two groups. One sampled local specialties including Fengdu Spicy Chicken and highland beef. Fengdu Spicy Chicken, one of the signature dishes among the "360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors" - an official city-backed food brand launched in 2024 - has a history spanning more than 1,300 years. Its signature balance of numbing spice, heat, freshness, and aroma delivers a pleasantly tingling flavor without being overpowering.

Influencers take photos in the verbena flower fields at Mengyue Lake. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

The other group visited Mengyue Lake, located upstream of Nantian Lake's water source. With water quality meeting China's national Class II standard, the lake stretches 1,500 meters and reaches 200 meters at its widest point. The visitors strolled through seas of blooming verbena and tried grass sliding, while the Hehuan Bridge offered a scenic vantage point over the emerald waters.

Influencers experience grass sliding at Mengyue Lake. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

Nantian Gate: A Qixi Festival Moment

At Nantian Gate, a natural gap between two peaks at 1,840 meters elevation that resembles a mythical "Gate to Heaven," visitors were treated to magnificent mountain and river views, often shrouded in clouds and mist. The visit coincided with the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day), making the moment especially poignant for an Australian couple among the group. They posed for souvenir photos at the observation deck and received heartfelt blessings from everyone around them, a quiet, touching scene of Chinese romance unfolding amid the mountains and waters.

An Australian couple shares a touching kiss on the Nantian Gate observation deck. (Photo/Daniel Yang)

From the roller coaster's thrills to the panoramic views from the 1958 Observation Deck, from traditional costume experiences to Qixi blessings at Nantian Gate, and from bold local flavors to the tranquility of Mengyue Lake, the overseas influencers on the "Cool Chongqing Journey" experienced Fengdu's dual character: "not only fiery heat, but also cool joy that makes the heart race."

( Wu Yibo, Chen Xiangling, Cui Yuning and Tan Rui, as interns, also contributed to this article.)