1. Explore the cultural heritage of Jiuli City, see the Wujiang River Gallery, and discover the ancient Gongtan!
2. You need to purchase the boat tickets for Wujiang Gallery and the entrance tickets for Jiuli City yourself, or we can assist you in purchasing them.
Chiyou Jiuli City is located in Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, China, serving as a significant cultural and tourism landmark. Situated on the east bank of the Wujiang River and built against the mountains and water, its unique location makes it an excellent destination to experience the perfect blend of Miao traditional architecture and natural scenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich ethnic customs and magnificent landscapes.
Chiyou Jiuli City focuses on promoting Miao culture and recreating the ancient legend of Chiyou. Within the city, large sculptures, murals, and cultural buildings vividly narrate the heroic stories of Chiyou, one of the ancestors of the Chinese nation, and the historical origins of the Jiuli tribe. It also displays the agricultural practices, sacrificial rituals, and daily customs of the Miao people, along with their rich handicraft traditions such as clothing, silver ornaments, batik, and embroidery, allowing visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the essence of Miao culture.
Jiuli culture has a long history and is closely linked to the early development of Chinese civilization, often considered the ancient origin of Miao culture. Its uniqueness lies in its fusion of primitive worship, totemism, and natural philosophy, forming a distinct spiritual connotation and way of life. This culture is deeply reflected in its grand architectural style, solemn sacrificial ceremonies, lively festive activities, and rich and colorful folk arts, embodying a mysterious and profound historical heritage.
Chiyou Jiuli City boasts numerous breathtaking characteristic architectures, including the world's largest cluster of Miao stilted buildings (diaojiaolou), the Chiyou Temple, Jiuli Palace, and Jiuli tribal totem poles. Visitors can focus on visiting the towering Jiuli Divine Pillar to feel the solemnity of Miao spiritual beliefs, and stroll among the unique stilted buildings to experience the rustic charm of ancient Miao villages. Each area cleverly integrates Miao totems and traditional architectural artistry, making it worth savoring.
Gongtan Ancient Town is a millennium-old town on the banks of the Wujiang River, renowned for its unique architectural style, rich history and culture, and charming natural scenery. The town's architecture primarily consists of stilted buildings constructed along the Wujiang River's cliffs, presenting a staggered, tiered layout. It was once an important salt transport hub and commercial center, having well-preserved a large number of ancient buildings and bluestone streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties, possessing a profound Bashu culture and salt route heritage.
The Wujiang Gallery is famed for its reputation as 'A Thousand Miles of Wujiang, A Hundred Miles of Gallery.' The cruise offers views of steep gorges, emerald green waters, peculiar peaks, and ancient villages. The karst landforms on both banks, forming caves, waterfalls, and cliff plank roads, create a moving landscape painting. Especially noteworthy is Gongtan Ancient Town, which offers a unique charm when viewed from the river. It's a paradise for photography enthusiasts and should not be missed.
In addition to admiring the ancient stilted building complex, visitors to Gongtan Ancient Town can deeply experience the local culture. You can stroll along the bluestone old streets, visit traditional handicraft workshops such as Miao silver ornaments or Tujia batik, and feel the craftsman's spirit. Furthermore, savoring authentic Tujia local snacks or relaxing in a riverside teahouse to enjoy the slow-paced ancient town life are unforgettable experiences.
Due to the vast area and rich cultural content of Chiyou Jiuli City, it is recommended that visitors allocate at least half a day to a full day for an in-depth tour. This allows for a leisurely visit to main architectures like Jiuli Palace and Chiyou Temple, a detailed appreciation of the Miao cultural exhibits, and enjoyment of its unique architectural clusters from various viewpoints. If time permits, participating in some cultural experience activities can make your trip even more fulfilling.