Road Trip Itinerary to Mt. Jinfo Nanchuan Route 178

Discover Chongqing with us. Join our Facebook group for FREE city tour. Author: Kevin Deng Published July 11, 2025

3-Day Route 178 Road Trip in Mount Jinfo

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day road trip along Chongqing’s scenic National Route 178, winding through the breathtaking landscapes of Jinfo Mountain (Golden Buddha Mountain).

This adventure welcomes you with serene lake vistas, exhilarating mountain hikes, cascading waterfalls, and the ancient mysteries of Longya City’s historic defence ruins.

Packed with opportunities for camping, splashing in refreshing waters, and soaking up the summer sun, this route offers the perfect escape for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Route 178 Road Trip Map

What to Pack for the Route 178 Road Trip

• Hiking Shoes: Prepare for extensive trekking across Jinfo Mountain’s rugged trails with a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes. Opt for waterproof and breathable designs to tackle diverse terrains and keep your feet happy.
• Water Shoes or Sandals: Route 178 is a paradise for water-based adventures. Pack a pair of durable water shoes or sandals for wading through cool creeks, ponds, and waterfall areas—perfect for refreshing dips on warm summer days.
• Camping Gear: Embrace the great outdoors with essential camping supplies. Bring a hammock to string between trees for relaxing in the shade, a portable BBQ grill for campfire meals, and a lightweight tent for cozy overnight stays under the stars.
• Snacks and Food: While you’ll find charming local farmstay restaurants serving authentic dishes along the route, pack your favourite snacks and easy-to-prepare meals for campsite picnics or quick bites during hikes. Think energy bars, dried fruits, or instant noodles for convenience.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during long hikes with a durable, reusable water bottle.

Day 1: Tianxing Town, Jinshan Lake, Rainbow Bridge, Ginkgo Tree Town and Dayou Town

We kicked off our adventure early, hitting the road toward the Longfeng Interchange (龙凤互通), the gateway to Route 178.

The 1.5-hour drive from Chongqing, entirely on smooth highways, was a breeze and set the tone for a scenic escape.

Our first stop was Tianxing Town (天星小镇), a charming village nestled in the lush valleys of Jinfo Mountain.

Its quaint walking street buzzed with local shops, including one showcasing traditional bamboo-crafted goods—think intricately woven baskets, bowls, and hats.

We grabbed steaming-hot buns from a local vendor, their savoury warmth a perfect start to the day.

Next, we arrived at Jinshan Lake (金山湖), a jade-green gem framed by rolling hills.

Hiking the full loop around the lake takes hours, so we opted for the main road’s scenic view deck, soaking in the shimmering water and vibrant wildflowers lining the route.

Park along the roadside to snap photos of this floral paradise—a must for any nature lover.

From there, we veered off the main road and ascended to the Rainbow Bridge, a hidden gem cradled beneath Jinfo Mountain’s majestic peaks. The panoramic views, paired with a refreshing valley breeze, made this a highlight of the day.

After visiting the Rainbow Bridge, we returned to the main route and found a nice coffee shop and camping site right in front of a mountain that resembled a pillar, Mt. Zhutai (烛台峰).

Continuing our journey, we visited Ginkgo Tree Town to marvel at its ancient, thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, its golden leaves a testament to time.

As dusk fell, we checked into a cozy family-run guesthouse in Dayou Town. That night, we gazed at a dazzling starry sky, far brighter than anything you’d see in Chongqing’s city glow.

Day 2: Mt. Pinky Finger, Longya Ruins, Fengchuiling, and Maniaoshui Waterfall

Day two was packed with adventure. Driving a Tesla, we started by charging at Dayou Town’s government building, where fast-charging stations made the stop quick and convenient.

While the car powered up, we strolled through the town’s vibrant morning farmers’ market, savouring local breakfast dishes bursting with fresh flavours.

Our first destination was Mt. Pinky Finger (小拇指山), a beloved hiking trail often compared to a mini-version of China’s sacred Fanjing Mountain (梵净山).

Don’t let its modest height fool you—this trail demands a solid hour to reach the summit. The path grows steep near the top, transitioning from muddy trails to metal ladders that require both hands and feet to conquer.

Take it slow, especially on the final, near-vertical climb, and don’t let the heights intimidate you.

The reward? Jaw-dropping views from the summit that make every step worthwhile.

Surprisingly, the descent was far less daunting than expected.

Next, we explored Longya City (龙崖城), a Song Dynasty military fortress known as southern China’s “first barrier,” alongside Diaoyu Fortress in Chongqing’s Hechuan district.

Though the main trail is closed, a small side path next to the gate leads up the mountain.

At the summit, another ancient gate awaits, but proceed with caution—it felt a bit precarious, so we admired it from a safe distance.

After passing through a tunnel, we reached Fengchuiling (风吹岭), renowned for its mesmerizing “cloud waterfall”. For the best experience, visit at around 6:00 AM on a sunny morning after rain, when mist cascades like a natural masterpiece. The sight of clouds tumbling over the cliffs was unforgettable.

Our final stop was Maniaoshui Waterfall (马尿水瀑布), a breathtaking 300-meter cascade plunging to the valley below. Its raw power and misty spray capped off an exhilarating day.

We spent the night at a family guesthouse near Fengchuiling, resting up for our final adventure.

Day 3: Shanwangping National Forest Park and Nanchuan East Street

After a hearty breakfast, we set out for Shanwangping National Forest Park (山王坪喀斯特森林公园), famed for its towering metasequoia trees.

As we entered, rows of straight metasequoias and evergreen spruces greeted us, creating a striking landscape, especially in late autumn when the metasequoias turn golden, forming a “half-autumn, half-spring” spectacle alongside the green spruces. Often dubbed China’s version of a redwood forest, this park is a natural wonder.

Instead of taking the sightseeing bus to the rock forest, we chose a 5-kilometre hike through the serene metasequoia groves, a 2-hour journey that felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Unfortunately, rain began to fall shortly after we reached the rock forest, cutting our exploration short but adding a mystical vibe to the rugged stone formations.

On our way back to Chongqing, we detoured to Nanchuan East Street (南川东街), a vibrant hub filled with themed shops showcasing oversized replicas of everyday items like fans, water bottles, and retro radios—perfect for quirky photos.

The real draw, however, was Nanchuan’s legendary barbecue, especially the soft, sticky, and tender sweet potato noodles (苕皮), a Chongqing delicacy that left us craving more.

This 3-day road trip along Route 178 was the ultimate weekend escape, blending nature, history, and local flavours in the heart of Nanchuan.