A Foodie's Secret Paradise in Wanzhou, a Niche Travel Destination That's a Must-Visit This Labor Day

"Did you know there's a 'carboholic's' paradise hidden around Chongqing? The locals' secret alleys have a more authentic vibe than Hongyadong! You can eat until you're stuffed for just CNY 50 per person. 99% of tourists don't know about this 'Little Chongqing' – Wanzhou. This time, we have to make sure it's packed!" --- **I. Why is Wanzhou worth visiting?** 1. **Full of Seclusion**: While Hongyadong and Jiefangbei are crowded, Wanzhou still retains the old Chongqing vibe. There's no hustle and bustle of Internet-famous spots, only the tranquility of eating grilled fish by the Yangtze River while enjoying the breeze. 2. **Super High Food Density**: This is the hidden version of the "Jianghu Cuisine Ancestor"! The birthplace of Wanzhou grilled fish, the No. 1 noodle in the Three Gorges, crab roe sesame cake... You can eat different things for 3 days straight, with a double whammy of carbs and Jianghu flavors. 3. **Lazy-Friendly Itinerary**: The city is so mini that you can walk around it, and the attractions are concentrated so your feet won't get tired. You can sleep in every day, stroll around the old city to eat, and drink beer by the river to watch the ferry lights at night – this is the right way to spend a holiday. --- **II. Wanzhou Food Map: Follow the Map to Avoid Disappointments** **Breakfast: A Carbohydrate Carnival Starts in the Morning** 1. **Zeng Steamed Buns (Baiyangping Branch)** - **Must-Order**: Savory Pork Buns, Sticky Rice Buns - **Secret Code**: The skin is so thin that it bursts with juice when you bite into it. The sticky rice buns contain pork belly and salted egg yolk. Sweet and savory lovers can shake hands and make peace here. 2. **Ran Cold Noodles (Xincheng Road)** - **Hidden Way to Eat**: Cold noodles + pea and minced meat sauce rice combo. The red chili oil is so fragrant that you'll stomp your feet. Remember to ask the owner to add an extra spoonful of their secret pickled radish. 3. **Chicken Crop Cake (Old Street Mobile Stall)** - **Curiosity Alert**: Glutinous rice balls wrapped in red bean paste and deep-fried. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside like a bomb. The moment you bite into it, the sugar and oil burst out. Pair it with a bowl of egg-drop soy milk and you'll be in heaven. **Lunch: The Ultimate Jianghu Cuisine Battle** 1. **Wanxian Noodle Restaurant (Taibai Road)** - **Double Noodle Ritual**: Beef noodles + fatty intestine noodles. The red soup is so spicy that your taste buds will dance. The alkaline noodles are so chewy that they can hold chopsticks. Remember to add a fried egg and soak it in the soup. 2. **Wen Tangyuan (Xincheng Road)** - **Non-Typical Choice**: Sesame-filled glutinous rice balls with fermented rice wine. The glutinous rice balls have a slightly sour taste, which is a spicy reliever. After eating, you can also pack brown sugar rice cakes to go. **Dinner: Late-Night Snacks are the Soul** 1. **Wanzhou Grilled Fish (Old Riverside Restaurant)** - **Textbook Operation**: Grass carp is caught and killed on the spot, covered with potato slices, konjac, and bean sprouts, and drizzled with hot sesame oil. The fish is crispy and the side dishes absorb the flavor. It is recommended that two people order one fish, otherwise you will be too full to walk. 2. **Crab Roe Sesame Cake (Night Market Stall)** - **Secret Code**: Look for the stall with the longest line of aunts and uncles. They're freshly wrapped and baked, with a flaky crust. The filling is salty and fragrant with crab roe. Take a bite while it's hot, and the kid next door will cry with envy. --- **III. Wanzhou Non-Typical Ways to Play: Wild Ways to Avoid Crowds** 1. **Pretend to be Dazed by the Waterfall in the Three Gorges** - **Qinglong Waterfall**: The widest waterfall in Asia! Stand on the viewing platform and bathe in the fairy air (don't use an umbrella). The water mist cools you down instantly. Wear Hanfu and take blockbuster photos of knights-errant. 2. **The Magical Check-In at the Hongyadong Branch** - **Xishan Bell Tower**: Climb to the top of the mountain for 15 minutes, overlook the lights on both sides of the Yangtze River, and replicate the same night view as Hongyadong. The key is that no one is fighting for a spot. 3. **Immersive Disco on the Yangtze River Ferry** - **Ferry Experience**: Spend CNY 5 to take a ferry, watch cargo ships pass by while enjoying the river breeze. In the evening, the cabin roof opens for a party. Locals toast and chat with beer, creating a full atmosphere. --- **IV. Local's Private Recommendations** 1. **Transportation**: Xi'an → Wanzhou high-speed train is a 4-hour direct ride. It costs CNY 6 to take a taxi from the station. It's more interesting to explore the old city on foot. 2. **Accommodation**: Choose a B&B on Binjiang Road with a view of the Yangtze River. Fall asleep at night listening to the sound of the ferry whistle. 3. **Easter Eggs**: - Buy [Rose Rice Candy] at the farmers market as a souvenir. It's so crispy that it crumbles. - Go to [Zhoujiaba Night Market] at dawn to wait for the freshly baked [Ge Ge] (steamed ribs + sweet potatoes), the local's late-night snack C spot. --- **V. Wanzhou Chatty Time** "The people here speak like machine guns, but their fierce tone hides their warm hearts. When asking for directions, you may be asked 'Why can't you find your way?', but they will turn around and point out three shortcuts for you. The old men drinking tea by the river will complain 'Wanzhou has nothing to do but eat', but their eyes can't hide their pride – after all, even people from the main city of Chongqing come across districts to eat."