How to Get from Chongqing to Fengdu Ghost City by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a D-train from Chongqing North Station (重庆北站) to Fengdu Station (丰都站) — about 50–60 minutes, ¥39.5–55 in second class. From Fengdu Station, bus 113 or 204 connects directly to the Mingshan Scenic Area (名山景区, the Ghost City) in about 20–30 minutes for ¥2. A taxi takes 10–15 minutes and costs around ¥25–35. Total one-way travel time is roughly 1.5 hours. This is an easy and affordable day trip from Chongqing.

Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城), officially the Fengdu Mingshan Scenic Area (丰都名山景区), is a 2,000-year-old cultural site on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, about 150 km east of Chongqing. It is China's only themed attraction dedicated to the afterlife and underworld mythology from Chinese folk religion, Taoism, and Buddhism. The complex includes temples, statues, and landmarks such as the Naihe Bridge (奈何桥), Ghost Gate Pass (鬼门关), Yellow Springs Road (黄泉路), and the Emperor's Hall (天子殿, dedicated to King Yama). It is not a haunted house — it is an ancient cultural and religious site with Taoist and Buddhist temples.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — D-Train + Taxi (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Chongqing North Station (重庆北站). This major hub is served by Chongqing Metro Lines 3, 4, 10, and the Ring Railway. Make sure you go to the correct square — North Square (北广场) is where most D-trains depart.

2. Buy a ticket to Fengdu Station (丰都站). This is on the Chongqing–Lichuan railway (Yuli line), served by D-class electric multiple units.

   • Travel time: 50–60 minutes
   • Fare: ¥39.5–55 in second class; first class ~¥65
   • Frequency: Approximately 20 departures daily from around 05:35 to 20:54
   • Book on 12306.cn or the app up to 15 days ahead, or buy at the station with your passport.
   • D-trains are comfortable and have air conditioning and assigned seating.

   [!TIP] Search for "丰都" (Fengdu) on 12306. There is currently only one passenger station in Fengdu. A new Fengdu North Station (丰都北站) is under construction on the Chongqing–Wanzhou high-speed line but is not expected to open until 2027 — do not search for it yet.

3. From Fengdu Station to the Ghost City (Mingshan Scenic Area). The station is about 9–10 km from the scenic area entrance.

   • By taxi/DiDi (recommended): A metered taxi or DiDi takes about 10–15 minutes and costs roughly ¥25–35. Use the official taxi rank outside the station or the DiDi app. This is the fastest and most straightforward transfer.
   • By bus:
     • Bus 113 departs from the Fengdu Station front plaza and goes directly to the Mingshan Scenic Area (名山景区).
     • Bus 204 also connects Fengdu Railway Station to the Ghost City / Mingshan area.
     • Fare: ¥2 per ride
     • Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes depending on stops and traffic
     • Buses run from early morning to early evening; verify the current schedule at the station.

   [!NOTE] Some sources reference bus 109 or 203 for reaching the scenic area from the new county town or long-distance bus station. If you arrive by train, bus 113 or 204 from the station plaza is your direct option. Bus route numbers can change — look for signs at the station or ask staff for "名山景区" (Míngshān Jǐngqū).

4. Arrive at the Mingshan Scenic Area entrance. There is a visitor center with ticket counters, restrooms, and a parking lot. From the entrance, you can either walk up the stone steps or take the cable car.

Inside the scenic area

• Cable car (索道): A cable car runs up to the temple complex. Fare is ¥20 round trip / ¥15 one way. Given the many stone steps, most visitors take the cable car up and walk down.
• Walking: The path up involves numerous stone steps and takes about 20–30 minutes. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
• Visit time: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Highlights: Naihe Bridge, Ghost Gate Pass, Yellow Springs Road, Wangxiang Platform (望乡台, with Yangtze River views), Emperor's Hall (天子殿), and the Eighteen Levels of Hell display
• Audio guide: Available for around ¥15 at the visitor center

[!TIP] The Wangxiang Platform offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the new Fengdu county town across the water. It is one of the best photo spots in the scenic area.

Option 2 — D-Train + Bus (Cheapest)

Follow steps 1–2 above, then take bus 113 or 204 from outside Fengdu Station:

• Fare: ¥2 (exact change or WeChat/Alipay QR)
• Journey time: 20–30 minutes
• Drop-off: Near the Mingshan Scenic Area entrance

Total one-way cost: as little as ~¥41.5 (¥39.5 train + ¥2 bus).

Option 3 — Long-Distance Bus

If train tickets are sold out (uncommon on this route but possible during holidays):

1. Go to Sigongli Transport Hub (四公里交通枢纽站) in Chongqing's Nan'an District. It is accessible via Chongqing Metro Line 3 (Sigongli station).
2. Take a bus to Fengdu. Buses depart approximately every hour and take about 2–2.5 hours. Fare is around ¥37–55.
3. From Fengdu's new county town, take local bus 109 or 113 to the Mingshan Scenic Area. The bus ride takes about 20–30 minutes and costs ¥2.

Total time: 2.5–3 hours; total cost: ¥40–60.

[!WARNING] Long-distance buses are subject to traffic delays on the Yu-Fu expressway, especially on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The train is more reliable and faster.

Yangtze River Ferry (For Cruise Passengers Only)

Fengdu is a common stop on multi-day Yangtze River cruises between Chongqing and Yichang/Wuhan:

• Route: Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头) in Chongqing → Fengdu Dock (丰都码头)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours
• Arrival: The ferry docks at the old Fengdu county town, directly at the foot of Mingshan — the Ghost City entrance is a short walk from the pier.
• Cost: Included in the cruise fare (varies widely by cruise line and cabin class)

This is a wonderful way to arrive if you are already on a Yangtze cruise, but it is not practical for a same-day round trip from Chongqing.

How to Get Back

• By train: D-trains from Fengdu back to Chongqing North run until approximately 20:54. The journey takes 50–60 minutes. Buy your return ticket when you arrive in the morning, or book online in advance.
• From the scenic area to Fengdu Station: A taxi takes 10–15 minutes (¥25–35); bus 113/204 takes 20–30 minutes (¥2). Allow at least 45 minutes from scenic area exit to train platform.
• By long-distance bus: Buses from Fengdu back to Chongqing Sigongli run until late afternoon. Aim to be at the Fengdu bus station by 16:00–17:00.
• If you miss the last train, a taxi back to Chongqing costs several hundred yuan (negotiate the fare in advance), or you can stay overnight in Fengdu county town (hotels from ¥150/night).

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Expecting a horror attraction. Fengdu Ghost City is a 2,000-year-old cultural and religious site with Taoist and Buddhist temples, not a haunted house with actors. There are no jump scares or NPCs. The "ghost" theme comes from Chinese mythology about the afterlife and judgment.

2. Wearing inappropriate footwear. The scenic area is built on a hillside with many stone steps and slopes, some of which can be slippery after rain. Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes — not high heels or flip-flops.

3. Paying high prices for incense inside. Free incense is available at the visitor center. Vendors inside the scenic area may sell candles and incense at inflated prices. There is no religious obligation to purchase them.

4. Trusting unofficial guides. Self-appointed "guides" may approach you offering low-price tours. The official audio guide (about ¥15) is sufficient for most visitors. Human guides can be booked at the ticket desk.

5. Arriving too late. Last entry is at 17:00 and the site closes at 17:20. The site covers a large hillside and requires 2.5–3.5 hours to explore properly. Arrive by 14:00 at the absolute latest, ideally before noon.

6. Forgetting your passport. Both the train and the scenic area require real-name ID. Foreign visitors must present their physical passport for train ticket purchase and entry.

7. Confusing the new and old Fengdu. The old county town was partially relocated due to the Three Gorges Dam reservoir. The Ghost City (Mingshan) remains on the original riverside hill. The new county town is across the river and inland — do not get off there if you are heading to the scenic area.

Before You Go

• Admission: ¥95–100 per adult (peak season April–November); ¥60–80 (off-season December–March). Check the official WeChat account or Trip.com for current pricing.
• Cable car: ¥20 round trip / ¥15 one way (optional but recommended)
• Opening hours: 07:30–17:20 (last entry 17:00)
• Recommended visit duration: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for comfortable weather; the Fengdu Temple Fair (丰都庙会) is held annually on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month (usually March/April)
• What to bring: Water (overpriced on the mountain), snacks, sun protection, an umbrella or rain jacket, and comfortable shoes
• Food: Try Fengdu spicy chicken (丰都麻辣鸡), a local intangible cultural heritage specialty. Restaurants on the old street outside the scenic area offer better value than those at the entrance.
• There is currently no Crowd Forecast for Fengdu Ghost City on China Local Help.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our Chongqing-based team can help with train tickets, scenic area reservations, and private day-trip arrangements including transport and a guide. We can also combine Fengdu with a Yangtze River cruise or nearby attractions like Snow Jade Cave (雪玉洞). Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Chongqing Travel Guide — full city guide
• Chongqing to Wulong Karst by Public Transport — UNESCO nature day trip
• Chongqing to Dazu Rock Carvings by Public Transport — UNESCO cultural day trip
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — booking Chinese train tickets as a foreigner

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Train schedules and fares are based on 12306.cn, Ctrip/Trip.com listings, the official Fengdu Mingshan Scenic Area booking information (ly.com), Chongqing Bendibao (cq.bendibao.com), and cqtrvl.com (updated August 2026). Bus route information is cross-referenced with Travelzoo/Wikivoyage and 2026 visitor reports. Times and fares may change — always check 12306 for your travel date.

Last verified: August 2026