Xituo Ancient Town

Xituo Ancient Town lies in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, about 240 kilometers from central Chongqing. It was originally called Xijietuo and was named after its position on a backwater inlet along the southern bank of the Yangtze River. Facing Shibaozhai across the Yangtze river, it is traditionally known as a place where "one step connects three counties."

During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, this riverside settlement was already renowned for its vibrant land-and-water trade, thriving handicrafts, and bustling streets. The most iconic feature of the old town is Ladder Street, a dramatic stone passage that climbs straight up from the Yangtze River like a soaring dragon. It is made up of 113 terraces and more than a thousand green-stone steps rising toward the ridge.

Seen from the river, Yunti Street resembles a stairway to the sky. Viewed from above, especially on misty days, it feels as if you are drifting among the clouds. This ethereal impression inspired its poetic name “Yunti Street”, often described as a road that seems to lead into the heavens. It is one of the few truly vertical streets along the Yangtze and holds significant value for the study of traditional Chinese and international architecture.

Along both sides of the street stand well-preserved Tujia stilted dwellings in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, together with notable landmarks including Ziyun Palace, Yuwang Palace, and Wantian Palace.

On the morning of Day 4 of the four-night cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, you’ll have the chance to visit Xituo Ancient Town and experience it firsthand.