Discover Gongtan Ancient Town - Ran Family Courtyard: A Hidden Gem in Chongqing

Where to Find It

Nestled along the banks of the Wujiang River in Chongqing’s Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Gongtan Ancient Town - Ran Family Courtyard is a living piece of history. To reach here, you’ll first travel to the town of Gongtan, which sits about 1.5 hours by car from Peng水 (Pengshui) city. From downtown Chongqing, it’s a scenic 4-hour drive—perfect for a day trip or a cozy overnight stay. Once in Gongtan, follow the cobblestone streets toward the old wine shop; the courtyard is right next door, tucked into the heart of this centuries-old settlement.

Getting There

  • By Bus/Car: From Chongqing, take a direct bus or drive to Gongtan. The road winds through mountainous landscapes, offering glimpses of terraced fields and mist-covered peaks.
  • On Foot: Inside Gongtan, the courtyard is easily explored on foot. Wander past wooden shops and stone bridges, and you’ll spot the Ran Family Courtyard near a historic tavern.

Natural Beauty

Gongtan’s charm starts with its riverside setting. The Wujiang River wraps around the town like a silk ribbon, with misty hills rising behind wooden cliffside homes. At Ran Family Courtyard, you’ll find a small courtyard garden where morning light filters through banyan trees, creating dappled shadows on ancient stone floors. Unlike crowded cities, here the air is crisp, and the sounds of cicadas and flowing water replace traffic noise.

Cultural Treasures

The Ran Family Courtyard isn’t just old—it’s a storybook. Built over 300 years ago by the Ran clan (one of Gongtan’s oldest families), this house blends Tujia minority traditions with clever architecture. The walls are made of local stone and timber, and the roof slants steeply to shed rain. What makes it unique? Unlike typical Hui-style homes (which are fully enclosed), this courtyard has an open side. Walk through the hanging corridor (a “diaojiaolou” or stilted building) that stretches toward the street, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a time machine. The main house and side rooms use chuandou structure (traditional Chinese wooden beams), showcasing how locals adapted designs to fit the mountainous terrain.

What to Do

  • Explore Every Corner: Poke your head into the wine shop next door to smell fermenting rice liquor. Stroll upstairs to see carved window frames and dried corn hanging from beams.
  • Snap Photos: The contrast between the dark wooden walls and white-clothed locals makes for stunning shots. Try framing the courtyard’s gate with the Wujiang River behind it.
  • Meet the Locals: If you’re lucky, a Ran family member might share stories about ancestors who lived here. They’re proud of their heritage!

Practical Tips

  • Eat & Stay: Nearby, try Gongtan mandarin fish (a river specialty) or spicy Tujia noodles. For stays, book a riverside inn with paper-thin windows—you’ll hear the waves at night.
  • Guided Tours: Some local guides speak basic English and can explain symbols painted on doors (like dragons for protection).
  • Best Time: Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for golden rice fields. Avoid summer monsoons when the river floods.

Why It’s Worth It

At Gongtan Ancient Town - Ran Family Courtyard, you’re not just visiting a museum—you’re stepping into someone’s home. The mix of nature, history, and warm hospitality makes it feel alive. Whether you’re sipping tea under the courtyard tree or watching mist roll over the river, you’ll leave wondering why more people don’t talk about this hidden corner of China.

Pro Tip: Bring cash—many stalls here don’t take cards, and the old-school charm is part of the adventure!