Chongqing

Chongqing, China

It's a gem on the Yangtze River. It's a city shrouded in poetry, as reflected by a number of nicknames it has gained over the past over 3000 years, like “City of Hills”, “City of Rivers”, “Capital of Mists” and “Capital of Bridges”.

Take a tonic boat ride on the Yangtze River, cruising through the high-rise buildings that dominate the city's skyline and listening to the crescendo of bird calls and insect buzzes coming from hills. After nightfall, the city is a joy to behold. Get to the top of any of the hills sprinkled around, kick back in a seat, munch on the local foods and admire the night views. It's quite an experience, granted.

Getting around

• Three Gorges

  The Yangtze River cuts through the treacherous mountainous terrain and has formed Three Gorges, which include Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. They extend for 630 kilometers from the city of Chongqing in the west to the city of Yichang, Hubei province in the east. Passing sceneries are just stunning and are extolled in volumes of ancient literature.

• Dazu Rock Carvings

  Close to the small town of Dazu, over 100,000 beautiful rock carvings chiseled out on cliffs from the 9th to the 13th centuries are spread out in 75 sites. A true treasure trove of Buddhist and Taoist art.

• Diaoyucheng

  This military fortification was once the site of countless fierce battles between the locals and the Mongols in the 13th century. It was still standing after being exposed to attacks for 36 long years. Finally, the invaders were forced to retreat.

• Wharf Culture

  Numerous wharfs are dotted along the banks of the two rivers flowing through Chongqing, spawning the so-called “Wharf Culture”. Robe-donning, tea-pouring young waiters in teahouses and pole-carrying porters at railway or bus stations today are vestiges of that culture.

• Chongqing Hotpot

  Chongqing has a crush on hotpot and has been a benchmark setter in the country's hotpot circle. A big cauldron of bubbling scarlet broth arrives brimming with ginger, peppers, huajiao (prickly ashes) and other spicy herbs. A sizeable selection of veggies and animal intestines are to be doused into the broth. Do try mouth-numbing Chongqing Hotpot before jumping ship.

  
  
  
• Diaojiaolou

  These unique riverfront wooden structures standing on stilts used to be the most commonplace local homes, providing a cross section of the old traditions of the region.