Tour Chongqing

Chongqing the economic hotspot of West China. It sits at the confluence of Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Its location makes transport and trade between China and other countries very convenient.

Weather

Chongqing is a subtropical city. It is one of Chinas three furnace cities, besides Nanjing and Wuhan. They are the famous furnace cities because they become too hot during summer. Summer in Chongqing runs from June to September and temperatures soar up to 43.8oC. Autumn is on in the months of October to November, winter from December to February and spring from March to May. You can visit Chongqing in any season except summer.

Transport

Chongqing combines water, road, rail and air transport. Air transport can be accessed from airports in Chongqing, Jiangbei International Airport is the busiest and facilitates both local and international flights. Intercity travel is also enhanced by railway transport. There are two major railway stations in Chongqing: The Railway Station and North Railway Station.

Also, there are subways, long-distance buses and intercity buses used for transport from Chongqing to other major cities in China. City buses, taxis, personal cars and bikes aid in movement within the city. Passenger ships and speed boats ferry passengers and cargo across Yangtze and Jialing rivers by day. For luxury travel, river cruises, cable cars and escalators help to view the Yangtze River.

Attractions and sites

Chongqing has over 200 attraction sites for locals and visitors to see. These sites are conveniently accessed using taxis, or public transport.

Three Gorges Dam

It comprises of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, a collection  of natural and cultural attractions . View these sites on a Yangtze Cruise between Chongqing and Yichang on the middle reaches of the Yangtze. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest dam in the world. Similarly, it is the largest hydropower station which attracts thousands of tourists annually.

Three Gorges Museum

This museum preserves educational and scientific research with respect to the culture and natural environment of Chongqing. Some of the collections stored here are Ba-Shu culture relics, Chinese calligraphy, paintings, coins, jade, bamboo artefacts and silk. The museum helps visitors to get a preview of the high-tech Three Gorges Dam as well as the larger Yangtze River.

Chongqing Peoples Square

This Square rose in 1997. Behind it is the Chongqing Great Hall of People. It is a beautiful combination of granite and music fountains. This is a public place where citizens and visitors meet and dance in groups. Besides that, they perform aerobics or enjoy local snacks from the sellers.

Fengdu Ghost City

This site sits on the bank of the Yangtze River. According to superstitious beliefs, the dead come to Fengdu Ghost City when and devils go to hell. There are 48 temples here including Hall of Jade Emperor, Palace of Hell, Boundary between the living and the dead and Balcony of Nostalgia. Most noteworthy, this site holds art treasures of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

Yangtze River

This is the largest river in China and the third largest in the world. It traverses eleven provinces and cities in China. This river is historically, culturally and economically important in China. Trade into and outside Chongqing takes place through the Yangtze River. This river has the largest dam project and hydropower station in the world. You can enjoy cruises across the river and enjoy the scenery on the Three Gorges Dam.

Southern Hot Spring Park

This Park has over 100 bathrooms and three swimming pools. Locals believe that water from these springs heals muscular pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and dermatitis.

Hotels

Most of the hotels in Chongqing locate inside the city or within a walking distance to the city. They offer excellent services and most have a three to a five-star rating. They provide neat, spacious air-conditioned rooms for their clients. These rooms have adequate privacy. The hotels also provide restaurant services, gymnasiums, separate men and ladies spas, internet services, room service, laundry services, free parking, and airport pick up. When you travel to teach English in China, sample hotels such as Hilton, JW Mariott, Intercontinental Hotel, Haiyu Hotspring and Somerset Jiefangbei.

Restaurants

There are thousands of restaurants scattered all over the city of Chongqing. Try Chongqing cuisine which has various distinctive and spicy flavours. Likewise, treat your buds to the hot pot restaurants such as Hai Yu Xuan, Cygnet hot pot restaurant and Wai Po Qiao. Other kinds of restaurants here are; Chinese, Western, Michelin, vegetarian, Halal food, seafood, buffets as well as fast food joints. Most serve desserts and drinks along with their meals.

Food costs between 0.92$ to 10$ per item ordered depending on the kind of restaurant you dine in. You may also come across food streets such as Nanbin Road and Bayi Street while you teach in China. They sell local snacks like Xiangshan Honey Cake, Shancheng small glutinous rice and Jiuyuan steamed bun.

Shopping

Chongqing is rich in natural resources. Here, purchase a great variety of local and special products including herbal Chinese medicine and fruits. Folk culture and traditional Chinese art such as Shu embroideries and imported folding paper fans. The central business district of Chongqing is called Jiefangbei. It has commercial pedestrian streets which have modern malls and exclusive shops on the roadsides. Also, there are electronic shops, souvenir shops, and speciality shops. Banks, theatres and bookstores are also available in Jiefangbei. Huge departmental stores such as Chongqing Departmental Stores and New Century Departmental Stores house many stalls where you can find products. These include clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, electronics, jewellery, and household supplies.

Chaotanmen Market is the largest market in Chongqing dealing with the wholesale and retail sale of fabrics, garments and clothes.

Nan Bin Road is home to a large flower market and has many flower shops and handicraft stores.

Nightlife

You can spend night time cruising on the Yangtze River. They offer choices of an ordinary or deluxe cruise, where you pay more for the deluxe. During your cruise, you will be able to see Hongyadong, Chongqing Grand Theatre, and Jiafanbei. Hongyadong is a famous stilted building complex. You have the choice of visiting the complex after 8 pm and enjoy panoramic photography. Nanshan Yi Ke Shu is a sightseeing platform. It gives an opportunity to view the beautiful city of Chongqing at night.

Alternatively, for music lovers, clubs, pubs and bars provide the necessary atmosphere. Enjoy your drink as you listen and move to music while you interact with the locals.

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