Chongqing municipality and Chongqing city are generally confused or intertwined: the later is simply the namesake of the municipality itself. The municipality of Chongqing (it’s huge: roughly the size of Austria), includes the city of Chongqing and the surrounding areas. Chongqing city is a huge modern mega city (one of the largest in the world). In Chongqing city, the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers cross paths, as do the modern and ancient faces of China. Rapid economic development and the wealth that follows means visitors can expect to be greeted with all the superficialities any modern city offers, but scratch a little under the surface (and explore the greater municipality itself) and you will be delightfully charmed.
Chongqing City
No way around it, this is a big city. A common starting port for many Yangtze River cruises, the city is a showcase of modern development. Skyscrapers light up and dazzle the night sky, and local residents revel in dangerously-spicy hot pot cuisine. Unknown to many, this city is famed as a true mountain city. Ever wanted to feel like a real-life Mario? Ditch the phone maps (not that they will help anyways) and take a shot at traversing this urban maze.
The Yangtze River Cableway has developed into a must-visit attraction for tourists in Chongqing. Riding the cableway is a great way to take in the city views (we suggest taking the cable way after sunset as a great glimpse of Chongqing’s night skyline). The Hongyadong Commercial Street is a great place to go if you want to check out the old streets of Chongqing (and to sample the local food – just follow the chilli).
Just outside the urban heart, Ciqikou Ancient Town is a impressively preserved example of Ming dynasty architecture. Cool your taste buds with a stroll though the narrow alleys. The Dazu Rock Carvings also lie just outside of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved Buddhist remnant from the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Chongqing is famed throughout China for it’s spicy hot pot cuisine (think a spicy soup-broth mixed with meat and vegetables). No visit to Chongqing would be complete without an attempt at braving the fire and enjoying hot pot in true local style.
Wulong
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wulong Karst is an important part of the larger South China Karst. The natural scenery here puts the grandeur of mother nature into true perspective: this is one magnificent anomaly! The Wulong Karst is a cluster of several karst landscapes, gorges, natural bridges, caves, canyons, and underground rivers.
Although comprised of a collection of different scenic areas and national parks, the Tiansheng Three Bridges and Tiankeng Land Slot National Geological Park are the top-draw must-visits. The Tiansheng Three Bridges are the highest natural bridges in the world.
