Chongqing 重庆 Travel Guide

Chongqing is an experiment in economic engineering on a massive scale as billions of yuan are pumped into its development in the hope that its current economic boom will spread through the surrounding countryside. The result certainly isn’t always beautiful and it isn’t helped by a foggy climate for much of the year but it is interesting to see what the government can do when it puts it’s mind and money behind a project.

Anyone interested in Urban development would find this city fascinating. Although not pretty it does give a perspective of China that you will be telling others about for some time.

Although most people visit here in order to start their Yangtze River trip there are a few sights to see. The Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery and the separately located Three Gorges Museum make an interesting stop in advance of your cruise down the river. Opposite the Three Gorges Museum is the People’s Hall and when built in 1954 it was the tallest building in the city – something that puts Chongqing’s current development into some sort of perspective. Ciqikou Ancient Town is a place to wander the alleys soaking up the atmosphere of a past era. Baolun Si temple dates back to the Song Dynasty 1,000 years ago.

Chongqing draws the tourists in as it is the start of the ever popular Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise. Plan on spending as little time here as possible before joining your boat or, if arriving early in the day (boats are boarded in the evening) take a day trip to the grottoes at Dazu.

Very few people overnight in the city as they join a yangtze Cruise ship on arrival which departs in the evening. If you do stay we recommend any of the 5* chains such as Sheraton or Shangri La.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.