Exploring China: Chongqing

Chongqing (also known as Chungking) is one of the four municipalities in China. Though it is not officially part of Sichuan Province, it carries the famous province’s character and cuisine with pride. Chongqing was once a marvelously historic city. However, Japanese bombers largely destroyed the city during World War II. While there are still pockets of older buildings, much of Chongqing now has a modern feel. However, its deeply rooted traditions are carried on in its culture, if not its surroundings.

The old town is located in the Shapingba area. This is one place to see the architecture of pre-World War II Chongqing. These days, many of the buildings are shops set up specifically to sell tourist souvenirs. Still, it is worth spending an afternoon strolling through the neighborhood and imagining what Chongqing used to be like.

Sichuan cuisine is some of the spiciest and most famous in China. While there are many noodle shops and restaurants, Chongqing is most famous for its hot pots. These spicy and steaming soups are cooked tableside and contain anything from beef to fish to vegetables. Of course, funkier dishes, like stir-fried frog legs with chili are also on the menu at some larger restaurants.

The Chaotianmen docks are a hustling and bustling place where one can get a view of ordinary working life in China. There are places around the docks to find out about river cruises. Another slice-of-Chinese-life on display in Chongqing is their new monorail system. It is meant to replace the city’s existing cable car system, but is not yet very far reaching. (Taxis are the most convenient way to get around the city).

Two hours outside of Chongqing is the city of Dazu. This city is famous amongst tourists for its caves and rock carvings. Some of these carvings are more than 1000 years old. Dazu does not have much in the way of accommodations, but tour operators run tours from both Chongqing and Chengdu (4 hours from Dazu). It is possible to find these sites on your own, but they are rather spread out, and, if you were on a day trip from Chongqing, it would be impossible to see them all without a guide to streamline the travel time.

Combined with a day trip to Dazu, visiting Chongqing is worthwhile. Nearby Chengdu also offers a taste of Sichuan. Making a loop between these three cities would be a vacation well spent (as well as a spicy food lover’s version of heaven).