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Exploring Chongqing: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Travel Guide to Chongqing, China ​

1. Introduction to Chongqing ​

Chongqing, one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, is a sprawling metropolis known for its unique topography, vibrant culture, and rich history. Nestled in the mountainous terrain of southwestern China, it's often referred to as the "Mountain City" due to its hilly landscape and numerous rivers. Chongqing serves as a gateway to the Yangtze River and is famous for its stunning night views, hotpot cuisine, and as a key transportation hub.

2. Top Attractions ​

Dazu Rock Carvings ​

  • Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dazu Rock Carvings date back to the 7th century and feature thousands of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures.
  • Highlights:
    • Remarkable stone carvings depicting religious figures and scenes.
    • The carvings are spread over 75 sites, with the most famous being the Baodingshan and Nanshan carvings.
    • Visit the site early in the morning to enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Ciqikou Ancient Town ​

  • Overview: A well-preserved ancient town that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, Ciqikou offers a glimpse into traditional Chongqing life.
  • Highlights:
    • Stroll through narrow alleyways lined with shops selling local handicrafts, snacks, and traditional teas.
    • Enjoy street food delicacies like tofu pudding and fried dough sticks.
    • Visit the ancient temples and teahouses scattered throughout the town.

Yangtze River Cruise ​

  • Overview: Explore the majestic Yangtze River through a scenic cruise that showcases stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks.
  • Highlights:
    • Choose from various cruise options, ranging from a few hours to multiple days.
    • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Three Gorges and other natural wonders.
    • Onboard activities often include traditional performances, dining, and guided excursions.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Chongqing Hotpot ​

  • Description: A fiery and flavorful hotpot experience, Chongqing hotpot features a bubbling pot of spicy broth and a variety of fresh ingredients.
  • Must-try:
    • Choose from a selection of meats, vegetables, and noodles to cook in the spicy broth.
    • Don't forget to dip your food in sesame oil for added flavor.

Spicy Chicken ​

  • Description: A staple in Chongqing cuisine, spicy chicken is stir-fried with an abundance of chilies and spices.
  • Must-try:
    • Look for "La Zi Ji" (spicy chicken) served with crispy skin and a generous amount of dried chili peppers.

Xiaomian Noodles ​

  • Description: A simple yet delicious bowl of spicy noodles, Xiaomian is a must-try street food in Chongqing.
  • Must-try:
    • Order it with toppings like peanuts, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips using Ctrip and Booking.com ​

  • Ctrip: Ideal for domestic travel bookings, including flights, trains, and hotels. The app is user-friendly and offers great deals.
  • Booking.com: Great for international travelers looking for lodging; it features a wide range of accommodations, including hotels and hostels.

Making Payments with Alipay ​

  • Overview: Alipay is widely accepted in Chongqing for payments at restaurants, shops, and transport.
  • Tip: Download the app and link it to a Chinese bank account or use a foreign card to add funds.

Using Google Translate for Language Assistance ​

  • Overview: While many locals may not speak English, Google Translate can be a lifesaver.
  • Tip: Download the app and use the offline mode by saving the Chinese language pack.

Using Didi for Taxi Services ​

  • Overview: Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber and is a convenient way to get around.
  • Tip: Download the Didi app and set up your account before your trip. Use the 'translate' feature for ease of communication with drivers.

Internet Access and VPN Considerations ​

  • Overview: Internet access is generally good in Chongqing, but some websites may be blocked (e.g., Google, Facebook).
  • Tip: Consider downloading a reliable VPN service before your trip for unrestricted access.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival and Local Cuisine ​

  • Arrive in Chongqing
  • Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town
  • Dinner at a local hotpot restaurant

Day 2: Cultural Exploration ​

  • Visit Dazu Rock Carvings
  • Lunch in a local eatery
  • Evening Yangtze River Cruise

Day 3: Food and ​

Chongqing Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.