Chongqing – the largest city in the world

For my third trip whilst in Hong Kong this year I went to Chongqing for 5 days with my brother and sister-in-law, including a day set aside for a trip to Wulong Geology Park. I am so glad I went with them because they speak Putonghua but I don’t. And hardly anyone seemed to speak English, not even the receptionist at the hotel!

KW High Altitude View Hotel 

I stuck gold when I booked this hotel! It’s right in the heart of Chongqing, within short walking distance of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and the popular sight of Hongyadong. Opened in 2023, it’s on the 14th and 15th floors of a building with other hotels

My room with the auspicious number (for Chinese) of 8888 was spacious and airy. The view from the windows at night twinkled with lights from nearby buildings! 

The best part of it all was the cost. The total cost for 4 nights was cheaper than 1 night at the Hong Kong Airport Hotel where I recently stayed!

The distance from the airport to the hotel is about 28 km. It’s an easy train ride (with 1 change) to the metro station Xiaoshizi (Exit 6) nearest to the hotel. It cost only ¥5 per person (about 50 pence)!

Chongqing

Chongqing is the largest city in the world by population (32 million in 2020) It’s the same size of Austria which has a population of 9 millions in 2023.

Since Paris was named “City of Lights” at the beginning of the 19th century, many cities have laid claim to the name. While Paris has long lost its sheen, Chongqing has sure raised the bar for being able to be called so. Just watch it sparkle at night!!

Our exploration of Chongqing started as soon as we set down our luggage in the hotel. While a lot of the tourist sights are within walking distance, it’s easy to get around on the metro. We only paid ¥2 for a single trip 

Luo Han Temple

This beautiful and well preserved Buddhist Temple was built in the Northern Song Dynasty around 1064-1067. It’s one of China’s national key Buddhist temples, located just a short walk up the path by Exit 6 of Metro Station Xiaoshizi

Miracle Street 

A short walk past Luo Han Temple we found ourselves in Miracle Street. It’s a charming street lined with old buildings repurposed as cafes, restaurants and tourist shops. It’s the outcome of one of Chongqing’s urban renewal projects.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street 

It’s more appropriate to call it by its other name of Jiefangbei Central Business District (CBD)! It covers a vast area made up of large international department stores, high end designer shops, mega shopping centres, eateries and street food stalls etc. all centred around the Jiefangbei monument tower. It’s in fact the biggest pedestrian street in southwestern China

The pedestrian square is a kaleidoscope of colours at night with giant advertising screens illuminated by LED lights against the backdrop of skyscrapers and hotels

Lu Zu Temple 魯祖廟

Lu Zu Temple is hidden amongst modern high rises in Jiefangbei Central Business District. It was built in 1911 for worshiping Lu Ban, the founder of craftsmanship. It was a spot for artisans to pray for peace and good harvest. The block has been preserved and transformed into another dining and entertainment hub 

Shibati traditional style area

This is another area within Jiefangbei Central Business District

Chongqing People’s Square

Chongqing People’s Square is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. 

The square is dominated by the imposing Great Hall of the People. It was built in 1950’s. Its dome resembles that of the Temple of Heaven (天壇) in Beijing and is an iconic image of Chongqing 

At the opposite end of the Great Hall is Three Gorges Museum. To get here, we took Metro Line 2 from Jiaochangkou station near the hotel to Zengjiayan station (the 4th stop) for ¥2

Liziba Station

Liziba Station is China’s first light rail overhead station. It is on the sixth floor of a 19-story residential building and the train just travels through it. 

One stop from Zengjiayan station on Line 2 took us to Liziba Station for the unique experience for ¥2 per person! Travelling on the Chongqing metro hardly breaks the bank!!

Chongqing Two Rivers Night Cruise

The 60-minute’s night cruise should be on the top of any visitor’s list of must-do activities in Chongqing! The 2 rivers in question are Yangtze & Jialing, the latter being a major tributary of the Yangtze. The views were mesmerising at night!

Hongyadong 

The highlight of the cruise was when it took us right in front of Hongyadong! The sight of this 11-story stilt-building at the intersection of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers glistening against the night sky was really dazzling!

The following morning we visited Hongyadong. Ten minutes’ walk from our hotel took us to Level 11 of the complex. We used the lift to go down to the ground and then walked back up, exploring each floor on the way.

The stilt houses built adjacent to steep cliffs were once home to Chongqing’s working class. They’re incredibly well preserved. Nowadays they’re packed with restaurants, shops and stalls of all sorts on every floor.

Raffles City Crystal Corridor observation deck 

Raffles City dominates the Chongqing skyline on the shore of Yangtze River night and day. If the design has a hint of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore that’s because it’s developed by a renowned Singaporean real estate developer. The interiors are huge and ultra modern, full of high end shops and restaurants. 

Raffles City features a horizontal skybridge called The Crystal on the 42nd floor. There’s a sky garden and a glass-bottomed observation deck. It was drizzling when we visited in the evening. The view was nonetheless stunning 

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Eating in Chongqing

Eating in Chongqing was a real pleasure and not expensive at all. Apart from the famous Chongqing hotpot there’s a variety of restaurants and eateries to tempt the taste buds

This 197th fridge magnet is a worthy addition to my collection!

My own moments in Chongqing