Have you ever imagined a city where the ground floor of a plaza is actually on the 22nd floor, or a monorail train runs straight through an apartment building? Welcome to **Chongqing**, one of the largest economic hubs in western China that has recently gone viral on social media due to its incredibly unique and mind-boggling layout, resembling a futuristic cyberpunk city.
With a population even larger than Jakarta, Chongqing, affectionately dubbed the "Mountain City," offers a travel experience you won't find anywhere else. Its hilly terrain, similar to Hong Kong, makes the city's architecture full of magnificent bridges, tunnels, and street levels that defy logic.
If you are planning a trip to China, Chongqing is an underrated destination that absolutely must be on your bucket list. Here is a complete guide to exploring the wonders of Chongqing!
The Mind-Boggling Uniqueness of Chongqing's Cityscape
Chongqing's main attraction lies in its infrastructure that seemingly defies gravity and logic. Get ready to get lost in different dimensions when visiting these spots:
1. Monorail Through an Apartment (Liziba Station)
This is the most viral icon of Chongqing. At Liziba Station, you can see a monorail train casually passing right through the 6th to 8th floors of a residential apartment building. Interestingly, residents continue to live comfortably above and below the station, complete with various food stalls on the ground floor.
2. A Plaza on the 22nd Floor
Don't be surprised if you walk into a wide open square, see people relaxing, and only then realize that you are actually on the 22nd floor of a building! In Chongqing, due to the massive elevation differences, the ground floor on one side of the street can be level with a floor a dozen stories high on the adjacent street.
3. A 24-Story Building Without Elevators (Baixiang Building)
Fitness enthusiasts must visit the Baixiang Building. This 24-story residential building is famous because it **has no escalators or elevators**! Built on the edge of a cliff, this building has three exits on different floors (for example, street access on the 1st, 8th, and 10th floors). Stairs are the only way to move between floors here.
4. The Deepest Subway Station in China (Hongyancun)
Chongqing is home to the deepest subway station in mainland China, Hongyancun Station. It is located 117 meters underground, equivalent to a 40-story building! It takes about 6 to 8 minutes non-stop on high-speed escalators just to get from the train platform to the exit.
Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Chongqing
Beyond its cityscape, this city also boasts a lineup of tourist attractions that blend history, culture, and modernization.
Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument): Located in the city center, this iconic clock tower was built to commemorate China's victory in the Sino-Japanese War. It used to be the tallest building in Chongqing, but is now surrounded by modern skyscrapers.
Hongyadong: This particular tourist destination is absolutely stunning at night. Hongyadong is a traditional building complex on the river cliff decorated with thousands of golden yellow lights. Its view is often compared to the visuals of the animated film *Spirited Away*.
Huguang Guild Hall: For history buffs, this place is a former settlement and gathering place for people from Guangdong in the past. You can see beautiful, well-preserved traditional wood carvings and ancient architecture against the backdrop of the Yangtze River.
Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater: If you enjoy performing arts, you must watch an opera here. This theater features a giant stage and audience seats (VIP A & B categories) that can rotate 360 degrees! The interactive stage setup tells the story of Chongqing's liberation in 1949.
Yangtze River Cableway: For maximum sightseeing, cross the Yangtze River using this legendary cable car. Built in 1987, it is the first cable car entirely made in China.
The Ring Mall (Guanghuan): A modern mall featuring a giant indoor botanical forest complete with real trees and an indoor waterfall, giving off vibes similar to Jewel Changi in Singapore or the Amazon Spheres.
A Culinary Paradise for Spicy Food Lovers!
No trip is complete without culinary exploration. If you go to Chongqing, your stomach must be prepared! The city is famous for its heavily spiced and extremely spicy cuisine.
Chongqing Hotpot: An absolute must-try! The local hotpot uses a red broth overflowing with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns that create a numbing sensation on the tongue (*mala*).
Chongqing Xiaomian: A local noodle dish perfect for breakfast, featuring a spicy broth or a rich meat broth.
Kung Pao Chicken: Did you know that this globally popular chicken dish actually originated from this region? Interestingly, authentic Kung Pao Chicken here is served without any spiciness, making it perfect if you need a break from the chili onslaught.
Bayi Lu Food Street: Visit this dedicated food street to hunt for a variety of local Chinese street food.
Essential Tips Before Traveling to Chongqing
1. Prepare Your Stamina and Comfortable Footwear: Because the city is hilly, you will frequently walk up and down stairs and steep slopes. Sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes will be your best friends.
2. Bring Stomach Medication: If you are not used to super spicy and oily food, make sure to bring stomach medicine. The chili oil in this city can be quite 'fierce' on the digestive system.
3. Air Can Be Polluted: Especially in the morning, the sky in Chongqing can look foggy or smoggy due to the air quality index (AQI). Bringing a mask is a good precautionary measure.
Conclusion
Chongqing is not just an ordinary metropolitan city. It is a 3-Dimensional city where even GPS navigation can get confused! With its blend of futuristic and traditional infrastructure, mountainous landscapes, and legendary spicy culinary scene, Chongqing offers an unforgettable travel experience in China.
Comments
Post a Comment