Things to do in Chongqing

Chongqing (or Chungking) is one of the largest and fastest growing modern cities in the world. It is typical of what is happening in China.

You can see it for yourself.

Modern buildings and roads, the latest cars, a newly developed airport and railway station are examples of how modern the city is.

The Chinese people have embraced Western culture in a big way from business to fashion to entertainment.

Enjoy modern China in this amazing city.

Chongqing grows before your eyes. There are so many cranes on the skyline you cannot count them all!

You might think that all this rapid progress means a city without soul. Not true!

Some of the engineering feats are to be marvelled at.

For example, have a look at the many bridges on the River Yangtze - gigantic structures of different shapes and sizes.


Chongqing is an old city - it was settled thousands of years ago.

However, despite modernisation, ancient China has not been forgotton. Parts of of the city have retained their ancient Chinese culture and character.

Wander through narrow alleyways past street shops to discover ancient China.

Barter with the Chinese merchants and come away with bargains if you are good enough!

Climb the steep hills next to the Yangzte and discover people living as they have done for many hundreds of years.


And there is plenty to do after dark. Numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs will keep you busy.

The city at night is very spectacular. Nearly every building, road and bridge are lit up in many different colours.

A vibrant nightclub scene together with many good bars ensures you will have a good time after dark.

And a cruise on the Yangtze through the city at night is breathtaking!

Whether you are there to work such as teaching English or visiting, you will find life in China pretty good there.

Throw in a scenic setting (located at the junction of two rivers - the Yangtze and Jialing and surrounded by mountains) and you have a place well worth visiting!

I lived and worked there for two years. So I think I know the place pretty well. It was my base to explore Sichuan from.

This city was the Chinese capital in World War II. The Communists, Nationalists and the Americans led the fight against the Japanese from here.

Technically the city is not part of Sichuan now. It used to be - but the area was carved out of Sichuan in 1997 and given special status as an economic development zone.

However, the people, the sights, the food - everything about it has not changed and many still associate it with Sichuan.

You will not see a lot of foreigners there.

Most tourists come for a river cruise on the Yangtze River to the nearby Three Gorges - spending little time in the city.

Which is great because those that do stay are warmly welcomed by the locals!

Things to do

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By the way if you do not believe me when I say this is the fastest growing city in the world - have a look at this Guardian Newspaper Article on Chongqing.

Yes, this city might be the fastest growing in the world - but it does not seem overly crowded on the streets and roads. The orderly Chinese way of doing things makes it an easy place to get around.