Chongqing

Tasting Hot Pot

Hot pot is the most famous local specialty in Chongqing, notable for its spicy taste thanks to the inclusion of Sichuan peppers. There are various types of hotpot like Yuanyang hotpot (two tastes), four tastes hot, tonic hotpot, and fish head hotpot. Those reluctant to try spicy food can try the tonic and fish head hotpot with little or no pepper.

Cruising down the Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the cradle of Chinese civilization. For most tourists, seeing the Yangtze River is a must when they come to Chongqing. The highlights of the Yangtze Rivers include not only the splendid natural scenery along riverbanks, but also the shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, Shennong Stream and Three Gorge Dam. When the cruise ship threads through the Three Gorges, you will experience some incredible sights, so be sure to keep your camera ready.

Strolling Around Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou is an ancient town in Shapingba District of Chongqing. Built during the Song Dynasty and covering an area of over 370 acres (1.5 square kilometers), the town was also known as “Little Chongqing”. The name of the town goes back to the porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties: “Ciqi” meaning porcelain in Chinese. The town abounds in ancient customs: for example, the ancestral temples of many resident families can be found here, going back generations. Strolling around Ciqihou, one can easily get lost among its narrow lanes and peeking into the ancient houses and storefronts. There is also plenty to eat here.

Nighttime Scenes in Chongqing

The buildings in Chongqing were constructed on the slopes of mountains at different heights. The city is partially surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing River. This geography creates a unique background especially at night with millions of colorful lights reflecting in the rivers. According to some, the nigh scene in Chongqing even beats those in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The best places to enjoy the Chongqing at night are Yi Ke Shu Night Scene Platform on Nanshan Hill, Kansheng Pavillion in Eling Park.

Bayu Culture

Bayu culture is one of most distinctive cultures in the region of middle and upper Yangtze River. Evolving from the Ba culture,this ethnic group lived in the area enclosed by the mountains and rivers from generation to generation. Due to the tough and dangerous living conditions here, the Ba people gradually were characterized by their hardiness and braveness.

Yangtze River Boatmen Song

The Yangtze River Boatmen Song or Haozi of Yangtze River Boatmen is considered a “living fossil of the Yangtze culture”. In the Spring and Autumn Period (771 BCE – 476 BCE), the region of the Ba Kingdom was rich in salt which had to be transported by boat. Due to the undeveloped shipbuilding skills in ancient time, large boats had to be pulled upstream by the efforts of rhythmically swaying teams of laborers on the riverbank. The Haozi had the role of coordinating the work. They used to disrobe during working due to the intense heat and to keep their clothes dry. Now they wear shorts and woven rope sandals. The trackers along Yangtze River had to do this job day after day to earn a living.

Traditional Construction

The special topography also affects construction in Chongqing. Chongqing features the traditional stilted houses (Diaojiaolou) which are supported by wood columns. The history of Diaojiaolou can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE). This type of construction is to increase ventilate and prevent snakes and wild animals from entering.

Traditional Art

The traditional art of Chongqing can be best represented by the Dazu Rock Carvings. Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of carvings and sculptures dating back as far as 7th century CE, depicting Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist images. The number of the carvings and sculptures is well over 100,000. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999.

What to Eat in Chongqing

Hot Pot

Hot pot is local culinary specialty in Chongqing. When eating, meats such as beef, pork, mutton, or vegetable are ordered by customers are boiled in a spicy broth. For catering to the different tastes of customers, hotpot with different levels of spiciness, sourness and light spiciness are available. If you cannot handle the spiciness, you can try other taste. The most famous and representative hot pot are cattle-gut, yuanyang and “Qiaotou” hot pots. Cattle-gut hot pot are characterized by a strong aroma, dense soup, and intense flavor. As for yuangyang hot pot, the pot is separated into two parts in the middle. One side contains spicy soup and the other bree soup.

Dandan Noodles

Authentic Dandan noodles can also be found in Chongqing. The dish is made up of preserved vegetables, chili oil, minced pork and chopped scallions. In the past, the noodles were sold by walking street vendors who carried a shoulder pole (dan dan) with two baskets containing noodles and sauces at the either end.

Jiangtuan Fish

Located along Jialing River, Chongqing abounds in varieties of seafood. Among them, Jiangtuan Fish is a must-try for tourists. The fish is usually served steamed or baked.

Cross-the-bridge Wonton (pinyin: guo qiao hun tun)

This dish is famous for the unique way it is eaten. When eating, wontons should be picked out and placed in the sauce. The wonton is characterized by its tenderness. You can choose different flavors according to you preference.

Steamed Chicken with Chili Sauce (pinyin: kou shui ji)

Steamed Chicken with chili sauce is a famous cold dish in Chongqing. The flavor of the dish is spicy, tasty and refreshing. The chickens for dish must be a home-bred rooster.

Where to Eat in Chongqing

Food Streets

Nanbin Road Food Street

Located along Yangtze River, it is a very popular food street in Chongqing. Besides the local cuisines and snacks such as hot pot in Chongqing, other cuisines throughout China can be found here. There are many teahouses and bars here as well. The view here is exquisite in addition.
Address: Nanbin Road, Nanan District How to get to: Take bus No. 872, 873, 347 to Haitang Xiaoyue Stop.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

The reason that the town attracts tourist not only lies in the long history and its quaint houses but also the authentic local snacks and cuisine that can be found. The restaurants are different sizes, and about 60 teahouses are scattered across the town. The most famous dish in the town is Maoxuewang which is a dish of boiled blood curd, spices and others with spicy sauce. It is said that any journey to Ciqikou is incomplete without tasting Maoxuewang.
How to get to: Take bus No.202, 220, 237, 261, 467, 503, 802, 808 to Ciqikou

Three Gorge Square

Compared with other food street in Chongqing, Three Gorge Square is much larger and the restaurants are all of the highest quality. The best-known restaurants here include Tao Ran Ju, Qinma, Su Da Jie and De Zhuang.
Address: Three Gorge Square, Sha Ping Ba How to get to: Take Bus No.210, 503, 502 to Chengjiawan Stop.

Western Restaurants

The Harp Irish Pub

Address: 50 Cang Bai Lu | Yuzhong District, Chongqing Cuisine: American

Starbucks (North Celestial Street)

Address: Bei Cheng Tian Jie 8 Hao, Bei Cheng Tian Jie, Gou Wu Guang Chang 1 Lou, Chongqing Telephone: 023-67850330 Cuisine: Café

Vito Fine Dining Italian Restaurant

Address: No1. Outlets Road, Airport Express Way, Chongqing 400011 Telephone: 023-63206868 Cuisine: Italian

Cactus Tex Mex

Address: Hongya Cave, Chongqing Telephone: 023-63828187 Cuisine: Mexican

Pizza Hut (Wangfujing)

Address: MinZuLu 166Hao WangFuJingBaiHuo 1Lou, Chongqing, China Telephone: 023-63703065 Cuisine: Pizza, Fast Food

Chinese Restaurants

Pu Ti Su Vegetarian Life

Address: 1F Jingliguan, Shuijinglicheng, Longhu, Chongqing Telephone: 023-67072966 Cuisine: Chinese Hotpot

Royal Elegance Kitchen (Shapingba)

Address: Dou Shi Hua Yuan, ZhongLu 90 Hao, Tian Xin Hua Yuan Men Kou, Chongqing, China Telephone: 023-65463888,023-66522932 Cuisine: Szechuan

Causeway Bay

Address: Chongqing Tiandi, Chongqing, China Cuisine: Chinese

Axing Kee Restaurant (Shapingba)

Address: Feng Tian Lu, Sheng Wei Xin Shi Kong, Chongqing Telephone: 023-65207776,023-65207778 Cuisine: Chinese

Odd Hot-Pot (Shapingba)

Address: XiaoLongKan XinJie 029Hao HuaYuGuangChang 73Hao, Chongqing, China Telephone: 023-65405577 Cuisine:

Chinese Hot Pot

Brotherhood

Address: Jiang Bei Zui, Wen Hua Jie Dong Lu, Zhong Qing Da Ju Yuan b2 Lou, Chongqing Telephone: 023-61883338,023-61883339 Cuisine: Seafood, Cantonese

East China Sea Restaurant

Address: Gao Xin Yuan Huang Shan, Da Dao Zhong Duan 3 Hao, Shui Xing Zuo, Chongqing Telephone: 023-67300001,023-67300000 Cuisine: Seafood

Qin Ma Hot Pot (Nanping)

Address: Nan Bin Lu, Hai Tang Xiao Yue Xiao Qu 1 Hao Lou, 3Lou, Chongqing Telephone: 023-89023129 Cuisine: Chinese Hot Pot

What to Buy in Chongqing

Shu Embroidery

Shu Embroidery or Chuan Embroidery is one of four famous embroidery styles along with Su Embroidery, Xiang Embroidery, Yue Embroidery found in China. It is mainly produced in Sichuan and its vicinity. Shu Embroidery is characterized by smooth needlework, elegant color and easy lines with the designs of traditional Chinese paintings. When traveling in Chongqing, it definitely deserves a look.

Shu Brocade

Shu Brocades are produced in Sichuan Province and are famous throughout China. Chongqing is also the place that produces the most exquisite Shu Brocades. Originating during the period of Warring States, it is noted for its long history and unique way of weaving. With a variety of designs, this brocade is soft and flamboyant and reflects the flowery of Shu culture.

Three Gorge Ink Stone

Three Gorge Ink Stone is made of a special stone from the Libi Gorge sections of the Jialing River. The finely-shaped inkstone is engraved with beautiful patterns and it can be easily bought in Beibei County, Chongqing.

Where to Shop in Chongqing

Chongqing Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, located in the center of Chongqing, is known as the Chongqing’s commercial heart. It is 400 meters from east to west and 350 meters from north to south. It houses over 3,000 stores with two dozen large shopping malls and centers, places of entertainment and many fine hotels.

Nanping Pedestrian Street

Nanping Pedestrian Street is located in Nanan District and is separated from Yuzhong District by a river. It is one of the best places to enjoy the night-life of Chongqing. The pedestrian street is made up of five smaller streets from No.1 to No.5 covering and area of 2 square kilometers. Nanping Pedestrian Street houses various kinds of shops which sell food, clothes, accessories, and local products. It is regarded as the center of fashion in Chongqing.

Shopping Malls, Departments & Supermarkets

Flower & Bird Market

Address: Chongqing Square, Minzu Road No.18, Yuzhong District

Metro (supermarket)

Address: No.101, Baihe Road, Nanan District Telephone: 023-89028888

Lao Chongqing Huafang

Address: No.13, Huangjueping Yixiang, Cuqukou Open Time: 8:30 – 19:00

Shangxi Department

Address: No.126, Yuzhou Road, Jiulongpo District Telephone: 023-63907399

NOVO Department

Address: No.88, Minsheng Road, Yuzhong District

Yuan Dong Department

Address: No.8, Beicheng Tianjie, Jiangbei District Telephone: 023-89180088

Wal-Mart Supermarket

Address: No.111, Longshan Da Dao, Yubei District Telephone: 023-67792277

Carrefour Supermarket (Mianhua Street)

Address: No.18, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District Telephone: 023-96588999

Carrefour Supermarket (Shapingba)

Address: B2 Lou, Huayu Square, No.029, Xiao Long Kan Xin Jie, Shapingba Telephone: 023-65322733