Chongqing
Booming megalopolis on the Yangtze
Introduction
Chongqing (重庆) is a city in Southwest China that's situated on the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers. It is one of four directly-controlled municipalities in China and has a total population of around 30 million people. The central city of Chongqing has around 8 million inhabitants. During WW2, Chongqing was the provisional capital of the Republic of China.
Some facts about Chongqing
| Municipality | Urban | Central city | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area | 82,403 km2 | 5,472.8 km2 | |
| Population | 30,165,500 | 18,384,100 | around 8,000,000 |
Things to do in Chongqing
- Try hotpot, the local speciality dish. If spicy food is your thing you need to try this!
- Take the cable car from Xiaoshizi, across the Yangtze river to Nanbin Road.
- Visit the old town of Ciqikou, savour some classic Chongqing snacks and pick up some souvenirs.
- Visit Hongyadong, have a drink and enjoy the view over the Jialing river, looking out over the new Jiangbei CBD and the Grand Theatre.
- Get a shopping fix in downtown Jiefangbei, home to some of the world's biggest (and most expensive!) brands.
Notable Chongqing Cuisine
- As mentioned above huo guo (火锅), or hotpot, is the most famous local specialty.
- Chuan chuan (串串) is similar to hotpot in that you cook your food in spicy oil at your table. The big difference is that the food comes on wooden skewers that you help yourself to from the fridge.
- Chongqing xiao mian (小面) is basically noodles in a spicy sauce and is an extremely popular staple food with locals.
- Kao yu (烤鱼) is barbecued fish, usually river carp, accompanied with... you guessed it, lots of chilli. The locals love their spicy food!
- Shao kao (烧烤) is the local word for barbecued street food. Choose from a huge selection of skewered meat and vegetables and see it cooked before your eyes. The perfect late night snack to enjoy with friends and a few beers.