Chongqing: Where Mountains Meet Megalopolis
It is rare for a city of 33 million people to have its population overshadowed by its sheer geographical and cultural marvels. Welcome to Chongqing, officially the largest city on Earth by population, a place where dramatic landscapes and urban innovation create an unforgettable tapestry.
A City Built on Steep Slopes
Geographically, Chongqing spans an area roughly twice the size of Switzerland, nestled within the valleys of the Daba Mountains, Wu Gorge, and Dalou Mountains. Located approximately 1700 kilometres east of Shanghai, this mountain city is defined by its steep hills, with buildings, roads, and an astonishing network of around 4000 traffic bridges weaving through its terrain.
As tour buses navigate the elaborate road systems, visitors are often struck by Chongqing's unique blend of ancient history and cutting-edge technology. Steven, a local guide, highlights the city's economic prowess, noting that its gross domestic product rivals that of entire nations like Malaysia.
"Our GDP consistently ranks fourth in China, trailing only Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen," Steven explains. He cautions travellers about the intricate transport network, warning that missing an exit could lead to half a day of unintended exploration across the city's vast 82,000 square kilometres, which is punctuated by numerous tunnels carved through surrounding mountains.
Ancient Wonders and Ethereal Rainforests
The journey into Chongqing's rich heritage often begins with a visit to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the leafy Dazu District. This enchanting site features over 10,000 large-scale Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian carvings and inscriptions, some dating back to the ninth century.
On a drizzly autumn afternoon, the rain enhances the mystical atmosphere, with bird calls echoing through dense rainforests and overgrown plants winding along stone footpaths. Alice, another guide, points out the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, a magnificent 7-metre-tall gold carving that symbolises the harmonious coexistence of ancient religions.
Urban Adventures and Fiery Flavours
Venturing into the city centre, travellers can experience the Yangtze River Cableway, a 1166-metre cable-car offering panoramic views of Chongqing's foggy skyline, densely packed with skyscrapers. Dinner often centres on hotpot, Chongqing's unofficial dish, where diners cook raw ingredients in bubbling broths.
Alice describes hotpot as a "social activity", emphasising that families and friends gather around the table to create unique flavours by adding various sauces. The broth typically incorporates seven elements: saltiness, sourness, bitterness, sweetness, aroma, numbing, and spiciness. For the uninitiated, the latter two can be intense, often leading to a search for cooling beverages like ice-cold beer.
River Cruises and Dazzling Displays
A stunning river cruise on the Yangtze River, the globe's third-longest river, reveals Chongqing's skyline illuminated like a scene from a sci-fi film. The experience is elevated by a Guinness World Record-breaking drone show, where over 10,000 drones create glittering 3D displays of pandas, nutcracker dolls, and the cityscape.
Passing the iconic Hongyadong landmark, an 11-storey cliff-side complex inspired by traditional architecture, visitors witness a juxtaposition of ancient and modern as the building lights up in hues of red and orange against the ultra-modern skyline.
Relaxation and Natural Escapes
For relaxation, the Ronghui Hot Springs offer a 38,000-square-metre "multi-functional entertainment park" with over 50 unique springs infused with Chinese medicinal herbs. Set against a lush backdrop, these springs promise remedies for ailments like insomnia and diabetes, providing a serene escape from the city's hustle.
Further afield, a three-hour journey leads to Pengshui County, home to natural wonders like the Chiyou Jiulicheng historical site and the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong Karst National Geology Park. These UNESCO-recognised stone arches, set in deep valleys, offer hikes through misty landscapes reminiscent of Jurassic Park.
A Fiery Farewell
On the final night, navigating Chongqing's bustling streets for dumplings can be a challenge due to language barriers, but serendipitous encounters with locals often lead to hidden gems. In one rustic restaurant, a warning about "a terrifyingly long, spicy chilli pepper" via Google Translate only adds to the adventure, culminating in a fiery bowl of dumplings that leaves taste buds tingling.
This journey through Chongqing showcases a city where ancient traditions, natural beauty, and modern marvels converge, making it one of Earth's most mesmerising destinations.
