This is Chongqing. It's one of four municipalities in China, the others being Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, making Chongqing the only one located deep inland. Let's check it out on a map. Chongqing is located right here, about a two-to-three-hour flight from Shanghai. It's home to one of the most important inland ports in all of China, thanks in part to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.
Hello, welcome back to American Jungle. I'm An Bo Ran. Hey you guys, welcome to a special edition of Reports on China. I'm being a tourist; I'm in one of my favourite Chinese cities at the moment. There was a viral video recently that said this place was fake, that it was CGI. Looks pretty real to me. Today we're taking a look around Chongqing. Come with me. Let's go.
The central urban area of Chongqing, or Chongqing proper, is a city of unique features. Built on mountains and partially surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, it's known as a mountain city and a city on rivers. One of the things I really love about Chongqing is that you're really up in the mountains, and you might not realise it. So here, it just looks like a normal street with lots of cars and buses. But then, if you walk just a couple of metres and look over the edge, you'll find you're really, really high up. Pretty awesome.
This is one of the city's most iconic photo spots, and people come from all over the country to take a pic here. It's called the Liberation Monument and celebrates victory after the war of resistance against Japan. It's good to keep in mind that Chongqing is a mountainous city, and you'll be walking up and down a lot of steep gradients. But at least they're pretty. Chongqing is massive, with a population of around 32 million. The main urban area, where I am, covers nearly 5,500 square kilometres and includes nine districts with a population of around 16 to 17 million.
Another of Chongqing's Wanghong Dakadian is this metro station that runs directly through an apartment building. Inside the building is Li Ze Ba Station. It's located on the 6th to 8th floors of a 19-storey residential building. The station is so famous that thousands flock here every day to catch a glimpse, take a photo, and even help boost their Douyin careers. The building was designed with the station as part of it and not added later, meaning it features some amazing noise and vibration reduction technology. The people who live here can't hear or feel a thing — of the train, that is. Not sure about this loudspeaker, though. Don't look. Be careful.
Everyone who comes to Chongqing also visits the Hongya Cave, probably the most famous site in Chongqing. It's an 11-storey stilt traditional building in the centre of Chongqing. It climbs a steep cliff, and trust me when I say you will feel it. The Dongya Cave was built in this form some 700 years ago. Downstairs, thousands more tourists vie for the best spot to take a selfie or a video. This woman is dressed up in an outfit from her ethnic minority. Look at that!
The boss is talking about how Chongqing was initially part of Sichuan province and was separated to become its own municipality in 1997. Ok guys, I'm going to eat this yummy dish, which is called Hongyou Chaoshou. Steaming hot. Of course, you can't mention Chongqing without talking about the amazing spicy food. Really good.
If it's museums you're looking for, Chongqing has many. I chose the Three Gorges Museum, which, perhaps fittingly, is one of the largest in the country. Entry is free, and you can find out all about the history and development of the area, including a touching section on the anti-Japanese war, otherwise known as World War II. Opposite is the Great Hall of the People, which, unfortunately, I didn't visit this time. Nearby is Tongyuan Gate Park, which features a 600-year-old part of the ancient city wall and an impressive sculpture highlighting Chongqing's history in the numerous battles to protect it from outside aggressors. This is the only well-preserved section of the city wall in Chongqing. Let's go.
Hello boss. What's good to eat here? Can I try Chongqing xiaomian? Sure. How's your spicy taste? Just a little spicy. Because I know you Chongqing people are very spicy. You said it so well, your auntie. No. Do you Chongqing people eat this for breakfast? Yes. Chongqing xiaomian is a signature local dish, and it's usually much spicier than I had it. Hey, I was about to take a flight the next day, so please don't judge me.
Okay you guys, that is it for today. I hope you've enjoyed this very brief visit to the very real, very bright, very energetic Chongqing. As always, I'd love to know what you think, so do let me know down below. And if you haven't already, hit like and subscribe, and I'll see you all next time. Bye-bye.
Source: Reports on China. (2024, January 26). Chongqing: China’s most SURREAL city — is it “CCP” propaganda?! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkdrog96gkg