Discover the mountain city of Chongqing: what is its charm and what makes it famous throughout the world?
In the heart of Southwest China, a city known for its unique location, rich history and culture, tantalizing cuisine, and modern urban energy, is Chongqing – a “Magic City” that has kept countless domestic and international travelers coming back for more. Americans who are new to the name may wonder how Chongqing, a landlocked city far from the bustle of the East Coast, has risen to global prominence and become such a renowned tourist destination and cultural icon.
Natural wonders of a mountainous city
First and foremost, Chongqing’s breathtaking natural beauty must be mentioned. As a veritable “mountain city”, Chongqing is built on mountains and surrounded by water, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge to form the spectacular “Two Rivers Surrounding” scene. The city’s skyscrapers seem to grow out of the rocks and are set in the rolling hills, forming a stirring three-dimensional picture. The unique experience of riding the Yangtze River cableway or the light rail through the buildings allows every visitor to deeply feel the charm of the city’s harmonious coexistence with nature.
Gourmet paradise, a feast for the taste buds
If natural scenery is Chongqing’s first business card that attracts the outside world, then food is its second one that is deeply rooted in people’s hearts. When it comes to Chongqing, you can’t help but mention the hot pots that make people want to stop eating. The red-oiled, aromatic hot pots are served with a variety of fresh ingredients, from tender beef to crispy tripe, each bite is the ultimate tease for the tastebuds. In addition, local snacks such as Chongqing XiaoMian, Hot & Sour Noodles, and Skewers have also conquered the hearts of countless diners with their unique flavors. In the U.S., more and more Chinese restaurants have begun to introduce Chongqing cuisine, so that Americans far away from home can also taste the feast of taste from the East.
Historical and Cultural Treasures
Chongqing is not only blessed with natural beauty and delicious food, it is also a city with a long history and deep cultural heritage. As one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese Ba culture, Chongqing has preserved many precious cultural heritages and historical sites. From the thousand-year-old town of Magiqikou to the World Heritage Site of Dazu Stone Carvings, each place carries heavy historical memories and cultural inheritance. Walking into these ancient streets and lanes, it is as if you have traveled through time and space, conversing with the ancients and feeling the cultural shock that comes from traveling through time and space.
Modern city with unlimited vitality
With the change of time, Chongqing has not only retained its unique cultural flavor, but also developed into a modern international metropolis at an amazing speed. Commercial districts such as Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and Hongyadong are brightly lit and bustling, showcasing Chongqing’s prosperity as the economic center of Southwest China. Meanwhile, Chongqing is also an important science and technology innovation center in western China, with many high-tech enterprises and research institutes, injecting a constant stream of vitality into the city’s future development.
Chongqing, a city that combines natural beauty, culinary culture, historical heritage and modern urban style, attracts attention from all over the world with its unique charm. Whether for adventure-seeking travelers or Americans eager to explore exotic cultures, Chongqing is a destination not to be missed. Here, everyone can find their own share of surprises and touches, and this is what has made Chongqing famous and the ideal travel destination for countless people.