Photograph: Iewek Gnos via Unsplash
Chongqing is the place where I was born and raised. In recent years, it has gained immense popularity through Instagram and Xiaohongshu, attracting visitors from both inside China and the rest of the world.
Photograph: Max Zhang via Unsplash
With music being an essential part of the social scene, there is one song that best captures the spirit and diversity of this thriving city – Chongqing's Soul 重庆魂 by the well-known Chongqing rapper, GAI. Once you listen to his rapping, you can instantly feel the energy of the city and its people.
Photograph: Ray Gerry via Unsplash
Featuring a hilly landscape and partially surrounded by the Yangtze River and Jialing River, Chongqing is known as the 'Mountain City' and the 'City of Rivers'. It's also a very large city filled with many attractions to see and visit. For the adventurous ones who like to explore, I strongly advise that you bring some comfortable walking shoes, simply because the best way to experience this 3D city is on foot, especially in the early morning when the views are most beautiful and mesmerizing.
Photograph: via WeChat official "重庆市文化和旅游发展委员会"
The Longmenhao Old Street is one imbued with both the historic and the new to explore. Truly, there is no better way to understand the essence of Chongqing than a nice, long stroll along the Longmenhao Old Street. Overlooking the bridges, the light rail, and cable cars, the street is not over-commercialized and has far fewer souvenir sellers. Here resides some of the best-preserved historic sites, such as the former U.S. embassy villas, which have been renovated into a city attraction.
Photograph: via WeChat official "重庆市文化和旅游发展委员会"
The entrance of the Old Street is located right outside exit 2 of the Shangxin Street metro station 上新街站 on Line 6. As you descend the staircase from the entrance, the iconic bridge, the light rail, the cable car from a distance, and the teahouse under the bridge will come into sight one after another. This walk provides a panoramic view of this hilly city that will definitely make a killer Instagram post. All the best photograpy locations along the street are marked by the local government so you can easily snap a photo to capture the moment.
Photograph: via WeChat official "山城巷传统风貌区"
Other places you may also want to check out are Shancheng Alley and Eighteen Steps. Similar to Longmenhao Street, these two sites offer a myriad of culinary experiences and some of the most iconic and unique views of the city.
If you are looking for places to purchase souvenirs and gifts, then Shancheng Alley is the place to be. Here you'll discover many interesting cultural merchandise such as portable cooling fans inscribed with Chongqing dialects.
Photograph: via WeChat official "十八梯传统风貌区"
If you wish to experience authentic local dishes and specialties, you definitely do not want to miss Eighteen Steps. The architectural style of this particular area in many ways resembles the old-style Chongqing.
Photograph: courtesy Sunyata Chongqing
Nestled at the top of the Longmenhao Street is the former site that used to host U.S. embassy officers. The villas have been revamped into a charming, boutique hotel for the discerning travelers.
Photograph: courtesy Sunyata Chongqing
What makes Sunyata Chongqing unique is its lovely courtyard facing the river. On a sunny day, while sipping tea in the outdoor café with a breathtaking view of the river right in front of you, you can almost imagine what it was like to attend one of those embassy's parties for dignitaries back when Chongqing was in its heyday as the capital city.
Sunyata Chongqing, Bldg 9, Longmenhao Old Street, Nanbin Lu.
Photograph: 重庆浅憩In酒店 via Dianping
Another hotel where you can enjoy the spectacular river view is the Qianqi In Hotel, located in the center of the 4A scenic area along Nanbin Lu. Despite the location, the prices are very reasonable. The hotel is famed for having splendid riverside views right at your doorstep.
Photograph: 重庆浅憩In酒店 via Dianping
Qianqi In Hotel, 56 Nanbin Lu.
Photograph: 中英联络处Suliven复古西餐吧 via Dianping
It's undeniable that Chongqingers cannot live without hotpot. But for most non-Chongqingers, hotpot could be an insurmountable challenge for the stomach and the digestive system. For this precise reason, I wouldn't recommend hotpot as a must-try to those visiting Chongqing for the first time. For me, sipping coffee in a historic building at Jiefangbei 解放碑, Chongqing's oldest commercial center, is simply the best way to enjoy a laid-back afternoon.
Photograph: 中英联络处Suliven复古西餐吧 via Dianping
At the top of my list is Suliven Restaurant & Bar, inside Sunday Art Center. Its second floor will give you the most spectacular view of the city, above the hustle and bustle of the streets.
Suliven Restaurant & Bar, Sunday Art Center, Wusi Lu.
Photograph: 山顶见 Hilltop Time via Dianping
As more cafés and bistros are rolling out in this hilly city, Hilltop Time and Xiao Zuo are also at the top of my list for when I feel like savoring a cup of coffee or replenishing my energy after a long day of walking and exploring.
Photograph: 山顶见 Hilltop Time via Dianping
Hilltop Time is situated at the top of a mountain and you'll need to take a ride up to the top to reach the lobby. Both Hilltop Time and Xiao Zuo are extremely popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to their spectacular views and tasty foods.
Photograph: 小坐 via Dianping
Xiao Zuo, Nanbin Park, Nanbin Lu.
Hilltop Time, Milan Hill, 52 Jinyu Dadao.
Home to spicy food, Chongqing has so many more culinary delights to offer than just hotpot. One of the things that I personally love and have been eating since childhood is Tofu Pudding 豆腐脑. Slightly different from the Shanghai version of Tofu Pudding, the Chongqing version is more tender, topped with scallions, crispy soybeans, and chili oil.
Most hotpot restaurants in Chongqing offer a variety of desserts to accompany the hot and spicy hotpot. My favorites are the Ice Sticky Rice Dumpling 冰汤圆 and the Sticky Rice Cake 拉丝凉糕. You can easily find them at a street food cart or in a restaurant.
Yan Shan Cheng Hotpot 宴山城鲜鹅肠火锅, 12 Yanghe Road, Guanyin Bridge.
Zeng's Hàng Hàng Youcha 曾记巷巷油茶, 11 Shanguo Lane, Eighteen Steps.
