China (Chongqing City) Sept 2009 D-10 & D-11

Map of Chongqing (in red), China

After the Chengdu visit, I took a double decker express train (CNY47 hard seat) to Chongqing. The train ride took around 5 hrs. From the Chongqing train station, I took a bus and checked into Perfect Time International Youth Hostel (CNY20 dorm), located in Ciqikou ancient town, a tourist haven. The hostel arranges day tour to Dazu Rock Carving Museum and Yangzi River Cruise. I paid CNY200 for a day tour to Dazu (inclusive entrance fee of CNY80) and CNY950 for a 3 day 2 night Yangzi river cruise (covered 5 side trips to Changfei Temple, Baidi Cheng, Little Three Gorges, Jiuwan Stream & Three Gorges Dam). You have the option not to visit all these side trips and remain on board the boat or wonder around the nearby places.

While in Chongqing, I went to a local branch of the Agricultural Bank of China to change some local currency (US$100=CNY676.05) .

1) Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing - A Ming dynasty ancient town along the Jialing River. The old buildings have been restored and preserved for tourists.

2) Chongqing City Centre - Chongqing means "double happiness". A treaty port in 1890 and became the Kuomintang's wartime capital from 1938-45. The city is overpopulated with many high rise buildings. I enjoyed the cable car ride overlooking the Yangzi River and had a great view of the city on both sides of the Jialing & Yangzi River. Also visited the Liberation Monument and the Chaotianmen Dock. Chongqing has a twin tower buildings look similar to our Petronas Twin Tower !

3) Dazu Rock Carving Museum, Chongqing (entrance fee CNY80) - A civilized wonder. Thousands of cliff carvings and statues, small & large of Buddhist, Taoist & Confucian influences dating back to the Tang & Song dynasties.

" Kuomintang, Communist party, Zhou Enlai, Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai Shek, the damned Yangzi & Dazu - history, the Three Gorges & the magnificent stone carvings - if you are after historical sights, the famous Yangzi River cruise & artistic religious monuments, Chongqing will surely greet you with a broad smile .

The Secret of Life - Once a year, go some place you've never been before "