Chongqing

After four days and five nights, we reached Chongqing in the early hours of the morning. Chongqing is a city with a close government relationship and  thus equal to Peking, Tianjin and Shanghai. With 33 million inhabitants, it is the gateway to the western regions of China.  In only very rare cases can you see a clear sky. Chongqing is thus referred to as the City of Smog.   Due to its relatively high air humidity, the climate is often hot and humid. 

The People’s Congress Hall and the adjacent square is the center of the city.  The Congress Hall is used as a communication center. Modern electronic equipment is used to provide wide segments of the population with the latest news.  It is also very enjoyable to watch people practice their tai-chi exercises.  In the evening the square is a favorite place for the “Grandmother-Grandfather Disco”. 

The People’s Congress Hall has space for 4500 people. It was built between 1951 and 1954 and is certainly symbolic. Between 1937 and 1946 it was the seat of the National Chinese government under Chiang Kai-Shek who the Communists never recognized as a legal party.  On the other side of the square there is a modern hotel and congress center currently under construction.

In the surburb of Ciqikou you gain an impression of how the city once must have looked.  The narrow streets with a multitude of small shops and restaurants entice you to spend a bit of time there.  Here it’s possible to really enjoy the dish Huogou – also known as hotpot, a Chongqing speciality. 

This little city is often visited by students who find the inspiration they need to study.  In addition, many handicrafts are offered for sale here. 

Very unique was the acrobatic way in which our tea was served to us.

   

The center of Chongqing, a sea of highrise buildings, is located on a penisula on the mouth of the Jialing Jiang in the Yangze River. The Eling Mountain provides the best view.  Chongqing itself is spread out over several hills, which explains why it’s also called the Mountain City.  During the war against Japan, the small island in the Yangze served as a land bridge for American supplies to support the Chinese Nationals.  Because of this support, the road to Burma could be made free again in battle.  The Stilwell Museum – to honor the American general -  is a reminder of this event.

In summer, temperatures often surpass 40° C, and then everything is closed due to the heatwave.  Like no other city, Chongqing demonstrates the dramatic development of the Chinese economy.  Founded more than 4000 years ago, a government city in 1997, it is estimated that Chongqing will surpass the economic power of Shanghai in 5 years, and surpass Hong Kong in 15 years. In contrast to this, we visited a local fish and meat market, which was not quite up to our health standards. 

The government hopes that by strengthening Chongqing, it will strength the western, agricultural regions of China. Chongqing is the center of the metal-working and automobile industry. Oil and gas also contribute to the economic upswing of the city.  2.8 million dollars have been invested in expanding the harbor to accommodate ocean-worthy ships up to 10,000 BRT. Nearly all well-known western companies are represented in Chongqing, primarily those in the electronics and IT industry.  With 90  universities, Chongqing is also one of the most important educational centers in China.

Thanks to the hilly landscape of Chongqing, not many bicycles are seen. But there are many shoulder carriers which helps limit the amount of automobile traffic.