China
Day 1: Chongqing - the super city
After our adventure on the Great Wall of China, we fly from Beijing to Chongqing, one of the largest and most dynamic cities in China! The super city is surrounded by mountains and cut through by the mighty Yangtze River, but is especially known for its futuristic skyscrapers and crazy elevation differences. Read here what you can visit on your first day in Chongqing :)
Liziba Station
Despite the bad weather, we wear our Birkenstocks and with the gigantic umbrellas we bought here for a bargain on the street, we walk towards the first attraction. Liziba Station is one of the most iconic metro stations in the world, famous because the metro literally runs through a building! Located on line 2 of the Chongqing Metro, it looks like the train cuts through a 19-story residential tower. This spectacular design is a perfect example of Chongqing's innovative urban planning in a mountainous landscape.
Eling Park
Eling Park, one of the oldest and most charming parks in Chongqing, is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. At the Liangjiang Pagoda, a towering structure within the park, you can capture the spectacular skyline view. Unfortunately, we had rain, but it was still so cool!
Artsy afternoon
After a lot of walking, we are hungry, and where better to eat than in Testbed 2! This is one of the most unique and artistic places in Chongqing. It is a former residential complex transformed into a trendy cultural and creative hub, filled with street art, galleries, cafes, and design shops. Here are several reasons to visit: a) The area is bursting with colorful murals, neon lights, and industrial buildings that create a unique atmosphere. b) From trendy coffee shops to alternative art galleries, you will find everything that is trendy and creative here. c) Due to its elevated location, Testbed 2 offers a stunning panoramic view of Chongqing, especially at sunset. d) Regularly, exhibitions, music performances, and other cultural events are organized.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou is a delightful place to escape the modern hustle and bustle of Chongqing and experience the charm of ancient China. This district dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and was once an important trading center for porcelain!
Hongya Cave 💡
Hongya Cave is one of the most iconic and photogenic places in Chongqing, known for its traditional architecture, impressive lighting, and beautiful location by the Jialing River. Especially in the evening, it transforms into a fairy-tale spectacle of brightly lit pagodas, making it look like a scene from a fantasy film.
