Chongqing Travel Guide

The Wu Gorge is one of the Yangtze's Three Gorges, from Wushan in Chongqing west to Badong in Hubei east, famed for its 'deep, graceful beauty' across about 46 km — the most continuous and stunning stretch. Sheer peaks line both banks, above all the 'Twelve Peaks of Wu,' with the Goddess Peak rising ethereally in mist — a perennial image in poetry since Qu Yuan and Song Yu. The river winds, fog locks green peaks, and a boat drifts through a gallery; Wu's clouds and rains add verse. Bridging the majesty of Qutang and the breadth of Xiling, it is the real scene behind 'Once you've seen the sea, no water compares; but for Wu's clouds, no cloud will do.'

Ciqikou Ancient Town, in Shapingba, Chongqing, China, began in the Song and took its name from the porcelain made and shipped here in the Ming-Qing era, once a busy port on the Jialing River hailed as 'Little Chongqing.' Built on the hills by the water, its flagstone lanes wind past Ming-Qing courtyards, gathering Ba-Yu snacks like Chen's fried dough, guzhen chicken giblets and handmade sour noodles, with Sichuan opera, teahouses and craft shops. The old Baolun Temple hides at the lane's end, bells mingling with river breeze. Ciqikou is the best window onto old Chongqing's port culture, Ba-Yu folkways and slow life — a living old street, busy yet charming.

Shibaozhai stands on the north bank of the Yangtze in Zhongxian, Chongqing, China — a riverside wonder begun in the Ming Wanli era, built against the Jade Seal Hill. Its wooden 'pagoda tower' spirals from foot to summit in twelve tiers, echoing the cliff like a layered tower, hailed as one of the 'world's eight strange architectures' and the Yangtze Three Gorges' signature ancient marvel. Atop sits the Lanruo Temple; the sheer peak rises from the river. After the Three Gorges Dam raised the water, a huge steel embankment was built around the tower, making it a 'bonsai on the river.' Uniting hill, water, tower and temple, it is a living specimen of Chongqing's building wisdom and Three Gorges culture.

The Xiling Gorge is one of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, running from Yiling District in Yichang, Hubei Province, eastward to the Zigui area, and is known for its many rapids and deep, secluded cliffs. Mountains press in on both banks with a winding river channel, where reefs and shoals once made navigation difficult and left many memories linked to shipping and boat trackers. With the construction of water conservancy projects, water levels and navigation conditions have changed; today the gorge is broad and still scenic, and a boat trip reveals cliffs, tributaries and riverside villages. The area also holds cultural relics linked to Qu Yuan and the Three Kingdoms period. Boating is the main way to visit, combined with stops on shore, and passengers should follow the safety instructions on board.

Chongqing Zoo is located at 1 Xijiao Road in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, and is a large city zoo that is a popular spot for family outings and relaxation. Laid out according to the terrain, the park is divided into several animal zones and houses giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, giraffes, elephants, predators and various birds. The giant pandas are the park's most popular stars, and the panda house draws crowds throughout the year. With lush greenery and winding paths, the zoo is pleasant both for watching animals and for a relaxed stroll. It is best to plan your route with the guide map, see the popular zones first and then explore the rest at leisure, keeping a safe distance from the animals.