Chongqing Off The Beaten Path

Next stop along the Chiang Jiang (Yangzi) River Cruise was at Qutang Xia (first gorge). I had waited quite a bit for this... after all, who hasn't head about the imfamous Three Gorges? I was really pleased on this trip, and really pleased to be there, the first Gorge of the trip. I remember reading somewhere that this is the narrowest of the Gorges, about 50 meters at it's narrowest.

Next stop along the Chiang Jiang (Yangzi) River Cruise was at the small town of Fengie. There is a wealth of history here, including the imfamous coffins discovered in the nearby valley, hidden in caves in the elevated walls. This stop took my by surprise, but in the end it was worth it!

Next stop along the Chiang Jiang (Yangzi) River Cruise was at the Shibao Tower. It is best to view it from afar so if you're low on money skip the entrance fee :).

Sadly, this world reknown landmark is yet another magnificant example of a treasure that will be disrupted by progress, the Three Gorge Dam.

Our first stop along the Chiang Jiang (Yangzi) River Cruise was at the Gohst City of Fengdu. There is a lovely temple and a palace on the city. The ironic thing is that the city will be totally underwater once the Three Gorge Dam is complete.

Cruise down river to the imfamous Three Gorges at Chiang Jiang (Yangzi) River and sourounding areas. Sadly, this tip is time sensitive for the construction of the Three Gorge Dam will leave most if not all of the attractions of the Three Gorges River Cruise underwater. So, hurry up and visit this places before mid-2003. The cruise takes you through the following destinations: Fengdu (ghost city), Shibao Tower,
Fengie, Qutang Xia (first gorge), Little Gorges, Wu Xia (Gorge), and Xiling Xia (Gorge). After the last gorge, you can opt to disembark at the city of Yichang, which is a good jump of point to see the Three Gorge Dam construction (scheduled to be done by 2009). More information on this river cruise can be found on the following tips and several pics of my trip are available on my travelogue.

The Dazu Grottos, 160 kilometers northwest of Chongqing, include over 60,000 figures scattered in more than 100 places. They are primarily Buddhist cave sculptures noted for unusual domestic detail as well as purely religious themes. They were carved during the times of the Tang 618-907), Five Dynasties (907-960), and Song (960-1279) dynasties. The two major sites are Beishan (North Hill) and Baodingshan (Baoding Hill).

Climb a mountain- preferably EMEI SHAN near Chengdu and Leshan. It's gorgeous and peaceful. Plus, you can eat and stay with the monks in the monastaries spread out all over the mountain.And you can be alone !!walking for hours.

Entertainment Overview


In Chongqing, you can find numerous types of entertainment. To get close to the life of local people, take in some Sichuan Opera karaoke, where you can hear people excitingly chanting their favorite lines! Chongqing people are also fond of reading to expand their horizons, substantiated by the many book bars here with a relaxing environment and good books. Chongqing is also not short of nightlife. The Jiangfangbei area is the district where most bars are scattered. JJ's House Disco, on Bayi Lu, is the pick at the moment. Close by, the Silver Rock and Rainbow are also good choices.