Chongqing has an estimated population of almost 31 million, which includes a large number of different ethnic cultures, such as Tibetan, Miao, Yi, Qiang, Tujia, and You. It is a port city and vacationers on China tours will find it very strategically located between the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It has a history that covers 3,000 years and at least three other names (Jiangzhou, Yuzhou, and Gongzhou) before finally settling on Chongqinq over 800 years ago. It embodies the Yangtze River culture and civilization. Travelers on China tours should visit this city to discover all it has to offer.
Chongqing is rich is mineral resources and water reserves. Visitors on China tours will note that it is a modern city today and is China’s fourth municipality, aligning after Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. As with many other cities close to the Three Gorges Dam along the Yangtze, the Dam is one of Chongqing’s major attractions for China tours. A cruise along the Yangtze River starts at Chongqing for visitors on China tours. Other sites to see in the area include the Dazu Rock Carvings and Ci Qi Kou village, along with Gold Buddhist Mountain, many animals, and gorgeous flora and fauna.
Yangtze River Cruise
A river cruise along the Yangtze cannot be passed up if you are a visitor with China tours. The Yangtze River is the longest and largest in China; the third longest river in the world. The Yangtze traverses through 11 provinces and divides China into northern and southern halves. It is absolutely essential to cruise the Yangtze to get the full flavor of China. Taking a river cruise will let you relax and, at the same time, enjoy the views and scenery that roll by. Much Chinese culture can be discovered on a Yangtze River Cruise. You will be able to see the Three Gorges, as well as the Three Gorges Dam Project, the historic Shennong Stream, and the Gezhouba Water Conservancy Project, which was a trial project before the Three Gorges Dam Project was built. Vacationers on China tours simply must experience the Yangtze first hand aboard a river cruise.
Dazu Rock Carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings are 167 km on the east side of Chongqing and contain some of the most exquisite work you will ever see. These are cliff side rock carvings in five different sections or parts that China tours visitors absolutely must see. Being located in Dazu County, the “county of rock carving” is the name that it has been given. Dazu County is composed of 1,400 square kilometers and has a history extending back 1,230 years. It came into existence during the period of the Tang Dynasty in 758. The rock carvings were begun in 650 and continued through two more dynasties until as late as the Qing Dynasty, which ended in 1911. One hundred thousand Chinese inscriptions and epitaphs, along with 5,000 statues, reside along with the rock carvings. Most of the 5,000 statues relate to Buddha, but some are also of Tao and Confucius, and travelers on China tours will want to see these amazing statues, as well as the carvings.
Ci Qi Kou Village
This village is 14 km west of Chongqing and is famous for its porcelain production. While Chongqing has modernized considerably, Ci Qi Kou Village is the reflection you might have seen in distant times past of the “old” Chongqing, as the Village does not seem to have made the same changes. In this village, visitors on China tours can get a glimpse of what Chinese life used to look like, as it is actually being lived now. Many shops, stores, and restaurants are available to cater to tourists on China tours for this very reason.
Chongqing is also famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan dishes, so vacationers on China tours should at least try a Sichuan dish to experience the true Chinese flavor. Take advantage of a Yangtze River cruise and travel to see the cliff rock carvings. These ventures should not be missed as part of your China tours.