Chongqing: A Unique Journey to the 8D Fantasy City

Pre-Trip Preparation • **Documents**: Bring your ID card, and don’t forget special certificates like student ID, teacher ID, or senior citizen card—some attractions offer discounts. • **Clothing**: Summers in Chongqing are hot, so pack lightweight, breathable clothes and sun protection. Winters are damp and chilly, so bring thick coats, scarves, and gloves. Wear comfortable shoes—this mountain city has plenty of slopes and stairs! • **Apps**: Download *YuChangXing* for easy metro and bus rides, and *Gaode Maps* to navigate the complex terrain. When asking for directions, add *"Laoshir"* (a local term of respect)—Chongqing locals are super friendly! ### Accommodation • **Near Liberation Monument**: Prime location with easy access to shopping and food. A riverside B&B here offers stunning night views—perfect for sightseeing and dining right downstairs. • **Near Guanyinqiao**: Lively area with vibrant nightlife, street food, and bars. Great value for money, ideal for those who love excitement and local culture. ### Must-Try Foods 1. **Pei Sister Old Hotpot**: A Chongqing must-eat! Their nine-grid beef tallow broth is rich and authentic. Dip tripe for 7–8 seconds for crisp tenderness, or try silky duck blood that soaks up the spicy broth. 2. **Huashi Wanzha Noodles**: Start your day with this hearty bowl. Soft peas and fragrant minced meat coat every noodle—spicy and numbing perfection! 3. **Rose Ice Jelly**: Cool down with this sweet, icy treat. Handmade jelly is topped with rose syrup, crushed peanuts, and haw flakes—refreshing after spicy food. 4. **Mountain City Tangyuan**: Bite-sized glutinous rice balls with black sesame or peanut fillings—pure bliss! ### Top Attractions 1. **Hongya Cave**: A real-life *Spirited Away* world, especially magical at night. Visit after 19:30 for the best views from Qiansimen Bridge or the riverside. 2. **Liziba Light Rail Station**: Watch the train glide through a building—quirky and fun! Snap photos from the viewing deck, then explore the artsy Eling Er Factory nearby. 3. **Yangtze River Cableway**: Soar above the city (¥20 one-way). Board at *Nan’an Shangxinjie Station* for shorter queues. The aerial views of the river and skyline are unforgettable. 4. **Ciqikou Ancient Town**: A charming old street with crispy *Chen Mahua* (twisted dough), snacks, and handicrafts. Skip the crowds and explore the quieter back alleys. 5. **Mountain City Trail**: Stroll through old Chongqing, where historic lanes meet riverside vistas. The suspended walkway feels like a step back in time. ### Itinerary • **Day 1**: Liberation Monument → Bayi Food Street → Baixiangju → Yangtze Cableway → Longmenhao Old Street - Morning: Snap photos at Liberation Monument, then feast at Bayi Food Street. - Afternoon: Visit Baixiangju’s 24-floor, elevator-free old building (great for cableway photos), then ride the cableway to Longmenhao for Republic-era charm. • **Day 2**: Liziba Light Rail → Eling Er Factory → Ciqikou → Mafangwan 66 (Jianghu Cuisine) - Morning: See the train-in-building, then browse Eling’s hipster shops. - Afternoon: Wander Ciqikou’s ancient lanes. - Evening: Feast on *lazi ji* (spicy chicken) and *maoxuewang* (blood curd stew) at Mafangwan 66. • **Day 3**: Mountain City Trail → Hongya Cave → Qiansimen Bridge - Morning: Hike the trail for old-world vibes. - Night: Admire Hongya Cave’s lights, then walk Qiansimen Bridge for breezy riverside romance. ### Pitfalls to Avoid 1. **Hongya Cave "Express Lane" Scam**: Ignore anyone charging ¥10 to "skip lines"—just take the elevator or stairs. 2. **River Cruises**: Overpriced! Opt for the ¥5 nostalgia ferry (*Danzishi–Chaotianmen*) for the same views. 3. **Souvenirs**: Buy *Chen Changyin Mahua* or hotpot base at supermarkets—prices in tourist spots are inflated.