The Top Attractions in Chongqing
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Yangtze River, the sprawling inland metropolis of Chongqing beckons visitors to uncover its hidden wonders. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, this dynamic city seamlessly blends its storied past with a vibrant present, offering a wealth of captivating sights and experiences.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town is a travel attraction located on the outskirts of central Chongqing, an hour's drive away. With a history of more than 1,000 years, Ciqikou was once known for its temples, tea houses and historical relics. Currently, this ancient city has 12 streets in total, two of them being the main travel routes, full of shops, tea houses and snack stalls. Shops sell porcelain, crafts and souvenirs, all of which contribute to the large urban agglomeration it is today. In the center of the ancient area is a Buddhist temple with more than 1,500 years of history, extending on both sides of the mountain.
Three Gorges Museum
The Three Gorges Museum, located in the center of Chongqing, just opposite the town hall, is the largest monographic museum in China. This public museum is dedicated to conservation, education, scientific research on cultural relics and the natural environment of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area.
Chongqing Zoo (Panda Room)
Chongqing Zoo, built in 1953 and covering an area of 45 hectares, is the largest urban zoo in China. Located on the outskirts of Chongqing, this zoo is famous for its animal diversity, with more than 230 types of rare animals. The main attraction is the Panda House, which covers about 2 hectares. If you don't have the opportunity to see giant pandas elsewhere, Chongqing Zoo offers an excellent opportunity to do so.
Dazu Rock Sculptures
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a group of stone carvings located in Dazu County, the most famous being those on Beishan Hill and Baoding Hill. This site is one of Chongqing's most renowned attractions, with more than 4,600 carved figures mainly related to Buddhism, although there are also representations of Taoism. Beishan and Baoding Hills are worth a visit. The art of Dazu developed in the late Tang Dynasty (618-907) and flourished during the Song Dynasty (960-1127).
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze
The Yangtze Three Gorges form a stunning valley on the Yangtze River and are one of the ten most famous scenic spots in China. They extend from White Emperor City in Fengjie County, Chongqing Municipality, to Nanjin, ending in Yichang, Hubei Province. The Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, with a total length of 193 km, make up this majestic landscape.
Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam project is possibly the largest hydroelectric project in the world. This ambitious plan includes the construction of a concrete dam, a hydroelectric power plant and a series of locks just below the picturesque Three Gorges region. With three phases and scheduled to be completed in 2009, this project is one of the largest in the world. The Three Gorges Dam has permanently transformed the face of the Yangtze River, providing significant benefits in flood control, power generation and improved navigation.
