1-Day Tour in Chongqing before the Yangtze Cruise
I had the pleasure of going on a 1 day tour in Chongqing before I actually went on the Yangtze cruise and let me tell you it was amazing! Going on the cruise was enough to get me excited but I have to say that the dose of culture and exotic sights I got from the Chongqing tour was just as enjoyable. With so many places to go and things to see and do it was hard to decide on what I wanted to experience. Of course I cannot forget about the food either!
Sights
Let me start by talking about the places I visited while on the 1 day Chongqing tour. I love animals and I always go to the zoo in my city so I figured it would be fun to visit a zoo in a different country. The Chongqing Zoo is known for its enormous Panda house which I was more than antsy to see. I really did not know what to expect but when I arrived I walked into animal heaven! In total there are just over 230 different species of animals but the true attraction in the zoo is the Panda House. It is about 5 acres in size and full of exotic and endangered Pandas. I learned a lot about Pandas during this visit. As I walked around the zoo I took in all the breath taking mountain scenery.
I was in the mood for some old world historical sites so I ventured into Ciqikou Old Town. I did some research about the area and found out that the town is known for great food and shopping. I stopped by a teahouse that had a Sichuan Opera Face Changing Performance. That was out of this world to watch! Afterwards I did spend a great deal of time in the local shops buying pretty much everything I saw. I love unique knick knacks and creative art pieces so I was in heaven. I basically just took my time wandering through the city to see the old houses and how everything has changed over the years. One cool tourist attraction for science lovers is the preserved room where Samuel CC Ting studied when he was a kid. All in all it was amazing to see what Ciqikou had to offer.
This 1 day tour was so full of adventure I have to make sure I mention one more place I visited since it sticks out in my mind so much. I am not the type to really get into flowers or gardens but once I went to Goose Neck Park that all changed. The bamboo and old age trees are definitely worth seeing! I also enjoyed checking out the Bonsai Garden; the flowers and bonsai trees were gorgeous.
The sun was just starting to set and it was easy to see that this place has so much potential for romance. The Sheng Bridge and Tiger Terrace would be great places to sit with your loved one and take in the scenery. Holding each other as the sun sets and cuddling in the night air would be so dreamy. Ok, back out of the romance zone. They do have a rope bridge so if you get too hot during the day or even at night you can easily cool down. If you want to get a great panoramic views check out the Deng Building. I went up there and have to say it was great to see all the light lit up!
Food
Those who love spicy foods have to go to the Brigade General Fono Hotpot. This place was a unique experience for me. Everyone has their own definition of spicy but I will say the food here is very spicy. Not so much that you will not enjoy the meal but just enough to get that kick that all spicy foods need. The décor was the first thing I noticed along with the dancing military waitress. I had the lamb which was tasty along with the bamboo shoots. The theme inside was a cultural revolution/red guard theme. There are no English signing identification signs so it can be confusing. This restaurant is located at 10 Hao YuanDongBaiHOu XieDuiMian in Chongqing. Their phone number is 023-67625802. You may want to call ahead of time to make a reservation.
The other great place I ate at was the Taoran House. I found out that this place is so good that in the Fifth China Food Festival it won 12 awards. I had their specialty of peppery river snail. I never would have imagined that I would have a dish like that! Oh, and it is an absolute must to call ahead and make reservations due to the popularity of the place. It is also fairly to get to. The main restaurant is at the exit of the Hangu Town highway in the Jiulongpo District. The phone number is 023-65700199.
Things to Know
During your 1 day trip to Chongqing there are a few things to keep in mind. Bring some snacks and make sure you have comfortable shoes on. When you bring snacks you cut down on your expenses and you can utilize your time better. It is easy to snack and walk through the city.
Also, know the money exchange ahead of time and get it exchanged. The other important thing to know is how to get to the ship dock. Using a local transfer service is the best way to get you right to the dock. A local guide will pick you up at the airport or rail station. Keep in mind it is more expensive than taking a taxi it will save you time in the end. You can also take a taxi but make sure you give yourself enough time. My best advice is to do your research ahead of time so you know how to get there.
I am so happy I took this 1 day tour of Chongqing. It was a great way to start off my vacation!
