Chongqing -- City of Hills, Fog and Spicy Food
As the largest city of China, Chongqing covers an area of 82,400 sq kilometers with a population of 30 million. There are many famous spots in the city, including the Beiwenquan, Nanwenquan, the Longevity Lake and other places. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Kuomintang moved from Nanjing to Chongqing and made it a war-time capital, which results in many commemorative sites such as the Red Crag Village, the Chongqing Office of the Eighth Route Army, and so on. But to enjoy the dim shadows of the boats and steamers will be most attractive. Meanwhile, Chongqing is also the starting point for a cruise on the Yangtze River with many historical and scenic spots along its bank.
Hongyan cun
During the Kuomintang-Communist alliance against the Japanese during WWII, the Red Crag Village outside Chongqing was used as the offices and living quarters of the Communist representatives to the Kuomintang. Many famous leaders, such as Zhou Enlai, Ye Jianying, Deng Yingchao once stayed here. On August 28th, 1945, Mao Zedong had stayed in this place when he came to Chongqing to negotiate with Ching Kai-shek.
There are many historical relics here: the Guiyuan, the right place where Mao Zedong put down his signature on the agreement of negotiation and where he met the personages of various circles; No.50, one of Zhou Enlai important offices during that period; the former residence of Sun Yat-sen; the living quarters for General Stilwell and General Marshall; the official mansion of Chiang Kai-shek, and so on.
Louhan temple
"Luohan" is the Chinese rendering of the Sanskitrhat, which is a Buddhist term referring to people who have released themselves from the psychological bond-age of greed, hate and delusion. This Luohan Temple was built in Song Dynasty, destroyed twice and rebuilt, once in 1752 and again in 1945. Some 70 monks were once housed here, though today less than 20 are in residence. Luohan's chief attraction is the collection of 500 painted clay arhats. And there is a good temple restaurant serves excellent vegetarian food.
Chaotianmeng docks
Chongqing's port reflects its importance as a major industrial and transport center. Although considerably less busy than 60 years ago, Chaotianmen is nonetheless an interesting place to see a typically busy dock as vessels moored mid-river are loaded and unloaded.
