252. WINTER IN CHONGQING

 

Chongqing was hived off from Sichuan province to be a separate provincial-level municipality, an autonomous region directly under the central government.

Recognising its potential, it was allowed to develop independently and is one of the more progressive and wealthy regions.

It's a mountainous, very hilly terrain so buildings are stacked one on top of the other with the same building can be on many different levels. This building below, for instance, I went up just one flight of stairs to the 1st floor, looked down from it's terrace and the drop was 22 floors. Very interesting maze, I will be lost for sure...

With such terrain, expect to climb stairs everywhere, everyday...and it isn't short flight of stairs, it's hundreds in some areas...

This lift took me up, walk to explore the scenic sights after which walk 200 steps down to the coach...!

For those who give up - take this sedan lift...

The sights were well worth the walk and climb...China is for the fit and mobile for there are no ramps nor handrails, limited lifts or non at all even in touristy areas...I'm thankful to be able to do this - as always, I ask myself, 'If not now, when?'

This place below was a filming site for a movie, it's now a cafe and a souvenir shop that operates during busy seasons...

Another film location - for the Transformers movie

Signs of a possible landslide - staff got into place quickly to get visitors to move away quickly...

Ubiquitous boat ride - to view old structures, some genuinely old, others made to look old...makes the boat ride more interesting...

During the boat ride - a bit of distraction. Enterprising!