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 terraces. 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 in Wulong was a filming site for a movie, it's now a cafe and a souvenir shop that operates during busy seasons...

To get a shot it was necessary to climb the stairs to a higher ground...

Another film location - for the Transformers movie

Signs of a possible landslide - staff got into place quickly to get visitors to move away pronto not stop to gawk like I did...

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. Some enterprising young people were running this sideline!

Cosplay for older folks...

More ubiquitous China scenes - mountains, valleys, gorges, waterfalls - present in nearly all China itineraries...and of course, a heritage old town or 2...!

Ciqikuo old town...

The cat & I - Kitty joined me when I was having a beancurd snack - I must have taken his favourite spot!

This cat cafe had a dog at its entrance!

Locals are very fond of mala chilly dishes which they add to soya beancurd desserts and all things else. It numbs the tongue - not my cup of tea...

Protein snacks...check out the size of the critters...!

An Ju ancient town. They do have some cute little shops nestled in between the older buildings. Long time residents live in the lanes.

Buildings with character always catch my eye so my posts are very often filled with buildings that are different - not the shiny glass and chrome sort...

Carved wood combs - may come across those carved from bones, horns, increasingly rare...

Oysters and freshwater pearls...

Residents go about their lives...like kids elsewhere, the 'babysitter' is the mobile...

The residents have accepted tourists peering into their homes for doors are left open, they go about their meals or watch TV or snooze on the couch...!

They air dry their meats - sausages are home made...

Public gaming 

Give and take is everywhere in Asia except in Singapore...this chap below fell asleep while charging his mobile in this cafe in a mall. He didn't order anything but the staff let him be...

Actually, in Singapore, it's present in the fast food joints where customers may sit for hours working or playing on their laptops. Students have been known to study or work at projects for hours but such customers do eat and drink, so kudos to those fast food cafes for letting them stay that long...

The Liziba train station is associated with Chongqing and it's more interesting to watch it from the street. I took a ride in it too. Its stop is inside a residential building...

 

Behind me, the tail end of the train as it enters fully into the apartment building...

Another ubiquitous stop in most provinces - a glass platform or a bridge where you may challenge yourself to see if you are really not afraid of heights - the drop can be 20 storeys and more - if you dare to look down you'll see only tree tops and cliff tops...not for the faint hearted...

Practically every city has a river flowing through it. If there isn't a natural one, they fake it so every tour has a boat ride to admire the city by night. Night lights and lanterns are a surefire way to liven up the night scene and it's used to good effect...they are big on visual appeal - the optics...

Their people are allowed to express themselves in the arts, in dance, in dressing, in practically everything except write or speak against their government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or any government body and authority...one artist Ai Weiwei, used his art in sculptures and photography in a satirical way, making political statements, and had to go into exile to avoid persecution...others weren't so lucky...

Talking animal heads!

Those head coverings were in a shop and they come in all manner of styles, all were cute - in the streets the young people walk around with adorable animal heads, on their shoes too and the bags they carry! Express themselves fully and happily...in the parks, the older people dance and teach those who want to join them...Keep them happy so they don't become too radical...

More ways to express themselves - here's looking at you!

Express themselves through food - these cuties are mashmallows...!

Express themselves on their feet with these slippers!

And a copycat of the Manneken Pis of Belgium! The sign says Don't play water but can pass water?

This grotesque skyscraper is the Sheraton - it's a golden flashy art deco New Yorkish monstrosity sticking out like a sore thumb in this neighbourhood. What's missing from the spire is a King Kong or a Godzilla, in this city's case - a giant Panda!

I'm viewing this from the 52nd floor of the terrace of the building next door...

Some pics came from John my excellent tour escort, Linda, Marie, other fellow travellers...

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My reason for visiting Chongqing is the Dazu rock carvings which will be the subject of my next post as the pics are too numerous. It's worthy of it's own page...