A huge country with a rich, ancient history, futuristic cityscapes and dramatic landscapes, it must come as no surprise that we are still finding new and exciting places to explore on our holidays to China. Whether you are a first timer or have travelled here before, these new destinations, like the city of Chongqing, bring alternative perspectives and a deeper understanding, as well as just being amazing or great to look at. Here are the top things to do in Chongqing, for your next adventure.
Chongqing
One of China’s fastest growing and most spectacular cities, the first thing you’ll notice about Chongqing is its fascinating topography. On the dramatic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers and built across steep mountain slopes and deep valleys, it is a city of vertical levels, where neighbourhoods cling to cliffs and metro lines rumble through both mountains and skyscrapers.
A metropolitan melting pot, the city blends flashy contemporary cityscapes with historic neighbourhoods and boasts a natural wonderland of rivers, forests, springs, waterfalls, gorges and caves right on its doorstep. Here, you can hop from bubbling, mineral-rich hot springs to the Panda House to view adorable bears, to dramatic landscapes like Wulong Karst National Geology Park, to the atmospheric streets of historic Ciqikou Ancient Town. Saturday nights must not be missed – the Glamorous Chongqing Drone Show is a light spectacular that takes over the night sky in the most magical of ways.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a natural paradise; reminiscent of some mythical realm, its landscapes are like something straight out of an epic fantasy film (in fact, it is said to be the inspiration for the planet Pandora, the setting for James Cameron’s Avatar). A forest of weathered spires, its pillar-like rock formations are quartz-sandstone – something found nowhere else in the world – eroded over millennia by ice and plants, covered in thick, green foliage and often swirled in mists. Depicted in ancient Chinese paintings, at first glance, you’ll understand why this scenery is so emotive; add in dripping moss, fragrant plants and calling monkeys and you’ll find yourself transported to another world.
The showstopping scenery doesn’t end there. You’ve got towering peaks, deep ravines, canyons and caves too, all of which can be explored in a variety of ways, some relaxed, some adrenaline fuelled. Whether you’d like to see the sights from a cable car or glass elevator or teetering along a glass walkway halfway up a sheer cliff, we can guarantee that you will be captivated.
Furong Ancient Town
A historic town of narrow, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture, characterised by stilted wooden buildings, Furong is already atmospheric and lovely; the waterfall right in the middle of it makes it spectacular! Set against mountains, it is the perfect spot to experience local Tuija culture with friendly, local people, delicious traditional foods and crafts. It is also a place to wander, along atmospheric streets, to strategically placed viewpoints, and even behind the waterfall itself.
Furong really comes into its own at night, when everything is beautifully illuminated. Entirely enchanting, the waterfall and traditional wooden buildings are lit with colourful lights, while the streets are strung with lanterns, all combining to create a fairytale ambiance. Visit in the rainy season, between April and October, to see the waterfall at its fullest.
Dazu Rock Carvings
Carved into steep hillsides across 70 location in Dazu county, the Dazu Rock Carvings are an impressive sight. They were created between the 9th and 13th centuries and depict a huge variety of subjects, both secular and religious, from everyday life to people at worship; they give a real insight into the China of the past.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 but close to foreign visitors for years, the carvings feature up to 60,000 figures. They are also an outstanding example of religious harmony, blending Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian beliefs together. The images at Bei Shan are the oldest, dating from around 892 AD. Like most of the imagery, these carvings are in a remarkable state of preservation, with the bright colours used at their creation still wonderfully evident.
New Horizons of China
17 days from £4440pp
Fully Inclusive of Tour & Flights
The Mighty Great Wall - Warriors in Xian - Yangtze River Cruise - Best of Zhangjiajie - Futuristic Chongqing - Giant Pandas & Hot Springs
