Chongqing 重庆
November 9, 2024
We took the 10 a.m. shuttle bus back to the train station, sharing the ride with only four other passengers. The journey was smooth until the driver unexpectedly took a detour to an inspection station near the train station for a vehicle check while we were still on the bus. It felt a bit odd and inconvenient, but the process lasted less than 15 minutes, and we had plenty of time to catch our train to Chongqing.
After arriving in Chongqing, we enjoyed a meal featuring the famous Chongqing Spicy Chicken (重庆辣子鸡) along with other delicious dishes. Satisfied, we made our way to Hongya Cave, a cultural and commercial landmark known for its striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The area was crowded, so we decided to walk in the opposite direction across the bridge, planning to return later when it might be less busy.
As we strolled towards the Jiangbei side of the river, we noticed muffled voices coming from speakers below the bridge and dim lights in the distance. Intrigued by the commotion, we decided to investigate further. Crossing the river towards the Grand Theater, we discovered a popular photography spot, where the night scene with Hongya Cave and the bridge served as a stunning backdrop.
Hundreds of people were gathered, many of them posing for photos. Professional photographers were everywhere, each using microphones and mini speakers to give instructions to their clients over the bustling noise. Some had portable lights and props, while middlemen eagerly approached passersby, advertising their services. It was a lively, chaotic scene unlike anything we’d ever witnessed—a grand-scale photoshoot in full swing.
After soaking in the unique energy of the photography spot, we turned back and headed to explore Hongya Cave itself. The 11 levels, filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, were both fascinating and exhausting to navigate. By the time we finished, we were completely worn out and decided to call it a day.
November 10, 2024
Our hotel didn’t offer breakfast, so we set out in search of a café. Using a map app, we located a Manner Coffee inside the Raffles City shopping mall, just a short walk away. On the way, we stopped at a street vendor and bought a crispy scallion pancake, savoring its freshly made flavor. However, upon arriving at the mall, we discovered that although the coffee shop was open, the mall itself wouldn’t open until 10 a.m. Disappointed, we gave up on our coffee plans and decided to continue walking toward Chaotianmen Square.
At the square, we snapped a few photos and noticed several buses unloading groups of middle school students. It was surprising to see school-organized activities taking place on a Sunday. Shortly afterward, we stumbled upon an open Starbucks and finally got our coffee, relishing a brief moment of peace and quiet. Unfortunately, this tranquility was short-lived, as many of the students who couldn’t access the mall soon poured into the Starbucks, turning the once-calm atmosphere into a lively, chaotic scene. Afterward, we made a brief stop at Hongya Cave. Surprisingly, it was much quieter and less vibrant than last night, offering a stark contrast to the bustling scenes at night.
Then, we took the subway to the Mountain City Footpath and indulged in a variety of local snacks along the way. Later, near the Eighteen Steps area, we decided to try Chongqing hot pot. Despite opting for “mild spice,” the flavors proved to be far too intense for our palates. From that point on, we vowed to skip even the mild spice options in future meals!
In the evening, we returned to a bustling night market. The “I’m in Chongqing” sign in the city center had become a popular photo spot, and the lively atmosphere of the city at night was infectious. It was the perfect way to conclude a vibrant, adventure-filled day.
November 11, 2024
Before heading to the train station to continue our journey to the next destination, we stopped at Manner Coffee near the Jiefangbei area. Paired with a pastry, it made for a delightful breakfast. We then strolled leisurely around the plaza, savoring the last moments of our time in Chongqing, bringing our visit to a satisfying conclusion.
2024年11月9日
上午10点，我们乘直通车前往铜仁火车站，车上仅有四名乘客。一路平稳，直到接近火车站时，司机突然开车进入车辆检查站进行检测。虽然让人意外，但检查过程仅花了不到15分钟，我们仍然赶上了前往重庆的火车。
到达重庆后，我们享用了一顿丰盛的晚餐，其中最难忘的是招牌重庆辣子鸡，搭配其他地道美食，令人回味无穷。晚餐后，我们前往洪崖洞，这座以独特建筑风格和热闹氛围闻名的文化商业地标，夜晚灯火通明，美不胜收。然而，洪崖洞人流量太大，我们决定先过桥到对岸散步，等晚些时候人少了再返回。
漫步至江北大剧院附近时，我们被桥下的喇叭声, 人群和闪烁的烛灯吸引，跟随灯光发现了一个热门摄影点。洪崖洞与大桥的夜景成为绝佳的背景，吸引了许多代客照相者。那些专业摄影师带着灯光和道具忙碌拍摄，用小喇叭不停地向他们的客户发出提示，场面热闹非凡，令人印象深刻。
此后，我们返回洪崖洞参观。这座11层的建筑内汇聚了商店、餐馆和文化展览，各具特色。尽管上上下下的探索让人疲惫，但也充满乐趣。最终，我们结束了这一天的行程，回到酒店休息。
2024年11月10日
我们住的酒店没有提供早餐，于是出门寻找咖啡馆。在离酒店不远的来福士购物中心，我们找到了一家Manner Coffee，步行途中还在路边小摊买了一个香酥的葱油饼。到达后发现，虽然咖啡馆已开门，但商场要到早上10点才开放。无奈之下，我们放弃了喝咖啡的计划，绕过商场前往朝天门广场。
在广场拍了几张照片后，我们注意到几辆满载学生的大巴，感到很惊讶，周日竟然有学校组织活动。随后，我们找到了一家已经开门的星巴克，点了杯咖啡，享受片刻的清静。然而，没过多久，大批学生因不能去购物中心而涌入星巴克，原本的宁静瞬间被打破。
接着，我们搭地铁前往山城步道，品尝了几样地道的小吃。然后在十八梯附近尝试一下重庆火锅，从那之后，不再点小辣的菜了。晚上，我们再次前往夜市，在市中区＂我在重庆＂显示成为网红打卡热点，热闹的重庆夜晚氛围为一天画上了充满活力的句号。
2024年11月11日
在前往火车站赶往下一个目的地之前，我们在解放碑附近喝了杯Manner Coffee，搭配一份糕点，随后在广场上悠闲地漫步，为重庆的旅程画上了一个圆满的句号。
