Hello everyone! I've just returned from Chongqing and there are a few things I need to get off my chest! The city itself is quite cool, but some of my experiences... Ugh, they are difficult to describe. I probably won't go back again anytime soon. Here are some tips for my friends who are planning to visit!
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About the taxi drivers - I really want to voice this frustration!
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Most of the drivers are a bit... umm, unfriendly. They either push various bus tickets or ferry tickets onto you, or express dissatisfaction with your destination?
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On my first day, I told a driver to take me to Zazong Street (the famous landmark in the center of Chongqing). He exclaimed, "That place is so outlandish!" with an air of superiority. I was dumbfounded: What does it have anything to do with him? After all, tourists will naturally want to see famous places.
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️ Note: Get mentally prepared before entering a taxi, as drivers might try to sell tourist packages; politely decline if you don't need them. -
The rampant chaos in tourism severely undermined my experience!
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Hongyadong (the old and famous street which lights up the night), that is overcrowded with tourists, is a prime example of such chaos - it is extremely hard to see how the actual scenery could be compromised like this.
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At every step along the way, someone is pushing bus tickets onto you, while others try selling ferry tickets; there are continuous attempts by strangers to capture your attention for taking pictures with them. With so many people already packed into Hongyadong, and the added hucksters, it makes it impossible to enjoy a leisurely stroll unhindered.
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️ Warning: In popular tourist spots such as Hongyadong, expect to be hassled for promotions. Decline politely and keep a close eye on personal belongings.
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Chongqing's mountainous terrain, though a feature, is headache-inducing too!
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Chongqing, the "Mountain City," has numerous steep roads which are indeed fascinating. But after a strenuous day out, facing an endless slope can make you feel defeated!
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Unless locals show you small sidepaths or you've done an exhaustive online research, you may find it better to take a cab. Though starting fare is just 10 RMB, at times you could almost walk up the hill within a kilometer. Without thorough planning, you may end up spending money for no good reason.
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Travel Suggestion: Chongqing's terrain is complex, and not always navigated accurately by GPS. -
Read many travel guides, knowing the challenges of walking distances between sites.
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Prepare for taxis and ask about approximate distances and fares to avoid being rerouted.
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Getting网约车 is difficult; commuting in the evening is more troublesome!
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Using Didi (a popular taxi app in China) can be problematic, especially since there are two separate systems for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles.
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Unknown to me, around 10 PM, many taxis seem to stop working. On several days, we had to drag ourselves, dead tired, back to our hotel.
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️ Notice: Taxiing out can be difficult during the late hours of the night in Chongqing, particularly away from the central city areas. Plan your return transportation ahead, or find a hotel in a connected region.
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Some so-called "trending must-see spots", are simply absurd!
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I suspect some places were created merely to cater to trending topics, which locals don't consider to be notable.
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For instance, Liuzi Mountain light rail passing through a building, and Guanyinqiao's “I am in Chongqing” big display screen, not exaggerating, these are places where snapping a photo is all you do there. Such places feel created just to fulfill the need of photography.
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Travel Suggestion: Approach trendy attractions with a calm mindset; some might only suit short-term photo-taking打卡 visits.
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Dialect and possible "tourist attitude"
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Locals, young and old, mostly speak Chongqing dialect (different from Mandarin, it sounds like Sichuanese). We non-locals who speak Mandarin might easily stand out.
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Apart from sometimes not understanding them clearly, I felt more likely to be treated differently or scammed. Hence, one needs to be alert!
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！！！Important Warning！！！
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Communication Tips: Communication gaps exist between Chongqing dialect and Mandarin. Although many youths also understand Mandarin, slowing down your speech may help better understanding.
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Anti-Scam Awareness: With unfamiliar accents due to being an outsider, being cautious against possible scams and frauds becomes crucial, especially while shopping in small stores or hailing taxis where some unscrupulous vendors/drivers might cheat travelers.
In summary, Chongqing has its own charm and has been well-developed. Yet, if one desires a completely relaxed and happy journey, it could be challenging as per my personal experience. This shared information is just a reference for anyone wishing to know more about this wonderful city.
