Hello, I am in Chongqing in China. Home to 32 million people on the banks of the River Yanzi. And you've nevr heard of it probably. It's a huge industrial city plighted by pollution, smog and ugly grey buildings. Luckily we're only here for 1 night before we head up the Yanzi river on a cruise up to Yanching tomorrow. In stark contrast, Chengdu where we spent 2 nights was surprisely pleasant. After finding the central shopping area, we had a huge all-american burger, it was heaven. The five of us took a romantic walk around downtown Chengdu in the snow desparate for a beer. We couldn't find a bar anywhere, but came across an arcade where the local girls paid for all our games including Basketball and Air Hockey.
Previously in the morning we visited the Panda Santuary, the best place in the world to see Pandas. It was fantastic to see these beautiful bears in close proximity. The place is not a zoo, but allows them to roam free whilst the public observe them. One of them managed to scale a tree. It was a very peaceful place and great to see Pandas. Chengdu was turning into one
of our favourite places. After a nap we heading into town.
Chengdu was a lovely city, we left at 7am this morning to catch a train, our first one, to Chongqing. The journey was average, and a Chinese man provided mild entertainment when he attempted to size Ross up for various arm wreastles, a special thank you to Jonny and Ross who told him that I was the best fighter in the group after he asked them who could take on. It was all in good spirit and he was friendly enough, we still remained cautious though, as he had worked his way through a whole bottle of Cognac.
We got to Chongqing and where pretty taken aback at the size and the amount of smog in the City. It is not a nice place, rats freely roam the streets. The hotel is nice enough, though I think we all want to get to Yichang as quickly as possibly.
We have not seen the sun or blue sky since landing in Beijing 10 days ago!
J x
China's Flag
Map of China