*🌆 Day 2 in Chongqing: A City of Contrasts and Charms*

 

*🌆 Day 2 in Chongqing: A City of Contrasts and Charms*

*📅 26 October 2025*

 

After a long morning navigating baggage claim, immigration, and customs, we finally boarded our cruise bus at 12:32 PM. Our first stop? A much-needed lunch—and the beginning of our unforgettable Chongqing adventure.

 

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*🚍 First Impressions: Chongqing in Motion*

As we drove through the city, Chongqing unfolded like a living painting—towering buildings stacked on steep hillsides, roads weaving through tunnels and over bridges, and the mighty Yangtze River glinting in the sun.

 

_“First glimpse of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline from the bus window.”_

 

 *🍽️ Yin Ronghe (印蓉和重庆店): A Taste of Sichuan*

Our lunch stop was at Yin Ronghe, a local gem serving up authentic Sichuan cuisine. The dishes were bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying—perfect after a long journey.

  

Outside the restaurant, we paused at a sobering sight: a flood marker showing the 2020 flood level—submerged at 195.9 meters. A powerful reminder of the city’s resilience.

 

* _“Flood marker outside the restaurant—Chongqing submerged nearly 196 meters in 2020.”_

 

*🛍️ Zourong Road: Free Time in the Heart of the City*

After lunch, we explored Zourong Road, a lively pedestrian street buzzing with energy. From boutique shops to street snacks, it was a feast for the senses.

 

*🏛️ Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument*

We visited the iconic People’s Liberation Monument (抗战胜利纪功碑暨人民解放纪念碑), a symbol of the city’s wartime history and post-war transformation.

 

_“Standing tall: the People’s Liberation Monument surrounded by modern skyscrapers.”_

 

*🏢 Kuixinglou (魁星楼): The Building That Bends Reality*

One of our most surreal discoveries was Kuixinglou—a building where the ground floor is also the 22nd floor. Built into the hillside, it’s a mind-bending example of Chongqing’s vertical architecture.

 

 _“Kuixinglou: where the ground floor is the 22nd floor—only in Chongqing!”_

 

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 *📸 Snapshots and Souvenirs*

We wandered, snapped photos, and soaked in the city’s unique vibe. Every corner revealed something unexpected—quirky buildings, neon signs, and layers of life stacked sky-high.

 

 *🌉 Evening Magic at Hongyadong (洪崖洞)*

At 5:35 PM, we headed to Hongyadong Folk Custom Scene Area. Built into a cliffside, this glowing multi-level complex is a visual spectacle—especially at night.

 

_“Hongyadong lights up like a lantern over the river—pure magic.”_

 Dinner was a fiery Chongqing hot pot, bubbling with chili oil and packed with flavor. A must-try experience that left us warm and full.

 

“Hot pot heaven—spicy, steamy, and unforgettable.”_

 

*🏨 Rest at JW Marriott Hotel*

We wrapped up the day by checking into the JW Marriott Hotel, a luxurious retreat with sweeping views of the city. After a day of discovery, it was the perfect place to unwind.

 

“Room with a view—Chongqing’s skyline from our JW Marriott suite.”_

 

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*✨ Final Thoughts*

Chongqing is a city that defies expectations—where history meets modernity, and the streets rise as much as they stretch. Day 2 was a whirlwind of flavors, architecture, and unforgettable moments. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!