🚂🌊 Day 3 ( October 27, 2025 ) in Chongqing: from city streets to river cruise decks

 

🚂🌊 Day 3 in Chongqing: from city streets to river cruise decks*

*📅 27 October 2025*

A day of transitions—from city streets to river cruise decks, from breakfast bites to drone-lit skies.

 *🍠 Morning Rituals: Breakfast with Surprises*

We began the day with a breakfast spread that was both nourishing and novel. Among the highlights were:

 

- *Purple sweet potato yam* – subtly sweet and earthy, a vibrant start to the morning.

- *Fresh dates* – juicy and rich, unlike the dried versions I’m used to.

 

 _“Breakfast surprise: purple yam and fresh dates—Chongqing’s morning flavors.”_

 

🚆 Liziba Station: The Train That Vanishes*

Next, we headed to one of Chongqing’s most surreal urban spectacles: *Liziba Station (李子壩輕軌穿樓)*. Here, a monorail train glides directly through a residential building—yes, through it.

 

From 10:34 AM to 11:57 AM, we watched and filmed this architectural marvel. Photographers flock here to capture the moment the train disappears into the building, creating optical illusions and viral videos.

 

_“Train swallowed by a building—Liziba’s mind-bending monorail moment.”_

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*🍽️ Lunch at 味源鎏金: Sichuan Flavors and Peking Duck*

By 12:02 PM, we were seated at *味源鎏金*, a restaurant in Guanyinqiao’s bustling 9 Street district.

 The menu featured classic Sichuan cuisine, but the star of the show was:

 

- *Peking Duck* – crispy skin, tender meat, and all the traditional fixings.

 

 _“Golden crisp: Peking Duck at 味源鎏金—Sichuan indulgence.”_

 

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*🏘️ Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇): A Stroll Through Time*

At 14:03, we left the restaurant and headed to *Ciqikou Ancient Town*, a preserved slice of old Chongqing. Cobblestone streets, red lanterns, and rows of shops selling:

 

- Handmade snacks

- Local teas

- Traditional crafts

 

 _“Ciqikou’s charm—where every alley tells a story.”_

 

We departed around 15:10 to board our cruise ship at *Chaotianmen Wharf (朝天門)*.

*🚢 Boarding at Chaotianmen Wharf*

After a scenic drive, we arrived at the wharf at 15:51. Watching porters manually haul luggage reminded us of the hard-earned livelihoods behind the scenes.

 

 _“Porters at work—grit and grace at Chaotianmen Wharf.”_

 

 

*🎶 Welcome Aboard: Century Cruises*

At 16:08 sharp, we boarded our cruise ship. The check-in process was smooth but thorough, with security and ID verification.

 

- *Live music* by the *Music Connection Band* greeted us onboard.

- We were assigned *Room 456 on Deck 4*, cozy and well-appointed.

 

 _“Room 456—our floating home on the Yangtze.”_

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 *🦀 Dinner and Drones: A Night to Remember*

Dinner was a seafood feast, featuring an *endless supply of hairy crabs* —a seasonal delicacy.

 

 _“Hairy crab heaven—Chongqing’s river bounty.”_

 

Later, we were treated to a *spectacular drone show* over the Yangtze River. Lights danced in the sky, forming patterns and symbols that reflected Chongqing’s spirit.

Drone shows

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpcOX9iP2lQ

 _“Drones over the Yangtze—technology meets tradition.”_

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 *🧯 Safety and Celebration*

At 20:30, we attended the mandatory *safety briefing*, followed by the *Captain’s Welcome Party* on *Deck 6’s sundeck*. Despite the chilly wind, the music and energy kept the party alive—though attendance was sparse.

 

“Captain’s Welcome—windy but warm in spirit.”_

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*✨ Reflections*

Day 3 was a journey through contrasts: futuristic trains and ancient towns, street food and seafood feasts, quiet alleys and sky-lit celebrations. Chongqing continues to surprise, and the river now beckons us onward.

 

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