Chongqing Megacity Exploration: Hilly Streets & Hotpot

OUR FIRST TIME IN CHONGQING, CHINA 🇨🇳 (Is This The Most Extreme Megacity In The World?)

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
OUR FIRST TIME IN CHONGQING, CHINA 🇨🇳 (Is This The Most Extreme Megacity In The World?)
Flora and Note2024-11-2324 min

Chongqing, China—it’s unlike anywhere we’ve been before! For our first time here, we explored some of the city’s trendy, revitalized districts and got a real workout tackling its famous hilly streets. This megacity feels massive, and every corner we turned brought something new—whether it was stunning city views or lively local neighborhoods. And of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the legendary and spicy Chongqing hotpot! Come along as we dive into the heart of Chongqing, soak up the energy, and see what makes this city so unique.

--- Flora and Note
November 23, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Our first time in Chongqing
  2. 05:09Coffee with a view!
  3. 09:56History and shopping district
  4. 12:55The iconic Hongya Caves
  5. 16:10Can we handle Chongqing hotpot?!
  6. 21:22Chongqing at night

Flora And Note explore Chongqing's vibrant mix of old and new, from trendy districts to spicy hot pot, leaving them amazed by this mega-city's unique charm.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Use apps like Little Red Book for local recommendations and tips, especially for navigating challenging terrain like the many stairs in Chongqing. Starting from the top of Xiahao Lane is recommended to avoid strenuous uphill climbs. (1:05)
  2. Tip 2Utilize convenient and affordable transportation options like DiDi and the metro system to efficiently explore the city. Consider the hilly terrain when choosing transportation methods. (10:10)
  3. Tip 3Be aware of individuals offering paid guided tours or photo opportunities at tourist attractions; many are unsolicited. Verify the legitimacy of any paid services before engaging. (13:50)
  4. Tip 4Research and read reviews before committing to paid tourist activities like night cruises or ferry rides to avoid potential disappointments. Many reviews may not accurately reflect the experience. (14:09)
  5. Tip 5A key part of the Chongqing hot pot experience is creating your own sauce. Experiment with different combinations of soy sauce, sesame sauce, and other condiments to customize your dipping sauce. (18:13)

Flora And Note's Chongqing adventure is a whirlwind tour of contrasts! From the iconic Xiahao Lane, a revitalized area blending old architecture with modern businesses, to the bustling Jiefangbei CBD, they capture the city's unique energy. A ride on a two-story bridge, offering train and car traffic, is followed by a glimpse of the Yangtze River, the world's third longest. They savor delicious red bean soup and, of course, experience the fiery delight of authentic Chongqing hot pot, a culinary highlight of their trip. The video showcases the city's stunning skyline, the Hongya Dong cliffside village, and the People's Liberation Monument, offering a blend of historical significance and modern dynamism. Flora And Note's journey is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to this extraordinary megacity.

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OUR FIRST TIME IN CHONGQING, CHINA 🇨🇳 (Is This The Most Extreme Megacity In The World?)

This travel vlog by Flora And Note chronicles their first-time experience in Chongqing, China, a megacity described as one of the most extreme in the world. Their journey begins atop Xiahao Lane, a charming area showcasing a blend of restored old buildings and modern businesses, offering stunning city views. They descend the lane, highlighting the city's hilly terrain and the sheer number of stairs. The vlog showcases the city's impressive infrastructure, including multi-level bridges and the iconic cable car crossing the Yangtze River, the world's third-longest river.

Flora And Note discover a unique cafe scene in a refurbished area, emphasizing the positive energy and independent businesses that contribute to the city's character. They find a quiet rooftop spot to enjoy the city skyline and discuss their experiences, including the challenges of navigating the city's hills. The vlog also includes a visit to Jiefangbei, the central business district, and the People's Liberation Monument, a significant historical landmark.

The highlight of their trip is undoubtedly their experience with Chongqing hot pot, a local culinary specialty. They detail the process of selecting ingredients and creating their own custom sauce, emphasizing the fun and interactive nature of the dining experience. The vlog also touches on the ease of getting around Chongqing using DiDi and the metro system, contrasting it with their experience in Chengdu where they frequently used shared bicycles. The vlog concludes with breathtaking night views of the Hongya Dong cliffside village, showcasing the city's captivating blend of modern and traditional elements. Throughout the vlog, Flora And Note share personal insights, humorous anecdotes, and their genuine enthusiasm for exploring this unique and captivating city. Their observations on the city's culture, food, and people create an engaging and informative narrative, making this vlog a valuable resource for anyone planning a visit to Chongqing.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the best way to get around Chongqing?
A: DiDi and the metro are super convenient and cheap!
Q: What was the most memorable food experience?
A: Definitely the Chongqing hot pot! Making our own sauce was so much fun, and the spicy broth was amazing (but intense!).
Q: What's the deal with the many stairs in Chongqing?
A: It's a workout, for sure! But it's also part of the city's unique charm and a reminder that it's built on mountains.
Q: What was the most surprising thing I found?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!

Chongqing Megacity Exploration: Hilly Streets & Hotpot

Flora & Note explored Chongqing's unique charm, conquering hilly streets and spicy hotpot! A truly unforgettable megacity adventure.

Chongqing Exploration: A Megacity's Unique Charm

Flora and Note's Chongqing adventure was nothing short of extraordinary! They navigated the hilly streets, discovering trendy districts and breathtaking city views. The sheer scale of this megacity left them awestruck. A highlight was conquering the legendary, spicy Chongqing hotpot—a culinary experience not to be missed! Their journey captures the unique energy and charm of this captivating city, making it an unforgettable experience.

Attractions in this video: Xiahao Lane, Yangtze River, Jiefangbei, People's Liberation Monument, Hongya Dong