Chongqing in My Dreams

Chongqing, as the world's largest inland mountain-and-water city, is a city with mountains and rivers, full of vitality.

Indeed, with the undulating mountains, the vitality of the city, and the shimmering waters, Chongqing's nightscape is so beautiful that it penetrates the heart and stirs the soul. At this moment, as I gaze at the splendid scene before me, it's like listening to the city's night, listening to its breath... Tonight, Chongqing is so beautiful!

The beauty of Chongqing's nightscape lies in the undulating terrain gifted by nature, creating a rhythmic beauty of staggered layers; in the tranquil, misty beauty of the river flowing peacefully, merging water and sky; and in the meticulous design of urban builders, who balance grandeur with elegance.

Naturally, it cannot be compared to the grand displays by public institutions at West Lake—no deafening strings of firecrackers, no half the sky dyed in colors, nor the smoky haze of mist and clouds, especially on humid days. No, this fireworks display always has just one color—a dull green, without any flicker. Could this be a 'newest product' that, with some immobilizing spell, hangs permanently in the sky, radiating light?

As the mountain city's lights first come on, countless household lamps along the way flicker at varying heights, traffic flows endlessly, light and color interweave in a dazzling display—truly captivating. Arriving at Nanshan, I park and climb the tower, my heart already rushing eagerly to the viewing platform. Here, the platform is thronged with people; it seems that Chongqing's nightscape, as a calling card, still attracts many visitors.

Yet, compared to other city nightscapes, I still feel that Chongqing's has an irreplaceable uniqueness. This is because Chongqing sits on mountains and embraces rivers, combining the grandeur of mighty peaks—which perfectly express the three-dimensional aesthetic value of space—with the spiritual essence of great rivers, which curve around to shape and set off the mountain scenery, blending into one.

A friend said, 'It's not just tourists; we locals often come to see the night view too, after all, our hometown is always changing.' Stepping away from the crowds busy taking photos, we walked to the white marble railing of the viewing platform. Indeed, this was an excellent vantage point. As I looked out, I was deeply stunned—was this still a city night scene? It felt like a forest of silver flowers, a galaxy of brilliance, as if in a celestial realm!

Chongqing's night is intoxicating, making one want to praise it involuntarily, making one linger and forget to return.

Chongqing's nightscape is as brilliant and enchanting as stars!

The nightscape is a place for people tired from a day's work to relax, entertain, and unwind. Many nightscapes in China are unparalleled, adding a brilliant landscape to their cities—like the Oriental Pearl in Shanghai, the boat scenes in Chongqing, the bustling streets of Beijing... And Chengdu is no exception, with its well-known...

The scenery of Hong'an Border Town in Xiushan, Chongqing, blends with that of Huayuan Border Town in Hunan, forming beautiful and charming spring-river island views. Hong'an Ancient Town, built in the 1920s, was a distribution center for goods from Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou to the central-south region, and also the political, economic, and cultural center of Hong'an Town. It gained fame through Shen Congwen's 'Border Town' and was once called 'Hong'an City.' In the border town, the clear-as-mirror provincial boundary river; the famous 'Sanbuguan' (Three No-Man's Land) island; the natural 'Elephant Trunk Drinking Water'; the magical 'One Foot Stepping on Three Provinces'; the Hongcha ancient ferry connecting Chongqing and Hunan; the Lianxin Dam connecting Hunan and Guizhou; ancient courtyard buildings; the Liberation of Southwest China Monument; Cuicui Island—all are scenes that delight the heart.

Today's Chongqing radiates infinite charm, with singularly fascinating scenery everywhere. The 40 districts and counties of Chongqing each hold mysterious and unique landscapes.

When viewing Chongqing's nightscape, Nanshan One Tree is the place—it offers a panoramic view of the entire city, including the majestic Yuzhong Peninsula. Yet, to this day, aside from passing by once, I've never actually climbed it; perhaps the view from up there is indeed the most beautiful.

But Chongqing has far more great spots for night views than this. At Jiefangbei Square, you can see the dazzling lights of surrounding skyscrapers; on the South Bank, you can view the southern Yuzhong area; on the North Bank, the northern Yuzhong area; in Yuzhong itself, you can see the southern bank, with the ink-dark Nanshan as the perfect backdrop and contrast...

Walking slowly on the way to Tianfu Square, I vaguely heard melodious singing. Looking for the source, I saw the 'Seven-Colored Fog Capital'—the Tianfu Fountain. Looking around, the square is bordered to the north by the Science and Technology Museum and Chairman Mao's waving statue; to the west by Xiyu Hotel; to the east by Renhe Spring and Jincheng Art Palace. Looking down, I saw countless LED lights extending left and right. The colors changed in orderly patterns, like the kaleidoscope I played with as a child; the rhythmically changing lights added a dazzling touch to the entire square.

There was no moon that night, but the stars were thick. After eleven o'clock, everyone had slept, and it was so quiet—even a dropped embroidery needle could be heard. The pitch-black sky was dotted with stars, among which a cluster held hands to form a large circle, resembling a necklace of pearls and gems. I couldn't sleep; I put on my coat, got out of bed, and stood blankly at the window gazing at the sky.

Looking out, sparse trees, a pale moon, set against the blue sky, like a desolate river crossing. There, dense and gloomy, seemed to hide boundless darkness—making one hardly believe it was the bustling Qinhuai River. But the dizzying lights on the river, the crisscrossing painted boats, the melodious flute, mixed with the creaking sound of the erhu, finally made us recognize the Qinhuai water, green as yinchen wine. The sky here is more exposed, so night seems to come later; from the clear water reflections, we only felt a thin night.

—This was exactly the night of the Qinhuai River.

Chongqing, the world's largest inland mountain-and-water city, is constantly creating human miracles.

The beautiful Wansheng Black Valley is currently the largest forest park in Chongqing with the best natural ecological preservation.

Chongqing finally puts on its night lights. The moon in Chongqing is like a big mooncake, making you want to take a bite; standing on the boat, I feel as if I'm sailing through a galaxy, with lights shining on both banks, stars and moon reflecting in the water, the river flowing gently, a soft breeze brushing away worldly worries. Clouds drift, shadows flow, light and color interweave, fiery trees and silver flowers, myriad household lamps, celestial stars... I was completely captivated by this beauty, as if in a fairyland. I couldn't bear to wake up from this dream; I wished it were a dream from which I'd never awake. The water surface shimmered like thousands of charming sprites dancing on the river; Chongqing should be renamed 'Night Light City'!

Mysterious border town, charming Xiushan; thousand-year ancient town, paradise on earth, a place of health and leisure. Miao capital Pengshui, endlessly charming. The magic of Chongqing is so miraculous, its scenery so captivating.

Whether born and bred locals or residing outsiders, all are enchanted by Chongqing—a city of style, sensuality, and charm.

Yet, compared to other city nightscapes, I still feel that Chongqing's has an irreplaceable uniqueness. This is because Chongqing sits on mountains and embraces rivers, combining the grandeur of mighty peaks—which perfectly express the three-dimensional aesthetic value of space—with the spiritual essence of great rivers, which curve around to shape and set off the mountain scenery, blending into one.

This is a flowing painting, a three-dimensional scene, a captivating symphony... I feel that the vibrant dynamism and vitality of this mountain city at night are even more beautiful and moving than during the day, sparking reverie and stirring the soul. Yes, Chongqing's mountains and waters are world-famous, and this dreamlike nightscape adds a perfect, exquisite footnote to them.

According to old Chongqing locals, when viewing Chongqing's nightscape, Nanshan One Tree is the place—it offers a panoramic view of the entire city, including the majestic Yuzhong Peninsula. Yet, to this day, aside from passing by once, I've never actually climbed it; perhaps the view from up there is indeed the most beautiful. But Chongqing has far more great spots for night views than this. At Jiefangbei Square, you can see the dazzling lights of surrounding skyscrapers; on the South Bank, you can view the southern Yuzhong area; on the North Bank, the northern Yuzhong area; in Yuzhong itself, you can see the southern bank, with the ink-dark Nanshan as the perfect backdrop and contrast...

Chongqing is unique. Nestled in the Sichuan Basin, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Its terrain is undulating, rivers winding. Green mountains nurture clear waters, and by the green waves grow fine trees. Chongqing is dense with scenic spots: the Three Gorges are deep and steep, the Dazu Rock Carvings are profound and extensive, the Jinyun scenery is unparalleled, the Wujiang geological gallery is a masterpiece of nature... Chongqing's climate is hot in summer and warm in winter, humid and overcast, with long rainy seasons and high humidity. Where the wind is gentle and the waves warm, the land nurtures outstanding people. Chongqing's charm lies in its mountains, its waters, and especially its people.

Hotpot and beautiful women are two of Chongqing's proudest calling cards. Chongqing hotpot vividly showcases the straightforward and fiery character of its people! Its aroma drifts across the land, intoxicating countless people! Many outsiders, for the sake of Chongqing hotpot, fall in love with the city forever, willing to stay with it, never to leave!

Every city has its symbol, and every landmark building is a concentration and witness of the city's history. In the mountain city of Chongqing, none better embodies the spirit of its people or is more representative than the People's Liberation Monument. With its unique historical significance, it still draws admiring gazes and exerts extraordinary influence at home and abroad...

Chongqing radiates infinite charm, with singularly fascinating scenery everywhere. The 40 districts and counties of Chongqing each hold mysterious and unique landscapes.

The most beautiful thing about Chongqing is its nightscape; as night falls, the lights of Chongqing blossom like flowers in the dark night; instantly, the entire city lights up, with neon lights twinkling beautifully.

Chongqing is a majestic city, also a city of heroic epics. Four hundred war relics outline the eight years of the War of Resistance, during which Chongqing transformed from a regional central city in the southwest into a world-renowned anti-fascist city.

When viewing Chongqing's nightscape, Nanshan One Tree is the place—it offers a panoramic view of the entire city, including the majestic Yuzhong Peninsula. Yet, to this day, aside from passing by once, I've never actually climbed it; perhaps the view from up there is indeed the most beautiful.

Chongqing's boundless charm lies not only in the rapid rise of its political, economic, and cultural civilization but also in its ancient civilization, humanities, geography, and scenery, which are unique, captivating, and endlessly fascinating!