The journey from Gongtan Ancient Town to downtown Chongqing is widely considered one of the most dramatically scenic highway routes in Southwest China. For the first hour, we would look out over sheer, vertical limestone cliffs that plunge directly into the bright emerald-green waters of the Wujiang.
As the bus moved deeper into the Wuling Mountain Range, China's legendary infrastructure engineering took center stage. The journey transformed into a rapid rhythm of diving into deep mountain tunnels and shooting out onto soaring mega-viaducts. When the bus emerged from a tunnel, we were treated to sudden, breathtaking drops over deep karst chasms, hidden valleys, and rushing mountain streams hundreds of feet below. We would cross colossal suspension bridges that span wide valleys, offering panoramic views of terraced farms and rural farmhouses tucked into mountain folds.
About three hours into the journey, the tour guide gave us samples of local snacks. Of course, if anyone liked it, they could order through him and would be able to collect it by the end of the tour.
As we approached the main city limits of Chongqing, the rural serenity aggressively morphed into a spectacular metropolis. The quiet green mountains gave way to massive, dense clusters of high-rise apartment towers. The highways began to stack layer upon layer. As we transferred toward Jiefangbei, we crossed the massive bridges spanning the Yangtze or Jialing Rivers.
At about 8pm, we alighted at a drop off point next to
Shibati (十八梯) which was great as we could then have a spectacular night view of Shibati. The ultimate highlight of the Shibati nightscape was the dramatic perspective shift from the top observation deck. Looking down, we saw a labyrinth of ancient, softly lit roofs and misty alleys steeped in old-world charm. Looking directly up and beyond those traditional roofs, the cold, glowing neon white and blue skyscrapers of the modern Jiefangbei financial district towered aggressively into the night sky. This juxtaposition created a surreal, time-traveling atmosphere unique to Chongqing.
As our return flight was very late, we still had time to look for an eatery for our dinner around Jiefangbei area.
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