Chongqing is the largest city in Southwest China. It is a hub of water and land communications and an important industrial center. It is also the starting point for a cruise on the Changjiang River to visit the scenic spots and historical sites along its banks. West of the city lies the well - known Stone Carvings of Dazu. In the city proper it has Beiwenquan (North Hot Spring), Nanwenquan (South Hot Spring), the Longevity Lake and other places of beauty. The view of Chongqing, a mountainous city, is most attractive at night.

Major Scenic Spots

Dazu Rock Carvings
In Dazu County, some 165 kilometers away from Chongqing, are more than 40 sites of stone carvings with over 50,000 statues of Buddha completed from the late Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. The grottoes on the Beishan Hill and Baoding Hill are the largest in scale, richest in content and most refined in artistic skill.

South Hot Spring Park
This park in the southern suburbs twenty-six kilometers from the city is a charming spot for strolling by a stream through quiet woods, watching the waterfalls as they cascade down steep cliffs, or bathing in the hot spring. The springwater, averaging 38ºC (102ºF) all year round, is said to be effective in curing arthritis and skin diseases. There is also a miraculous cave, about thirty meters deep, that contains fantastic stalactites and is said to have been the residence of a fairy.

North Hot Spring Park
Extending along the slopes of Red Cloud Hill (Jinyunshan) and overlooking the Jialing River, this park is fifty kilometers away from Chongqing. Its facilities include swimming pools and many private baths fed by the water of the hot springs that runs across the park. The combination of temple buildings, flower gardens, fish ponds, lotus ponds, waterfalls, and limestone caves makes this park a most beautiful tourist site.