When I first accepted a job in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing in 2014, there were very few resources about it written by people who had lived there. Unlike Bangkok or more famous Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where there are hundreds of bloggers in many languages, there were very few for Chongqing. Collecting the few firsthand accounts I’ve found over the past few years, I hope this can serve as a resource for any newcomers or people considering moving to Chongqing.
Blogs are listed in order of the most recent update as of this writing.
Chongqing Bloggers
Contents
The Chongqing Days | Paths Unwritten
After living 3 years throughout Southeast Asia, I accepted a job in Chongqing as it was an enormous city I had never heard of. Through two jobs and two years living in this central Chinese metropolis, these are my stories documenting locales and curiosities.
Bonita’s Adventures
A relative newcomer to the Chongqing scene – this blog covers the adventures of Bonita, an English teacher based in Fuling, another medium-sized city within Chongqing Municipality.
The Alexis Adventures
Written by an American student at Chongqing University studying International Business, Alexis details daily life abroad as well as many of her personal travel experiences.
Vacay with Michel’le
Short snippets of life in China with Michel’le, an America English teacher with a background in journalism. A good number of her posts involve insights gained from being in a Chinese classroom.
The Long Blog
Although officially discontinued by the author, Laura, this is the blog of an English teacher mainly focusing on sights and locations. Or as Laura puts it, the adventures of “A European in China”.
Yes, I Went There | A Woman Living the World
Written by a blogger going by hellmouthreview, this is the blog of a member of the U.S. Peace Corps, the Fulbright Program, & Aminef who touches on many of the more offbeat places and some social issues in Chongqing, as well as a few other locales.
laoshi | life in China
A journal-style blog written by Mikhala, a university English teacher in Chongqing. Her blog touches on many of her personal thoughts and experiences in the city.
The Irishes Travel
Written by Ysel and Skyler, a married American couple who moved to China together to teach English. Their blog follows their travels and experiences through Chongqing, greater China, as well as a few other Asian countries.
The Moon Shines Over Shanghai
This blog details the travels of Maria, a U.S. Peace Corps. volunteer who is attempting to immerse herself in Chinese language and culture. Although based in Chengdu, a few of her posts touch on Chongqing as well.
Far East Expo
A journal-style blog written by Samantha, a temporary university teacher from America. Although mostly dealing with her personal travels and experiences in Chongqing, she also writes about further destinations.
Mu Heng, Jia You!
In this blog, a former American exchange student who attended university in Chongqing details her experiences in China. Since graduating, she has begun working for English First (EF) in Chongqing.
Square Inch Anthropology
A blog covering obscure photographic topics from architecture to daily life, Zach documents China and other nearby places through the eyes of a researcher, designer and author who loves “studying daily life and behaviors across cultures and contexts.”
What’s in Chongqing for you as an expat
A since-discontinued blog written by Asia Pacific Access (APA), a company based in China. Although some of the posts have a slight advert-vibe, the majority provide useful and still-relevant information about Chongqing. Topics include introductions to local culture, food, and general daily life.
Andy & Sara Go To China
Andy and Sara were coworkers of mine at English First (EF) who documented their time in China – and a few further travels – in this journal-style blog.
Chongqing | Sydney
A short-lived blog detailing an art show from 2015. However, it includes pictures from some interesting and generally unseen parts of Chongqing.
My Adventures in China
Alexis (from The Alexis Adventures) originally wrote this blog about her time in China. Read here for or older stories or read here for her newer stories.
China Nomads
Although the authors were based in Chongqing, this blog features stories of travel all throughout China. It also features some of the best photography of any Chongqing bloggers I’ve seen.
Chongqing city – China
Oddly-written, very random topics, and not entirely in English, I considered leaving this one out. However, it still still contains some interesting stories, such as local food and swimming through Chongqing’s Yangtze River.
Chasing Pavement in Chongqing
A short-lived Tumblr (cringe) blog, this one details a lot of general knowledge that is helpful for newcomers to Chongqing, and China in general. And despite its lack of content or updates, still holds high rankings for Google searches.
Our Adventures in Chongqing, China
This is the earliest blog about Chongqing I have come across. Its short duration follows the experiences of a family living in Chongqing during 2012-13.
Chongqing Photographers
Douglas Hook
Douglas Hook is an English-born photographer based in Chongqing. Since arriving in 2014, he has embarked on a number of themed photography projects throughout the region, although his photos of Chongqing Rivers remain my favorite. Be sure to also check out Douglas’ Tumblr Page for more regular photography updates.
Tim Franco | Asia Photographer
Tim Franco is a photographer based in Shanghai who has been documenting the drastic changes taking place throughout the Chongqing landscape over the past few years. This has culminated in his recently-released book, Metamorpolis.
Everyday Life in Maoist China
A blog specializing in rare, old photos of the beginnings of China’s communist era. Although not dedicated specifically to Chongqing, this blog features some spectacular photos that show how radically different the city was a half century ago.
T 老 | Lao T Photos
Although not much is written about the scenes shown, Lao T’s 500px page contains one of the most prolific and charismatic photo feeds about Chongqing I have yet seen.
Chongqing YouTube Channels
Nihao Kellar
Kellar is a Chinese-speaking American sharing Chongqing sights and information in his videos. His thoughts and interpretations on local culture provide a welcome buffer for newcomers.
Hello Altine
Sabrina is an American university student in Chongqing. Her videos provide an intimate view of her daily life and thoughts during her time in a Chinese university.
Chongqing Resources
CQExpat Forum
This is easily the best resource for people seeking information about Chongqing. Although it’s not incredibly active, be assured that any question will be answered by a friendly and willing expat and local community on the website.
CQ Scene
An online entertainment magazine, CQ Scene is rarely ever posted to anymore. Its website still provides a lot of helpful information on sites and locales throughout the city.
Chongqing Guide
Offering a wealth of local and up-to-date information and publishing a new booklet each year with new tips on food and entertainment, Chongqing Guide is one site not to be missed.
Maxxelli City Guide
Ahis is a must-read guide for any newcomer to Chongqing.
Did I miss any blogs about Chongqing? Have you written about your time in this Chinese megacity? Let me know and I’ll add it to the list!
Super useful links to other Chongqing bloggers – thank you for compiling it 🙂
We recently moved to Chongqing and written a little about our exploration of the city so far, with more to follow!
I’m taking a closer look at your blog now and will add it to the list. I hope you enjoy CQ!
Thanks 🙂
Wow thanks for all this work! I was in Chongqing last February, really fascinating city, your article is making me want to go back 🙂
Thanks for looking. Were you visiting Chongqing or living here for a while?
Just visiting, I went to visit a language exchange friend. I loved the hilly aspect to Chongqing, a big contrast to Foshan where I’d just come from. And the smell of chilli peppers in the air….ahhh 🙂 What a great city!
This is awesome! How did I not find your site before moving to Chongqing? I had no idea that there were many people blogging about this wonderful city Chongqing. I would be honered if you would add mine (even though I just started this week). Glad to see more people who love it here!
Thanks for writing. I’ll gladly add you to the list. I’m travelling the moment but will be updating a lot of things when I return to chongqing in a couple weeks. I hope you’re enjoying the city so far!
Hey Ben – Zach of Square Inch Anthropology here. I really appreciate the kind mention in this post, and thanks for sharing the love!