The Chongqing Days: A Sunny Day in Guanyinqiao

I had read it many times before ever arriving; Chongqing was notorious for its grey skies.  Optimists attribute this to the city’s surrounding mountains trapping the humidity and clouds overhead.  More cynical folks brush it off as constant pollution.  In truth, it’s likely something between the two.

Over 2 weeks after I had come to Chongqing, I still hadn’t seen the Sun since Shanghai.  So, on the first of few rare days when the sun Sun did pop out, I decided to go exploring through a different area of my neighborhood that I hadn’t been taking to work.

And while I didn’t seem to happen upon any mind-blowing wonders, the difference in atmosphere a few blocks can make was quite apparent.  The trek also brought me through the completely artificial Jialing Park.  It was a handy time to have my camera along.

The busy courtyard across the road.

The busy courtyard across the road.

Tuk-tuk pickup outside the flower market.

The Guanyinqiao flower market.

The Guanyinqiao flower market.

A strangley ornate building with aquarium shops.

The local police station I had to register at.

People outside a restaurant.

Used dishes on the sidewalk?

A local butcher.

Playing some card game on the sidewalk.

Entrace to the Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street.

Begining of the large commercial area.

The “Guanyin Bridge” monument.

Entrace to one of many underground shopping areas/

One of the underground food courts.

Choose your meat.

Despite gambling being highly illegal, Lottery stands are everywhere.

And off to work, because I came to China to work in a mall.