Wanzhou

» Chongqing, Si Chuan

Wanzhou Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Wanzhou (previously known as Wanxian) has rich water resources relying on the Yangtze River and abundant electricity supply depending on the Three Gorges project. Located 350 kilometers down stream from Chongqing and, Wanzhou spreads out on both sides of the river. It is at about the halfway point between Chongqing and Yichang, and has been an important river port for centuries.

Something about "Wanzhou"

Located on the northern bank of the Changjiang River in eastern Chongqing, Wanzhou is a key point on the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and a vital land and water communications hub in Chongqing. It overlooks the Yangtze River and backs on mountains.

What it used to be

Previously known as Wanxian, this city received its name during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and became a Foreign Treaty Port in 1902. Wanzhou has been named because thousands of rivers joined and thousands of commodities gathered and distributed here and it has over 1700 years history. It was called Wanxian Prefecture since 1950 with 9 counties and one city under its jurisdiction.

With the establishment of the Chongqing Municipality under the direct control of the central government, it is changed to be called Wanzhou District of Chongqing Municipality having administration over other four county-level resettlement development zones and 92 townships, towns and sub-districts with an area of 3457 square Kilometers and a population of 1.7 million.

An important port

Wanzhou District lies in the middle of the most popular tourist spot - the Three Gorges scenic area. The Port of Wanzhou, one of the biggest ports along the Yangtze River, is also a port where the Yangtze River cruise lines pass. Built in the year of 25, it became a busy port in the Northern and Southern Dynasty (420 - 581); the port of Wanzhou has long been established and plays an important role today. It is said that after the completion of the Three Gorges Project, 10,000-ton cargos are able to berth at, and pass through the port, all year round.

An important industrial center

Today, Wanzhou is an important port and industrial center. There are four advantageous resources including natural gas, rock salt, oranges and Chinese medicine herbs and 38 exploitable mineral resources with 230 billion CBM natural gas reserve volume and 280 billion tons rock salt reserve volume. Wanzhou tangerines, oranges and peaches are renowned throughout China. The city's silk-spinning and weaving industries are well known in the Yangtze Gorges region. Wanzhou has rich water resources relying on the Yangtze River and abundant electricity supply depending on the Three Gorges project.

What to enjoy here

The city's silk-spinning and weaving industries are well known in the Yangtze Gorges region. Its tangerines, oranges and peaches are renowned throughout China. Here, you may visit silk-weaving factories and the Three Gorges Museum and enjoy the exiting acrobatic show and take a leisurely tour of busy local market.

Buying

The city also has markets where indigenous handicrafts and artifacts are sold. Visitors can see city's ten free markets sells local produce and seasonal delicacies such as mountain mushrooms or live eels.

During your cruise along the Yangtze River, passengers will have a chance to experience the local bazaars at the when going on shore. Visitors can buy special local products such as fruits, vegetables and craftworks. Walking through the vibrant bazaar, you experience everyday life of the local people here.

Seeing

Wanzhou has rich historical relics and has no lack of great natural resources, thus, this made it a great destination for holidaymakers. There are rich natural sceneries such as the Small Three Gorges, waterfalls, mountains and forests etc. Famous historical relics such as Shibaozhai Temple, Zhangfei Temple, Baidicheng and many parks and towers found around the area, will make your exploration a great achievement.

Attractions around » Chongqing, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Eling Park
• Port Chaotianmen
• Mt. Geleshan

Historical Site

• Kuimen
• Baidicheng
• Fengdu
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Shibaozhai Temple
• Chongqing People's Assembly Hall
• Ciqikou Old Town

Cultural Site

• Eling Park
• Chongqing Zoo
• Chongqing Three Gorges Museum
• Wanzhou
• Artists' Village

Wanzhou Highlights

Local Resident House in Great China

• Everest Base Camp
• Courtyard Houses of Beijing
• Langde Miao Ethnic Minority Village
• Yinshui Dong Village
• Earth Tower of Hakka
• Grape Valley
• Lop Nur People Village
• Wanzhou
• China Folk Culture Village
• Diaolou and Villages of Kaiping
• Sanbao Dong Village
• Dong People's Village
• Tang'an Dong Village
• Nanhua Miao Village
• Datang Miao Village
• Basha Miao Village

Wanzhou FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

  Shopping

1. What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

  Travel

1. Can I tour around Chonqing by bike?

  Customs

1. Could I get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

  Other Hints

1. Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar
2. Emergency numbers
3. Mind this customs rule

• Is Chongqing's weather very hot? What to notice?

  Chongqing is located in the transition area between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Middle-lower Yangtze Plain. Which is famous for its hot summers and it is known as one of 'the three furnace cities'. The other two are Nanjing and Wuhan. Bring light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts and sandals if you come in summer. Also, remember to bring your umbrella, sunglasses, and suntan lotion to avoid the heat of the 'burning furnace'. The best season to visit Chongqing is in spring, autumn and winter.

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• Could i get to know something about minority cultures in Chongqing?

  Chongqing is a multi-cultural city, with about 23 distinct minority cultures. The Tujia and the Miao are the largest two minorities in Chongqing and mainly inhabit the Qianjiang Development District and the Fuling District. Every January 3 to 15 of the lunar calendar, Tujia people hold grand activities of worship, praying and dancing. The Miao people express themselves through singing.

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• Can i tour around Chonqing by bike?

  The bike is the worst choice for people who understand the structure of the mountain city. First timers to Chongqing should be warned it is very easy to get lost. The bus system and monorail are advised as the best forms of transportation.

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• What sourvenirs should I buy and where?

  The local "Tan Mu Jiang" (Carpenter Tan) carpentry shop is worth a visit for its fine wood artwares
  

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• Notice this if you tend to drink beer in a bar

  There are many bars in Chongqing, but most are underpopulated. Several branches of the Newcastle Arms offer the closest thing to proper beer, but be sure they get your beer from the pump and not the slop tray.

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• Emergency numbers

  • Ambulance: 120
    
  • Emergencies: 110
    
  • Fire: 119
    
  • Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    
  • Police: 110



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• Mind this customs rule

  Customs rules require an accounting of all valuables including watches, jewellery, cameras and currency that you are taking in. A copy of this is surrendered on departure and anything missing may well be treated as imported and duty required accordingly. Therefore make sure you obtain a police report for any goods stolen during your stay.
  Recorded video-tapes must be declared and may be viewed by the Authorities on arrival.

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