CHONGQUIN - CHINA

JOHN SLOAN

Chongquin is now the largest city in China. This is because the surrounding province was amalgamated into the city - or to put it the other way the city was turned into the whole province. The municipal part of the city is located at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangzi (Chang Jiang) Rivers and the main part occupies a very narrow and steep ridge between the rivers. The streets are so steep that bycicles are impractical here. Now the city has expanded across both rivers. The city was founded in ancient times, even legendary times, and was once the capital of the Yu king. It has been an important river port for centuries, but now it is even more important since the Three Gorges Dam has improved navigation on the Yangzi. Its relatively remote western location shielded by mountain ranges made it a strong defensive location - against the Mongols and during World war II against the Japanese.
Unfortunately our stop was merely a transit from the river cruise ship to the airport. However, Vantage Tours managed to squeeze a visit to the Stilwell and Flying Tiger Museums into our morning visit.

Here we are at Chongquin (Chungking in the US during WWII) - and we are greated by a band much like the one that saw us off back at Yichang.

View from the Stilwell Museum - Chongquin is a major industrial city that suffers from the usual air polution, but this morning we have rain and fog in addition.

Another view from the Stilwell Museum

View from in front of the Stillwell Museum toward the peak above - note the line of the elevated rail.

An American tourist next to the memorial bust of General Stilwell at the museum located in his wartime headquarters

View of the razor back ridge on which Chongquin is located - with rail line

One of the many memorial plaques relating General Stilwell's services in China. The museum reflects a deep appreciation for Stilwell by the Chinese people. Photography was not allowed in most of the museum. The rooms are furnished as close as possible to their look during the time this house was his office and living quarters.

Some of the many photos depicting events in Stilwell's career in China. Unfortunately very dark lighting and prohibition of using flash results in this very poor photo.

More photos from General Stilwell's assignment in China

More photos from General Stilwell's assignment in China

The museum memorial to the American Flying Tiger' airmen and the American air lift flyers is across the street from the Stilwell museum. Here we are listening to a guide presenting the history of the Flying Tigers and of the museum. Note the photo of the 'Burma road' over which supplies were trucked.

Theater map of China and surrounding countries depicting WWII operations.

Some of the well exhibits for General Chennault and the Flying Tigers in the excellent museum dedicated to their service. General Chennault, like General Stilwell, is greatly honored by the Chinese.

Photos of some of the aircraft used by American air forces in China during WWII and their Japanese opponents.

Photo of the 'Burma road' resupply route from India to China during World War II

Bust and memorial to General Chennault in the museum dedicated to Flying Tigers

Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum gift shop

Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum gift shop

Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum gift shop

After a much too brief visit to Chongquin we are approaching the very modern airport - all the airports we passed through in China are extremely fine.

Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China

Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China

Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China

Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China

Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China - not only are the airports modern and excellent - but also the security operation is super efficient

Heading for the gate and the flight to Guilin