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CHONGQUIN -
CHINA
JOHN SLOAN
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Another view from the Stilwell Museum
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View from in front of the Stillwell Museum
toward the peak above - note the line of the elevated rail.
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An American tourist next to the memorial bust
of General Stilwell at the museum located in his wartime headquarters
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View of the razor back ridge on which
Chongquin is located - with rail line
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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.
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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.
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More photos from General Stilwell's
assignment in China
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More photos from General Stilwell's
assignment in China
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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.
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Theater map of China and surrounding
countries depicting WWII operations.
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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.
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Photos of some of the aircraft used by
American air forces in China during WWII and their Japanese opponents.
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Photo of the 'Burma road' resupply route from
India to China during World War II
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Bust and memorial to General Chennault in the
museum dedicated to Flying Tigers
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Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum
gift shop
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Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum
gift shop
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Painting on wall in the Flying tiger museum
gift shop
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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.
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Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China
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Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China
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Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China
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Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China
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Interior of the modern airport at Chongquin, China - not only are the
airports modern and excellent - but also the security operation is super
efficient
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Heading for the gate and the flight to Guilin
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