Chongqing and Yichang

Okay, on a serious note.  The missus and I are going to Chongqing for the National holiday week.  Well, we will spend "x" amount of days in Chongqing before taking the cruise down the river to Yichang.  So, our request of the saloonites (salooniacs/saloonians/saloonese) is about what to see and do in both Chongqing and Yichang.  Any recommendations for mid-level accommodations as well?  Thanks in advance and know that Rose Petal and I are waiting for your responses with baited breath.

Well, Chongqing is huge.
I was told, they get a second airport - and planes go from one to the other

So, what interests do you have?

Chongqing is also very polluted - the girls have the reputation of being the most beautiful in China - because their skin never sees sunlight!  It is also steep - I think it is the only city in China that is too steep for bicycles - so may not be too good for walking around. Has had some nasty toxic spills in the last couple of years. I THINK they had a  reasonable dam museum. No info about Yichang - I only stayed there long enough to catch the boat and that was at night - so saw very little of it.

If possible I would stop somewhere on the way for a side-trip. Or skip over to Chengdu for   day or so - nice city, play with the pandas.

Sorry - this just across my desk.

BEIJING - Nearly 160 people were treated in hospital on Monday after toxic gas escaped from a pharmaceutical factory in southwestern China and seeped into a neighbouring clothes workshop, official media reported.
 

A porcelain tank of bromine smashed when workers in a suburb of Chongqing were trying to move it, spilling 25 kg (60 lbs) of the highly volatile liquid, the Xinhua agency said.
Of the 158 taken to hospital, doctors were still monitoring 88, but their condition was stable, the report added.

Bromine is corrosive and highly irritating, and can cause headaches, chest pains and suffocation, Xinhua said.

Polluted air and water are a growing concern for many Chinese, even sparking unrest in some areas.

The government is now trying to promote greener development after years of pursuing economic growth at almost any cost but a weak environmental watchdog is struggling to rein in the country's officials and entrepreneurs.

 

REUTERS NEWS SERVICE 

LE, thanks for the suggestion about going to Chengdu.  Funny thing, today when talking to my FAO she suggested Chengdu as well.  Belrain, as for my interests ... something to see/take photos of/experience during day hours.  It's strange how evenings are never a problem anywhere.

Well, what is quite impressive is the view at the point, where the Jangtse meets Jialing river. The main problem is the humidity in this area, so it is very often quite foggy. But it is worth to see.

I have also been to the Dazu carvings - this picture is from wikipedia http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Dazu.jpg
In general, the coast side of Chongqing is quite attractive and if you dare, you can take a ride on the cable car over the Jangtse.

Just to add a bit more

In Chongqing, a once-lovely Chinese city with some of
the worst pollution in the country, the rain is so acid
that it sometimes has a pH level of 3, roughly the same
as Chinese vinegar

Saves having to buy any for your jiaozi or salad.