Chongqing is one of China’s most distinctive cities, known for its mountainous terrain, its misty climate, and its reputation as the home of hotpot. For Japanese people, these features form a strong impression, combining the city’s natural beauty with its vibrant food culture.
General Impressions Japanese People Have of Chongqing
When Japanese people visit Chongqing, the first impression is its characteristic geography as “the city of mountains”. With its steep slopes and countless staircases, the entire city unfolds in a three-dimensional manner, unlike most other Chinese cities. Its humid climate also gives it the nickname “the city of mist”, and especially in winter mornings, the foggy scenery leaves a mysterious impression.
Another strong association is its food culture as “the home of hotpot”. Chongqing hotpot, known for combining spiciness and numbing flavors, leaves a powerful memory for visitors, with many Japanese travelers making it their main purpose for visiting. The city’s rapid growth is equally striking. Futuristic infrastructure such as three-dimensional roads and clusters of skyscrapers make Japanese people feel they are walking through “a city of the future”.
The Coexistence of Nature and Urban Scenery
One of Chongqing’s biggest attractions for Japanese visitors is how nature and urban development coexist. The city lies at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River, creating a grand riverside panorama. Japanese tourists particularly love the night views, describing the blend of neon lights and fog as “fantastical.”
The three-dimensional urban layout is another eye-catching feature. The monorail that literally passes through a building surprises many Japanese visitors, creating the impression of “a futuristic city where nature and innovation meet.”
| Urban Feature | Impression of Japanese Visitors |
|---|---|
| Mountain terrain | Unique, with slopes and stairways everywhere |
| Misty climate | Mystical and dreamlike urban scenery |
| The rivers | Yangtze and Jialing as city icons |
| Futuristic city | Monorail cutting through skyscrapers |
Food Culture Impressions
For Japanese people, Chongqing is overwhelmingly remembered as “the home of hotpot.” The bright red broth with its heavy use of spices offers a powerful experience of numbing and spicy flavors that fascinate Japanese visitors. Beyond hotpot, everyday foods like chuan chuan xiang (skewer hotpot) and xiao mian (Chongqing noodles) also stand out as local specialties that travelers can enjoy at affordable prices.
| Food Culture | Impression for Japanese Visitors |
|---|---|
| Hotpot | A strong culinary experience mixing spiciness and numbness |
| Chuan chuan xiang | A casual and accessible taste of the locals |
| Xiao mian | Simple yet appealing, especially to Japanese travelers |
| Spice culture | Memorable, unique, and deeply tied to Chongqing’s identity |
Thus, Chongqing is remembered by Japanese visitors as “the city of spicy cuisine”, a reputation that itself becomes a motivation to visit.
Historical and Cultural Aspects
Chongqing also plays an important role in modern Chinese history, which influences how Japanese people perceive it. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing served as a provisional capital, leaving behind historical sites and memorial halls. Because of this, Japanese tourists often see the city not only as a destination of modern development and food culture but also as a place to “learn about history.”
Challenges in the Japanese Perception of Chongqing
Alongside its charms, Japanese people also notice some challenges. The most prominent is the city’s complicated transportation system. Its geography forces roads and railways into layered networks, making navigation difficult for first-time visitors. The extreme summer heat also leaves a lasting impression. Known as one of China’s “Three Furnaces,” Chongqing’s summer temperatures often climb near 40°C, which many Japanese travelers find physically demanding.
| Challenge | Impression for Japanese Visitors |
|---|---|
| Complex transportation | Hard to navigate |
| Extreme summer heat | Tough environment for sightseeing |
| Steep slopes | City walks require stamina |
| Vast scale | Hard to grasp the whole city |
Sports Culture and Japanese Perspectives
Chongqing is also gaining recognition among Japanese visitors as a “sports city.” In the past, it was home to a Chinese Super League soccer club, and the intense atmosphere of the packed stadiums left strong impressions on Japanese spectators. The Chongqing Marathon has also gained international recognition, with its scenic course along the Yangtze River praised by runners worldwide.
In addition, the city’s unique terrain supports various outdoor sports. Hiking, rock climbing, and water activities on the Yangtze are all popular. Japanese travelers see Chongqing as a city where they can enjoy both urban sightseeing and “active outdoor experiences.”
| Sports Activity | Feature | Impression of Japanese Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Passionate fan culture | Surprised by the intensity of cheering |
| Marathon | Yangtze River route | Attractive as an international race |
| Hiking & climbing | Mountain city terrain | Seen as an active city |
| Water sports | Yangtze-based leisure | Unique, unlike Japan’s cities |
Conclusion
The Japanese image of Chongqing is multi-layered. It is remembered as “the city of mountains and mist,” “the home of hotpot,” and “a futuristic urban hub.” At the same time, its history, culture, and sports scene enrich its identity. The combination of grand natural landscapes, large-scale urban infrastructure, unique food culture, and dynamic sports activity makes Chongqing unforgettable for Japanese visitors.
For foreigners, understanding how Japanese people perceive Chongqing provides deeper insight and can enhance the travel experience.
