Chongqing walking trail meanders along old scenic sites

A tiny traditional hotpot restaurant. [Photo by Tan Yingzi/China Daily]

In Chongqing, the city of mountains in Southwest China, walking used to be the major means of transportation for most residents. Since old times, numerous walking trails were developed round the mountains.

Nowadays some of them have been preserved and turned into sightseeing routes to let visitors experience the landscape, life and history of the city.

Mountain City No 3 Walking Trail in the Yuzhong Peninsular is the best example.

The 3.9 kilometer long trail starts at Zhongxing Road by the Shibanpo Yangtze River Bridge, stretches up along the ancient city walls, and ends at Tongyuan Gate, one of the remaining two city gates from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and the only gate still in use.

Entrance is free and visitors can access the trails from several entrances amid the old alleys.