Chaotianmen Dock

Chaotianmen Dock is a major water transportation hub in Chongqing, where Jialing River and the Yangtze River meet. It is also the landmark and a must-visit attraction of Chongqing.

Chaotianmen was built in 314 BC as a city gate. In ancient time, local officials knelt down to receive the emperor’s decrees in front of the gate. The emperor was considered the son of the heaven in that time, so the place is called Chaotianmen, meaning “towards the heaven gate”.

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Chaotianmen is the largest dock in Chongqing and one of the busiest docks in China. The Yangtze River cruise ships, the city sightseeing ships, and the city ferries all start off from the dock. Yangtze River Cruise is the best way to appreciate the most beautiful section of Yangtze River, Three Gorges. The sightseeing ships shuttle between Chaotianmen Dock and Jialing River Bridge, or the Yangtze River Bridge; it is a good way to appreciate the landscapes and night view of the city. The ferries run between the dock and Foreigners’ Street, a place with architecture in various styles and delicious food.
 Jialing River and Yangtze River meet at Chaotianmen. The Jialing River on the left, with 1,119 kilometers (695 miles) long, flows into Yangtze River here. In the early summer, green Jialing River and brown yellow Yangtze River with the rolling whirlpools, forms spectacular scenery. Chaotianmen Square above the dock is the best site to view the two rivers getting together.  
 The most beautiful night view of Chongqing is on Yuzhong Peninsula while the most beautiful night view of Yuzhong Peninsula is in Chaotianmen. The colorful lights of the buildings along the bank, of the ships on the river, and of the stars in the sky together form this charming night view, which is difference from the night view of other places.
 At present, Chaotianmen Dock has become the most prosperous commercial wholesale and retail area of the city. The boats, ferries, riverside wharfs, crowded pedestrians, and alley of shops and buildings on the banks of the two rivers make it lively. The well-developed traffic and the thriving commerce attract more and more people to go there.
  Take the metro line 1 and get off at Chaotianmen Station directly. Then just walk north around 400 meters (440 yards) to arrive at Chaotianmen Square.
 Take the bus 414, 440, 480 inter-zone line or 503 and get off at Changbin Road Ninth Dock.

 Nearby Attraction:
 People’s Liberation Monument: It is the landmark of Chongqing, and is also the only national monument for commemorating Chinese nation’s victory in the Sino-Japanese War.
 Jiefangbei CBD: Also called Jiefangbei Commercial Pedestrian Street, it is located at the central business district in the city. It is a great place for shopping and tasting local food.
 Hongya Cave: Located at the bank of Jialing River, it is a hot tourist destination for tourists to enjoy the stunning river view, taste the local yummy food and learn about the ancient Chinese ethnic culture.

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