Chongqing is really a modern city, and although we really stand out because there are few tourists, you'd think you're in any major city in the world. Apparently the government has a "go west" program where they are trying to get people to move out of the more populated eastern coastal regions and head to the less populated western areas. Chongqing has been targeted, and there are government salary subsidies and massive building going on. Here's some pictures to prove it.


Dinner at Pizza Hut. We had to make reservations because it's so popular.


Breakfast at Starbucks before we take on the day. Apparently there are 4 of them in Chongqing. Considering that there are 30 million people in Chongqing, Starbucks must be salivating at the opportunity.


I'd swear I was at Times Square in New York city.


I thought this was funny. It's a tower of coke cans sponsored by Coca-cola. They had a live band on a stage nearby playing American dance music.


Santa at the hotel.


Christmas carolers in the hotel lobby. They sang Silent Night, Adelwies (from the Sound of Music) - I don't think they quite got this one right, and I Wish You a Merry Christmas.