Memories of a Mountain City Where Fantasy and Reality Intertwine ~ A Cultural Walking Guide to Luzu Temple

🌟 **Chongqing: Memories of a Mountain City Where Fantasy and Reality Intertwine** 📜 The Past and Present of Liberation Monument When it comes to Chongqing, the first thing that comes to mind is the **Liberation Monument**—a memorial standing tall in the bustling city center. Once a spiritual symbol during the Anti-Japanese War, it is now a landmark in the hearts of Chongqing locals. It has witnessed the turbulent times of the wartime provisional capital and experienced the city's transformation after the reform and opening-up. Standing beneath the monument, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, it feels as if history and the present are in dialogue: the flames of "yesterday" have just been extinguished, while the aroma of "today's" hotpot already fills the air. 🏡 **Gemei Hotel at Liberation Monument: A Hidden Gem of Mountain City Aesthetics** Near the Liberation Monument business district lies a uniquely designed retreat—**Gemei Hotel**. Its standalone courtyard creates a striking contrast with the urban hustle and bustle, with white walls adorned by greenery, resembling a secluded "sky garden" tucked away in the city. Sitting on the terrace and gazing at the dazzling lights of Hongya Cave, you’ll realize that Chongqing’s "8D magic" isn’t just about its terrain—it’s also about how it seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with the city’s mountainous charm. On the night I stayed there, a light rain suddenly fell outside the window, and the hazy reflection of Hongya Cave’s lights on the river surface felt like a dream straight out of *Spirited Away*. 🍲 **Luzu Temple: The Lively Atmosphere of an Old-World Marketplace** Turning into the old streets behind Liberation Monument (Luzu Temple) feels like stepping into another world. The century-old alleys wind and twist, with steam rising from breakfast stalls and aunties orchestrating the symphony of mixing *Wanzha Noodles* with their spoons. Legend has it that Luzu Temple was once a stronghold of the *Paoge* culture. Though its gangster aura has faded, it retains the most authentic local charm. I recommend coming in the morning for a bowl of **Jiujiu Tofu Pudding**, paired with spicy noodles, while sitting at a weathered wooden table and listening to old Chongqing locals sharing stories at the next table. ✨ **Final Thoughts** The charm of Chongqing lies in its "contrasting cuteness"—skyscrapers coexist with steep staircases, the fiery heat of hotpot shares space with the leisurely comfort of teahouses. Here, history isn’t just confined to museums; it’s hidden in a bowl of noodles at a street corner or the cheerful cry of *"Bashi De Ban!"* (so comfortable!).