Picture-perfect places
Bird's-eye view
The tramways that traverse the rivers may not be an ideal mode of transport for locals. But they are great for catching riverfront views.
In Zhou Yu's Train of 2002, Gong Li starts her journey by taking such a ride. It symbolizes the difficulties she must overcome to meet both her lover and her high-minded idealism.
In a sense, Chongqing's cross-river cable car is like Hong Kong's Star Ferry or New York's Staten Island Ferry - only higher and less popular. Besides offering the best possible vista short of a helicopter ride, it could be perfect for a multitude of film situations, such as scenes of meditation, romance, action and horror, depending on whether one rides alone, with a date, gets chased by the enemy or simply becomes claustrophobic.
Hitting the roads
Chongqing has very few flat streets. Sometimes, one has to walk up dozens of steps to get anywhere. The city's old stone stairs and pebbled lanes could be a hindrance for motor traffic and a strain for walkers, but they offer the timeless charm of a movie-set.
A 2001 film entitled Life Show, starring Chongqing native Tao Hong, made clever use of this setting.
However, one should be cautious when scouting such locations, because buildings along these streets could be dilapidated and unsightly.
The so-called "bangbang (pole) army" of rural migrants who eek out a living porting stuff on shoulder poles for local residents is a prominent feature of this location. They often huddle at the foot of a steep climb. But they have only made it into television series and haven't yet been able to break into the more prestigious movie world.
On the other hand, the city's elevated highways, especially those running along the rivers, are spectacular, because they often weave into webs, which are strikingly aesthetic and provide the perfect setting for car chase scenes.
Wet and wild
South of the Yangtze River in downtown Chongqing, there is a boulevard that almost rivals Shanghai's world-famous Bund with its glamour.
South River Bank Blvd (Nanbin Lu) is six kilometers long and would eventually extend to 15. Nestled along either bank are boutique shops, trendy restaurants and even an old French club, which has been transformed into a hip watering hole. Along the river is a park dotted with sculptures and flower formations. Here, all sorts of leisurely pursuits inject vitality into the city's cultural life.
The downtown with its towering high-rises can be seen across the river. At night, they are festooned with glittering neon lights.
It is like watching Manhattan from Brooklyn, except for that "Manhattan" here - Yuzhong District - is built all over a hill, creating a multi-leveled panorama of a great city being reborn.
Many visitors would agree; this is an unparalleled setting for modern-day romance.
(China Daily 06/21/2007 page24)
