Gay Chongqing Guide

The megacity of Chongqing--once referred to by TIME magazine as the largest city in the world--may not be tops on most itineraries, but this economic hotspot, millions have poured in from the countryside in recent years to get in on the boom times, is well worth the visit if you want to see what the "real China" is up to in the 21st century.

Chongqing's vibrant night life is no different from that of China's other thriving metropolises, boasting bars, movie theatres and dance clubs which bring the city alive in the evening hours.

Gay people in China always say that there are more beautiful girls, more handsome guys and certainly more gays in Chongqing than in any other city in China. This is not over exaggerating. As Chongqing is the biggest city in China, the gay population is also one of the biggest. It might be true that the gay scene in Chongqing is not as obvious as other cities, such as Beijing or Shanghai. Do ask a local friend or your gay tour guide if you want to find out more about the interesting places to visit,  and you will be amazed by this modern city that has a population of over 32 million.

Here are some interesting venues to meet local gay people:
1. Ruyi Bar: Hilton Hotel, Lianlukou, Yuzhong Dist. Less than 10 minutes by taxi from the clock tower at the center of town. Ask the driver to take you to the Hilton Hotel. The bar is in the basement of a building opposite the drive-through entrance of the hotel. Very visible with a neon lit doorway. Occasional shows. Busiest Fri and Sat nights. Crowd is mostly gay and young. 如意吧: 重庆市渝中区两路口希尔顿酒店斜对面
2. Tian Tan Bay: Shang Qing Shi, in the back street of firehouse. Gay bar. 天堂吧: 重庆上清寺消防队后面
3. Metropolitan Plaza shopping center attached to the Harbour Plaza hotel. Facilities and retail areas can be cruisy. 解放碑大都会
4. Newspaper Stand (in the center of the walking mall) and benches under the trees. Just a minute walk from the Jiefangbei Xinhua Bookstore, in front of the New Centuary Department Store. Mature Chinese gays hang out here. 解放碑新世纪百货报刊栏
5. Starbucks, most branches near tourist areas, but especially the branch at the Red Cliff Cave. 洪崖洞星巴克
6. Jiefangbei Xinhua Bookstore, near the Liberation Monument click tower in the center of town. 4/F English section can be cruisy in the evenings. 解放碑新华书店4楼外文书区
7. In every walking street where large goups of people gather to play cards, Chinese chess, play music, sing and dance. You will find gay people cruising around. 每个步行街，人们打牌、下棋、唱歌、跳舞，人群聚集之地。

Source: www.utopia-asia.com