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Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
The 'World's Biggest City' You've Probably Never Heard Of
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chongqing, China—a city of nearly 18.2 million people—remains virtually unknown to many travelers outside Asia, despite being one of the most-distinctive urban landscapes in the world. That was the central message from YouTuber and polyglot Arieh Smith (@xiaomanyc), during a panel discussion at Newsweek's inaugural New Destinations Travel & Tourism Summit earlier this month. "The story of Chongqing is a great, great story. It's the world's biggest city that you haven't heard of," said Smith, who developed near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese while living and studying in China. His experiences exploring the city left a lasting impression, particularly its unusual geography and sci-fi aesthetic. Stock image: The Dongshuimen Bridge in Chongqing is lit up at night. Stock image: The Dongshuimen Bridge in Chongqing is lit up at night. Getty "It's built on mountains, so it has the most-crazy geography," Smith said. He added that visitors are often "shocked to see a city nearly three times the size of New York," which has a population of around 8.8 million. Many are left wondering "how does this exist in the middle of China" and how they've "never heard about this crazy cyberpunk, sci-fi destination … that young people can get really excited about and interested in." As an online creator who shares multilingual content and global travel experiences with millions of viewers, Smith emphasized the role of digital platforms in spotlighting lesser-known destinations. "I think that social media can really be a force for exploration of these unknown destinations," he said. Stock image: The exterior of Hongya Cave is seen. Stock image: The exterior of Hongya Cave is seen. Getty Chongqing, which the Lonely Planet travel guide says is "the most important city in western China and the economic engine of the upper Yangzi [Yangtze]," is increasingly recognized for its dramatic vertical layout and rugged topography. The guide praises its "fantastic food and charismatic geography," noting its position at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers as a gateway to the scenic Three Gorges region. Chongqing's built environment defies standard urban planning. The Western China International Communication Organization describes it as "internationally renowned as the '8D Magic City'," citing its blend of steep terrain, suspended bridges, transit systems that slice through buildings, and rooftop playgrounds. "This city, uniquely perched on mountains and divided by rivers, defies traditional urban planning with its awe-inspiring infrastructure and innovative transportation solutions," the group says. Stock image: A monorail train goes through a high-rise residential building in Chongqing, China. Stock image: A monorail train goes through a high-rise residential building in Chongqing, China. Getty Among its most-photographed landmarks is the Hongya Cave, a cliffside commercial and cultural complex that fuses traditional Chinese architecture with modern retail. Other signature features include football fields built above traffic arteries and skybridges and monorails linking dense clusters of towers—an architectural response to the city's spatial constraints. Stock image: People gather on a street in Jiefangbei, Chongqing, China. Stock image: People gather on a street in Jiefangbei, Chongqing, China. Getty A May 2022 study in Urban Studies contextualized these features within the framework of "extreme vertical density," describing Chongqing as a standout case of post-socialist urban transformation. The city, the study adds, has "become 'spectacles' in themselves, widely photographed and discussed on social media," and exemplifies "verticality as an everyday, historically grounded and contested environment." For Smith, Chongqing's appeal lies in both its physical form and its capacity to surprise. As travelers increasingly seek novel experiences, Chongqing's blend of scale, innovation, and visual drama could turn this lesser-known megacity into a top-tier global destination. Stock image: A night view of buildings in Chaotianmen Square and cruise ships is seen in Chongqing, China. Stock image: A night view of buildings in Chaotianmen Square and cruise ships is seen in Chongqing, China. Getty Do you have a travel-related story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Is this the most scenic train journey in the world?
Considered "the world's most beautiful railway" by Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice 2024 and Lonely Planet, Flåmsbana is a nostalgic trip through the best of Norway's landscape. We started our journey in the vibrant city of Bergen - the perfect gateway to explore the Fjords in Western Norway. I've also written a review about my time in that criminally underrated city; you can read all about why you should make Bergen your next city break. If you're ready to leave the city bustle behind and return to some blissful nature, head over to Bergen's main train station just east of the city centre. It's about a 10-minute walk from the popular fish market and approximately 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen. I'd recommend you start your day early and book in advance - it's a very popular route, so seats fill up quickly. Our first train, on the Bergen line, took us to the striking mountain station of Myrdal. We couldn't believe we were seeing snow when it was almost May. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) I was lucky enough to have secured a window seat - my nose pressed up against the glass as we travelled through the breathtaking scenery of dominating hills and twisting rivers. The couple of hours flew by in the comfortable carriages as our excitement grew and the snow started to dust the mountain tops. We made a brief stop at Myrdal station, which was small but scenic. The surrounding mountains were entirely coated in snow, leaving us in disbelief that it was almost May. The small but scenic Myrdal station. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) There is a small cafe and toilets in the station, but I'd suggest packing some snacks for you to enjoy on the trip, as it was bustling with people trying to make their connections. Is the Flåm Railway worth it? After a brief pause - plenty of time to take snowy pictures - we hopped on the Flåm Railway. This section of the train ride is where the railway route earns its global acclaim. Originally built to connect Sogn and Fjordane to the rest of the Norwegian rail network, the train line is one of the steepest railways on the planet. The line has Northern Europe's steepest standard gauge adhesion track, which in short means it doesn't use any gears or cables for traction. It's considered a masterpiece of engineering, taking a staggering 20 years to construct. The railway features 20 tunnels ( 18 of which were built by hand) and spans 20 km. I was very happy to have a window seat. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) So that it can manage the difference in altitude from the mountain plateau down to the Flåm valley, the train actually makes an impressive 180-degree turn inside the mountain. Just before we arrived in Flåm, we could actually see the valley through an opening on the rock face. The valley is a fantastic example of the Fjords you will find in Western Norway. It's a continuation of the Aurlandsfjord and concludes with the steep mountainside at the ultimate Instagram spot. The train stops for five minutes to allow for photos at the Kjofossen waterfall. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) The Kjofossen waterfall is so spectacular that the train route actually includes a five-minute photo stop in front of it before heading onwards to the end station of the Flåmsbana. As unbelievable as the train ride was, it's only the start of your journey. Once you hop off, you can start a new adventure exploring the characterful Fjord villages of Flåm or nearby Gudvangen. The possibilities are endless - a hike to see Brekkefossen waterfall or panoramic views at the Stegastein viewpoint. Take in the incredible views from the Stegastein viewpoint. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) If you want to continue your journey in style, I could not recommend a trip on an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. The 20km journey between Flåm and Gudvangen puts you in the heart of nature as you sail past countless waterfalls, valleys and mountainsides. Recommended reading If the weather is on your side, I'd suggest making the most of the majestic views on deck as you try and seals or porpoises in the harbour. You don't want to miss an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) You can enjoy the train ride and the Fjord cruise, and so much more as part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour. Prices for this inclusive and convenient package start from NOK 2510 ( £183.37), and you can find out more and start planning your trip via the Fjord Tours website. Please don't ask me to pick a favourite between my time in Bergen, the spectacular train ride on the Flåm Railway or the peaceful cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. It would be impossible! But I will say - A plane, a train and an electric cruise later, I had the most unforgettable trip of my life.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
Is this the most scenic train journey in the world?
Considered "the world's most beautiful railway" by Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice 2024 and Lonely Planet, Flåmsbana is a nostalgic trip through the best of Norway's landscape. We started our journey in the vibrant city of Bergen - the perfect gateway to explore the Fjords in Western Norway. I've also written a review about my time in that criminally underrated city; you can read all about why you should make Bergen your next city break. If you're ready to leave the city bustle behind and return to some blissful nature, head over to Bergen's main train station just east of the city centre. It's about a 10-minute walk from the popular fish market and approximately 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen. I'd recommend you start your day early and book in advance - it's a very popular route, so seats fill up quickly. Our first train, on the Bergen line, took us to the striking mountain station of Myrdal. We couldn't believe we were seeing snow when it was almost May. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) I was lucky enough to have secured a window seat - my nose pressed up against the glass as we travelled through the breathtaking scenery of dominating hills and twisting rivers. The couple of hours flew by in the comfortable carriages as our excitement grew and the snow started to dust the mountain tops. We made a brief stop at Myrdal station, which was small but scenic. The surrounding mountains were entirely coated in snow, leaving us in disbelief that it was almost May. The small but scenic Myrdal station. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) There is a small cafe and toilets in the station, but I'd suggest packing some snacks for you to enjoy on the trip, as it was bustling with people trying to make their connections. Is the Flåm Railway worth it? After a brief pause - plenty of time to take snowy pictures - we hopped on the Flåm Railway. This section of the train ride is where the railway route earns its global acclaim. Originally built to connect Sogn and Fjordane to the rest of the Norwegian rail network, the train line is one of the steepest railways on the planet. The line has Northern Europe's steepest standard gauge adhesion track, which in short means it doesn't use any gears or cables for traction. It's considered a masterpiece of engineering, taking a staggering 20 years to construct. The railway features 20 tunnels ( 18 of which were built by hand) and spans 20 km. I was very happy to have a window seat. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) So that it can manage the difference in altitude from the mountain plateau down to the Flåm valley, the train actually makes an impressive 180-degree turn inside the mountain. Just before we arrived in Flåm, we could actually see the valley through an opening on the rock face. The valley is a fantastic example of the Fjords you will find in Western Norway. It's a continuation of the Aurlandsfjord and concludes with the steep mountainside at the ultimate Instagram spot. The train stops for five minutes to allow for photos at the Kjofossen waterfall. (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) The Kjofossen waterfall is so spectacular that the train route actually includes a five-minute photo stop in front of it before heading onwards to the end station of the Flåmsbana. As unbelievable as the train ride was, it's only the start of your journey. Once you hop off, you can start a new adventure exploring the characterful Fjord villages of Flåm or nearby Gudvangen. The possibilities are endless - a hike to see Brekkefossen waterfall or panoramic views at the Stegastein viewpoint. Take in the incredible views from the Stegastein viewpoint. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) If you want to continue your journey in style, I could not recommend a trip on an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. The 20km journey between Flåm and Gudvangen puts you in the heart of nature as you sail past countless waterfalls, valleys and mountainsides. Recommended reading If the weather is on your side, I'd suggest making the most of the majestic views on deck as you try and seals or porpoises in the harbour. You don't want to miss an electric cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) You can enjoy the train ride and the Fjord cruise, and so much more as part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour. Prices for this inclusive and convenient package start from NOK 2510 ( £183.37), and you can find out more and start planning your trip via the Fjord Tours website. Please don't ask me to pick a favourite between my time in Bergen, the spectacular train ride on the Flåm Railway or the peaceful cruise on the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. It would be impossible! But I will say - A plane, a train and an electric cruise later, I had the most unforgettable trip of my life.
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
‘Like the Caribbean': Ibiza's quiet little sister has stunning beaches
Ibiza might not be the first place that comes to mind for a relaxing holiday. Though the beautiful Balearic island has some quiet spots it's mainly known for its rambunctious rave scene and rowdy travellers (some of which are arrested on the flight over). But, if you're looking for something a little less intense, Ibiza's quiet little sister island, Formentera, is just 30 minutes away. Known for its turquoise waters and long stretches of sand, the tiny island is just 12 miles long and a mile and a half wide at its narrowest point. A tranquil place to recover from several days of partying, really. It's easy to reach too. With daily ferry departures every half hour between Ibiza and Formentera, the small island is a popular day trip for those wanting to escape the far more crowded island. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Most people come to Formentera to relax on its stunning beaches – it's a perfect destination for sunbathing and snorkelling. Playa de Ses Illetes is probably its most well-known beach. The 'magnificent' stretch of sand has been compared to a Caribbean paradise due to its azure waters and white sand. The beach is also known for its unique pink sand, which is a result of crushed coral fragments mixing with the shoreline sand. It's located in the northern part of the island, close to the port of La Savina and the tourist resort of Es Pujalis. It's part of the Saline Natural Park of Ibiza and is a protected area. If you're visiting via car or motorbike, you'll have to pay a small fee to enter. On the opposite side of the island is Playa de Migjorn, one of the most famous beaches in Formentera, which stretches around three miles. It's divided into four sections: Ca Mari, Migjorn, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. Migjorn is the heart of the beach, while Es Arsenals is the most lively and popular area. It boats shallow waters and a wide beach, and is a popular area for families. There's plenty of other areas to explore on the island. All of the beaches are described as easily accessible – you can expect beach bars, restaurants and sunbeds to hire. But Formentera isn't just about sunbathing. You can visit the La Mola Lighthouse which is famously mentioned by French author Jules Verne in his novel Hector Servadac. It's perched on the island's eastern cliffs. Travellers can also try traditional dishes like bullit de peix, a fish stew served with garlic rice, and ensalada payesa, a salad made with dried fish, toasted bread and vegetables, at one of the island's rustic restaurants. Or, if you want to enjoy the island another way, why not hop on a boat tour to discover hidden coves, cliffs and caves in the water? Lonely Planet describes the Formentera as a 'beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all escape'. Its pace of life is 'blissfully languid' and 'designed for lazy days'. It declares its beaches as some of the most exquisite in the world. And travellers seem to agree. Its beaches have countless five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, with visitors comparing them to those of the Maldives and the Caribbean. One tourist, Niky B, wrote on trip advisor: 'Superb beach worthy of the Caribbean! Take a nice picnic with you and you will not regret.' Another Duncan86 likened Formentera to 'heaven on earth', in a review posted earlier this year. He said: 'I have been to the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean, and do you know that maybe Illetes is the most beautiful. I almost cry to think of its heavenly beauty.' He begged fellow visitors: 'Please don't destroy her, love her as she deserves.' If the five-star reviews weren't enough to convince you, it's even got Kate Moss's stamp of approval. The supermodel has previously been paper relaxing on the island with her family. The likes of Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix also enjoyed the island in the 60s and 70s. Many other creatives and musicians were drawn to Formentera for its laid-back and hippy, Boho vibe. Located off the south coast of Ibiza, the easiest way to get to Formentera is by ferry. Several ferry companies operate the route including Balearia, Trasmapi, Aquabus and Formentera Lines. The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour, departing from Ibiza Town to La Savina, the only port in Formentera. Ticket prices start from around €15. Once you get to the island, you can expect lower prices than those of Ibiza . A meal in a restaurant on the island is likely to cost around €15 too, compared to the high costs of dining out in Ibiza, which can range from €30-€50 for a meal and a drink at a mid-range restaurant. More Trending Because of its close proximity to Ibiza, most tourists visit during the day. But, if you want to make a night of it, there are plenty of accommodation options. You can expect to pay a premium for its five-star resorts, such as Hotel Riu Palace La Mola in Playa Migjorn. Rooms are going for around £500 this summer. Hostels are a cheaper option for cost-conscious travellers. Rooms at Hostel Marblau Formentera, start from £132. It's described as a 'no-nonsense hotel' near the beach of Es Calo, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of the island. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Exceptionally beautiful' city crowned world's most walkable — with UK flights from £44 MORE: I visited Prague's 'narrowest street' to see if it lives up to the TikTok hype MORE: I adored Jersey — it's a crying shame that tourists aren't visiting
Edmonton Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton tourism riding wave of Oilers playoffs run, Canadians avoiding the U.S.
Article content Fowler said the city making it onto the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel List was a significant triumph for the city after some tough criticism in years past. Article content 'It was a huge deal for us, especially just how far we've come in the eyes of Lonely Planet. If you look at 2015 reviews of us, they're not as nice. They are very honest. So just seeing the development of our indigenous tourism experience, our culinary (tourism), the Ice District, that really helped us get there,' said Fowler. Article content The result, according to Fowler is momentum in the city's tourism that the group continues to try and maintain in a variety of ways, including billboard campaigns in American cities with direct flights to Edmonton. Article content Measuring momentum in outsiders' interest in a city isn't easy, but one indicator that Explore Edmonton tracks is flight searches. This year, Edmonton saw a more than 76 per cent increase in searches for flights to the city from all markets throughout June compared to last year. The interest in Edmonton is even higher among Canadian travellers, which showed a more than 117 per cent jump in searches compared to last year, which could be partially attributed to the ongoing trade war with the United States. Article content Article content 'I know some people that won't go now to the States. Now that being said, we are still seeing Americans coming here,' said Kanash, adding 'maybe not as much.' Article content Explore Edmonton's data indicates a nearly 20 per cent drop in bookings to Edmonton from American cities, but has notably seen a more than 10 per cent increase in bookings compared to last year for travellers coming from other parts of the country, and a 1.4 per cent increase from all markets. Article content Regardless of what's bringing people to the city, Fowler said Explore Edmonton just wants to keep visitors coming. Article content 'We're just really excited about the momentum behind our city right now, and excited for the rest of the world to experience it.' Article content
