Being an intern based in Chengdu opens up a Pandora’s Box of travel destinations in Western China, not least of which is the fascinating tumult of Chongqing; a city of staggering development, tortuous steps and hidden charm.

Chongqing is also home to the British Council in South West China, without whom many interns would not have made it here. It is thanks to Generation UK funding that students from all over Britain get to live in China for 2 months and experience business from a new cultural perspective. So we welcomed the chance to go when we were invited to visit the British Council – to catch a train to Chongqing, say thank you and seize the opportunity to explore!

During the day we wandered the streets from steep alleys of derelict housing about to be demolished straight into the heart of the modern city, complete with New York style skyscrapers and shiny glass doors. Then we continued on to the hustle and bustle of riverbank and the great mass of the Yangtze River.

The evening was spent in the company of the British Council, whose hospitality knows no bounds. Great food and good company, it was a chance for all of us to meet local Chongqing businessmen and other foreigners currently working in the area.

Next day we scoured the antique stalls around the People’s Square, disputing the value of pretty much everything there but eventually came away happy with our purchases. As darkness fell, we caught the cable car over the river to the opposite bank to catch a glimpse of Chongqing’s night lights.

Late night is the time to enjoyed impromptu street food meals of spicy barbecue squid and all manner of veg topped off with a nice bottle of Harbin beer. What more could a weary traveller ask for? Barely having waved goodbye to the buzzing street food restaurant, we rose early for our train the next morning and stepped straight out into the rush of morning tradesmen, unloading truckfuls of goods and heaving them up the narrow steps through the bustling market and up the hill. It’s a city that never seems to sleep.

UK citizen looking for a free internship in China? Email info@internchina.com to find out if you’re eligible for Generation UK!