Chongqing- The Chinese Labour Day Holiday of 2020 was five straight days. Encouraged further by the prospect of early summer climes, my destination of choice was the Nine Pheonix Lake attraction on Jiufeng Mountain to the west of Chongqing.

The main lake inside the attraction often draws comparison to Jiuzhaigou in western Sichuan, and although it couldn't match up in terms of water features, scale, or backdrop, you will hopefully share my pleasant surprise at finding such an idyllic sight on the doorstep of Chongqing.

Later in the day, I visit a mountainside guesthouse a few kilometers down the road, before spending the rest of the day at a country manor at the recommendation of a friend. There, I also had the pleasant surprise of meeting a well-known calligrapher who demonstrated his skills at my invitation.

The scene at Jiufeng Lake just outside Chongqing is reminiscent of the famous Jiuzhaigou National Park in western Sichuan

Watch more from James' vlog series in Chongqing;

Enjoy the Springtime Warmth with Creepy Crawlies in Bishan Countryside! – James’ Vlog

James’ Vlog | Enjoying the phenomenon of ‘country house fun’ in Chongqing!

A Springtime Pick-your-own Trip in Mountain City – James’ Vlog

Spring in full bloom at Nanshan Botanical Gardens – James’ Vlog