Metro/Skytrain

It occurred to me this afternoon that I put my life on the line far too often living in Chongqing. I had an appointment in Yubei (New North Zone) this past weekend and nearly died on numerous occasions on my way there. I ventured onto Bus 111 for the first time and was not prepared for the next 30 minutes of death defying adventures.

I have had my share of near misses in taxis, but generally I feel safe; sometimes a little car sick, but never a feeling of panic like I had this weekend. I had sat down in the front of the bus behind the driver and had full view of the terror that ensued. I have seen my share of aggressive Chongqing drivers, but this driver is at the top of the list. It started off with him driving away from the bus stop as an elderly gentleman was barely on the bus. Even the young woman collecting bus fares was annoyed by the driver’s lack of respect for his passenger’s safety as she helped the old man to his seat.

We then began our journey with me clutching the handrail in front of me as we roared down the hill to the #1 Bridge heading to Jiangbei. It was the early afternoon, so the streets were not too busy. This regrettably meant we were full speed ahead. The driver of the bus even passed the law abiding motorists in the oncoming lane – This is a winding switchback hill and most taxi drivers don’t even attempt this maneuver, let alone in a bus. It was the merge onto the bridge which gave me the biggest scare.

Some might call this a merge, but it was more along the lines of forced entry. We went up the onramp not losing any speed from the hill and kept our momentum through the “merge.” Another bus that had just come through the Sihuang tunnel, the main thoroughfare entering the bridge, had to lock up it’s breaks in order not to collide with the bus I was unfortunately on. Sitting behind the driver I had a great view of this near collision. The driver continued his aggressive driving with one hand on the horn and the other on the wheel cutting off as many motorists he could along the way.

Half an hour after getting on the “terror bus” I arrived at my destination happy to be in one piece. It his experiences like this that make me truly appreciate Chongqing’s initiative in blanketing the city with a metro line.

When the blue line is complete in a little over a year it will make a world of difference. Having the option of taking the safe, clean, on time metro will dramatically change the city; especially easing the north-south traffic jams. This will allow commuters living all the way in Yubei, as well as Nan’an, the option of taking the metro, but more importantly it will remove of few of the Terror Buses from the Chongqing streets.

Perhaps on my next bus adventure I need to sit at the back of the bus where I can't see what is happening.

www.maxxelli.net

chongqing@maxxelli.net

Chongqing's Largest Moving Company

I have recently been researching moving companies in Chongqing. For short moves within a reasonable distance this is the most affordable moving company in the city. One cannot walk down the streets of Chongqing without seeing this large workforce trudging through the streets carrying loads across their shoulders or along their backs. If you are in need of a moving company for a short move I recommend contacting a member of what is affectionately known in Chongqing as the Bang-Bang Army.

Every year 8.5 million rural Chinese move into the cities and many come to Chongqing to find work. A large number of those who come form the 100,000+ Bang-Bang Army. Bang-Bang men, pronounced bongbong, which literally translates to stick stick men have been around since the early years in Chongqing. Originally the Bang-Bang men were used to used to carry water from the Jia Ling River to the city center, but as they city industrialized they became porters around the bus and train stations carrying their loads up the steep slopes of Chongqing.

Today you can still find Bang Bang men throughout the city. This work force is very unique to Chongqing as the undulating characteristics of the city are not ideal for bicycle transport that other Chinese cities use to transport goods. Throughout the years the Bang-Bang men of Chongqing began to gain the respect of the local community. Although they are generally uneducated rural workers they still play a large role in Chongqing’s development. Without the Bang-Bang Army the transportation of goods throughout the city would become a nightmare.

For those rural citizens who come to Chongqing to work they are able to purchase a sturdy bamboo pole and the nylon rope used to carry the loads for less than 10Rmb and then they are able to start their day, which lasts from the early morning straight through until the evening when there is no more work to be done. The life of a Bang-Bang man is not easy, but conditions are improving as government subsidies, as well as private corporations, are providing affordable housing and education to allow the workers to become better assimilated into city life.

For short moves I recommend using the Bang-Bang Army Moving Corporation. Simply yell out BANGBANG and sure enough a representative will come running to your aid. The prices vary from 1Rmb to 20Rmb depending on the size of the load and the distance it needs to be carried. Astute haggling tactics will be needed, but if you feel the price is too high simply find another Bang-Bang man that is willing to do it for your price. I recently hired a member of the Bang-Bang Army to help me carry two large crates for 15kuai, which would have taken me the entire afternoon taking one at a time in a taxi. The Bang-Bang man did the trip with both crates in one hour.

Not a bad way to get things moved!

Without the help of the Bang-Bang men Chongqing’s development may not slow down to a halt, but it would definitely be stunted. The Bang-Bang Army plays a key role in Chongqing’s growth and is a symbol of Chongqing’s rapid development and determination to get ahead.

www.maxxelli.net
chongqing@maxxelli.net

Maxxelli Real Estate

Maxxelli is a highly motivated and modern real estate company providing premium relocation solutions for international companies in China. Our profound understanding of the many challenges which foreigners are faced with when moving to China, is what enables us to provide solutions that make your China experience not just another relocation.

Maxxelli Real Estate has the possibility to maneuver within the Chinese market as a local and, at the same time, provide clients with western standard services.

Maxxelli Real Estate has engaged in numerous additional services such as storage, consulting, investment consulting and of course a fully integrated after sales service. We offer all of these services to make your China experience a true one-stop go.

It is precisely this combination that motivates Maxxelli to permanently reinvent itself as a service business and to be best at what we do. For us real estate is not just a job, but a passion.

Maxxelli Real Estate Chongqing is the newest player in Chongqing's rapidly developing real estate market. We believe in building a strong foundation and that begins with our highly motivated staff. If you are keen on joining this extremely competitive market with a rewarding career in Chongqing please feel free to contact us.

www.maxxelli.net
chongqing@maxxelli.net