Chongqing Dock Culture

Origin of Chongqing Dock Culture

Located at the junction of Yangtze River and Jialing River, the water transportation of Chongqing is very convenient and Chongqing has always been an important natural port. Where there is a port, there are docks. On these docks, ships and people crowd in and out, with dockers shouldering goods and shouting in unison. The unique dock culture of Chongqing becomes famous and there is a saying that Chongqing dock culture is world-renowed.

Characteristic of Chongqing Dock Culture

As a native-born culture, the most remarkable characteristic of Chongqing dock culture is its inclusiveness. Just like the upright and straightforward personalities and characteristics of Chongqing people, the Chongqing dock culture is also very open and inclusive.

Chongqing Dock Culture - Chuanjiang Haozi

Haozi means a song singing by the laborers when working. "Chuanjiang Haozi" is one of the work songs sung by boat trackers when toiling along the Yangtze River. It is a speical landscape along the Yangtze River. Chuanjing Haozi is not only a song, it is also a form of dancing. When the boat progresses against the water, the boat trackers are anxious in their heart, and they release their anxiety in the form of singing and shouting in unison and thus helping them pulling the boat forward. Seeing the scene of Chuanjing Haozi, you can remember the history of old Chongqing.

Chongqing Dock Culture - Carriers

The biggest specialty of Chongqing dock culture is the scene of carriers. In Chongqing dialect, it was called "bangbang". "Bang" is a stick used by the carriers to shoulder the goods. So "bangang" is quite a vivid name for the carriers. Throughout the 3,000 years of urban construction and the dock construction, there are various goods collecting and distributing here. Due to the uneven terrain of Chongqing, the mechanization can not be fully developed. Therefore, a lot of labors are needed to carry these goods, thus forming the scene of countless of carriers. Even for now, there are many carriers in the railway station and the docks.

Chongqing Dock Culture - Other Cultural Scenes

The dock culture of Chongqing is actually the culture of the common people. As a result, many cultural scenes relating to the daily life of Chongqing people emerged. Theaters displaying operas, cinemas showing various films have been successively built. On the docks along the river, the sight of playing drums and storytelling and other street juggling make you feel dazzling, which are full of folk flavors.