Pollution, Fragrances, and Olfactory Attacks

Chongqing has traditionally between Southwest China’s center of heavy industry, and still operates large factories. Poor ecological practices and understanding of environmental concerns over the years have led to a degradation of the living space in the city. However, improvements are being made, and blue skies are appearing more regularly now than years past. The smog content has diminished somewhat, as the local government has taken steps to improve air quality, and the locals will tell you proudly how there are much less acid rain due to sulphur emissions now than 10 years ago. It can still be very dusty, they concede, due mostly to the massive construction projects going on all over the city. A walk around the streets, especially in the suburbs, which are seeing huge apartment complexes being built on erstwhile farmland, confirm this.  
 
Olfactory senses always get a workout in Chongqing. The wafting fumes of hot pot are unmistakable and can reach out to prospective clients noses many meters in advance of the restaurant doorsteps. Liberally applied cologne can leave a lasting impression of someone minutes after they have disappeared from sight. Garbage collection areas are often right on the street, and the stench can be dizzying. Viscous clouds of smoke soil the air in elevators, buses, and people’s living rooms. Fresh flowers from the countryside are sold at many vendors’ stalls and radiate their lovely perfume. B.O. from clammy pedestrians and bus commuters can make for dreadful noseful. Many carry pocket-handkerchiefs not only to mop up their sweaty foreheads, but also to dampen the intense smells of everyday life in Chongqing.

last modified Oct 31, 2004 at 5:00

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