When planning a trip to Chongqing, many travelers find themselves puzzled about what to do there. Initial Google searches often lead to generic recommendations that fail to capture the city’s true essence. However, Chongqing is a city that surprises with its unique blend of urban exploration, cultural experiences, and natural wonders.
The city’s architecture is a standout feature, with towering buildings, layered roads, and hidden walkways that make it feel like a maze. As night falls, Chongqing transforms into a futuristic spectacle with its vibrant use of lights. You’ll find that this city offers a wide range of experiences, from ancient towns to futuristic skyscrapers, and from spicy hot pot to peaceful temples.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, you’ll discover that Chongqing is more than just a stopover on your China itinerary. It’s a destination that deserves to be explored in depth.
Understanding Chongqing: City vs. Municipality
When planning your trip to Chongqing, it’s essential to understand the distinction between Chongqing city and Chongqing municipality. Chongqing is massive, both in population and sheer land area, making it crucial to differentiate between the urban core and the broader municipality.
The Urban Core: Skyscrapers and Bright Lights
The urban area of Chongqing is known for its futuristic cityscape, featuring towering skyscrapers, multi-level roads, and bright lights that create a unique atmosphere. The city’s hilly terrain has earned it the nickname “Mountain City,” with buildings stacked on different levels, creating a 3D urban landscape. As you explore this city, you’ll discover famous hotpot spots and the buzzing Jiefangbei district, making it an exciting destination for travelers.
Beyond the City: Mountains, Rivers, and Karsts
Beyond the urban core, Chongqing municipality spans an enormous 82,300 square kilometers, encompassing 38 different administrative divisions. The greater Chongqing areas are home to natural wonders, including mountains, rivers, and karst formations, offering experiences that differ significantly from the urban center. You can explore the Yangtze River, the famous Three Gorges scenic attractions, Wulong Karst National Park, and other breathtaking sites within the municipality.
Exploring Hongyadong (Hongya Cave)
Chongqing’s most iconic attraction, Hongyadong, is a 12-story stilt house complex built into a cliffside, offering an unforgettable experience. This historical site, dating back to the 4th-5th centuries AD, was once a thriving port and market during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Best Time to Visit: Night Views Like “Spirited Away”
While Hongya Cave is accessible throughout the day, it truly transforms after dark when thousands of red lanterns illuminate the structure, creating a magical scene reminiscent of the bathhouse in the animated film “Spirited Away.” Visiting at night offers the most breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for photography.
The best time to capture the beauty of Hongyadong is early in the evening, just as the lights come on (around 7:30 PM, or 8:30 PM in summer), before the largest crowds form.
What to Expect: Crowds and Photography Tips
Be prepared for intense crowds, especially in the evening hours when both tourists and locals flock to see the night views and take photos. With so many people around, it can be challenging to get a clear shot.
For the best photography opportunities, consider taking your photos from the stairs leading to the viewing platform rather than from the main viewing area, which becomes extremely crowded.
Ciqikou Ancient Town: Step Back in Time
Step back in time and explore Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic gem in Chongqing. This former trading hub, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is one of Chongqing’s best-preserved historic areas. As you wander through the alleys, you’ll discover tea houses, street food stalls, and traditional wooden buildings that showcase the town’s rich history.
Baolun Temple: A Refuge with a Rich History
Within Ciqikou Ancient Town lies the significant Buddhist temple, Baolun Temple, which dates back to the Song Dynasty. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical site that once provided refuge for a Ming Dynasty emperor. Visitors often purchase items like bracelets here, seeking blessings for wealth, health, and academic success, making it a meaningful cultural experience.
Local Snacks and Unique Souvenirs
Ciqikou Ancient Town is a food lover’s paradise, with numerous stalls selling local Chongqing specialties and snacks. As you explore, you’ll also find shops selling traditional crafts, porcelain, and local souvenirs at more reasonable prices than in the city center. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies and pick up a few souvenirs to remember your trip.
Ciqikou Ancient Town is easily accessible from downtown Chongqing via Line 1 metro to Ciqikou Station or by taxi, which takes approximately 25 minutes. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or shopping, Ciqikou Ancient Town has something for everyone.
The Famous Liziba Station: Train Through a Building
You won’t find a more fascinating train station than Liziba in Chongqing. This station is part of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 and is renowned for its unique design where the train passes directly through a 19-story residential building. It’s a marvel of modern engineering and a must-visit attraction in Chongqing.
Best Viewing Spots for Photos
For the best viewing experience, head to the dedicated viewing platform located just outside Exit 1 of Liziba Station. This platform offers a direct view of the train emerging from the building, making it perfect for capturing that iconic photo. Alternatively, you can visit the 4th or 6th floors of Shisige Market across from the platform for unique window shots.
Timing Your Visit
Trains run approximately every 7 minutes throughout the day, so timing your visit isn’t difficult. Consider visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when crowds are typically smaller, allowing for better photo opportunities.
Jiefangbei CBD: The Heart of Chongqing
Jiefangbei CBD stands out as a pedestrian-friendly district in the heart of Chongqing, filled with malls, restaurants, and street snacks. This bustling area is perfect for shopping and dining, offering a unique blend of modern and historical experiences.
Shopping and Dining Options
The streets of Jiefangbei are lined with extensive shopping options, ranging from luxury international brands to local Chinese retailers. You can indulge in retail therapy or explore the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants serving Chongqing’s famous hot pot.
The Liberation Monument
At the center of Jiefangbei CBD is the iconic Liberation Monument, a 27.5-meter-high monument commemorating China’s victory in World War II. This historical landmark is a popular meeting point and a symbol of Chongqing’s liberation, surrounded by the vibrant life of the city.
Chongqing, China: Best Things to Do Outside the City
Chongqing’s greater municipality area is a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. While the urban center has plenty to offer, venturing out into the surrounding regions can be a rewarding experience.
Day Trip Options from Chongqing
If you’re short on time, consider a guided day trip to explore Chongqing’s outlying attractions. Popular destinations include the Three Natural Bridges, Dazu Rock Carvings, and the Lesser Three Gorges. For the best selection of tours, look to local platforms like Trip.com, which often feature English-speaking guides.
- The Three Natural Bridges, or Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural stone bridges and giant sinkholes.
- Dazu Rock Carvings offer a glimpse into ancient Buddhist art and culture.
- The Lesser Three Gorges provide a more serene alternative to the traditional Yangtze River cruise.
Transportation Tips
Most natural attractions are spread out and not easily accessible by public transportation. Guided tours are the most practical option, typically involving private vehicles or tour buses. Travel times can range from 1.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on the destination. Consider staying overnight at places like Wulong to maximize your sightseeing time.
| Destination | Travel Time | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Three Natural Bridges | 3 hours | At least one night |
| Dazu Rock Carvings | 2 hours | A few hours |
| Lesser Three Gorges | 2.5 hours | Half-day to full day |
Three Natural Bridges: A UNESCO Wonder
Wulong’s Three Natural Bridges represent one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this attraction is part of the larger Wulong Karst National Geology Park, famous for its magical landscape featuring beautiful greenery, massive natural stone bridges, and giant sinkholes.
Exploring Wulong Karst National Geology Park
The Three Natural Bridges, also known as Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges, are the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia. The three bridges – Tianlong (Sky Dragon), Qinglong (Azure Dragon), and Heilong (Black Dragon) – are enormous natural arches formed by collapsed cave systems, averaging over 200 meters in height and 100 meters in width. You can take an elevator down to the valley floor to admire these natural wonders up close.
Photography Tips and Best Viewpoints
For the best photography opportunities, visit the Three Natural Bridges in the morning when the light filters through the vegetation and illuminates the stone bridges from different angles. This timing will help you capture the true scale and grandeur of these natural wonders. With these tips, you’ll be able to take memorable photos of the three natural bridges.
Dazu Rock Carvings: Ancient Buddhist Art
Discover the ancient art of Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Chongqing. The Dazu Rock Carvings are a collection of intricate Buddhist carvings dating back to the 7th century, featuring over 50,000 carvings across multiple locations.
Baodingshan: The Main Attraction
Baodingshan is the main attraction at Dazu Rock Carvings, featuring a continuous narrative of Buddhist teachings carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The site includes the impressive 7-meter Avatamsaka Trinity and the massive reclining Buddha depicting Sakyamuni’s Parinirvana. As you explore Baodingshan, you’ll be struck by the intricate details and historical significance of the carvings.
Beishan: Worth the Extra Time
Beishan, though less visited than Baodingshan, is worth the extra time to explore. It contains some of the most graceful and dynamic Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) figures, showcasing a departure from traditional depictions. Despite the faded colors, the carvings at Beishan demonstrate the harmonious integration of China’s three major philosophical traditions: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
To fully appreciate the Dazu Rock Carvings, allow at least a full day to explore both Baodingshan and Beishan. With its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, the Dazu Rock Carvings are an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in ancient Buddhist art.
Yangtze River Cruises: Gateway to the Three Gorges
A Yangtze River cruise is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located where the mighty Yangtze meets the Jialing River, Chongqing is the perfect gateway for a memorable 4-day, 3-night Yangtze River cruise.
Cruise Options and Duration
The standard cruise experience typically spans 4 days and 3 nights, traveling downstream from Chongqing to Yichang and passing through the three famous gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Cruise ships range from budget-friendly options to luxury vessels with amenities comparable to high-end hotels, allowing travelers to choose an experience that matches their comfort preferences and budget.
What to See Along the River
Along the journey, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery as the river cuts through steep cliffs rising hundreds of meters from the water, creating dramatic vistas that have inspired Chinese poets and artists for centuries. The cruise includes stops at significant cultural and historical sites, such as Fengdu Ghost City, the hanging coffins of the Ba people, and smaller tributary excursions like the Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges. A highlight of the journey is visiting the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam and a marvel of modern engineering that has transformed the river landscape.
The best time for a Yangtze cruise is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and visibility is typically good for appreciating the scenery. This makes for a perfect day out on the river, enjoying the majestic views and cultural experiences that make the trip truly unforgettable.
Qiansimen Bridge: Spectacular Night Views
Chongqing’s Qiansimen Bridge is a must-visit destination, especially at night when its beauty is fully illuminated. Spanning the Jialing River, this cable-stayed bridge connects the historic Yuzhong Peninsula with the modern Jiangbeizui area, symbolizing the link between Chongqing’s past and future. As you stand on the bridge, you’re treated to panoramic views of the city’s illuminated skyline, with the lights of Hongyadong twinkling like stars.
The bridge’s distinctive red color and architectural design make it a standout feature in the city’s landscape, particularly when lit up at night against the backdrop of Chongqing’s mountainous terrain. You can enjoy the view from various vantage points, including the bridge itself and the surrounding parks.
Best Photography Spots
For the best photography opportunities, visit Qiansimen Bridge after 8:00 PM when the city lights are fully illuminated. Position yourself at either end of the bridge for sweeping views of the river and skyline. You can capture stunning views of Hongya Cave’s illuminated stilt houses reflecting in the water and the modern skyscrapers of Jiangbeizui CBD.
Nearby Attractions
After enjoying the bridge views, you can easily walk to nearby attractions, including Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, and various riverside parks and promenades. These areas offer a glimpse into Chongqing’s rich history and cultural heritage, making your visit to Qiansimen Bridge a comprehensive experience of the city.
Chongqing’s Culinary Scene: Beyond Hot Pot
Chongqing’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry that extends far beyond its famous hot pot. The city’s food scene is characterized by a diverse array of local specialties and street food that showcase its rich culinary heritage.
Must-Try Local Dishes
When exploring Chongqing’s culinary delights, there are several must-try local dishes. Chongqing Xiao Mian, or small noodles, is a local specialty featuring thin noodles in a complex spicy, numbing, and aromatic broth. Other local favorites include Liang Mian (cold noodles), Jiangtuan Yu (spicy fish), and Laziji (spicy chicken). You can also try various street snacks like grilled skewers and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Many restaurants offer varying spice levels, so don’t hesitate to request “wei wei la” (barely spicy) if you’re sensitive to heat.
Best Food Streets and Markets
To experience the authentic flavors of Chongqing, visit the city’s renowned food streets and markets. Nanbin Road Food Street is a popular destination, offering a variety of local dishes at reasonable prices. Another must-visit is the Jiefangbei Underground Food Courts, where you can find hidden gems serving genuine Chongqing specialties. For a truly local experience, venture into the underground food courts throughout the city, where locals enjoy quick and delicious meals daily.
Experience Authentic Chongqing Hot Pot
Chongqing’s culinary crown jewel is undoubtedly its hot pot. This iconic dish is a communal dining experience featuring a bubbling cauldron of intensely flavored broth in which various ingredients are cooked at the table. The signature “mala” flavor profile, a combination of numbing Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chili peppers, creates a unique sensory experience unlike any other spicy food.
Recommended Hot Pot Restaurants
Some popular hot pot restaurants in Chongqing include Meimei Hot Pot, famous for their beef tripe, Tao Popo Hot Pot, offering milder options, and Chuqimen Eel Hot Pot, known for their fragrant oil base. These restaurants offer an authentic taste of Chongqing’s hot pot culture.
Hot Pot Etiquette for First-Timers
For first-timers, consider ordering a split pot with half spicy broth and half mild broth. Traditional hot pot ingredients include thinly sliced meats, various offal, fresh vegetables, tofu products, and noodles. When enjoying hot pot, use the provided utensils to cook your food, be mindful of cooking times for different ingredients, and savor the social aspect of this communal dining experience.
Unique Cultural Experiences in Chongqing
The city of Chongqing is steeped in history and culture, offering many unique experiences. You can immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in various activities that showcase the city’s rich heritage.
Banquet of Baguo: Dining Like an Emperor
The Banquet of Baguo is an immersive dining experience that transports you back in time, allowing you to dine like an ancient emperor. This 3-hour dinner show features multiple courses of traditional cuisine served by staff in historical costumes, accompanied by performances that showcase 3,000 years of Bayu culture. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy freshly made dishes, including seafood, beef, and even hot pot, while watching performances such as tea ceremonies, poetic duels, and ancient warrior displays. For the best experience, opt for VIP seating in the front row to ensure unobstructed views of the performances.
Caver Bar: Cocktails in an Air Raid Shelter
If you’re looking for a completely different but equally fascinating cultural experience, head to Caver Bar, a craft beer and cocktail bar housed in a Chongqing-style air raid shelter. The outside may look unassuming, but once you step inside, you’ll be struck by the unique space. It’s a great way to spend an evening, enjoying a drink in a laid-back atmosphere. Chongqing’s extensive network of air raid shelters was built during WWII, and these spaces have been creatively repurposed throughout the city. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem, and it’s a great bit of local culture that you won’t find in many tourist guides.
| Cultural Experience | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet of Baguo | Immersive dining experience showcasing Bayu culture | 3 hours |
| Caver Bar | Craft beer and cocktail bar in an air raid shelter | Variable |
Three Gorges Museum: Dive into Local History
The Three Gorges Museum is a must-visit cultural icon in Chongqing, offering a deep dive into the region’s history and the Yangtze River Three Gorges. Located at No.236 Renmin Road, this impressive modern museum spans 30,000 square meters and houses over 170,000 cultural relics, with admission completely free.
Key Exhibits and Artifacts
The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts, including the fossilized jawbone of Wushan Man from the Early Paleolithic era and the magnificent Three Rams Bronze Zun from the Shang Dynasty. You can enhance your experience by joining a guided tour or exploring the informative English descriptions accompanying these key artifacts.
The People’s Great Hall Across the Street
After exploring the museum, take a moment to look across the street at the impressive Chongqing People’s Great Hall, a striking blend of traditional Chinese palace architecture and Western structural design. This architectural marvel is definitely worth a glance.
Allow approximately 3 hours to properly explore the museum’s main exhibitions. With its comprehensive insights into the region’s rich history and the Three Gorges area, the Three Gorges Museum is an unmissable destination for anyone interested in the culture of Southwest China.
Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Chongqing
Explore Chongqing’s urban highlights, cultural experiences, and natural wonders in just 3 days. This itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of what makes Chongqing special.
Day 1: City Highlights
Begin your day by exploring the Jiefangbei CBD and the Liberation Monument. Try Chongqing Xiao Mian (small noodles) for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Three Gorges Museum and Liziba Station. Conclude your day with the evening views of Hongya Cave when it’s illuminated.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in Chongqing’s culture by visiting Ciqikou Ancient Town and Baolun Temple in the morning. Enjoy local snacks for lunch within the ancient town. Spend your afternoon at Longmenhao Old Street or Shibati (18 Steps), and cap your day with the Banquet of Baguo dinner show experience.
Day 3: Day Trip Options
On your final day, choose between a full-day trip to either the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong or the Dazu Rock Carvings. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering unique experiences. The trip to either location takes around 3 hours by car each way.
This 3-day itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your interests, energy levels, and weather conditions. Transportation between sites is straightforward using the metro system and taxis or Didi, saving you time.
Conclusion: Why Chongqing Deserves More Than a Stopover
As you’ve discovered through this guide, Chongqing is far more than just a pit stop on your travel itinerary.
Unlike other major city destinations, Chongqing offers a unique blend of urban innovation and natural beauty, making it a fascinating hub of activity.
The city‘s multi-layered architecture, rich history, and breathtaking natural landscapes make it a compelling destination that deserves your time and attention.
Whether you’re drawn to the spicy cuisine, the unique urban landscape, or the natural wonders beyond the city limits, Chongqing has something special to offer.
As you plan your trip, consider spending more than just a few minutes here; explore the local attractions, savor the local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the people.
With its distinctive character and rapid development, Chongqing is a tourist destination that will continue to captivate and inspire travelers.
The above is subject to change.
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