Are you looking for the best things to do in Chongqing? Then you’re in the right place.
I’ve put together a Chongqing itinerary and Chongqing travel guide that covers exactly what to see, how to plan your trip, and even the mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
So, what is Chongqing famous for? Imagine a city where a futuristic skyline towers above ancient streets, where fiery hotpot meets quiet teahouses, and where monorails shoot through apartment blocks.
It’s a huge city, with over 30 million people living in the municipality and it’s not just the city itself, but also the massive surrounding area (about the size of Austria!).
I’ll be honest: Chongqing first caught my eye online as China’s real-life cyberpunk city. Neon-lit skyscrapers, layered highways, glowing bridges. It looked absolutely insane, and I had to see it for myself.
While the city is worth visiting during the day, it’s at night, when the lights flip on, that it becomes something out of this world. Trust me, spend at least one night here.
If you have more time, there are also some incredible places “nearby” worth adding to your China trip. (Though in China, “nearby” is… let’s just say a flexible term.) I didn’t have enough time to see them this trip, but I wish to return some day.
And because Chongqing wasn’t chaotic enough, I somehow managed to visit during the Labor Day holidays, which is probably one of the worst times to travel in China. I’ll tell you all about that in the “Best Time to Visit Chongqing” section so you don’t repeat my mistake.
Located in Sichuan Province (yep, the same region as Chengdu), Chongqing delivers a mix of modern spectacle and traditional charm.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-see attractions, practical tips to help you navigate this giant city, and a suggested order to plan your days so you can make the most of your time here.
In a hurry? Plan your visit to Chongqing now!
📍Top sights: Hongyadong Cave | Qiansimen Bridge | Chaotianmen Square | Longmenhao Old Street | Liziba Station | Eling Park | Jiefangbei
⌛ How long to spend in Chongqing: Two to three days is ideal to see the main sights and enjoy Chongqing at night, but you can cover the highlights in one very full day if you’re short on time.
🚆How to get to Chongqing: High-speed trains connect cities like Chengdu to Chongqing in about 2 hours. You can book tickets on the official 12306 app, but I recommend Trip.com for an easier, more user-friendly experience.
💸 How to pay in China – It’s a cashless society. You’ll need Alipay or WeChat Pay to make purchases — literally everywhere. Use Revolut to pay in yuan and avoid foreign transaction fees.
💊 Best travel insurance for China – I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.
🛜 Best way to stay connected in China – If your phone supports eSIM, use Airalo (MARIAN4315 = 3$ off). Otherwise, get a China Unicom or China Telecom SIM. Don’t forget a VPN to access apps like WhatsApp and Instagram.
A brief look at Chongqing’s history
Chongqing’s story stretches back over 3,000 years, starting as a strategic trading post along the Yangtze River.
Its location made it an important hub for commerce and military operations long before the modern skyline appeared.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), the city became China’s wartime capital. It suffered relentless bombings, which earned it the nickname “City of Heroes.”
To protect civilians, thousands of air-raid shelters were carved into the surrounding hills. Today, many of those shelters have found new life as hotpot restaurants, bars, cafés, and even small museums.
The skyscrapers and futuristic structures you see now, like Raffles City, only started to appear after the 1990s. This mix of wartime relics and gleaming high-rises is what makes Chongqing’s urban landscape so striking.
Is Chongqing worth visiting?
Chongqing is unlike any other city in China. It blends futuristic skyscrapers, steep mountain streets, and layers of history into one intense, unforgettable experience.
The city can feel overwhelming, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking for somewhere that offers unique attractions, incredible food, and a glimpse of China’s fast-changing urban life, Chongqing is 100% worth adding to your China itinerary.
How to get to Chongqing
Getting to Chongqing by plane
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) serves both domestic and international flights.
You’ll find direct connections from major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as well as from international hubs such as Bangkok and Singapore.
Getting from Chongqing airport to the city is straightforward: about 30–40 minutes by taxi or Didi (80–120 RMB, 9–14€), or around 50 minutes by metro on Line 10 for roughly 6 RMB (~0.7€).
Getting to Chongqing by train
The high-speed route from Chengdu to Chongqing takes about 2 hours, making it one of the easiest ways to reach the city. Trains from Xi’an take around 5 hours, and my own journey from Guilin was about the same.
The two main stations are Chongqing North Railway Station (where most high-speed trains arrive) and Chongqing West Railway Station. The city also has three other stations and one under construction, but they’re less commonly used.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Trains are easy to book on Trip.com or via the official 12306 Railway app. If you’re traveling during national holidays, tickets can sell out within hours of release, so buy them as soon as sales open.
How to get around Chongqing
Metro
Chongqing’s metro is modern, reliable, and cheap, with fares ranging from 2–6 RMB (~0.2€ – 0.7€) per ride. It covers most major attractions, making it ideal for short trips within the city.
You can buy single-ride tickets from machines before entering, but using WeChat or Alipay to scan in makes the process faster and smoother.
Didi (China’s Uber)
Didi is the best option for longer distances, traveling with heavy luggage, or reaching areas not connected by the metro.
Just keep in mind that during national holidays or rush hour, there is a lot of traffic, sometimes making the metro a faster choice.
On foot
Walking works in certain neighborhoods, but Chongqing’s hilly terrain and steep streets can make distances deceiving. Be prepared for a lot of stairs and big elevation changes between attractions.
Where to stay in Chongqing
I stayed at Boutique of Meditation, which turned out to be a great choice. It was in a quiet area, yet just a short walk from the metro, so we could reach every part of the city easily.
They even gave us a free room upgrade, which was a lovely surprise. The staff were incredibly friendly and shared plenty of tips and suggestions to help us explore Chongqing like a local.
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find this hotel online anymore, so it may no longer be operating.
If that’s the case, don’t worry because there are plenty of excellent hotels in Chongqing ranging from budget stays to luxury properties with skyline views. Here are some of my favorite options:
💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need… but it can save you a lot of money and stress if something goes wrong.
I personally use Heymondo because it offers strong coverage at a reasonable price, including medical expenses, lost luggage, and electronics.
What I like most is how easy it is to manage everything through their app, especially if you ever need assistance while traveling.
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If you’ve been planning a trip, this is a good time to secure your policy before the offer ends.
Must visit places in Chongqing – Map
To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this helpful map. It includes all the top attractions in Chongqing featured in this guide so you can see exactly where they are and plan your days more efficiently.
📌HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the top left corner to access the various layers of the map. You can select the layers you’re interested in and also find out more about each point of interest by clicking on it in the left-hand sidebar or on the pin on the map. Add the map to your Google Maps by clicking on the star next to the title. To access the map, simply go to Google Maps ‘Saved’ and click on ‘Maps’!
Best activities & tours in Chongqing
Top things to do in Chongqing
1. Walk across Qiansimen and Dongshuimen Bridges
These two nearly identical red bridges are some of the best spots for sweeping views of Chongqing’s skyline. Both span the river with dramatic perspectives of the city’s high-rises and bridges in the distance.
They’re especially impressive at night when the buildings are lit up and the reflections shimmer on the water. If you have time, walk across both to see the city from different angles.
2. Explore Chaotianmen Square
Chaotianmen Square is where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. It’s a large open space with panoramic views of the waterfront and one of the city’s most iconic bridges.
While it wasn’t my personal favorite place in Chongqing, it’s still worth a visit. One highlight is looking up to admire the futuristic sky bridge of the Raffles City complex, which cuts across the skyline in striking fashion.
You can also admire one of the famous bridges of Chongqing from this square.
3. Get lost in Longmenhao Old Street & Xiahaoli
Longmenhao Old Street is one of the oldest and best-preserved areas in Chongqing, offering a glimpse into the city’s Bayu culture.
You’ll find restored buildings, tea houses, and small shops that give it a relaxed, traditional vibe. I really enjoyed walking here.
The views of the skyline and one of Chongqing’s iconic bridges made it even better, and the streets inside are genuinely charming.
From here, you can also spot the Yangtze River Cable Car in the distance (a one-way ticket costs about 3.5€). Even though I only visited during the day, the area lights up beautifully at night, so it’s worth timing your visit to see it after dark.
Nearby, the quieter Xiahaoli district offers narrow streets with a more local feel. It’s not as busy, so you can wander without the crowds while still being close to the main attractions.
4. Visit Jiefangbei and the People’s Liberation Monument
Jiefangbei is the heart of modern Chongqing. It’s a pedestrian area filled with shopping malls, international brands, and endless street food stalls.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy or want to try local snacks, this is the place. This is actually where I had my hotpot, and it was one of my favorite meals in the city.
At the center stands the People’s Liberation Monument, originally built in 1940 as a wooden structure to commemorate China’s resistance against Japan.
It was later rebuilt in 1950 to honor the victory in the Chinese Civil War and the city’s liberation. Today, it’s surrounded by neon screens and high-rises—a mix of history and modern life in one place.
5. Discover Kuixinglou Square
Kuixinglou Square is one of the best places to experience Chongqing’s mind-bending “8D” city layout.
At first, you enter the plaza at what feels like ordinary street level. But as you walk across to the other side and look down, you suddenly realize you’re standing many levels higher, with entire roads, shops, and buildings beneath you.
This layered design perfectly shows how Chongqing has adapted to its steep, mountainous terrain.
From the different viewpoints, you can spot overlapping roads, bridges stacked above one another, and the skyline stretching out in the distance.
It’s a spot that feels almost surreal and is a must-see for anyone curious about the city’s unique urban character.
6. Visit People’s Square & People’s Assembly Hall
People’s Square is a large open plaza surrounded by classic Chongqing architecture, with the People’s Assembly Hall as its main highlight.
The building’s design, with its traditional-style dome and bold red walls, makes it a recognizable cultural landmark in the city.
It costs about 1€ to visit the Assembly Hall, but honestly, I didn’t find it worth going inside. You can still admire it from the outside and take great photos without paying. Tickets can be bought at the entrance if you decide to go in.
Right across from the Assembly Hall, you’ll find My Iron Kitchen, a food court with plenty of dining options. It’s a great place to take a break and grab a meal before continuing your sightseeing.
7. Take in the view from Eling Park
Eling Park is one of the best spots for panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. Set on a hill, it gives you a sweeping perspective over the rivers, bridges, and high-rises.
For me, it felt like a peaceful escape from the chaos of the city. I just wish I’d had more time to wander through the gardens and enjoy the calm atmosphere. It’s a perfect stop if you want to slow down your pace for an hour.
8. Ride the monorail through a building
One of the most unique things to do in Chongqing is riding Line 2 of the metro straight through an apartment building at Liziba Station. Seeing a train emerge from the middle of a building is surreal and a perfect example of how the city adapts to its challenging geography.
When you get off at Liziba, the building is filled with small shops, and you’ll need to pass through several floors before reaching street level.
For the best view, hop off and walk a bit to a nearby lookout point.
When I visited, it was so crowded that roads were closed, so we couldn’t reach the famous viewpoint. Still, it was worth it just to watch the train disappearing into the building.
9. Eat authentic Chongqing hotpot
Hotpot is a must-try when visiting Chongqing and a central part of the city’s food culture. It’s a shared meal where a simmering pot of broth is placed at your table, and you cook your choice of meats, vegetables, and noodles right in front of you.
In Chongqing, the broth is usually loaded with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, making it fiery and tongue-numbing. Honestly, I don’t know how locals can enjoy it so often, especially when it’s scorching outside.
Since I’m not the biggest fan of overly spicy food, we ordered a non-spicy version, and I actually really liked it.
We had ours at Zui Ba Dao Hot Pot, where we chose our ingredients from a display and then cooked them in the pot. It was a bit pricier compared to the average meal in China, but still worth it for the experience and the taste.
If you want more tips and recommendations, check out this Chongqing hotpot guide for a full breakdown of where to go and what to order.
10. See the city from above at a trendy rooftop tea house
Chongqing at night is breathtaking, and one of the most relaxing ways to take it all in is from a rooftop tea house. Some of the most popular spots are in the Nan’an district, offering sweeping views of the skyline lit up over the river.
I found one place online that looked incredible, but unfortunately, the owner of our hotel told us it was closed for the season, so I didn’t get the chance to go.
Still, if you can find an open spot, it’s one of the best things to do in Chongqing at night. Plus, it’s a calmer alternative to the bustling streets below, and perfect for enjoying the view with a cup of tea in hand.
11. Admire the stunning Hongyadong Cave
Hongyadong Cave is one of Chongqing’s most famous landmarks. It’s an 11-floor riverside complex filled with restaurants, shops, and photo spots.
Its architecture is inspired by traditional stilt houses, giving it a nostalgic feel that contrasts with the modern skyline. The building is especially striking at night, when it’s lit up and reflected on the river.
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of shops and dining options. Some restaurants looked amazing, with live music and sweeping views of the cityscape. The lower levels open directly onto the riverside, offering a calmer perspective away from the main entrance.
My own visit was during the Labor Day holidays, and it was honestly the most stressful stop of my Chongqing trip. The line to get in was huge, and by the time we entered (almost at closing time!), we didn’t have much time to explore.
Also, be aware that the lights turn off quite early, so plan to arrive well before that. For one of the best views of the building’s exterior, head to Qiansimen Bridge.
🎫 For a front-row seat to Chongqing’s dazzling skyline after dark, don’t miss this Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise. It’s one of the best ways to see the city light up from the water.
12. Watch a drone show in Chongqing
In 2025, Chongqing broke the Guinness World Record when 11,787 drones formed stunning aerial images over the city. The show became a regular event starting April 19, 2025, with weekly performances on weekends and national holidays.
According to local reports, you can see it most Saturdays and on holiday evenings (May to September at 9 pm and October to April at 8.30 pm) along Nanbin Road, opposite Raffles City and near Chaotianmen Square.
It’s free to watch from the riverfront, and the sight of thousands of synchronized drones lighting up the sky is unforgettable.
Crowds gather early, especially near Raffles City and Chaotianmen Square, so arrive well ahead of showtime to secure a good spot.
How to organize your Chongqing itinerary
If you only have a day in Chongqing, you can still cover the city’s most iconic spots with careful planning.
Here’s how I’d do it.
Morning
- Eling Park – Start early with skyline views before the haze sets in.
- Longmenhao Old Street & Xiahaoli – Explore the preserved streets, Bayu culture, and river views. This area is calmer in the morning and perfect for photography.
- Kuixinglou Square – Head to this multi-level plaza for one of the best perspectives of Chongqing’s famous “8D” layout.
Late morning
- Liziba Station – Ride Line 2 through the apartment building, then hop off and walk to the nearby viewpoint if it’s open.
Lunch
- Jiefangbei – The heart of downtown for shopping and street food. If you’re ready for a spicy feast, try a local hotpot here.
Afternoon
- People’s Square & People’s Assembly Hall – Quick visit to admire the architecture. If you skipped hotpot, the My Iron Kitchen food court here is a solid lunch option.
- Chaotianmen Square – See the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, plus the Raffles City sky bridge.
Evening
- Hongyadong Cave – Arrive before the lights turn off to see the stilt-house architecture illuminated.
- Qiansimen Bridge – Walk across for night views of the skyline and Hongyadong from above.
Optional night add-ons
- If there’s a drone show, watch from Nanbin Road for a spectacular end to the day.
- If you have time and energy, head to Nan’an District rooftop tea houses for a calmer but equally stunning nighttime view of the city.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable times to visit.
Summers are brutally hot… Chongqing is one of China’s “three furnaces.” I visited in early May, and it was already incredibly hot. I can’t even imagine what July or August would feel like.
National holidays bring crowds like you wouldn’t believe. Labor Day (May 1–5) and Golden Week (October 1–7) are the busiest, but Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival also see big spikes in travel.
I visited during Labor Day, and it was chaos. Some metro stations were shut down from overcrowding, and a simple trip took hours. I’ve never seen so many people in one place in my life.
When traveling to China, you expect crowds, but I never thought it could get this intense. They’re not joking when they say to avoid these dates.
It really affected my travel experience, and I don’t think I enjoyed Chongqing as much as I would have otherwise. If you must go during these times, book trains and hotels far in advance and be prepared for delays everywhere.
How many days in Chongqing
For most travelers, 2–3 days is the sweet spot for exploring Chongqing. This gives you enough time to see the main Chongqing attractions, enjoy the city’s famous night views, and still move at a relaxed pace.
If you’re short on time, you can cover the highlights in 1–2 days, but expect to pack a lot into your schedule.
On the other hand, if you want to include side trips (like the Wulong Karst landscapes or the Dazu Rock Carvings), plan for 3 or more days.
I only stayed for one day, and while I managed to hit most of the top spots, I left wishing I’d had more time. The city is huge, and there’s always another view, market, or hidden street waiting to be explored.
Best day trips from Chongqing
If you have extra time in your itinerary, there are some incredible spots just outside the city that are well worth the trip.
From natural wonders to historic towns, these day trips from Chongqing give you a chance to see a different side of the region and escape the city’s fast-paced energy.
Three Natural Bridges
Located in Wulong Karst National Geology Park, these massive limestone archways are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive natural wonders near Chongqing.
You can explore the bridges via scenic walkways surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery.
Dazu Rock Carvings
Dating back to the 9th century, the Dazu Rock Carvings feature thousands of intricate Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures carved into stone cliffs. It’s a fascinating blend of art, history, and religion, about two hours from the city.
The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan
A river cruise through the Lesser Three Gorges offers breathtaking views of steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.
It’s a slower-paced escape from the city’s intensity and a great way to appreciate the Yangtze River’s beauty.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Only a short metro ride from central Chongqing, Ciqikou is a lively historic town with narrow streets, traditional tea houses, and plenty of street food. It’s a great spot to sample local snacks and soak up old Chongqing’s atmosphere.
Final thoughts on Chongqing
I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do in Chongqing and given you a clear Chongqing itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.
From its layered skyline and unique attractions to the unforgettable local dishes in Chongqing, this is a destination that challenges your senses and leaves you seeing China in a whole new way.
What are you most excited to visit in Chongqing?
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