Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock: Things to Do & How to Get There

With a history of over 100 years, Chaotianmen Dock is the starting or ending point for the Yangtze River cruise and an important landmark in Chongqing. Apart from boarding or getting off a Yangtze River cruise, you can enjoy the stunning view where the two rivers meet and walk on the towering skyscrapers to admire the dazzling night views.
In this guide, we'll show you the easiest way to get to Chaotianmen Dock for a Yangtze River cruise and highlight the top things to do here.

Aerial view of Chaotianmen Dock

Where is Chaotianmen Dock

Boarding Yangtze River cruise at Chaotianmen

Chaotianmen Dock is on the riverbank in Yuzhong District of central Chongqing, where the Jialing River meets the Yangtze River. There are 17 major docks at Chaotianmen. Five are used for Yangtze River cruises, while the others handle sightseeing boats, ferries, and other river traffic. The dock is right next to Chaotianmen Square, a large open area where you can enjoy panoramic views of the two rivers and the Chongqing skyline. And it's within a 10-20 minute walk from Raffles City or Hongya Cave.

How to Get to Chaotianmen Dock

Chongqing West Railway Station

With convenient transport, it's easy to get to Chaotianmen Dock from Chongqing's airport or high-speed train stations by light rail, bus or taxi. We recommend taking a taxi for ease and convenience, which takes about an hour from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport and around half an hour from the train stations. After reaching the dock entrance, just follow the signs and walk to your cruise pier to board.
If you join us for a Yangtze River cruise, we will arrange a private English-speaking guide and car transfer to make your trip easy and comfortable.

Top Things to do in Chaotianmen

Board a Yangtze River Cruise

A Yangtze River cruise ship

Among the various Yangtze River cruise routes, the routes between Chongqing and Yichang are the most popular, with Chaotianmen Dock as the starting or ending point. We recommend the route from Chongqing to Yichang for a fully immersive experience. During the Yangtze's high-water season (July to August) or low-water season (December to February), the boarding pier may change, and the cruise company will arrange bus to take you to Fengdu or Fuling piers.
You can confirm the boarding pier 1 or 2 days before departure through the official website or your travel advisor. The boarding time is usually from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and it's best to reach Chongqing 1-2 hours early.

Enjoy Stunning River and Night Views

Night view from Chaotianmen Square

At Chaotianmen, you can see a spectacular view of the clear Jialing River meeting the yellow Yangtze River. As night falls, the lights of skyscrapers, Yangtze River cruises, and the distant Chaotianmen Bridge reflect on the water, creating a captivating city nightscape. The buildings usually light up after 8 p.m. You can arrive early at Chaotianmen Square to enjoy the river view at sunset while waiting for the lights. On Saturday nights, you can also see drone light shows from the square.

Moreover, it's perfect to take a Two Rivers cruise at pier 7 or 9 to enjoy Chongqing's dazzling skyline at night and watch special performances on the boat, such as Sichuan opera face-changing. The Two Rivers night cruise usually runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and lasts about 1 hour. Be sure to arrive at the dock about 30 minutes before departure.

Explore Raffles City for Dining & Skywalk

Panoramic view of Chaotianmen

Raffles City is about a 10-minute walk from Chaotianmen Dock and features eight towering buildings with a skybridge. From a distance, it looks like a giant ship about to set sail with Chaotianmen Square. You can come here to enjoy a hearty meal with river views or walk along the crystal skybridge, where you can take in panoramic views of the two rivers meeting and the entire city of Chongqing from over 100 meters above. Raffles City is free to enter, but visiting the viewing platform of the skybridge costs about 120 RMB per person.

Tips for Boarding Yangtze Cruises at Chaotianmen

• Book your Yangtze River cruise ticket at least two weeks in advance.
• Tickets are only valid on the day of the cruise. Contact the ticket office or your travel advisor in advance if your plans change.
• Check your ticket for the exact pier number before heading to the dock.
• Seasickness isn't a problem on Yangtze River cruises since they travel at a slow pace, and professional medical staff are available on board if needed.

Explore Chongqing & Yangtze River Cruise with Us

Chaotianmen Dock is not only Chongqing's gateway, but a must-visit port for a classic Yangtze River cruise. If you want a stress-free Yangtze River Cruise journey, come with us and we'll arrange a customized itinerary that takes care of all your needs. Simply click here to visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com for a smooth and enjoyable trip.