Top 10 Things to Do in Chongqing: Popular Attractions & Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Chongqing? In this "8D magical city, " your GPS might get confused, climbing stairs is like mountain climbing, and a light rail can pass right through a building. The city is like a giant maze for first-time travelers, but don't worry! We have compiled the following top 10 things to do in Chongqing, help you plan a perfect Chongqing trip.

Beautiful aerial view of Chongqing

1. Eat Authentic Chongqing Hotpot

Chongqing yuan yang hotpot

Keywords: Iconic local food

A trip to Chongqing wouldn't be complete without trying its most iconic dish: Chongqing hotpot. The spicy aroma will fill your senses even before you enter the restaurant. The red broth comes in various spice levels like mild, medium, and extra spicy, so you can choose according to your preference.

If you're worried it might be too spicy, you can order a Yuan Yang Hotpot (two-flavor hotpot), which has spicy red broth on one side and a mushroom or tomato broth on the other. Trust me, Chongqing's chili peppers are no joke!

How to Eat like a Local

• Dip fresh ingredients like thinly sliced hot pot beef, buffalo tripe, and duck intestines into the unique dipping sauce. Don't be put off by the ingredients you're not used to, you might just fall in love with them after a single taste.
• For beef tripe, thinly sliced pieces cook very quickly in the hot pot. Usually, just a few seconds is enough. Cook too long and they become tough, so the key is a fast dip to keep them tender and flavorful.
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2. Enjoy a Night Walk in Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave night view in Chongqing

Keywords: Stunning night view, Traditional stilt houses

Hongya Cave isn't an actual cave, it's a historic commercial district since the Ming Dynasty, giving it over 700 years of history. Today, its star attraction is the Bayu (Chongqing/Sichuan) style stilted buildings, also known as Diaojiaolou. Rising 11 floors along the river and clinging to the mountainside, the complex looks like something straight out of a movie, offering incredible views of traditional Chongqing architecture.

The most beautiful time to visit is after dusk, when the lights of Hongya Cave turn on, creating a charming reflection on the river. As you walk through, you can see hotpot restaurants, snack shops, and bars full of local flavor.

Travel Tips

• The lights at Hongya Cave turn on from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For an even better view, try visiting after 8:00 PM.
• It can get very busy on holidays and weekends, so please remember to keep a close eye on your valuables, such as your phone and wallet.

3. Watch the Train Through Liziba Station

Liziba train passing through the building

Keywords: Engineering marvel, Chongqing landmark

When you see a light train pass through the building at Liziba Station in Chongqing, don't blink. This is the most iconic stop on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2, where a light train goes directly through the middle floors of a 19-story residential and commercial building.

You have two ways to witness this engineering marvel: ride the train itself for an unforgettable experience or watch the trains from an observation platform.

This special architectural design highlights Chongqing's "mountain city" character and has become a popular photo spot. Even the famous YouTuber IShowSpeed was stunned by this rare sight during his trip to China.

Travel Tips

• The trains run from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, arriving every 5 - 10 minutes, so it's very easy to get to.
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4. Explore Wulong Karst Landscapes

Beautiful scenery of Wulong Fairy Mountain

Keywords: Karst landscapes, beautiful natural scenery

The Wulong Karst is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its spectacular karst landscapes. The must-visit Three Natural Bridges is Asia's largest natural stone bridge group and was one of the filming locations for Transformers 4. The three natural stone arches are Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge. From a distance, a mountain looks like a bridge, and up close, a bridge looks like a mountain.

Natural beauty doesn't end there. Wulong also features the vast grasslands of the Fairy Mountain, the marvelous stalactite formations of Furong Cave, and the gorge scenery of the Longshui Gorge. Feel free to choose the spots that most capture your interest.

Travel Tips

• Wulong has many long walking trails and stairs, it's recommended that you wear comfortable sports shoes, which will be convenient for hiking and cave exploration.
• It takes only 40 minutes by high-speed train to get from Chongqing to Wulong, and then you can transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus upon arrival. China Odyssey Tours can arrange a private tour for you, including a private car, a local guide, and entrance fees. We take care of everything, so you can just relax and enjoy your trip.
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5. Take a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing

Yangtz river cruise ship

Keywords: Three Gorges sightseeing, Relaxing river journey

Taking a Yangtze River cruise is one of the classic things to do in Chongqing, and it's especially beloved by elderly travelers. You have two great options: go for a one-day tour to quickly see the highlights of the Three Gorges. Or opt for the 4-day, 3-night itinerary to enjoy the attractions along the way in a more relaxed and in-depth way.

While a one-day tour might sound appealing for its speed, allowing you to see all three gorges in a single day, it requires an overnight stay in Fengjie and can be quite fast-paced and exhausting.

For a truly relaxing and rewarding experience, we highly recommend the 4-day, 3-night cruise. Your journey departs from downtown Chongqing to Yichang City. Unlike the one-day tour, this longer cruise includes more stops at fascinating sites, such as Shibaozhai(Zhongxian County, about 240 km from Chongqing) and Fengdu Ghost City (Fendu County, about 160 km away). You'll also have time to explore the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery at a comfortable pace.

Travel Tips

• The best time to take a cruise is in the spring and autumn. The weather on the river is pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful, which is also ideal for taking photos.
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6. See the Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu rock carving in Chongqing

Keywords: Stone carvings, cultural heritage, UNESCO site

Known as China's "North-South Grotto Treasures" alongside the Dunhuang Grottoes, the Dazu Rock Carvings are one of China's most famous stone sculptures, located about 165 km from downtown Chongqing.

The Dazu Rock Carvings blend Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements, with Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain as the main clusters. Most of the works were created during the Song Dynasty, with a history spanning more than 700 years. The carvings depict Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats, as well as lively scenes from everyday life in ancient China.

The site was even replicated 1:1 in the popular Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong. If you have played the game, you should see the real carvings in person.

Travel Tips

• Please do not touch the cultural relics, and note that drones are not allowed.
• The opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:10 PM.

7. Stroll Around Ciqikou Ancient Town

Local food in Ciqikou Ancient Town

Keywords: Ancient town, local cultural

Ciqikou Ancient Town was founded during the Song Dynasty (10th - 13th centuries) and was once a major commercial hub. Located in Chongqing's Shapingba District, the town preserves many ancient buildings, with Yinglong Gate being the most representative.

Snack stalls are everywhere, offering local specialties like fried dough twists (mahua), handmade glutinous rice cakes (ciba), and pea flour cakes.

You can also walk along the river, sit in a teahouse, get a traditional ear-cleaning service, or watch a Sichuan opera performance to experience the local life.

Travel Tips

• Many merchants in the ancient town use QR codes for payment, accepting both Alipay and WeChat Pay, and they also accept cash. If you prefer not to use mobile payment, it's recommended that you carry some cash with you.
• Getting to Ciqikou is simple by public transport. Just take Chongqing Metro Line 1 directly to Ciqikou Station, and the entrance to the town is a short walk away.

8. Visit the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum

Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum

Keywords: Chongqing history, Three Gorges exhibits

When traveling, there's always a moment when you want to dig deeper into a city's history. The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum is the perfect place for that. Located in the city center, it's a great spot to explore the rich history of Chongqing and the culture of the Three Gorges.

The four-story museum features a variety of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, folk crafts, and materials related to the War of Resistance Against Japan. On the first two floors, you'll find a massive sandbox of the Three Gorges and models of ancient boats, giving you a direct sense of the region's natural and cultural landscape.

During your visit, you can also learn about the ecological and geographical changes of the Yangtze River basin and the traditional culture of the Bayu region.

Travel Tips

• The museum is free to enter but is closed on Mondays. It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. Make sure to book your ticket online a week in advance. It's suggested that you set aside at least 2 -3 hours for your visit.
• For a great experience, definitely check out "The Magnificent Three Gorges" exhibit on the first floor and "Ancient Bayu" on the second.

9. Meet Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo

Cute panda in the Chongqing zoo

Keywords: Panda, family-friendly

Just 8 kilometers from the city center, the Chongqing Zoo is also a renowned breeding center for giant pandas in China. The zoo is home to over 230 species and more than 4,000 animals, including not only giant pandas but also red pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys. And the zoo also has a fun science center, making it a perfect outing for families with children.

Travel Tips

It's best to go in the morning, as the pandas are usually more active then. The zoo is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with the last entry at 4:30 PM).

Tickets are 25 RMB (4 USD) for the peak season (January to November) and 20 RMB (3 USD ) for the low season (December).

The panda house is conveniently located near East Gate 2. You can take Light Rail Line 2 directly to this gate for easy access.

10. Have a City Walk in Chongqing

Night view of Jiefangbei Square

Keywords: City walk, urban exploration

In Chongqing, taking a car can make you miss many of the city's hidden details. If your fitness allows, walking is a good way to explore this mountain city.

This suggested route will allow you to experience the lively atmosphere of Chongqing's bustling metropolis while also enjoying the tranquility of its old streets.

Suggested Route: Jiefangbei Square → Kuixing Building → Daijia Alley→ Hongya Cave → Luohan Temple → Baixiang Street.

Starting from the bustling Jiefangbei Square, pass through Kuixing Building to marvel at the view from the skywalk, and then continue to Daijia Alley to feel the local life of the old alleys. From there, walk along the river to Hongya Cave to admire the night view of the stilted buildings, enter Luohan Temple to experience the peace of the ancient temple, and finish your walk at Baixiang Street. This route allows you to truly experience the unique charm of Chongqing, step by step.

Travel Tips

• Baixiang Street is a residential area, so take your time as you walk through, and you will also have the chance to talk with the locals.
• This city walk route is about 6 km long, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Discover Chongqing with China Odyssey Tours

Chongqing is a magical city waiting to be explored. We can tailor-make an itinerary based on your interests and budget. Contact us online or email trip@odynovotours.com, and our travel experts will get back to you within 24 hours.