Chongqing Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

Chongqing, a city built on mountains in southwest China, is famous for the 8D streets, dazzling night views, and the fiery Chongqing hotpot. When visiting Chongqing, you can not only see the train passing through building, explore the natural karst wonders, but also take the stunning Yangtze River Cruise and enjoy many other exciting experiences. Read on to learn about the essentials of  Chongqing, including top highlights and the best local cuisine.

Chongqing's night view from river cruise

Top Attractions in Chongqing

Hongya Cave

Dazzling night view at Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave is a thirteen-story stilted building built on a cliff, showing traditional Chongqing architectural styles. It is famous for the dazzling night views, with warm yellow lanterns and lights outlining the building. The great spots to enjoy Hongya Cave's night view are across the street on the first floor or from Qiansimen Bridge. We also recommend taking a river cruise to enjoy the full view of Hongya Cave without the crowds.

Liziba Station

Train through building at Liziba

Liziba Station is a unique light rail stop built in a building. Here, you can watch the train passing through the building and take creative photos like swallowing the train from the viewing platform. We also recommend visiting Lansheng Pavilion for less crowded, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the train running along the river at sunset.

Wulong Karst Region

The Three Natural Bridges in Wulong

The Wulong Karst Region is listed into UNESCO World Heritage, featuring its breathtaking karst landscapes. You can hike to see the massive stone arches and holes at the Three Natural Bridges, a filming spot for Transformer 4, and walk between towering cliffs to admire stunning waterfalls at Longshuixia Gap. Besides, Fairy Mountain and Furong Cave are perfect for a cool escape during the summer. A 1-2 day trip is perfect for fully enjoying Wulong's scenery.

Yangtze River Cruise

A Yangtze River cruise ship

Taking a Yangtze River cruise is the best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. The most popular route is from Chongqing to Yichang, which takes about 4-5 days. Along the way, you'll see towering cliffs and misty mountains on both sides. You can also learn about the traditional Chinese legends of the underworld at Fengdu Ghost City and marvel at the massive scale of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town

With a history of over a thousand years, Ciqikou Ancient Town is one of Chongqing's best-known old towns with traditional buildings and a lively local vibe. You can relax in an old teahouse, visit Baolun Temple to experience Buddhist culture, and try authentic Chongqing snacks. There are many steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Best Time to Visit

With hot summer and cold, foggy winter, the best times to visit Chongqing are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The weather is warm and comfortable during these two seasons, making it great for both outdoor walks and indoor activities.

Best time to visit Chongqing

• Spring: Spring in Chongqing is mild with light rain, making it a great time for hiking and enjoying nature. As the weather gets warmer, the whole city comes alive with greenery. You can enjoy the incredible night views of Hongya Cave or explore the lush karst landscape in Wulong, where waterfalls and cliffs are at their most vibrant.
• Autumn: Chongqing's autumn is clear, comfortable, and picturesque. This is a great time to stroll through the streets of Ciqikou Ancient Town and soak in the charm of this quieter season. Visiting Dazu Rock Carvings for the remarkable stone reliefs or taking a Yangtze River Cruise to enjoy the scenic river views in the Three Gorges are both popular in autumn.

If you plan to visit Chongqing in Summer (June to August) or Winter (December to February), there are still many enchanting experiences to enjoy, such as exploring Three Gorges Museum or other indoor sights in summer, and enjoying Chongqing hotpot or hot springs in winter. We can help plan seasonal activities to make your Chongqing trip easy and unforgettable no matter when you visit.

Must-try Chongqing Cuisine

When traveling in Chongqing, you can't miss its amazing local cuisine. Chongqing cuisine is known for its bold, spicy and numbing flavors, and nothing is more iconic than hotpot. Beyond this, you can also try a bowl of mouthwatering Chongqing Noodles and different kinds of street foods.

Chongqing Hotpot

Chongqing hotpot with rich ingredients

Chongqing hotpot features its hot, fragrant broth and wide variety of fresh ingredients. You can cook fresh items like meat or vegetables in the steaming hot broth for a few minutes, then dip them in your choice of sauce to enjoy the rich, spicy and numbing flavors. If you can't handle the spicy flavor, try a yuan-yang hotpot with both spicy and mild broth. Hotpot restaurants are easy to find all over the city, and a meal usually costs around 70-90 RMB (9.82-12.63 USD) per person.

Chongqing Noodles

A bowl of Chongqing noodles

Besides hotpot, another must-try dish in Chongqing is the spicy and flavorful Chongqing noodles (Chongqing Xiaomian 重庆小面). The chewy noodles are mixed with a special sauce that smells fragrant and tastes both salty and savory. You can also try hot and sour rice noodles (Suanlafen 酸辣粉), which are smooth, springy, and have a perfect balance of sour and spicy flavors. A bowl of Chongqing noodles usually costs only 7-14 RMB (about 1-2 USD).

Street Foods

A bowl of iced Tangyuan in Chongqing

Chongqing is popular with food lovers for its tasty local snacks. You can try soft and silky tofu rice (Douhuafan 豆花饭) at Bayi Food Street near Jiefangbei, taste crispy fried dough twists (Mahua 麻花) in Ciqikou Ancient Town, or enjoy sweet and chewy rice balls (Tangyuan 汤圆) along the Mountain City Trail. Most of these snacks cost less than 10 RMB (1.4 USD).

Where to Stay

When visiting Chongqing, we recommend staying downtown for comfort and attentive service, and there are lots of 4 or 5 star hotels to choose from. If you're traveling during peak season, it's best to book in advance. Here are some recommended areas to stay in Chongqing.

Aerial view from a hotel in Yuzhong district

• Nan'an District: If you're looking for a quiet and relaxed environment, we recommend staying in Nan'an District. Many hotels here offer great views and easy access to transportation. It's an ideal area for evening walks in parks or along riverside paths, where you can easily experience the local lifestyle.
• Yuzhong District: Staying in Yuzhong District near Jiefangbei Square, you can experience Chongqing's bustling streets and vibrant city life. This is the heart of the city, with many key attractions nearby, but it's best to avoid the busy hours (5-7 p.m).
• Jiangbei District: Compared to Yuzhong District, Jiangbei District offers better value hotels and is less crowded, though it's a bit farther from major attractions. You can stay near Guanyinqiao, an area famous for its wide variety of local foods. It's easy to try authentic local hotpot and other snacks.

How Many Days to Spend

Chongqing has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to explore the city's attractions or combine your trip with nearby destinations, such as Chengdu or Zhangjiajie.

If you plan to visit the key sights in downtown Chongqing, it takes 2-3 days. If your schedule is not tight and want to explore the surrounding areas or take a Yangtze River cruise, we recommend a 4-5 day itinerary. Here's a 5-day sample itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Arrival & Night View

We recommend arriving in Chongqing during the daytime. After a short rest, head to Hongya Cave to see its sparkling night views, then hop on a night cruise to enjoy the river breeze and city views.

Day 2: City Exploration & Authentic Hotpot

Visit Eling Park to enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing, then head to Liziba Station to see the train passing through a building. After that, explore Chongqing's rich history at the Three Gorges Museum and end the day with a steaming hotpot dinner.

Day 3: Cute Pandas & Ciqikou Ancient Town

See the adorable pandas at Chongqing Zoo, then explore the lively streets of Ciqikou Ancient Town. For the rest of the day, you can leisurely stroll through the city.

Day 4 & 5: Wulong Karst Natural Tour & Departure

Come Wulong Karst Region and dive into the stunning karst landscapes at the Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gap and Furong Cave. After the tour, our private guide will take you to the airport or train station for your next journey.

Explore the Magic City with Us

Chongqing is a magic city filled with stunning night views, maze-like hills, and endless surprises. Our team knows exactly its best spots and hidden gems, and we can offer a customized itinerary to fit your travel style, including comfortable stays, a private car, an English-speaking guide and other personal services. Simply reach out through our contact page or email trip@odynovotours.com for a tailor-made tour.