Dubbed the ‘Mountain City’, Chongqing is a city in China famous for its unique topography, characterized by hilly terrain and the panoramic view of the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. This metropolis attracts tourists worldwide every year with its historical and urban charms.
Chongqing is an advanced and well-developed city with a one-of-a-kind, futuristic atmosphere, particularly in the Jiefangbei Central Business District. This ultra-dense downtown is filled with various shops, bars and restaurants, as well as international department stores, upscale designer boutiques, and even street food stalls.
Jiefangbei CBD also has an iconic pedestrian square surrounded by mega-malls and LED billboard screens that light up at night, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a ‘cyberpunk’ world.
The city's historical significance is evident in its ancient temples, traditional architecture, and wartime relics. To delve into the region’s past, visit the Three Gorges Museum and Ciqikou Ancient Town, a 1,000-year-old town with buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
As you explore Chongqing's bustling streets and markets, you’ll encounter a culinary adventure renowned for its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. The iconic hotpot experience, rooted in the city's gastronomic culture, is a must-try for foodies.
The buses in Chongqing are in good quality and shape, so they can provide a comfortable travel experience. The bus service operates on a reliable and uncomplicated schedule, although it may be crowded at times. Services generally conclude relatively early in the evening, around 9:00 PM. A fare of approximately 5 RMB is adequate for traveling between nearby city centers.
For travelers exploring Chongqing, a wealth of captivating destinations awaits. Some of the top destinations include the Jiefangbei CBD, which offers a bustling commercial hub for shopping or taking in unique sceneries, and the Chongqing Art Museum, famous for its striking architecture.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chongqing’s history and culture, a visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town is not to be missed, as this town is steeped in history and traditional architecture. Other top attractions include the Three Gorges Museum, Fengdu Ghost City, and Three Natural Bridges.
Take in the panoramic views of Chongqing at the iconic Hongyadong and experience modern luxury at Raffles City Chongqing. Venture into the ancient artistry of Dazu Rock Carvings and the subterranean beauty of Furong Cave. Discover the vibrant blend of tradition and modernity at Hongya Cave.
To relax after a long day, try the Chaotianmen Night Cruise and Yangtze River Cruise, which will provide relaxing after-hours experiences amidst the city lights.
The ideal duration for your stay in Chongqing depends on your interests, the purpose of your visit, and the activities you plan to engage in. Chongqing is a large city in southwest China with a rich cultural and historical background, as well as modern attractions.
Vacationing at least 3 days in Chongqing is enough to enjoy the various tourist attractions available. The first day, you can go on a nature tour at Dazu Carves, Three Gorges, or Simian Mountains.
The second day is the right time to tour historical places or museums, such as Fengdu Ghost City, Chongqing Art Gallery, Chongqing Natural History Museum, or Chongqing Baiheliang Underwater Museum.
On the third day, you can visit the downtown area. If you're a foodie, you might want to spend extra time exploring the local culinary scene. Additionally, Chongqing has a vibrant nightlife, and spending a few evenings experiencing the city after dark can be enjoyable.
Make sure to dive into the must-try Chongqing hot pot, a traditional delight that originated right here. But the food adventure doesn't stop there! Treat your taste buds to other delights like the flavorful bang bang chicken, the tantalizing boiled fish known as shui zhu yu, and the sweet tang yuan or glue pudding made from glutinous rice flour with luscious sesame fillings. Chongqing is a culinary sanctuary waiting to satisfy your taste buds!
To go to Chongqing, you can use a plane that flies to Chongqing Airport (CKG). From Chongqing Airport, to get to Chongqing city center, you can use a bus, taxi, or subway.
If you prefer driving, you can take a taxi to Chongqing. The road network is well-developed, but keep in mind that long-distance drives might take a considerable amount of time and a lot of money.
The fastest and most affordable way to get to downtown Chongqing from Chongqing Airport is by Chongqing Rail Transit subway line 10. To reach downtown Chongqing, it will take you around 35 minutes.
The best periods to visit Chongqing are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October), characterized by pleasant weather and suitable humidity levels. These seasons provide an ideal climate for enjoying the city's attractions.
Conversely, the summer in Chongqing is marked by intense heat and humidity, making it less favorable for comfortable exploration. Similarly, the winter season is characterized by chilly temperatures and dense fog, diminishing the visibility of the picturesque landscapes.
Therefore, for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience, planning a visit during the spring or autumn months is recommended, allowing travelers to make the most of Chongqing's appealing weather conditions and scenic beauty.
Explore Chongqing
Travel Tips for Chongqing