Top Things to do in Chongqing: Best Activities & Must-Sees

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By Tina

May 26, 2026

Top Things to do in Chongqing: Best Activities & Must-Sees

If you're looking for a truly unique Chinese city, Chongqing is calling your name. Less famous than Beijing or Shanghai but absolutely worth the journey, this sprawling mountainside megacity of 30 million has metro lines weaving through buildings and roads stacked on dizzying levels. Trip.com brings you the best things to do in Chongqing, from Hongya Cave and spicy hotpot to evening river cruises and UNESCO landscapes.

⭐ Top Things to Do in Chongqing

📅 What to Do in Chongqing Based on Your Stay

Planning a romantic getaway, a fun family adventure, or a trip with your mates? Here are our top recommendations for unmissable experiences, tailored to the length of your stay!

Duration

Couples' Adventures

Family adventures

Adventures with friends

1 day

Hongya Cave (11 Storeys) & a Captivating Yangtze-Jialing Night Cruise

Jiefangbei Shopping, plus an iconic Yangtze Cable Car ride, and a delightful visit to the zoo (hello, pandas!)

Tuck into delicious street food in Ciqikou + Marvel at the dazzling illuminated Hongya + Unwind at the lively bars on 9th Street

2-3 days

Two Rivers Cruise + Qin Ma Hotpot + Nanshan One Tree Sunset

Zoo, Happy Valley Theme Park, Cableway, and Ciqikou Alleys

Jiefangbei + Ciqikou + Nanbin Road + Liu Yi Shou Hotpot

4-5 days

Wulong Trip (3 Natural Bridges) + Nanshan Spa + Panoramic Dining

Wulong Three Bridges, a fantastic hike on Fairy Mountain, the captivating Three Gorges Museum, and the incredible Hanhai Polar Ocean Park

UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings + Wulong Karst + PLAYHOUSE clubs + Guanyinqiao Market

1 week

3-Day Yangtze Cruise, Full Chongqing Experience & Mount Emei (Temple)

Yangtze 3-day adventure + Fairy Mountain + Wulong + zoo + parks + shopping

Yangtze 3-Day Adventure + Wulong + Dazu + 9th Street Nightlife + Night Markets + Hotpot Cooking Class

🏮 Must-Visit Districts in Chongqing

Chongqing is a city of fascinating contrasts, with each district offering a wildly different vibe. From bustling shopping centres to charming, cobbled streets of yesteryear, here are the must-visit neighbourhoods to truly uncover the rich tapestry of this extraordinary city.

Hongya Cave (洪崖洞): A Fairy-Tale Wonderland

Your first essential stop in Chongqing has to be Hongya Cave! It's THE iconic building of the city, and you'll spot it in every single photo. This traditional architectural complex, perched on the cliffside, boasts eleven storeys of stilt houses in the region's typical Diaojiaolou style.

Picture this: red lanterns strung everywhere and intricately carved wooden balconies that make the whole place feel like it's sprung straight from a Japanese animation! (Seriously, many visitors can't help but spot a direct nod to Miyazaki's enchanting films!).

During the day, you'll love exploring the local craft shops and indulging in the incredible Sichuan specialities at the restaurants. But as the sun begins to set, that's when the real enchantment unfolds: from 7 PM, thousands of lights burst into life, illuminating each level and creating a breathtaking spectacle that dances and reflects in the Jialing River's waters below!

📍Top Tip: Entry is completely free, which also explains why it can get incredibly busy!

💡Trip.com's Insider Tip: To avoid the crowds (especially at weekends), we recommend arriving in the late afternoon and heading straight to the top floor by lift. For those postcard-perfect photos, make your way to Qiansimen Bridge or the Grand Theatre terrace – you'll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view, complete with its full reflection in the water.

Jiefangbei (解放碑): China's Times Square

Next up, set your sights on Jiefangbei, the vibrant heart of modern Chongqing! Everything here revolves around the Liberation Monument, an iconic tower erected in 1947, which today offers a striking contrast to the ultra-modern skyscrapers that now encircle it.

In the evening, the atmosphere shifts once more. The enormous LED screens adorning the facades light up, neon signs flash everywhere, and the bar terraces quickly fill up.

Ciqikou (磁器口): A Timeless Ancient Town

Get ready for a complete change of pace with Ciqikou, an ancient Ming town that has miraculously resisted the relentless march of urbanisation.

Its winding cobbled streets, timber-framed houses with curved roofs, and artisan shops immediately whisk you away to another era. This charming district earned its nickname, 'Porcelain Town', thanks to the countless workshops that have been crafting ceramics here for centuries.

In Ciqikou, you'll find plenty to explore, including:

  • Stall after stall, each brimming with hand-painted porcelains,
  • Traditional embroideries
  • Historic tea houses offering a welcome respite in an authentic setting.
  • And most importantly, keep an eye out for those famous Mahua (麻花), utterly delicious golden twisted doughnuts whose incredible aroma fills the entire neighbourhood!

📍Top Tip: Even with the undeniable crowds, this spot holds onto a genuine charm that even the locals still adore. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore fully at your own pace. Admission is free (but make sure to save some pennies for those delicious treats!).

Nanshan (南山): Lush City Escape

When the city centre's hustle and bustle starts to weigh you down, make a beeline for Nanshan! This charming residential district, nestled in the hills south of the Yangtze, offers a truly impressive contrast: lush greenery, fresher air, delightful cafes with shaded terraces, and a wonderfully relaxed vibe. You'll feel like you've stepped into a completely different city!

Nanshan's crowning glory is undoubtedly its One Tree Observation Deck (一棵树观景台), offering arguably the most spectacular views of Chongqing. From this incredible vantage point, you can take in the entire city, with its two majestic rivers winding gracefully between the towering buildings – and you'll finally understand why it's affectionately known as the Mountain City.

📍Trip.com's Top Tip: For all you keen walkers out there, Nanshan Forest Park is home to some wonderful marked trails, perfect for stretching those legs!

Best Hotels in Chongqing

5 star

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Chongqing Guanyinqiao

9.3/10Very Good10756 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|3.43km from city centre
The location is fantastic, making getting around super easy. Ziwei Road is right across the street, so grabbing a Heytea is incredibly convenient! In the evening, after a drink or two, it's just a two-minute walk back to the hotel. The room was clean, the bedding was soft and comfy against the skin, and the soundproofing was excellent – I slept soundly all night. The breakfast selection was quite diverse and totally exceeded my expectations; it felt like incredible value for money. Besides the usual Chinese and Western options, I highly recommend the freshly made noodles – they were delicious, and you can customize the spice level yourself. Overall, the experience was great. I'll definitely choose this place again next time I'm in Chongqing!
FromJPY 5,437

JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing

9.2/10Very Good5118 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|1.96km from city centre
This hotel was the best one we stayed at during our trip back to China. Angelina at the front desk was absolutely amazing! 👍👍 She was so attentive and patiently answered all our questions. She even upgraded our room when we asked. The hotel food was also super good, and the facilities were complete, clean, and beautiful. Overall, we were extremely satisfied. Even the staff outside the lobby were incredibly warm and funny. My husband, who was visiting Chongqing for the first time, absolutely loved this hotel. Plus, its location near Jiefangbei is fantastic. We'll definitely come back here on our next trip to China. Highly recommend! 👍👍👍👍👍👍
FromJPY 16,311

Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

9.6/10Excellent4037 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|3.56km from city centre
Location: Situated inside Chongqing's landmark 'Grand Sail' building, directly above Raffles City and with direct metro access. Within walking distance to Chaotianmen, Hongyadong, Jiefangbei, and the pier. There are three hotels in the 'Sail' building: InterContinental Raffles City, Hotel Indigo, and Ascott. Ascott is wholly owned by CapitaLand, the developer of Raffles City, so its quality is undoubtedly top-notch. Facilities: Positioned as a serviced apartment, the public areas are compact yet comfortable and practical. The lobby offers complimentary tea and fresh flowers. A significant portion of the public space is dedicated to guests. The gym is well-equipped with at least two treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, as well as a full set of resistance machines. There's also a yoga room with river views, comparable to a small commercial gym. It provides hot/cold water, sanitizing wipes, towels, and even headphones with sterilized covers. The swimming pool was closed during our two-day stay, so we hope to check it out next time. Below the hotel is Raffles City's urban garden, leading directly to a river-view platform – a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle. Room: We were fortunate to be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, so spacious it was astounding. It features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a bathtub in the master. It includes a washer and dryer, perfect for families. The kitchen is fully equipped with a built-in microwave, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and range hood. A complete set of dishes and cookware is provided. The facilities are excellently maintained; the microwave and oven looked almost unused. The room offers a pillow menu and abundant storage space. Due to its unique location, Ascott's rooms offer either unbeatable river views, stunning city views, or like ours, views of both. Service: Special thanks to Miss Genny at the front desk, who was incredibly patient during our check-in, attentively asked about our needs, and efficiently arranged our room. We arrived early, intending only to store our luggage, but to our surprise, we received our room key immediately. We are very grateful. All hotel staff were exceptionally proactive, friendly, and helpful – carrying luggage, greeting us upon sight, making us feel right at home. The staff member on the ground floor was also wonderful, assisting with getting in and out of cars/moving luggage and patiently giving directions. Overall, a very satisfying stay.
FromJPY 17,800

Hyatt Regency Chongqing Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding4088 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|2.45km from city centre
Stepping into the Grand Hyatt Chongqing again felt like time folding back into a familiar embrace. The warm glow of the lobby was like the gaze of an old friend, gently welcoming my travel-weary self. Ryan at the front desk smiled as warmly as ever, Tiffany's greeting was still as gentle, and Bella's eyes held that knowing spark – they are my compass in this city, a direction I can find without a map. Goldberg at the Club Lounge had already prepared a delightful surprise. Birthday balloons floated gently, like clouds in a dream. The guest room door slowly opened to warm yellow light, a neatly arranged birthday cake, and a handwritten card – every detail whispered: 'Welcome home.' I didn't need candles on a cake because the warmth and thoughtfulness from these people were light enough. Thank you for weaving an ordinary birthday into a shining chapter of memories with your professionalism and kindness. Grand Hyatt Chongqing isn't just a hotel; it's my second home in this city. And I've never really left.
FromJPY 11,607

Hilton Chongqing

9.2/10Very Good3057 Reviews
People's Square Area Chongqing|0.88km from city centre
We had a wonderful stay at Hilton Chongqing. The breakfast spread was great to start the day. But the real highlight was China Moon, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. We ended up having all our dinners there during the stay, the food was simply amazing. Every dish was flavorful, well-prepared and consistently impressive. It’s rare to find a hotel restaurant you want to return to night after night but China Moon made it easy.
FromJPY 9,077

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Business travel

Rezen Select Chongqing Jiefangbei

9.5/10Outstanding5828 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.64km from city centre
The hotel is only a three-minute walk from the subway station, which is incredibly convenient. The service is warm and friendly, and the front desk is located on the first floor. The rooms are clean, hygienic, and well soundproofed. The price is excellent and offers fantastic value for money. The facilities are comprehensive, and the location is superb, with both Hongyadong and Jiefangbei attractions nearby. I highly recommend staying here.
FromJPY 4,444

Chongqing YaQi Hotel（Jiefang Tablet shop）

9.2/10Very Good1524 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|1.46km from city centre
Highly recommended for self-driving travelers! The parking lot is spacious, so you won't have any worries about parking. The rooms are large enough to accommodate multiple suitcases with plenty of space. The hygiene is consistently excellent, with thorough daily cleaning. There's ample hot water, which is perfect for a relaxing shower after a long drive. The service is friendly, and it offers great value for money.
FromJPY 4,822

The Move River View Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongyadong)

9.5/10Outstanding16731 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.82km from city centre
The location is convenient. It's only a one to two hundred meter walk downstairs to Jiefangbei, which is very handy. It's also close to shopping malls like Times Square. It's a lively area. The room itself is quite clean, and the facilities are pretty comprehensive.
FromJPY 4,657

Mercure Hotel Chongqing Jiefangbei

9.5/10Outstanding10173 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.64km from city centre
This hotel is located right across from Bayi Square and is also close to the subway. Stepping out, you're on Bayi Road Food Street, where you can find all sorts of local specialty snacks. The staff were very warm and attentive. When we arrived, they immediately offered us refreshing lemon and plum juice from the hotel's self-service, which was incredibly crisp and tasty. Housekeeping was prompt; they even helped us with laundry while we were out exploring. Food delivery riders can bring orders directly to your room. Honestly, if it's not too hot, a short walk will get you to a ton of great food options. You can easily walk to Jiefangbei and Hongyadong from here, and to get to Liziba, you can take Line 2. Across the street from the hotel, you get a great mountain view, and you can even spot the Golden Eagle. I highly recommend this place for anyone who loves food and exploring!
FromJPY 7,919

Sheraton Chongqing Hotel

9.1/10Good5614 Reviews
Nanbin Road Chongqing|4.06km from city centre
My absolute favorite, old-money style! On my first trip to Chongqing, I specifically chose this Sheraton. As soon as I got into the Ferrari in Chongqing, the driver proudly started talking about how luxurious the Chongqing Sheraton was, how rich the owner was, and how expensive the rooms were. Nearing the hotel, I could see two large golden towers from afar – the Sheraton literally blinds you in the midday sun [facepalm emoji]. The hotel's overall style is European, very grand, and the rooms are well-maintained. The view of the Chongqing river is absolutely stunning. The front desk service is definitely international five-star standard. The three women with glasses were all very enthusiastic. They arranged for our two rooms to be on the same floor and even recommended some must-visit attractions in Chongqing. I just remembered to give it a five-star review and a shout-out today while going through my travel photos from this trip.
FromJPY 8,605

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Family friendly

Glenvie ITC PLAZA Chongqing

9.4/10Outstanding5094 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.28km from city centre
A very comfortable experience. My friend and I came to Chongqing for a trip, and after washing our clothes at the hotel, they weren't drying well hanging in the wardrobe. When the hotel staff cleaned the room, they noticed this and brought a drying rack for me, hanging it by the window and even opening the window a bit for ventilation. They also left a small note explaining everything, a special thanks to Aunt Shi. Also, when we called reception for bottled water, fresh towels, slippers, etc., they were delivered very quickly; the service was excellent. The view from the room window was also great, and the front desk staff were very friendly and helpful, always smiling and patiently answering our questions. Chongqing was a lot of fun, and we'll definitely come back if we get the chance (though it was too hot in the mornings).
FromJPY 8,463

Asiam International Hotel in Hongyadong,Jiefangbei,Chongqing

9.6/10Excellent6903 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.83km from city centre
I thoroughly enjoyed staying at this property.  Everyone was so nice and kind.  The service was top- notch.  The amenities were plenty and easy accessible.   A few extras that made everything worth it were the full- sized refrigerator, with freezer, the washing machine (for which they provided soap as well), dish washer, stove top, towel drier ( in the washroom) and full sized closet.  The view was so beautiful and calming as well.   Everything about this room was just so nice and exactly what I needed.     I didn’t realize how perfect the location was in relation to almost everything that I wanted to see.   When I figured that out, I just got up every day and walked to everything that I needed or wanted to see.   It was extremely close to a lot of restaurants, malls, local shops and smaller attractions.  I was less than a 10 -15 minute walk to Raffles City Shopping Center where there is a 5 story mall, Movie theatre, roof top attraction with the swing,  SKY WALK and also the river front park with amazing views.  Same distance for Hongyadong, the viewing platform, the Qiansemen Bridge- if you wanted to walk across the bridge at night- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!  There is so much to see and experience between the hotel and these attractions.  Your days will be filled with fun and adventure.    If ever I have the opportunity to come back to the city, I will very excited to repeat this experience.  
FromJPY 12,009

Kempinski Hotel Chongqing

9.1/10Good4405 Reviews
Nanping Chongqing|3.26km from city centre
I've been to Chongqing many times, but this was my first stay at a Kempinski. I'd seen on Trip.com that the hotel opened in 2012, so I assumed the facilities and decor might be a bit outdated. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that despite being open for 14 years, this Kempinski is still exceptionally well-maintained. The original construction materials and furnishings were clearly high-quality, luxury items, so overall, aside from the slightly older design and decor style, everything else was unexpectedly good. This includes the dining options – whether it was Elements Western Restaurant, the Beer Bar, or the Executive Lounge, the food quality was impressive. The desserts and bread, in particular, truly showcased the essence of German culinary excellence. Of course, as a boutique hotel under the GHA DISCOVERY alliance, what truly impressed me most was the service. From the welcoming attitude of the staff to the efficiency of the management team in resolving issues, it truly lives up to Kempinski's reputation as a European hotel aristocrat. Special thanks to the hotel management and operations teams for their meticulous care and excellent service during my stay. Employees like Wilson, the Director of Rooms, Paul, the Guest Services Manager, and Lucy, the Executive Lounge intern, all deserve special recognition!
FromJPY 8,628

Meishu Tianqing High Altitude View Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongya Cave)

9.3/10Very Good2050 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.53km from city centre
After a long and difficult search for a hotel, I stumbled upon this place upon arriving at Jiefangbei that evening, and it perfectly rounded off my entire trip! The location is superb, right next to Jiefangbei, and just a ten-minute walk to Hongyadong. Downstairs, there are countless supermarkets and eateries. Local specialties like 'Bandeng Noodles,' 'Ghost Buns,' and 'Old Chongqing Hotpot' are everywhere, making dining and getting around incredibly convenient. The hotel service is thoughtful and attentive, the rooms are clean and fresh, and they even have a fridge, which is a real lifesaver for cooling down in the summer. I genuinely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Chongqing – it's definitely a hidden gem!
FromJPY 3,782

River & Holiday Hotel ChongQing

9.5/10Outstanding4400 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|3.19km from city centre
Had a fantastic stay with my kids! The hotel environment was quiet and comfortable, and the room was spacious and not cramped at all. The cleanliness was impeccable. The front desk staff provided excellent service. Being able to step right out and explore Guanyin Bridge for all our shopping, dining, and entertainment needs was incredibly convenient. Our whole family felt comfortable and at ease. Highly recommend for family trips!
FromJPY 7,825

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🎯 Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Chongqing

Once you've explored Chongqing's iconic districts, it's time to embrace some well-deserved free time! Here's our hand-picked selection of the very best activities and sights to discover in Chongqing:

The Yangtze River Cableway: Soar Above the City

How about soaring above the Yangtze to admire Chongqing from above? To do that, make your way to the Chongqing Cableway, one of the rare urban cableways spanning such a wide river! This iconic attraction connects the two banks in just 4-5 minutes of breathtaking crossing.

Your essential guide:

  • Its length: a remarkable 1,166 metres, soaring high above the river.
  • Height: A spectacular 30 to 60 metres, all depending on the water level.
  • The cabins: each one can welcome up to 45 fellow adventurers!
  • The price: just £3.23 for a one-way ticket!
  • Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM, seven days a week

From the glass cabins, the panoramic views of the river, the boats, and the urban skyline are, you'll soon discover, truly breathtaking! It's also an authentic local way to get around, used daily by the locals.

During peak hours (8-9 am and 5-7 pm), you could be waiting for up to an hour! For a truly delightful and smoother experience, we highly recommend visiting mid-morning or late afternoon instead.

Book your ticket now!

The Night Cruise: A Dazzling Waterfront View

Fancy discovering Chongqing from its rivers? Hop aboard for a unique night cruise! This magical experience lets you marvel at the illuminated skyline from the water, offering a unique perspective on its vertical architecture.

On a 1 to 1.5-hour journey, you'll cruise right into the heart of the confluence between the Yangtze (with its brown waters) and the Jialing (with its green waters) – a truly fascinating natural phenomenon! Watch as the skyscrapers shimmer in the water, while Hongya Cave gradually comes to life with its enchanting lights.

And the price? You can set sail from as little as £12.67.

📍Our top tip is the evening cruise (departing between 7 PM and 8 PM) to soak in the sunset, followed by the dazzling light show. You'll even find some cruises that offer hotpot dinners and live performances on board!

Book your dream cruise now!

Chongqing Zoo: A Panda Lover's Dream

Calling all animal lovers! You simply can't miss the renowned Chongqing Zoo. This modern sanctuary is home to over 20 magnificent giant pandas, giving you the incredible opportunity to observe them up close in their spacious enclosures. It proudly hosts one of China's largest panda populations, second only to Chengdu!

Beyond the usual fluffy favourites, discover alpacas, giraffes, tigers, and hundreds of other incredible species. Little ones will adore the interactive section where they can even feed some of the animals! And the best part? Admission starts from just £2.10!

📍Allow approximately 3-4 hours for your visit. You can easily reach the zoo via Metro Line 1; simply hop off at Zoo station. The zoo welcomes visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM. Top tip: aim to arrive early (between 9 AM and 10 AM) to catch the pandas at their most playful!

Chongqing Zoo tickets

Fairy Mountain: Your Perfect Mountain Hike

For a glorious breath of fresh air, make your way to Fairy Mountain! This magnificent 330,000-acre forest park boasts spectacular alpine landscapes, lush green meadows, and an incredible array of biodiversity.

Once you're there, here's what you can get up to:

  • Hiking adventures through the dense forest
  • Birdwatching and Wildlife Wonders
  • Horse riding in the prairies
  • Winter ice skating
  • Exploring Tujia ethnic villages
  • A glass observation platform with a truly dizzying, awe-inspiring view.

The price: £18.79

📍Good to know: The park is located over 100 km from the city centre, so you're looking at about a 3-hour drive. But don't worry, day excursions with transport are readily available to whisk you away!

Book your excursion today!

Dazu Rock Carvings: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dazu Rock Carvings

Finally, for a truly immersive experience in Buddhist art, set your sights on the Dazu Rock Carvings, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site! This exceptional location proudly showcases over 50,000 intricate sculptures, all dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries.

The Baodingshan Caves are truly breathtaking, with their monumental scenes carved directly into the cliff face. Visitors are utterly captivated by the exquisite detail and rich iconography. They stand as a unique testament to the fascinating fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian art.

The entrance fee is just £10.20. These captivating sculptures are located approximately 75 km away, a scenic 2-hour drive. We suggest setting aside a wonderful half-day for this adventure, and a guide is highly recommended to truly enrich your visit.

Explore the Dazu Rock Carvings Now!

🍜 What to Eat in Chongqing: A Foodie's Guide

You simply can't visit Chongqing without diving headfirst into its iconic dish! This city proudly wears the crown as the world's hotpot capital, a truly fiery and social feast that brings families and friends together around a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness.

Unmissable specialities:

  • Chongqing Hotpot (重庆火锅) — China's spiciest, packed with fiery chillies and aromatic Sichuan pepper!
  • Xiaomian (小面) — Spicy local noodles, a traditional breakfast favourite
  • Maoxuewang (毛血旺) — A fiery, ultra-spicy stew brimming with blood, tofu, and vegetables.
  • Chuan Chuan (串串) — Skewers, perfectly dunked in a spicy, flavourful broth
  • Suanla Fen (酸辣粉) — Addictive Sour and Spicy Noodles
  • Mahua (麻花) — Ciqikou's Irresistible Crispy Twisted Doughnuts

Chongqing Street Food: The Must-Try Delights!

Are you a fellow street food enthusiast? Then you'll love these recommendations from Trip.com!

First up, Xiaomian (£0.9-£1.8) are the locals' go-to breakfast: noodles in a spicy broth with peanuts and spring onions. Then, why not explore the markets of Bayi Road or Hongya Cave Food Street, where dozens of tempting stalls are just waiting to be discovered?

Another absolute must-try is Chuan Chuan! These delightful skewers are dipped into a bubbling, spicy broth and then enjoyed standing up. You'll typically pay by the number of skewers you've devoured (expect to pay around £0.20-£0.50 per stick). Don't forget to sample Suanla Fen and Mahua too! Here's a golden rule for any food adventurer: if the locals are queuing, dive right in – you won't regret it!

🚇 Getting Around Chongqing: Your Transport Guide

Chongqing Metro

The metro boasts 12 lines, covering all the city's incredible attractions. But here's a truly unique feature: Liziba Station (Line 2) sees the train literally passing *through* a 19-storey building! It's a spectacle that's gone viral across social media.

📍Good to know:

  • Price: From a mere £0.30 to £1, depending on the distance you travel.
  • Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Payment options: Prepaid card, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay
  • Top stations to explore: Jiefangbei (Line 2), Ciqikou (Line 1), Hongyadong (Line 1)

Buses and taxis

The tourist buses (T002, T003, T005) effortlessly connect all the popular sites, including Ciqikou, Jiefangbei, and Hongya Cave. Fares are incredibly affordable, ranging from just £0.15 to £0.30!

You'll be pleased to know that taxis are super affordable here! Expect to pay around £8 for a ride from the airport to the city centre. Make sure to hop into one of the official green or yellow taxis, or simply use the Didi app (it's like the Chinese Uber).

💡 Top Tip: Download the Chongqing Metro app to check the real-time map!

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Chongqing

Chongqing is a fantastic destination to explore all year round, but each season truly offers a different experience. The city is famously nicknamed 'one of China's three furnaces' – and you'll soon discover why during its notoriously scorching summers!

Blooming Season 🌸

Weather Forecast 🌤️

Heads up! 🗒️

Spring (March-May)

15-25°C

Lovely, with a touch of mist.

Summer (June-August)

30-40°C

It gets incredibly hot, and the high humidity can make it quite a challenge to handle.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

18-28°C

It's the perfect time!

Winter (Dec-Feb)

5-12°C

Fewer tourists, but plenty of atmospheric fog.

💡 Trip.com's top tip: September, October, and November are absolutely ideal! You'll enjoy perfect weather (18-25°C) and glorious clear skies. Just a friendly heads-up, try to avoid July and August, as temperatures can easily soar past 40°C!

🚌 Day Trips from Chongqing

Spending a few days in Chongqing and keen to discover what lies beyond? You'll be thrilled to know the wider region is absolutely brimming with exceptional natural wonders and cultural treasures. From Chongqing, Trip.com especially recommends:

Wulong Karst - Three Natural Bridges

  • Journey time: A pleasant 2.5 to 3 hours (180 km south-east)
  • Transport: Hop aboard a sightseeing bus or embark on an organised tour!
  • Must-sees: Three magnificent arches (Tianlong, Qinglong, Heilong), and the breathtaking Longshuixia Gorge

Dazu Rock Carvings

  • Journey time: 2 hours (90 km west)
  • Transport: Bus or guided tour
  • Price: Just £10.20 for entry.
  • Unmissable: 50,000 UNESCO sculptures, the Baodingshan Grottoes, and captivating 9th-13th century art.

Fengdu Ghost City

  • Journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours (170 km north-east)
  • Transport: Ferry or bus
  • Price: £5-7
  • Must-sees: Temple of the Beyond, intriguing Chinese hell legends, breathtaking Yangtze views, Kui Gate

Chongqing is calling, ready to captivate you with its utterly unique atmosphere! With its spectacular urban landscapes, fiery, spicy cuisine, and wonderfully preserved authenticity, this mountainous city truly stands apart from any other in China.

Start planning your incredible adventure on Trip.com now to unlock the best offers!

Happy travels to Chongqing! 🌶️✨

❓ FAQ — What to Do in Chongqing

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Chongqing Metro: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide
Don't know how to take the Chongqing Metro? I'll tell you all the details: Chongqing Metro map, operating hours, fares, payment methods, and a step-by-step guide for first-time riders!
August 15, 2026
Where to Stay in Chongqing: Best Areas, Hotels & Attractions
Where to Stay in Chongqing? Find the best districts like Jiefangbei, Guanyinqiao, or Hongyadong and book affordable accommodations for your trip.
August 16, 2026
How to Get from Chongqing Airport to city center
Find the best ways from Chongqing Airport to city. Compare the metro, airport bus, taxis, private transfers & car hire. Get tips for the fastest & cheapest ways.
August 15, 2026
Best China eSIM (with VPN) from £0.44
Find the best China eSIM plans, compare providers, learn how eSIM works, where to buy, setup steps, traveller reviews, FAQs, and tips for using eSIM in China.
August 15, 2026
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