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 Yubei

9.3/10Very Good10959 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|3.43km from city centre
The front desk service was excellent; the staff, all dressed in suits and white shirts, were incredibly polite. Even the cleaning staff would politely greet you, which made for a very comfortable experience. The breakfast was also very generous. Laundry and drying facilities were always available without any wait, which was a nice touch. The building itself is grand, with high floors offering great views, especially pleasant at night. The soundproofing is excellent too; the heavy doors and soundproof strips mean you can't hear any noise from next door. They also provide a complimentary large fruit platter, a free minibar, and many free beverages. I particularly liked that the bed area, a more private space, isn't visible immediately upon entering the room – a very well-thought-out design. 👍👍👍 Hygiene: The cleanliness was exceptional. I checked several nooks and crannies, and there was no dust, which was very impressive. Environment: The environment was also fantastic. The hallways felt private and quiet. The high floor offered expansive views and good natural light, which was a big plus. Facilities: The lobby manager mentioned that the hotel was only renovated this year, and staying in a new hotel and new rooms was very comfortable. The overall quality is definitely top-notch. 👍👍👍
FromKRW 52,065

Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

9.6/10Excellent4025 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|3.56km from city centre
My stay at Ascott Raffles City Chongqing was fantastic. The hotel's location is superb, right in the heart of Raffles City commercial center, with endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Getting around was incredibly convenient. The room itself was exceptionally spacious and bright, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Chongqing from every window. It was fully equipped with amenities like a kitchen and laundry facilities, making for a very comfortable stay – perfect for families or business travelers. A special shout-out to the hotel staff for their warm and attentive service; they were always quick to assist with everything from check-in to daily needs, which was incredibly comforting. Both the facilities and service quality were truly impressive. I'll definitely choose to stay here again on my next trip to Chongqing.
FromKRW 172,352

Hyatt Regency Chongqing Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding4082 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|2.45km from city centre
The facilities are a bit old, but generally well-maintained. I stayed on the 26th floor and the room had a damp smell, which wasn't great. The windows felt like they weren't there at all; they provided no soundproofing. The showerhead was leaking and needs to be replaced. The elevators in the public areas felt like they had no AC, were very hot at noon, and were slow. Hygienics: Meets Hyatt standards. Environment: Meets Hyatt standards. Service: So-so. After 10 PM, there was no answer when calling room service. Location: Good, quiet yet central. There are many shopping areas nearby, making it very convenient for dining and shopping. Other: The executive lounge's food was average with no live cooking stations. The pool has a hot tub and dry sauna, but the water quality was mediocre. Overall, everything is quite old.
FromKRW 110,189

Hilton Chongqing

9.2/10Very Good3096 Reviews
People's Square Area Chongqing|0.88km from city centre
Good value stay. Room is super comfortable and quiet. Executive lounge is relatively small but has a good variety of food and drinks. Breakfast is huge but area can get packed on holidays so you don’t want to seat too near the food. Location is not exactly center of the city, but close enough on a quieter, niecer neighborhood. Would stay again.
FromKRW 86,176

Sheraton Chongqing Hotel

9.1/10Good5725 Reviews
Nanbin Road Chongqing|4.06km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right on Nanbin Road. It's super convenient to get to attractions in Yuzhong District, but without the noise you'd find around Jiefangbei, making it perfect for a restful stay. We were upgraded to an executive floor river view room, and they even provided a baby crib. The room was spacious, ideal for families traveling with children. Room amenities were complete. Even though it's an older hotel, the cleanliness and facilities are still up to par – it feels classic, not run-down. It would be even better if the front desk and concierge staff could improve their service attitude and show more initiative. Overall, I recommend staying here.
FromKRW 96,050

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Business travel

Rezen Select Chongqing Jiefangbei

9.5/10Outstanding5816 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.64km from city centre
The location is absolutely fantastic! You step out right onto Jiefangbei, making it super convenient for food and shopping. The room was spacious, clean, and tidy, offering great value for money. My friends and I booked a four-person suite, and it was quite large, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. The service was also excellent, very responsive and enthusiastic to our needs. The only minor drawback is the lack of a dedicated lobby; several hotels share one on the ground floor. However, for tourists, there's hardly any need to relax in the lobby, so it didn't really affect our stay.
FromKRW 41,966

Chongqing YaQi Hotel（Jiefang Tablet shop）

9.2/10Very Good1339 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|1.46km from city centre
An excellent stay overall! The room was spotless, the internet was fast and reliable, and the service was incredibly responsive. It's conveniently located with easy access to transportation, yet still quiet and peaceful – perfect for business travelers. The environment was cozy and comfortable, and the cleaning was meticulous with no unpleasant odors. The staff were thoughtful and attentive, and the location is great for exploring and dining. Highly recommend, I'm extremely satisfied!
FromKRW 35,233

The Move River View Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongyadong)

9.6/10Excellent16530 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.82km from city centre
The hotel was fairly clean. The staff no. 70 helped me with my luggage after I changed rooms the next day, which was convenient. One of the drawback was the limited number of lights, which made us difficult to go to the tiolet at night as the room was too dark. Another problem was that we have to dress up outside the bathroom as there was no room to take the underwear inside the bathroom. Anyway, I give 5 stars as the front desk staff is friendly and helpful.
FromKRW 39,946

Mercure Hotel Chongqing Jiefangbei

9.4/10Outstanding9915 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.64km from city centre
Located right above Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and about a 10 minute walk from Hongya Cave this hotel is in a prime location 💯. The buffet breakfast has so much great food to pick from and just outside the hotel is even more great food options, you can’t go hungry 🤤. The room + shower was clean and stocked and the aircon worked well. There was a gym on the 3rd floor (idk if it’s always like this but; when you exit the elevator to go to the gym you might feel like you’re in the wrong place because there’s no lights on but if you just walk to the end of the hallway and turn left, the gym is behind a glass sliding door) it was quite dark on that floor, I had to use my phone torch to see in the hallway lol. But there’s light switches in the gym so don’t worry, you don’t have to work out in the dark. The staff are friendly and check-in and check-out is a smooth process. Overall I have a great time and would stay here again ☺️
FromKRW 86,400

Niccolo Chongqing

9.6/10Excellent11076 Reviews
Jiangbeizui/Beibin Road Chongqing|2.53km from city centre
Traveling with my daughter after her college entrance exams, I intuitively picked this hotel from a list recommended by a friend, despite its tongue-twisting name which I still can't remember after three days. We arrived a little after 11 AM, and the front desk mentioned our booked room wasn't ready but offered an immediate upgrade. We took it and got an Executive River View Twin Room on the 59th floor. The river view was stunning, and the room itself was clean, bright, and comfortable – perfect for younger guests! After three days, here are the highlights: 1. **Impeccable Service:** The service was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. Every time we returned, our room was spotless and tidied. The bath mat and slippers were always neatly placed in a convenient spot, and each night, a thoughtful touch like a face mask or a steam eye mask was left on the bedside table. The complimentary in-room snacks were also delicious. 2. **Exquisite Breakfast:** The breakfast was both refined and tasty. The restaurant is on the 62nd floor. At first glance, the food selection seemed average, but upon closer inspection, I realized that despite the compact space, the breakfast spread was surprisingly comprehensive. The refrigerated display offered beautiful and healthy options like salads in glass jars and a variety of flavored yogurts. 3. **Prime Location:** The location is superb, with the two rivers practically at your doorstep. Downstairs, there's a high-end commercial district, and both Jiefangbei and Hongyadong are within easy walking distance. **Minor Drawback:** The high floor and fast elevators might be uncomfortable for guests over 60 years old.
FromKRW 280,745

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Family friendly

Glenvie ITC PLAZA Chongqing

9.4/10Outstanding5147 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.28km from city centre
We had a truly memorable stay at this hotel. Everything was top-notch and incredibly complete; from the quality of the amenities to the comfort of the room, no detail was overlooked. The absolute highlight has to be the view—it is stunningly beautiful, and you never get tired of looking at it from sunrise to sunset. A huge thank you to the entire team for their warm welcome and helpfulness. A special shout-out to Lucy, whose precious assistance, kindness, and professionalism made our stay even more special. We would come back in a heartbeat!
FromKRW 83,259

Asiam International Hotel in Hongyadong,Jiefangbei,Chongqing

9.5/10Outstanding6686 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.  
FromKRW 99,192

Kempinski Hotel Chongqing

9.2/10Very Good4455 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!
FromKRW 74,506

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

9.3/10Very Good2097 Reviews
Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong Chongqing|2.53km from city centre
This hotel is located right in the city center, surrounded by large shopping malls. Downstairs, you'll find popular attractions like Jiefangbei and Shibati, along with food streets and a convenient metro station. I'll definitely recommend it to my friends and family for their next visit.
FromKRW 44,883

River & Holiday Hotel ChongQing

9.5/10Outstanding4617 Reviews
Jiangbei Area Chongqing|3.19km from city centre
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Practical for a business stopover, but genuinely inconvenient for female guests. Let me break down the pros and cons: I was in Chongqing for a business trip this week, and after finishing work, I stayed an extra day to explore. I switched to this hotel, and overall, the value for money was decent. Here's my actual experience: 【Pros】 The location is incredibly convenient! It's just a few minutes' walk to the interchange station for Metro Lines 3 and 6. Whether you're rushing for work or exploring on the weekend, it's never out of the way, saving a lot of time. Although the decor is a bit older, the king-size room is genuinely spacious. It felt comfortable and roomy, making it a good value for a business stopover. 【Cons】 The common issues of older buildings are quite apparent. The air conditioning noise is really loud, which could easily disturb light sleepers. It's really not friendly for women: there's no vanity table in the room at all, and the bathroom lighting is incredibly dim. It's impossible to see clearly when putting on makeup before heading out, and picking out clothes and matching colors is pure guesswork, which is quite a hassle. When I checked in, I found small bugs in the room, which was a bit off-putting. If you're just looking for a simple one-night stopover and don't have high expectations for accommodation, its prime location definitely makes it an option. However, for solo female travelers or those with high standards for sleep and details, I'd recommend looking at other options.
FromKRW 67,325

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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!
February 7, 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.
January 22, 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.
January 22, 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.
May 22, 2026
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