Tours
Chongqing offers a rich variety of tours — from exploring the futuristic Mountain City skyline and ancient riverside architecture, to epic Yangtze River cruises through the legendary Three Gorges and day trips to UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings or dramatic Wulong karst landscapes.
Cover two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Wulong Karst Earth Crack and the thousand-year-old Dazu cliff sculptures — with a Hongya Cave stilted tower night tour, Two Rivers cruise, Yangtze River cableway crossing, and private transfers throughout, staying at SUNYATA Resort and Regal Hotel.
Facts
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) |
| Country Code | +86 |
| Nearest Airport | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) |
| Best Time to Visit | March–May & September–November |
| UNESCO Status | Dazu Rock Carvings — UNESCO World Heritage Site (1999) |
| Famous For | Spicy hot pot, Yangtze River cruises, Mountain City terrain, Three Gorges |
Attractions
Known as the "Mountain City" (山城) and China's only municipality in the west, Chongqing blends futuristic 3D urban drama with ancient Bayu culture. Its sights range from glittering riverside stilt-house complexes and bustling CBD streets to UNESCO-listed rock carvings and spectacular karst wilderness.
Hongya Cave (洪崖洞)
A breathtaking 11-storey stilted-house complex built along a cliff beside the Jialing River, Hongya Cave has over 2,300 years of history and inspired scenes in the animated film "Spirited Away." Its four cultural streets offer Bayu folk crafts, riverside bars, hotpot restaurants, and a dazzling light display from 18:00 each evening that makes it the most photographed sight in Chongqing.
Jiefangbei CBD (解放碑商圈)
The beating heart of Chongqing, centred on the People's Liberation Monument, is ringed by sky-high shopping malls and pedestrian streets. Bayi Food Street lies steps away, offering Dan Dan noodles and hot-and-sour rice noodles. By night, the illuminated skyline and buzzing street life make Jiefangbei a highlight of any city stay.
Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)
Once a thriving Ming-dynasty trading port, Ciqikou's cobbled lanes and timber-framed buildings preserve Chongqing's old soul. Stroll into traditional teahouses for live Sichuan Opera performances, browse Shu embroidery shops, and taste the town's famous Chen's fried dough twist and sticky rice cakes. Best visited in the early morning before tour groups arrive.
Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the Dazu Rock Carvings spread across more than 70 sites about 167 km from downtown, housing 50,000 intricate Buddhist sculptures carved during the Tang and Song dynasties. Beishan and Baodingshan are the most impressive, their vivid painted reliefs rivalling the Mogao Caves. Hire a local guide to decode the rich iconography.
Wulong Karst National Geology Park (武隆喀斯特)
A wonderland of natural stone bridges, vast caverns, and giant sinkholes roughly 170 km from the city, Wulong became globally famous as a filming location for Transformers 4. The Three Natural Bridges — the world's largest natural bridge cluster — each span over 200 m. Furong Cave dazzles with kaleidoscopic stalactites, and the outdoor spectacle "Impression Wulong" is unmissable after dark.
Top 10 Things to Do
Walk the pedestrian streets centred on the Liberation Monument, browse high-end malls, and end at Bayi Food Street for Dan Dan noodles and hot-and-sour rice noodles. The area truly comes alive after dark with dazzling lights.
Arrive at Hongya Cave just before 18:00 when the lights switch on. The 11-storey stilted complex cascading down the riverside cliff is one of China's most dramatic illuminated spectacles — free to enter and photograph.
Board a two-hour cruise from Chaotianmen Dock to glide along the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You'll pass the glittering Hongya Cave, illuminated bridges, and the entire city skyline — an experience locals say is the only way to truly know Chongqing.
The iconic 1,166 m cable car ride across the Yangtze delivers a bird's-eye view of the Mountain City's dramatic topography in just four minutes. A city symbol since the 1980s, it is especially spectacular at dusk when the twin rivers turn golden.
Chongqing is the birthplace of Chinese hot pot. Choose a restaurant on any street — look for Liu Yi Shou or E Zhang Men for famous brands. Opt for a split pot (half spicy, half clear) if you can't handle serious Sichuan heat.
Head to Ciqikou early (before 9:00) to beat the crowds and sip morning tea in a traditional teahouse. Pick up handmade Shu embroidery or Chen's fried dough twist as souvenirs, and catch a spontaneous Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.
Embark on a 3–4 day luxury downstream cruise from Chaotianmen Dock to Yichang, passing the legendary Three Gorges, Fengdu Ghost City, and the Three Gorges Dam. Book well in advance during peak May and October holidays.
Take a day trip 167 km from downtown to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 50,000 Tang and Song dynasty Buddhist sculptures are carved into the hillside. Hire a local guide at the gate — the symbolism is intricate and deeply rewarding to understand.
Spend a full day at Wulong, 170 km from the city, to walk across the Three Natural Bridges — Asia's largest natural bridge cluster — and descend into kaleidoscopic Furong Cave. Stay overnight to catch the outdoor spectacular "Impression Wulong" at dusk.
At Liziba Station on Metro Line 2, trains pass directly through the 6th to 8th floors of a residential tower — one of the world's most surreal urban engineering feats. Arrive at platform level to watch and photograph trains threading through the building.
Transportation
Chongqing is a major transportation hub of southwestern China, connected by air, high-speed rail, long-distance bus, Yangtze River cruise ship, and an extensive metro network. Its complex mountain topography makes the multi-layered metro and elevated light rail especially distinctive to navigate.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) lies 21 km north of downtown and serves 300 cities globally, including direct flights to Tokyo, Bangkok, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sydney. Reach the city centre via Metro Line 3 or 10, or airport shuttle buses.
Chongqing has four main stations: North, West, East, and Caiyuanba. High-speed trains connect to Chengdu (1 hr), Xi'an (3.5 hrs), Wuhan (4 hrs), and Guangzhou (7 hrs). Around 140 scheduled trains depart daily. Book tickets early during Golden Week holidays.
Seven expressways link Chongqing to surrounding cities and provinces. Key long-distance bus stations include Chongqing Bus Station (Caiyuanba), North Bus Station (Yubei), and Shapingba Bus Station. Coaches serve regional destinations not covered by rail.
Chaotianmen Dock is the main departure point for Yangtze River cruises heading downstream to Yichang (30–49 hrs) through the spectacular Three Gorges. Several luxury cruise lines depart here for 3–5 day journeys past Shibaozhai, Fengdu Ghost City, and the Three Gorges Dam.
Chongqing's metro has 10+ operating lines connecting airports, train stations, docks, and major attractions. City buses cover 660+ routes (¥1–3.5). DiDi ride-hailing is the easiest taxi option. The famous Yangtze River Cableway offers a unique scenic crossing.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home licence is required; a Chinese driving licence translation is also recommended. Shenzhou Rental (神州租车) and eHi are reliable domestic platforms. Note that Chongqing's steep mountain roads and multi-level flyovers require confident urban driving.
Weather
Chongqing has a subtropical monsoon climate characterised by abundant rainfall, very high humidity, limited sunshine, and numerous foggy days — earning it the nickname "Fog City" (雾都). Summers are notoriously hot (one of China's "three furnaces"), while winters are mild but damp and chilly. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the Mountain City.
Monthly Climate at a Glance
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5 | 10 | 18 | Cool & foggy |
| Feb | 7 | 13 | 24 | Mild, misty |
| Mar | 11 | 18 | 42 | Warm, spring rain |
| Apr | 16 | 24 | 100 | Mild, increasing rain |
| May | 20 | 28 | 145 | Warm & wet |
| Jun | 23 | 32 | 180 | Peak rainy season |
| Jul | 26 | 36 | 110 | Very hot & humid |
| Aug | 26 | 36 | 90 | Hottest, drought spells |
| Sep | 21 | 28 | 100 | Cooling, foggy |
| Oct | 15 | 22 | 80 | Pleasant, clear |
| Nov | 10 | 16 | 48 | Mild & foggy |
| Dec | 5 | 11 | 22 | Cool, drizzly |
Live Weather
Travel Tips
Most nationalities require a Chinese tourist visa obtained in advance. However, passport holders of 54 countries (including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany) are eligible for a 240-hour visa-free transit via Chongqing Jiangbei Airport. Check the latest policy before travel as eligible nationalities and conditions are regularly updated.
WeChat Pay and Alipay now accept foreign debit and credit cards — link your card within each app before or upon arrival. Mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere in Chongqing, from street food stalls to major retailers. Cash (RMB) is still accepted as a fallback at most places.
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western platforms. Set up a reliable VPN on all your devices before entering China — it is technically restricted but widely used by foreign visitors. Download offline maps and translation tools before arrival.
Local SIM cards from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom are available at Jiangbei Airport and city phone shops — tourist SIM packages offering data and calls are affordable and easy to activate with a passport. Bring an unlocked phone; eSIM options (e.g. Airalo) that work in China are increasingly available.
Mandarin (普通话) is the official language; the local Chongqing dialect can be very different and challenging even for Mandarin speakers. English is limited outside major hotels and tourist sites. Download Google Translate offline packs (via VPN) or use the Pleco app for real-time text and camera translation.
Chongqing is extremely busy during Golden Week (early May and early October) and Chinese New Year — expect long queues and high prices at Hongya Cave, Ciqikou, and Yangtze cruise docks. For Dazu and Wulong day trips, book transport and tickets at least two weeks ahead during peak periods.
Exchange currency at Bank of China branches (main branch: No.218 Zhongshan No.1 Road, Yuzhong District) for the best rates. Airport exchange booths are convenient but less favourable. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Keep small-denomination RMB (¥10–50) for street food vendors and small markets.
Chongqing is generally very safe for tourists. Do not drink tap water — bottled water is inexpensive everywhere. Summer heat can be intense (40°C+) and humidity is high year-round, so stay hydrated. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. For emergencies: ambulance 120, police 110, fire 119.
Dining
Chongqing is the birthplace of Chinese hot pot and a self-contained culinary universe built on Sichuan-influenced Bayu flavours — fiery, numbing, pungent, and deeply satisfying. Chilli, Sichuan peppercorn, fermented black beans, and garlic underpin almost everything. Food streets are lively and affordable; the best meals are often found in small alleyway restaurants, not tourist-facing venues.
Local Specialities
Chongqing Hot Pot (重庆火锅)
A bubbling vat of bright-red tallow-based broth loaded with dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorn. Diners cook beef tripe, duck blood, lotus root, and tofu at the table. Try a split pot (鸳鸯锅) for a mild broth alongside the spicy original.
Chongqing Noodles (小面)
Springy wheat noodles in a sharp, fiery broth layered with chilli oil, Sichuan peppercorn, sesame paste, preserved vegetables, and chopped spring onions. Under ¥10 at most small noodle shops — the quintessential Chongqing breakfast near any metro station.
Hot and Sour Rice Noodles (酸辣粉)
Thick, chewy sweet-potato vermicelli in a tangy, peppery broth topped with peanuts, crispy soy beans, pickled vegetables, and chilli oil. A beloved street snack found on Bayi Food Street and throughout Ciqikou Ancient Town — sweet, sour, spicy, and satisfying all at once.
Dan Dan Noodles (担担面)
Thin wheat noodles coated in a rich, dry sauce of sesame paste, chilli oil, minced pork, and Sichuan peppercorn — traditionally carried on a shoulder pole through the streets. A must-try snack on Bayi Food Street, where many shops offer multiple regional variants.
Recommended Restaurants
One of Chongqing's most famous hot pot chains, with a slightly milder broth suitable for visitors new to local heat levels. Jiefangbei branch at No.46 Cangbai Road. Signature dishes: hog intestine, duck blood, and codfish ball.
Renowned for its distinctive sour-and-spicy soup base, a refreshing variation on the traditional tallow broth. The Da Tong Jie branch in Yuzhong District is the most visited. Known for high-quality ingredients and consistent service across 14 city branches.
On Nan Bin Road by the Yangtze River, offering both hotpot (ground floor) and Sichuan cuisine (upper floor). Request a river-view private booth to dine with a panoramic night view of the Yangtze. Ideal for a special evening with family or groups.
Shopping
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街) is Chongqing's premier shopping destination, centred on the Liberation Monument. Lined with flagship stores, department stores (including Chongqing Department Store and New Century), luxury boutiques, and hundreds of street-food vendors, it is busiest from 10:00 to 22:00 daily.
Chaotianmen Market (朝天门市场) on East Jiefang Road is the city's largest wholesale market, primarily dealing in garments traded across Sichuan, Hubei, and Hunan. Stylish clothing is available at very competitive prices. Bargaining with vendors in individual stalls is expected and rewarding — fix a fair price before committing.
Popular Chongqing souvenirs include Chongqing Tuo Tea (陀茶) — compressed tea cake in a distinctive nest shape; Shu Embroidery (蜀绣) silk products from Ciqikou; bamboo woven crafts from the Three Gorges region; and spicy hot-pot seasoning blocks (火锅底料) to recreate the flavour at home.
Chongqing has several world-class malls. The landmark Raffles City Chongqing (来福士广场) in Yuzhong District is architecturally spectacular — two 356 m towers connected by a sky-bridge — housing Uniqlo, H&M, MUJI, and premium restaurants. MixC (万象城) in Yubei District anchors international luxury brands and is popular with locals.
Nightlife
Chongqing's nightlife is colourful, energetic, and unmistakably local. The city truly transforms after dark — illuminated river cruises, hotpot dinners under lantern-strung canopies, riverside bar streets, and rooftop views of one of China's most dramatic urban skylines. Most venues run from 19:00 until 02:00.
Stretching along the south bank of the Yangtze River, Nan Bin Road is Chongqing's most atmospheric evening destination. Dozens of bars, pubs, teahouses, and cafés face the illuminated skyline across the water. Cocktails from around ¥50–200 per person.
Board a two-hour cruise from Chaotianmen Dock (¥30–80/person) to glide past the luminous Hongya Cave, illuminated bridges, and the glittering two-river skyline. A local saying goes: "If you haven't taken the night cruise, you haven't seen the real Chongqing."
Take bus 384 from Jiefangbei to the famous "Yi Ke Shu" (A Tree) viewpoint on South Mountain (entrance ¥10). A sweeping 180° panorama of Chongqing's two rivers, bridges, and illuminated mountain city skyline — widely regarded as the finest vantage point in the city.
Videos
Discover Chongqing through stunning travel films — from drone footage of the mountain skyline and Yangtze River to immersive walks through Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Map
Explore Chongqing's city centre, key attractions including Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Ciqikou, and the Yangtze River embankment, all navigable via the map below.
