Chongqing, China

Destination Guide

Chongqing

China

Best things to do in Chongqing

34 curated attractions in Chongqing, China. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - June, September - November

Average temp

18°C/64°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Generally safe

About Chongqing

Chongqing is known as the 'Mountain City' because it is built on steep hills and the Yangtze River, making a vertical city where you can expect to be climbing almost everywhere. This unique geography leads to a maze of elevated walkways, steep streets, and a skyline often shrouded in mist. It is a major cultural hub, where the local cuisine, particularly its hot pot, is a defining feature that attracts food enthusiasts. Despite the heavy urbanization, the city maintains pockets of history, like Ciqikou Ancient Town and the People's Liberation Monument, which serve as reminders of its rich past. Visitors often come specifically for the Yangtze River Cableway, a scenic ride that offers a different perspective of this sprawling metropolis, alongside the views of the Three Gorges.

Who it's for

Food lovers and urban explorers will enjoy the experience, especially those ready for a culinary adventure. However, anyone who struggles with steep terrain or prefers flat, leisurely strolls may find their patience tested. The spicy food is an attraction for some, but a deterrent for those with sensitive palates.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre can be walked across in about thirty minutes, but prepare for uphill sections
  • The metro is reliable and covers most attractions, while taxis are readily available
  • The Yangtze River Cableway is a scenic, but slightly time-consuming way to cross the river
  • Expect to spend extra time getting to places like Wulong Karst, as it's a bit of a journey
Chongqing Hongyadong (Northwest Gate)

Chongqing Hongyadong (Northwest Gate)

Architecture
Chongqing Wansheng Scenic Area

Chongqing Wansheng Scenic Area

National parks & nature reserves
Chongqing Chaotianmen

Chongqing Chaotianmen

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Liziba

Liziba

Cultural
Chongqing Wansheng Ancient Village

Chongqing Wansheng Ancient Village

Traditional villages
Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Changjiahui Danzishi Laojie St

Changjiahui Danzishi Laojie St

Shopping
Xiahao Lane

Xiahao Lane

Historical Attractions
Chongqing Wushan Waterfall

Chongqing Wushan Waterfall

Waterfalls
Liziba station

Liziba station

Architecture
Chongqing Wansheng Gorge

Chongqing Wansheng Gorge

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Chongqing Wansheng Heishan Valley

Chongqing Wansheng Heishan Valley

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Chongqing Wansheng Waterfall

Chongqing Wansheng Waterfall

Waterfalls
Chongqing Science and Technology Museum

Chongqing Science and Technology Museum

Science & natural history museums
Raffles City

Raffles City

Urban Attractions
Chongqing Wulong Karst

Chongqing Wulong Karst

Caves & cenotes
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Shopping streets & districts
Chongqing Wansheng Black Mountain Valley

Chongqing Wansheng Black Mountain Valley

Mountains & volcanoes
Chongqing Grand Theatre

Chongqing Grand Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
People's Liberation Monument

People's Liberation Monument

Monuments & memorials
Chongqing Wansheng Bamboo Sea

Chongqing Wansheng Bamboo Sea

Forests & jungles
Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave

Streets & neighbourhoods
Chongqing Wansheng National Forest Park

Chongqing Wansheng National Forest Park

National parks & nature reserves
Chongqing Art Museum

Chongqing Art Museum

Art museums & galleries
Eling Park

Eling Park

City parks
Chongqing Zoo

Chongqing Zoo

Zoos
Three Gorges

Three Gorges

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Yangtze River Cableway

Yangtze River Cableway

Observation decks & city views
Chongqing Wansheng Natural Scenic Area

Chongqing Wansheng Natural Scenic Area

National parks & nature reserves
Chongqing Wansheng Ancient Town

Chongqing Wansheng Ancient Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Chongqing Wansheng Stone Forest

Chongqing Wansheng Stone Forest

Forests & jungles
The Ring

The Ring

Natural Wonders
Chongqing Wansheng Ordovician Theme Park

Chongqing Wansheng Ordovician Theme Park

Theme parks

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