10 Fun Things to Do in Chongqing on Your First Visit

This huge city in southwest China has plenty of draws encompassing food, culture and nature. Here are some of the top attractions to visit and experiences to have in Chongqing.

Chongqing, in southwest China, is one of the country’s largest cities. It is a massive and densely urban area with around 30 million people! More if you count the greater municipality. Yet many people outside of China have never heard of it, let alone been there. On my recent trip to this growing megacity I found out that Chongqing is full of interesting streets, delicious food and helpful locals. Here are ten reasons why you should take a trip to Chongqing right now…

1. You can watch Jiefangbei light up at night

The busy downtown area of Chongqing, Jiefangbei, is a hive of activity with shops, restaurants and little street stalls. The central square of Jiefangbei is also known as the “Times Square” of Chongqing. At night, the many tall buildings and malls light up while locals and tourists alike stroll around this buzzing district.

2. Stuff yourself with the famous Chongqing Hot Pot

No visit to Chongqing is complete without tasting this popular spicy Sichuan dish. Sichuan peppercorn is the key ingredient, which gives the soup a flavour called “má là” or “numb and spicy”. It’s a unique taste that is not just spicy but numbing or tingling in the mouth! If you have never had it, it’s a must try. Chongqing is serious about its Hot Pot (or Huoguo) and there are many places all around the city selling it.

3. See Hongya Cave by the riverside

Hongya Cave, or Hongyadong, is built on a cliff side facing the Jialing river. The large building complex is illuminated in the evening and many visitors come to see the lights and explore the shops and restaurants inside. Although it’s not a historical building, it gives visitors an idea of the type of buildings that would have been found on these riverbanks many years ago.

4. Escape the busy city at E’ling Park…

When you need a break from the crowds, E’ling Park is a peaceful green spot in the city. This tranquil park is a great place to see local life as people come here to relax, practise tai chi and play games. Perched on a hill, it is also a good viewing point from which you can see the city and Jialing river.

5. Explore an ancient town

Ciqikou (Porcelain Village) is an ancient town in Chongqing. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a port and market town famous for its porcelain production. Today it is one of the main attractions in the Chongqing area. Its steep and narrow streets are lined with small shops selling handicrafts and delicious local snacks. Off the main street, visitors can get a glimpse of the daily life of its residents.

6. Admire the natural beauty of Wulong Mountain Forest Park

Also read: Crossing the Three Natural Karst Bridges of Wulong

Further from the city, the forested Wulong Mountain is a beautiful natural area and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The spectacular landscape features natural wonders including a series of limestone bridges known as the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave. The park has also been used in the filming of movies such as The Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers.

7. Visit one of the longest graffiti streets in the world

Huangjueping is an interesting area in Chongqing with numerous art spaces and is home to the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. It also has one of the longest graffiti/doodle streets in the whole world with quirky painted buildings and original art pieces that merge into the surroundings. The district is popular with artists and creatives, a small but busy art hub in this huge city.

8. Travel above the mighty Yangtze

Zip across the Yangtze river by cable car from Chang’an Temple in Yuzhong District to Shangxin Street in Nan’an District. For locals, the cableway is an easy and affordable way to cross the Yangtze river, but for tourists, it provides awesome views up and down the bustling riverway.

9. Eat even more Sichuan food

Apart from the must-try hot pot, there are countless restaurants, cafes and food stalls to discover in Chongqing. From flat cold spicy noodles to mapo doufu and traditional sweets there is always something delicious to try.

10. Get a dose of culture and history

The Three Gorges Museum is the biggest museum in Chongqing. It is one of the city’s landmark structures and showcases the history, natural environment and cultural heritage of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area. Just opposite the museum is the People’s Hall and a large square where both tourists and locals hang out.

With so many things to do and see in this vast city, you definitely won’t get bored. Just the thought of Chongqing’s spicy and delicious hot pot is enough to draw me back to this surprising vibrant metropolis.

Places to Visit in Chongqing

Are you looking for what to do in Chongqing?

PLACES TO SEE

Loquat Mountain Park: A park located at an altitude of 345 metres above the sea level, often referred to as the oasis of the city with winding roads and large variety of flora and fauna.

Baiheliang Underwater Museum: The firs underwater museum in the country.

Great Hall of the People: One of the largest assembly halls in china influenced by traditional Chinese architecture.

Dazu Rock Carvings: An important sightseeing place in the city with numerous Sculptures and Carvings that reflect Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and other Chinese religious beliefs.

Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave: A part of Wulong Karst National Geology Park in Wulong County, a listed UNESCO world heritage site.

Huguang Guild Hall: An ancient complex of Cultural, Social and trade-related buildings.

Fengdu Ghost City: One of the stops on Yangtze cruise that has burial sites, shrines, temples and a small ancient town.

GUIDED TOURS

Yangtze River Cruise-Chongqing One-day Private Tour: Cruising of the Yangtze River along with a professional tour guide. Address: Room 1802, New Chongqing Apartment, No.18 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.

Yangtzeriver-Day Tour: Day tour of the Yangtze River in tourist boats with the assistance of a travel guide. Address: No.190, Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400000, China.

Lark Trip-Day Tour: A trip of the scenic landscapes in and around the city. Address: No.589 Nanping East Road, Nanan District, Chongqing 400060, China.

Below we have a list of things to do in Chongqing and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Chongqing getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Chongqing with confidence.

10 Fun Things to Do in Chongqing December 2022

Free Things to Do in Chongqing

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to have a blast in Chongqing without paying a penny.

Chongqing Science and Technology Museum - Stroll the halls and marvel at the interesting displays and unique collections at this popular museum.

Chaotianmen Square - Stroll the sidewalks and immerse yourself in the character and charm of this vibrant local haunt.

People's Liberation Monument - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and find out why many sightseers call in at this place.

Huayan Temple of Chongqing - Whatever your religious leanings, this place will inspire a sense of reverence.

Hongya Cave - Appreciate the contrast between busy city life and nature's beauty at this awe-inspiring spot.