Chongqing City Travel Guide: Where To Stay and Top Things To Do

Welcome to the spicy city located in Southwest China! Chongqing is actually an administrative municipality, one of four in China (the others are Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin). Besides being famous for its spicy food, Chongqing is also well known for giant skyscrapers and beautiful scenic views along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It is a central hub for economic and transportation in central China and offers a wide variety of attractions to see and do.

Here’s a guide for visiting Chongqing, including:

How To Travel To Chongqing

When To Visit Chongqing

Where To Stay in Chongqing

Things To Do in Chongqing

How To Travel To Chongqing

As a major city in China, it’s very easy to travel to Chongqing! There’s an international airport, many train stations, and many city buses. Once you’re in the city, there’s a well connected metro system with English, as well as taxis, didis, and buses. I found it very easy and convenient to travel around Chongqing.

When To Travel to Chongqing

Located in central/southwestern China, Chongqing has hot summers and mild winters. Chongqing is often called the “Fog City,” as it’s geographical location between the Yangzte River and Jialing River creates excess water vapor that precipitates to fog when the temperature changes during the day and night. Chongqing usually has over 100 foggy days a year, so chances are it will be foggy on some days you are there. Overall, Chongqing is nice to see any time of the year, but it’s recommended to avoid the high summer time as its very hot and humid.

Where To Stay in Chongqing

Chongqing is a giant municipality, with over 9 million people alone in the city proper area, and more than 30 million in the whole region. The city has many districts spread out around the large area.

I recommend staying in Jiefangbei area, which is right in the heart of Chongqing. It’s centrally located which makes it convenient to travel around to other attractions. There are plenty of hotels and hostels in this area, as well as lots of shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and mall. I used to book a hotel and got a great deal at a hotel called IU Hotel (Chonqing Jiefangbei Center). It was very basic, but the location and price was the most important thing to me.

There were multiple metro stations nearby within walking distance, as well as the Yangtze cablecar and the Hongyadong scenic area. Note: if I lived in Chongqing I wouldn’t want to live in this area, but for a short visit it’s great!

Ultimately, the area you stay in depends on how much you want to spend, what attractions you want to see, and how much you are concerned about the location.

Best Things To Do in Chongqing

There’s so much to see and do in Chongqing! Chongqing offers something for everyone: whether you’re a nature lover, a city dweller, a foodie, or a night owl, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Check out my 3 Day Chongqing Itinerary: Best Things To See in 72 Hours for more details about these locations!

Hongyadong Cultural Area

Eat Chongqing Spicy Food

Visit Chongqing Temples

Walk Around The Parks

Liziba Station

Zhongshuge Bookstore

Yangzte River Cable Car

Yangtze River Cruise

Hongyadong Cultural Area

Hongyadong is a large-scale stilt house complex built alongside a steep clip on the bank of the Jialing River. It’s free to walk through and is filled with many shops and restaurants. It’s great during the day, but the night time is when it really comes alive! Make sure you cross the road for great pics at night.

Eat Chongqing Spicy Food

Chongqing is known for its spicy food. And by spicy I mean super numbing spice! After the initial sensation fades, you’ll be craving more. Try the famous Chonqing hot pot while you’re here, as well as the xiao mian (小面), a famous kind of noodle you can find anywhere in the city.

A bowl of xiaomian usually uses more than 10 different spices, like Sichuan pepper, chilies, spring onions, etc. There are many topping options like beef or pork. I tried the beef xiao mian and it was so good!

Visit Chongqing Temples

Chongqing has many famous temples! My favorites are the Hongen Daoist Temple 鸿恩寺公园 and the Guanyuemiao Temple, but there are many others to see.

Eling Park

Despite being a big city filled with skyscrapers, Chongqing also has many nature areas and parks to explore! The city does a great job with balancing the urban and nature area. Many parks and gardens are built up high in the city and offer great views. I went to Eling Park and was reward with a lovely 360 view of Chongqing!

Yangtze River Cablecar

A cablecar ride over the famous Yangzte River is a great way to get a nice view of the city, and also cross to the other side. It costs 20 RMB for one way, or 30 RMB for a round trip. After you cross from Jiefangbei side you can walk around Nanbei lu area before taking the cable car back.

*Tip* It can be very crowded taking the cable car from the Jiefangbei side. If the line is extremely long, you can take a taxi to the Nan’an side of the river, then take the cable back.

Liziba Station Station

Liziba Station is famous in Chongqing because the metro line runs right through a 19 story apartment building. I read many articles about this building years ago and was very excited to see it in person!

Zhongshuge Bookstore

This famous bookstore is Zhongshuge branch. It’s a very popular site to visit (and take photos in) because of it’s unique ladder hall, which is filled with mirrors and looks like an optical illusion.

Nanbinlu/Beibinlu City Views

For some awesome city views, stroll along Nanbinlu or Beibinlu! If you go to Nanbinlu you can walk along the river and see iron statues and paintings or go to Landmark Riverside, a restaurant and shopping complex which has amazing views of the peninsula. Nan Shan (South Mountain) is also on that side and has some viewing platforms and a temple overlooking the city.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou is an ancient part of Chongqing that is now a famous walking street. You can try many street foods here and browse the shops. There were many entertaining shop keepers advertising their goods here!

Other Things to Do:

There are many more things to do in Chongqing! From hiking, Chongqing Zoo, Wulong Karst, Guotai Artistic Center, Botanical Garden, Three Gorges Museum, People’s Assembly Hall or just walking and enjoying the city views, there are many options.

Take a Trip to Chongqing

As one of China’s biggest cities, Chongqing offers a unique cultural experience! From exploring the giant urban scene to trying the spiciest hot pot of your life, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy in Chongqing. For more details, also read about The Best Instagram Spots in Chongqing!

Check out some of my other recent trips in China:

5 Best Things To Do in Chongqing, China [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Chongqing soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Chongqing and where to stay!

Located in the southwestern part of China, Chongqing is a municipality you must visit. This is the place where you will see the Three Gorges Museum that attracts lots of tourists from around the world. Check out below our list of the places to visit and things to do in Chongqing as your future reference.

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List of Best Things to do in Chongqing, China

The three gorges are known for having scenic beauty. It’s a 120-mile stretch of the Yangtze River that has river cruises as its primary attraction. The ship that boards from Chongqing is not so big, but it is a luxurious passenger ship. The Gorges are spectacular. It is possible to disembark from the ship and with a small boat go into the gorges for incredible photos!

The museum is well designed, also architecturally beautiful. It is easily accessible via the spectacular metro line 2, Metro station Zengjiayan, exit A, via a long corridor directly to People’s Square. The museum offers different topics on several floors and different rooms. Those who have the time and interest can learn a lot more about the Yangtze, the gorges, the dam, and the life of the towers before the construction of the mega-dam.

The Hongya Cave is nice to look at and offers a good introduction to Chinese life. This old part of Chongqing was completely rebuilt a few years ago. Commerce is also very important in this tourist stronghold. You don’t necessarily have to take the elevator down to this part of the city, but you have to see Hongya Cave once during a visit to Chongqing, especially at night.

Strolling around Jiefangbei Square in the evening is definitely worth it. Pompous, futuristic buildings, well-staged by elaborate lighting, leave a lasting impression. The city is basically interesting with its special location and worth a stop. It’s located in the center of Chongqing, also very suitable for shopping.

The Ghost City of Fengdu is more of a collection of temples than a ghost town. It has an interesting layout with countless ghost scenes. But if you want to find out about the place on your own, you will surely get bored. A knowledgeable person or a tour guide should definitely be there with you to explain everything and it will become very exciting.

Where to Stay in Chongqing, China

Budget Hotel

Fangorn Hostel

Fangorn Hostel features accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Guests at the hostel can also enjoy a continental or à la carte breakfast.

Price: Starts at $6 per night for a Quadruple Room, taxes and charges included, add $2 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Luxury Hotel

The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square

Offering a spa and wellness center, the Westin Chongqing Liberation Square is located in Chongqing, just a 2-minute walk from the Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument. A 5-minute walk from Xiaoshenzi Subway Station (Line 1), the Westin Chongqing Liberation Square is a 6-minute drive from Chaotianmen. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, an iPod dock, and a satellite TV.

Price: Starts at $175 per night for a Deluxe Twin Room, add $28 for taxes and charges, $29 for breakfast, and offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Chongqing. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Chongqing.

Fun Facts About Chongqing, China Chongqing is one of the biggest municipalities in the world.

During the Sino-Japanese War, it used to be the capital of Nationalist China.

It was under the administration of Sichuan province from 1954-1997.

Chongqing is nicknamed the “Fog Capital” of China.

About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​​​​​​

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Chongqing City travel

The most important city in western China and the economic engine of the upper Yangzi, Chongqing City (重庆; Chóngqìng) is a massive and enthralling urban sprawl. Chongqing makes up for a lack of top-notch sights with fantastic food and charismatic geography: its combination of steep hills at the confluence of the Yangzi and Jialing Rivers is a prelude to the even more dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges downstream.

Be aware that navigating some parts of the city on foot, particularly near the riverbanks, can be like a real-life game of chutes and ladders. Something that looks close on a map might be separated by hundreds of vertical feet – expect to climb lots of stairs while absolutely drenched in sweat, or save your energy and hail taxis with abandon.

When we last visited, a new port area for Three Gorges cruises at Chaotianmen was in the midst of reopening.