With a population of 28 million, Chongqing is one of the four independent municipalities in China and an economic hotspot for all western parts of China. It’s the jumping off point for cruises along the Yangtze River, and for visiting renowned historical and cultural sites around the area. You may be headed elsewhere, but this vibrant city deserves a good couple of days of your time too, with plenty of attractions and world-class accommodation facilities to make your stay more delightfully.
Tours and activities in Chongqing
Visiting Chongqing can be daunting for many travelers, with very little in the way of English language around the city. Hiring a tour guide or joining a group can be a great way to see the sights without the stress.
From touring the museums to hiking the surrounding countryside, a local tour guide is an ideal way to ensure you make the most of your time in this city. Our experts can assist you with booking tickets too, whether for a Yangtze River cruise or a trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings. See our selection of services below, or get in touch for further information.
Best time to visit
Chongqing has a four-season climate, with freezing cold winters and stiflingly hot summers. For this reason, it’s better to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The autumn here in the city tends to have more calm, dry days to enjoy. Chongqing does suffer from poor air quality, so check the particulate readings before heading out and do take a mask with you.
Top Attractions in Chongqing
There are tons of exciting and breathtaking sites around the city. With numerous activities and fun spots, the city also offers the best of the engineering wonders to its visitors. There is something for everyone in the city. The lifestyle ranges from most luxurious to ones which are within budget.
Arguably the most iconic landmark of Chongqing is the People’s Liberation Monument in the heart of the city. Built at the end of WWII to commemorate China’s successes, the monument towers over 90 feet tall and features a revolving ladder which can be climbed for a bird’s eye view of the city.
The Stilwell Museum should be on your list of things to do. Founded in memory of Joseph W Stilwell, the museum pays homage to the US general’s life and times, with artifacts and historical photographs that history buffs will enjoy.
Just outside of the city but easily accessible by bus or taxi is the Three Gorges Museum. Adjacent to the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, Three Gorges Dam, this museum tells the story of its construction and is a delight for engineering fans young and old.
Jiefangbei Guotai Arts Centre is a modern and contemporary art display center where visitors can explore the brilliance of minimalistic, progressive and abstract art forms. The art center building is itself exemplary. The Architecture speaks out for itself whereas the inside of the art center is well designed and organized.
Chongqing War Museum showcases the dummy scenes of historic wars linked to China history. From ancient war weapons to modern time weapons, there are a lot of amazing things to see. Most people visit the museum to have a glimpse of ancient weaponry and war-winning techniques.
If you enjoy hiking, the Wulong Karst Geological Park is a must see for you. Straddling the Wu River to the southeast of Chongqing, this stunningly scenic area has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of trails, caves, streams, and gorges, and is a wonderful place to explore the natural beauty of China.
The local zoo in southern Chongqing is worthy of a day out with kids too. Housing more than 200 species of animals and over 1,000 types of bird, children will enjoy seeing some of the rarest types of tiger and getting close with a panda during their trip to China.
Many people pick up a Yangtze River Cruise from here in Chongqing, which will often include a side trip to the Fendu Ghost City. Even if you’re not planning a cruise, this is a trip well worth taking if you can arrange to get out there. The Ghost City is a depiction of life after death and is an amazingly moving insight into Chinese beliefs and traditions.
Don’t miss the local hot springs if you’re in Chongqing, where you have the options of literally dozens of warm, bubbly experiences. From hotels with spa treatments to smaller community level spots, there’s a hot spring for every budget and preference in this city.
For fun and kitschy frolics, head to the aptly named Foreigner Street to the north of the town. Here, expats have been encouraged to put down their roots, and you’ll find an Australian bar, a land train, the world’s biggest public toilet, an upside-down house and much more.
The Yinxian Resort, is also a great place to take the family. Every day, the Resort puts on spectacular fountain displays and more than five acrobatic and animal performances that are perfect for the kids. You can also sample delicious barbecues while you watch the shows.
Nearby, the People’s Assembly Hall is a sprawling ornate building, originally constructed to receive important visitors to the city. Today it dominates the skyline and is a must-see addition to any first-time visitor’s itinerary.
Getting here and getting around
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is situated around 21km from the heart of the town. This airport receives flights from all international destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Doha, and Sydney. Domestic flights linked travelers to more than 30 other Chinese cities.
Connecting from the airport is simplest by metro, where the CRT Metro Line 3 links Terminal 2, the domestic flight terminal goes directly to the center of the city. There is also a shuttle bus and, of course, plenty of local taxis too.
Chongqing boasts no less than three major train stations; Chongqing Station handles the long-distance trains to destinations across China, Chongqing North Station is the new station for high-speed trains, and Chongqing West offers limited services to local destinations in the Sichuan province.
Getting around the city is well catered by the modern rapid transit system. This includes both a subway and a monorail with announcements given in both Mandarin and English, making it easy for visitors to find their way around.
Eating and drinking
Although no longer a part of Sichuan Province (since 1997), Chongqing shares the same love for hot and spicy food dishes, so be prepared for chili heaven. Hot pot is the dish of choice, which features a huge pot of spicy broth with a multitude of ingredients added from quail eggs to meat and veg. Hot pots are typically shared between a family, or sometimes a whole community, and eating in this shared way is one of the most beautiful parts of the experience. There are numerous places around the city to enjoy the hot pot experience, with one of the most notable being Xiao Tian E.
As well as this, you should make time to try some of the other local specialties, such as Guai Wei Hu Dou (literally translates as ‘curiously flavored horsebean’) and He Chuang Tao Pian (Pulverous Nuby Peach). Down by the Maison Mode Plaza you’ll find Friendship Restaurant which is a great place to try some of these dishes and is also adjacent to lots of affordable street food restaurants for noodles, spicy fish and more.
You’ll find plenty of bars in Chongqing too, from the Marriot Sports Bar with its overpriced Guinness to the outside beer gardens above the underground arcade. Whether you prefer a quiet drink in laid back surroundings or a lively evening in the company of locals, Chongqing has something for you.
Getting a good night's sleep
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, the Westin Chongqing Liberation Square is just about the most lavish local accommodation you could wish for. With a spa, pool and beautifully designed rooms, you’re only two minutes’ walk away from Liberation monument and all the delights that this city has to offer.
Low-priced accommodation doesn’t have to mean scruffy, as the Chongqing The Inn Boutique hotel shows us. Just 20m from the Yangtze River, this accommodation offers gorgeously styled rooms, large TV and far reaching views across the water.
Budget travelers can find comfortable places to rest their head too. Blue Hostel in Yu Zhong gets excellent reviews, and Zonextra Hostel is conveniently located for many of the city sights, and adjacent to the metro.
