Guide

Just over an hour from the skyscrapers of central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town feels like stepping into a completely different world. Instead of busy roads and towering buildings, you’ll find quiet canals, centuries-old stone bridges, narrow alleyways and traditional houses lining the water.

We spent a full day exploring Zhujiajiao independently using public transport and found it to be one of the highlights of our time in Shanghai. If you’re wondering whether you need to book a guided tour, you don’t. Zhujiajiao is easy to visit on your own using public transport, making it one of the easiest day trips from Shanghai. If you’re looking to escape the pace of the city for a day, it’s a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Is Zhujiajiao Worth Visiting?

We definitely think so.

While Shanghai is known for its modern skyline and bustling streets, Zhujiajiao offers a glimpse of a much older side of the region. Walking through the ancient town, crossing its stone bridges and wandering beside the canals felt worlds away from the city we had left behind that morning.

It’s touristy in places, but because the town is larger than many people expect, it’s easy to wander away from the busiest streets and enjoy a slower pace.

How to Get to Zhujiajiao from Shanghai

One of the best things about Zhujiajiao is how easy it is to visit without joining an organised tour.

From central Shanghai, the journey takes just over an hour using the metro:

• Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station
• Change to Line 17
• Get off at Zhujiajiao Station

From the station, you can either walk for around 25 to 30 minutes into the ancient town or catch a local bus.

We chose to walk there, which was straightforward and gave us a chance to see a little more of the area before arriving at the canals. On the way back, we caught the local bus back to the metro station, which was quick, inexpensive and very easy.

What to Do in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Wander the Canals

The best way to experience Zhujiajiao is simply by walking. Small alleyways weave between canals, traditional houses and local shops, with something interesting around almost every corner. Unlike central Shanghai, there isn’t really a checklist of attractions. The town itself is the attraction.

Cross the Historic Stone Bridges

Zhujiajiao is famous for its many stone bridges, each offering a different view across the canals.

Some are wide and gently curved, while others are steep enough to give you fantastic views over the rooftops and waterways below.

Visit Kezhi Garden

While most people come to Zhujiajiao for its canals and historic streets, we also spent some time exploring Kezhi Garden. Filled with traditional pavilions, ponds, rockeries and peaceful pathways, it offered a welcome break from the busier parts of the ancient town.

We found it to be one of the most peaceful places we visited in Zhujiajiao and a worthwhile addition to the day. If you’re planning to spend several hours exploring the town, it’s definitely worth stepping inside.

Browse the Local Shops

One of our favourite parts of the day was simply wandering through the small independent shops. From handmade souvenirs and local crafts to tea, sweets and local snacks, there was plenty to browse and we found lots of unique gifts to take home for family.

Many of the food and tea shops offered free samples, so it was easy to try different teas, sweets and local delicacies before deciding what to buy. The shop owners could be a little enthusiastic in encouraging you to make a purchase, but we never found them to be rude, and it was all part of the experience.

Stop for Something to Eat

Like much of China, food is a big part of visiting Zhujiajiao.

Small restaurants, cafés and street food stalls line many of the canals, making it easy to stop whenever something catches your eye.

We’d recommend taking your time rather than rushing through.

How Long Do You Need?

We’d recommend allowing a full day.

Although you could see the highlights in a few hours, having the whole day meant we could explore at a relaxed pace, stop for food, browse the shops and simply enjoy wandering without worrying about catching the next train.

Best Time to Visit Zhujiajiao

We visited in September, and although it was still hot, the canals and narrow streets made for an enjoyable day out.

If possible, arrive earlier in the morning before the busiest part of the day, particularly if you’re visiting during weekends or Chinese holidays.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll spend most of the day walking across stone streets and bridges.

Bring Alipay or WeChat Pay

Most shops and food stalls accepted mobile payments, just like the rest of China. Read our full guide on Best Apps for Visiting China.

Visit independently

There’s no need to book an organised tour. The metro is inexpensive, reliable and makes visiting Zhujiajiao very straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Zhujiajiao was one of our favourite day trips from Shanghai.

The contrast between Shanghai’s futuristic skyline and Zhujiajiao’s peaceful canals made the experience feel even more special. We loved spending the day wandering without an itinerary, crossing old stone bridges, browsing local shops and enjoying a slower pace before returning to the city in the evening.

If you’re spending more than two or three days in Shanghai, we’d highly recommend setting aside a day to visit.

After spending time in Chengdu and Chongqing, Shanghai felt very different. We arrived by plane from Chongqing and, after weeks of exploring cities that felt unmistakably Chinese, Shanghai’s international skyline, European architecture and polished shopping streets made it feel much more familiar. It ended up being our least memorable stop in China, but we also think that’s because we visited it last.

If we were planning the trip again, we’d probably start in Shanghai. It’s easy to navigate, has more English speakers than many other Chinese cities, and offers a gentler introduction to travelling in China before heading further inland. While it wasn’t our favourite city, it’s still well worth visiting for its fascinating blend of historic neighbourhoods, The Bund, colonial architecture and futuristic skyline.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

We stayed at Qianjing Xiaozhu Boutique Hotel Shanghai (City center & the Bund, Shanghai), located just a short walk from Nanjing Road and The Bund.

Finding it wasn’t straightforward. From the street, you enter through an unassuming doorway into a maze of narrow residential lanes that you could easily walk straight past without noticing. Surrounded by modern office towers and hotels, it felt like stumbling across a small pocket of old Shanghai that had somehow remained untouched.

The hotel itself blends into the neighbourhood and has even been used as a filming location for a Chinese drama. Walking back each evening through the quiet alleys, with laundry hanging overhead and locals going about their daily lives, felt completely different to the busy streets just outside.

The room was clean and comfortable, and despite being in the city centre, it was surprisingly peaceful at night. It wasn’t the most luxurious hotel we stayed in during our time in China, and it was actually the most expensive, but staying in a neighbourhood like this made it a memorable experience.

Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai is a city of contrasts. One minute you’re surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers, the next you’re wandering through leafy streets, historic neighbourhoods or converted warehouses filled with art galleries. While many visitors come for the famous skyline, we found some of our favourite moments were simply exploring the city’s different districts and seeing how each one had its own character.

Walk Along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

No visit to Shanghai is complete without walking along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Stretching for several kilometres, it’s lined with department stores, international brands, restaurants and huge digital billboards. During the day it’s busy, but after dark the neon lights give the whole street a completely different atmosphere.

Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth walking through to experience the energy of the city before continuing towards The Bund.

Walk Along The Bund

No visit to Shanghai is complete without a walk along The Bund. Stretching along the Huangpu River, it’s the city’s most famous waterfront, where grand colonial-era buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the opposite bank.

We visited on a Thursday evening, and while it was certainly busy, it never felt overwhelming. It was still easy to stroll along the promenade, stop for photos and enjoy the views without feeling constantly surrounded by crowds. Based on our experience, we’d avoid visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening, when it’s likely to be considerably busier.

As the sun goes down, the skyline gradually lights up, transforming the riverfront into one of Shanghai’s most iconic views. Watching the illuminated skyscrapers reflect across the Huangpu River is an experience that’s well worth including in your itinerary.

Wander Through the French Concession

The French Concession couldn’t feel more different from central Shanghai. Wide tree-lined avenues replace busy shopping streets, while independent cafés, boutiques and beautiful historic buildings give the area a much more relaxed atmosphere.

It’s the perfect neighbourhood to slow down, grab a coffee and spend a few hours wandering without any particular destination in mind. If you’re looking for a break from Shanghai’s skyscrapers and busy shopping streets, this is a great place to do it.

Explore Tianzifang

Hidden within a maze of narrow alleyways, Tianzifang is packed with small boutiques, cafés, art studios and independent shops. Although it’s popular with visitors, it still feels intimate thanks to the network of tiny lanes connecting everything together.

We ended up spending much longer here than we’d planned, browsing the shops and picking up gifts to take home for family. It was one of the best places we found in Shanghai for souvenirs, with plenty of locally made crafts, artwork and unique items that felt a little different from the usual tourist souvenirs.

It’s an easy place to lose track of time, whether you’re browsing the shops, stopping for a coffee or simply wandering through the narrow alleyways to see what you’ll discover next.

Visit Xintiandi

Xintiandi blends historic architecture with modern Shanghai. The restored stone-gate buildings now house stylish restaurants, cafés, bars and designer shops, creating one of the city’s more upmarket neighbourhoods.

It’s a pleasant area to wander during the afternoon or evening, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere to sit outside with a coffee or enjoy dinner after a day of sightseeing.

Discover M50 Art District (50 Moganshan Road)

If you’re looking for something different, head to M50 Art District. Set inside former industrial warehouses, the area has been transformed into one of Shanghai’s leading creative spaces, with contemporary galleries, street art and artist studios spread throughout the complex.

It’s more than just an art district, though. Between the galleries you’ll find some excellent cafés, independent boutiques and several specialist tea shops where you can browse and sample a huge range of Chinese teas. We also stumbled across NOD Café, tucked away on the second floor overlooking Suzhou Creek, which was a great spot to stop for a coffee, enjoy the riverside views and soak up the creative, artistic atmosphere before continuing to explore.

Whether you’re interested in contemporary exhibitions or simply want to experience a quieter, more creative side of Shanghai, M50 is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Visit Mengqing Garden (1000 Trees)

One of the more unusual places we visited was Mengqing Garden and the neighbouring 1000 Trees development along Suzhou Creek. The combination of riverside paths, green spaces and striking architecture makes it a pleasant area to wander, especially if you want a break from the busy city centre.

Don’t just admire 1000 Trees from the outside. Head inside the shopping centre, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants and shops spread across several levels. It’s also worth making your way up to the rooftop terraces, which offer great views over Suzhou Creek and the surrounding skyline while giving you a closer look at the building’s unique tree-covered design.

Take a Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

If you have the time, a day trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is well worth adding to your itinerary. Often called one of Shanghai’s water towns, it’s a world away from the city’s skyscrapers, with canals, stone bridges and narrow streets lined with traditional buildings.

We spent the day wandering the old town, crossing its historic bridges and enjoying the slower pace before returning to the city in the evening. It made a great contrast to the rest of our time in Shanghai and was one of our favourite days of the trip. We’d recommend allowing a full day so you can explore at a relaxed pace rather than rushing back to the city.

How to get to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao is easy to visit independently using Shanghai’s metro system. From central Shanghai, the journey takes just over an hour. Take Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station, then change to Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao Station.

From the station, you can either walk for around 25 to 30 minutes to the entrance of the ancient town or catch a local bus. We chose to walk there, which was straightforward and gave us a chance to see a little more of the area, before taking the bus back to the metro station at the end of the day. We found it an easy day trip to do without joining an organised tour.

Where to eat in Shanghai

After the bold, spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu and Chongqing, Shanghai’s food felt noticeably different. The local cuisine is generally milder and slightly sweeter, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, seafood, braised dishes and delicate flavours rather than chilli and Sichuan pepper. You’ll also find plenty of dumpling shops, noodle restaurants and bakeries, alongside modern cafés and international restaurants.

One thing we particularly enjoyed was the variety of street food. Whether we were exploring Nanjing Road, wandering through neighbourhoods or browsing markets, there always seemed to be stalls selling dumplings, pancakes, skewers, buns and freshly cooked snacks. It’s a great city to graze your way through rather than sticking to three big meals a day.

Shanghai has no shortage of places to eat, from tiny noodle shops to modern restaurants and international cuisine. While the streets around Nanjing Road are packed with dining options, we actually found ourselves returning to the quieter area around Jiujiang Road, where we were staying. Just a few minutes from the crowds, the neighbourhood was full of small local restaurants and cafés that felt much more relaxed. It was here that we discovered some of our favourite meals, simply by wandering the streets and seeing where the locals were eating.

Shucaiji Pan-Fried Vegetable Rice 舒蔡记生煎菜饭

Located just outside our hotel, this tiny local restaurant quickly became one of our regular stops. Their pan-fried dumplings (shengjian bao) were excellent, with a crispy base and juicy filling, and the scallion oil noodles were simple but full of flavour. It’s the kind of place you could easily walk past, but it’s well worth stopping if you’re nearby.

Xiandelai 鲜得来

Founded in 1921, Xiandelai is one of Shanghai’s best-known traditional restaurants and is famous for its fried pork chop (排骨), a local speciality that’s been enjoyed for over a century. Alongside the restaurant, there’s a takeaway counter selling a wide range of traditional Benbang dishes, including braised meats, smoked fish and soy-braised duck.

We enjoyed it so much that we came back a second time to try more of the menu. If you only have time to try one traditional Shanghai restaurant, Xiandelai is an excellent choice.

Hu Ji a Zhong Feature Fried Dumpling 胡记阿忠特色锅贴

Another small local restaurant specialising in potstickers (guotie). The dumplings are cooked until perfectly crisp on the bottom while staying juicy inside, making this a great place for a quick and inexpensive dinner. There was a queue when we arrived, but it moved quickly and was well worth the short wait

Zheying Restaurant 浙影餐厅

We stumbled across this restaurant near our hotel and ended up having one of our favourite dinners in Shanghai. It had a relaxed local atmosphere, friendly patrons and every dish we ordered was delicious.

Moo Moo By Moo Cake

If you’re looking for breakfast or a coffee break, Moo Moo by Moo Cake was a great bakery. Their fresh pastries, especially the morning buns, were the perfect way to start the day before heading out to explore the city.

How many days in Shanghai

We spent 4 nights in Shanghai. While there was still plenty we didn’t have time to see, we felt we’d experienced the city’s different sides, from the busy shopping streets and historic neighbourhoods to the quieter cafés, art districts and a day trip beyond the city. Looking back, we would probably have spent one less night here and added an extra night to Chengdu, simply because that city suited our travel style better.

2 Days

Two days is enough to experience many of Shanghai’s main highlights. You can explore Nanjing Road, wander along The Bund, and spend time discovering neighbourhoods such as the French Concession, Xintiandi or Tianzifang.

3 Days

With three days, you can explore at a more relaxed pace and venture beyond the main tourist sights. Visit the M50 Art District (50 Moganshan Road), stroll through Mengqing Garden (1000 Trees), enjoy more of Shanghai’s cafés and restaurants, or simply spend time wandering the city’s different neighbourhoods.

4+ Days

If you have four or more days, it’s worth taking at least one day trip outside the city. We visited Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, which offered a completely different atmosphere from central Shanghai. There are also plenty of other day trips we would have loved to do but simply didn’t have enough time for, including Suzhou, Hangzhou and several other nearby water towns. Having extra time also means you can explore more neighbourhoods, try different restaurants and enjoy Shanghai at a slower pace.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shanghai

Language

Compared to Chengdu and Chongqing, we found Shanghai easier to navigate as English was more widely spoken, particularly around the main tourist areas, hotels and larger restaurants. That said, don’t expect everyone to speak English, so having a translation app and a few key phrases is still helpful.

Getting Around Shanghai

Metro

Shanghai has an excellent metro system and it’s by far the easiest way to get around the city. We mostly walked between attractions in the centre and used the metro for longer journeys. Trains were frequent, clean and easy to navigate, making public transport one of the highlights of travelling around Shanghai.

As with the other cities we visited in China, we simply added a Shanghai Public Transport Card to Apple Wallet, which made travelling incredibly easy. We could tap in and out without needing to buy individual tickets.

Walking

Although Shanghai is huge, many of the main attractions around The Bund, East Nanjing Road, People’s Square and the French Concession are surprisingly walkable. We covered most of the city centre on foot, using the metro only when travelling between different neighbourhoods.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Shanghai, with milder temperatures and lower humidity.

We visited in September, and it was still very hot and humid, especially during the middle of the day, but the warm evenings were perfect for walking along The Bund and exploring the city’s different neighbourhoods.

Internet, Payments and Apps

Like the rest of China, you’ll need a few apps before you arrive. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere, while Trip.com made booking trains and attractions straightforward. We also recommend arranging an eSIM or VPN before you travel so you can access Google services and other websites that are blocked in China.

For a full breakdown of the apps we used, how to set them up before you arrive, and everything you need to know about internet access, mobile payments and getting around China, read our Complete Guide to the Essential Apps for Travelling in China.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Shanghai

Shanghai was a fascinating place to end our journey through China. From the futuristic skyline and historic waterfront to creative neighbourhoods and peaceful water towns, it offered a completely different experience to Chengdu and Chongqing.

Although it wasn’t our favourite city of the trip, that’s largely because we visited it last. After spending time in inland China, Shanghai felt more familiar and international. Looking back, we think it would actually make the perfect introduction to China before venturing further afield.

Whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or using it as a base for day trips like Zhujiajiao, Shanghai has plenty to offer. Wander beyond the main sights, explore its different neighbourhoods, and don’t be afraid to duck into the small local restaurants. Some of our favourite memories came from the places we found simply by walking without a plan, proving that Shanghai rewards curiosity just as much as careful planning.

Save the pin

We arrived in Chongqing by high-speed train from Chengdu, and the difference was immediate. Chengdu had felt relaxed and approachable, while Chongqing greeted us with towering skyscrapers, dramatic bridges and some of the most unusual architecture we’d ever seen. It felt bigger, busier and, at first, much more intimidating.

Like many people, we’d seen countless videos of Chongqing on social media before our trip. We wondered whether the city could really live up to the hype.

Spoiler Alert: It absolutely did!

Why visit Chongqing

Chongqing is quite unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. Towering skyscrapers, layered roads, neon lights and incredible food combine to create one of the most fascinating cities in China. While the skyline is spectacular, what really makes Chongqing special is exploring everything in between.

Once the sun goes down, the city transforms. Neon lights reflect off the rivers, bridges light up across the skyline and the whole place feels like something from a futuristic film. But Chongqing is much more than just a city to photograph.

If you love unusual architecture, incredible food and cities that challenge your sense of direction, Chongqing should be high on your list. You’ll also find peaceful parks, historic streets, scenic viewpoints and some of the best hot pot we’ve ever eaten.

What makes Chongqing so extraordinary is its geography. Built where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, the city rises sharply from the water instead of spreading neatly around it. Hills, bridges, cliffs and steep streets shape everything, creating a place that feels stacked rather than simply built.

That vertical layout makes Chongqing unlike anywhere else we’ve been. Roads pass above and below each other, buildings open onto different streets at different floors, and metro lines burst out of apartment blocks. A short route on the map can turn into staircases, lifts, flyovers and sudden viewpoints, with the city constantly shifting around you.

It’s confusing, exhausting and completely brilliant. Even with navigation apps, we often found ourselves stopping to work out whether we needed to go left, right, up or down. Chongqing isn’t just big; it’s layered, chaotic and alive in a way that makes simply walking through it feel like an adventure.

Where to stay in Chongqing

We stayed at Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongya Cave Houju High-altitude River-view Hotel, on the 46th floor of a high-rise in the heart of Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s city centre.

Staying in Jiefangbei turned out to be the perfect base. Hongyadong, Bayi Road Food Street, Nengren Temple and several metro stations were all within walking distance, making it easy to explore the city.

The hotel itself offered excellent value for money. Our room overlooked the city skyline, and waking up to panoramic views from the 46th floor was a real highlight of our stay. The room was modern, comfortable and quiet despite being in one of Chongqing’s busiest districts.

We’d happily stay here again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it if it’s your first visit to Chongqing.

Things to Do in Chongqing

Explore Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

This is the heart of modern Chongqing and the area where we based ourselves. Expect huge shopping malls, neon lights, street food and plenty of people. It’s a great place to get your bearings and a good starting point for exploring the city.

Visit Nengren Temple & Try a Fortune Coffee

Just next to our hotel, Nengren Temple is a small Buddhist temple tucked between Chongqing’s towering skyscrapers. It’s easy to miss, but definitely worth a stop if you’re exploring the Jiefangbei area.

Before entering the temple, stop at Nengren Coffee. Rather than simply choosing a drink from the menu, you’re invited to draw a traditional fortune stick first, and your fortune determines which coffee you receive. The beans are blessed by the monks, making it a unique coffee experience. We were also greeted by the temple’s resident cat, who seemed perfectly at home sleeping on the counter.

After our coffee, we explored the peaceful temple grounds. It’s very small and only takes around 15 minutes to wander through, but it provides a lovely contrast to the busy streets outside and is a reminder that Chongqing isn’t just about skyscrapers and neon lights.

Wander Around Daijia Alley

Located just above Hongyadong, Daijia Alley is a lively hillside neighbourhood filled with cafés, restaurants and small shops. As you wander through the streets, you’ll come across several viewpoints overlooking the Jialing River and Hongyadong, offering a different perspective of one of Chongqing’s most famous landmarks.

Visit Hongyadong (Our Honest Thoughts)

Hongyadong is Chongqing’s most famous landmark, and it’s especially impressive once the lights come on after dark. Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the busiest places in the city.

Rather than joining the crowds directly in front of the complex, we chose to admire it from two different viewpoints. The first was from Daijia Alley, which gives you a side view over Hongyadong and was noticeably less crowded than the main entrance. Later, we crossed the river to the large viewing area by the waterfront. There was plenty of space, benches to sit on and a much more relaxed atmosphere, so we could simply enjoy the skyline without squeezing through crowds or waiting for a photo.

If you love being in the middle of the action, you’ll probably enjoy exploring Hongyadong itself. But if you’re anything like us and prefer to take it all in from a quieter spot, we’d recommend one of these viewpoints instead.

Visit Kuixinglou Square

This is one of the best places to experience Chongqing’s incredible elevation changes. You arrive feeling like you’re standing at street level, but after walking across the square, you suddenly find yourself on the 22nd floor of the building opposite. It’s one of those places that perfectly explains why Chongqing is often called China’s “8D city”.

Watch the Metro Pass Through a Building at Liziba

Liziba is another of Chongqing’s famous sights, where the metro appears to pass straight through the middle of an apartment building. It’s another one of those places you’ve probably seen countless times on social media.

The official viewing platform was packed when we visited, so instead we headed to a quieter viewpoint in a nearby residential neighbourhood, about a 10 minute walk up the hill from the back of the metro station. There were only a handful of other people there, and we actually preferred it. We still had a great view of the train passing through the building, but without having to fight through the crowds.

For a quieter angle, walk towards Datianwan Primary School / 大田湾小学 and look for Lansheng Pavilion / 揽胜亭, a small viewpoint around 10–12 minutes from Liziba Station. It gives you a wider view of the train curving through the hillside, rather than just the classic “train through the building” shot.

Directions:

1. Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 to Liziba Station.
2. Use Exit 2.
3. Walk about 600m uphill towards Datianwan Primary School (大田湾小学)
4. Near the school area follow the road down between the apartment blocks to the Lansheng Pavillion
5. Be respectful — it’s near a school/residential area, so don’t block paths or film people.

If you’re planning to visit Liziba and don’t like crowds, we’d definitely recommend looking for one of the nearby viewpoints rather than heading straight to the main platform.

From Liziba, we walked to Testbed 2 before continuing on to Eling Park. It made for a nice route, taking us from one of Chongqing’s most famous sights to a quieter creative district before ending the afternoon surrounded by greenery.

Visit the Chongqing Testbed 2 (TESTBED2) Art District

If you’re walking from Liziba to Eling Park, you’ll pass Testbed 2, a former industrial site that’s been transformed into a creative district with galleries, cafés, exhibitions and colourful street art.

We stopped for a wander, it wasn’t one of our favourite places in Chongqing. It felt a little too curated and touristy for our tastes, lacking the authentic creative atmosphere we’d hoped for. That said, it’s an easy stop along the route and worth a quick look before continuing to Eling Park.

Relax in Eling Park

After tackling countless hills and staircases on our walk from Liziba, Eling Park was a welcome place to relax and escape the bustle of the city. One of the city’s oldest and greenest parks, it’s the perfect place to slow down and experience a different side of the city.

We spent a couple of hours wandering through the leafy gardens, watching locals playing mahjong, friends chatting and groups of young adults dressed in elaborate traditional Chinese outfits having professional photos taken. It felt like a place where people came to enjoy the afternoon rather than simply tick off another attraction.

There are several teahouses dotted throughout the park, and we stopped at Goose Ling Leisure Tea Center for a fancy pot of tea and desserts. It had a wonderfully traditional atmosphere and was the perfect place to sit back, relax and soak up the surroundings before continuing our walk through the park.

If you’re looking for a break from Chongqing’s fast pace, Eling Park is one of the best places to experience local life.

Watch Sunset from Liangjiang Pavilion

If you’re visiting Eling Park, stay until sunset and climb the tower for panoramic views across Chongqing. Watching the city gradually light up as the sun set over Chongqing was a great way to end the day.

Visit Laojundong Taoist Temple

Perched high on the hillside, reaching the temple involves plenty of uphill walking, and once inside you’ll continue climbing staircases that wind their way through the temple complex. It might leave you a little out of breath, but the views over Chongqing are more than worth the effort.

Despite being relatively close to the city centre, it felt peaceful and far removed from the crowds below. We loved wandering through the temple grounds, exploring the different halls and terraces, and taking in the panoramic views over the skyline. If you’re looking to experience a quieter, more traditional side of Chongqing, this is a place we wouldn’t miss.

Explore Huangjueya Old Street

Just a short distance from Laojundong Taoist Temple, Huangjueya Old Street has a completely different feel to central Chongqing. Although it’s still a popular area, it was much quieter than places like Hongyadong and Jiefangbei. Traditional buildings sit alongside cafés, coffee shops and plenty of greenery, making it an enjoyable place to spend a slower afternoon.

We wandered through the streets, stopped for coffee and simply enjoyed exploring without any real plan. If you’re looking for a break from Chongqing’s busiest attractions, it’s well worth making the trip.

Experience Chongqing After Dark

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s seeing Chongqing after sunset. The neon skyline, illuminated bridges and reflections on the rivers completely transform the city. This is when Chongqing really earns its “cyberpunk” reputation.

Wander the Multi-level Streets

One of the best things to do in Chongqing isn’t a specific attraction at all. Spend time simply walking. You’ll constantly discover roads above roads, staircases disappearing between buildings, hidden viewpoints and entrances on completely different levels. Getting slightly lost is part of the experience.

Where to eat in Chongqing

Chongqing is famous for one thing above all else: hot pot. Rich, spicy and packed with dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorns, it’s one of the city’s signature dishes and something every visitor should try. If you’re not used to spicy food, don’t worry. Most restaurants also offer a yin-yang pot, combining the traditional spicy broth with a milder option.

Beyond hot pot, you’ll find everything from street food stalls and noodle shops to barbecue restaurants and late-night eateries. Here are a few places we think are worth adding to your itinerary.

Eat Hot Pot in a Former Air Raid Shelter

Chongqing is famous for its Bomb Shelter hot pot restaurants, and this is one of the most unique places to try the city’s signature dish. Underground Zhicheng Old Hot Pot is set inside a former World War II air raid shelter, where diners eat beneath vaulted concrete tunnels that were built to protect the city’s residents.

The setting is unlike any typical restaurant anywhere. Long bunker corridors lead to different dining areas, while the exposed concrete walls have been left largely untouched. It’s busy, full of locals and a fascinating place to experience Chongqing’s hot pot culture.

If you’re deciding between a standard hot pot restaurant and an air raid shelter, we’d recommend trying the latter. It’s a dining experience that’s absolutely unique to Chongqing.

How to Get to Underground Zhicheng Old Hot Pot by Metro

The nearest metro station to Underground Zhicheng Old Hot Pot is Hongtudi Station / 红土地站, served by Chongqing Metro Line 6 and Line 10.

Take the metro to Hongtudi Station, then use Exit 1A. From there, walk along Wuhong Road / 五红路 towards Longtou Temple Park / 龙头寺公园. The hot pot restaurant is inside the underground shelter complex near the south side of Longtou Temple Park, around a 5–10 minute walk from the station.

Bayi Road Food Street

Just a short walk from our hotel, Bayi Road Food Street is packed with food stalls, noodle shops and traditional restaurants serving everything from grilled skewers and dumplings to spicy Sichuan dishes.

We found ourselves returning several times during our stay, whether it was for a quick bowl of beef noodles, street food or dinner. Even if you don’t have a particular restaurant in mind, it’s a great area to wander and choose somewhere that catches your eye.

Hesi Chongqing Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal, Hesi Chongqing Noodles is a great choice. Just a short walk from Bayi Road Food Street, it’s a popular local spot serving traditional Chongqing xiaomian (small noodles).

We stopped here for lunch and it was one of those simple restaurants that does one thing really well. If you’re keen to try a classic bowl of Chongqing noodles without spending much, this is an easy place to start. 

Go Nanshan Night View Hot Pot Park

After exploring Huangjueya, we took a local bus further into the Nanshan hills and walked uphill for around five to ten minutes to Go Nanshan Night View Hot Pot Park. The restaurant is built across several terraces on the hillside, with outdoor tables overlooking Chongqing’s skyline.

We arrived while it was still light and stayed as the city lit up below us. Despite the impressive setting, it didn’t feel particularly touristy when we visited, and most of the other diners appeared to be local families and groups of friends. The hot pot was excellent, and watching the lights come on across Chongqing made it a memorable way to end the evening.

Chinese name: 去南山夜景火锅公园
Address: 南山街道真武山88号, Nan’an District

Sanmao Impression Café

If you’re exploring Huangjueya Old Street, Sanmao Impression Café is a great place to stop for a coffee and a break. Located beside Sanmao’s Former Residence, the modern café has floor-to-ceiling windows, several levels of seating and a large outdoor terrace surrounded by trees. We sat outside with a coffee before continuing our walk through the Nanshan hills, and it was the perfect place to slow down for a while.

How to Get to Chongqing

Chongqing is well connected by both high-speed rail and air, making it an easy city to include in a China itinerary.

We travelled to Chongqing by high-speed train from Chengdu, a journey that took around two hours. The trains are fast, comfortable and run frequently throughout the day, making this one of the easiest routes in China.

We flew out of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) going to Shanghai, which is well connected to destinations across China and internationally. The airport is easy to reach by metro, taxi or ride-hailing apps such as Didi.

One thing to be aware of is China’s power bank regulations. On domestic flights, airport security may confiscate power banks that don’t display a valid CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark, even if they’re perfectly legal in your home country. We nearly lost both of ours before our flight to Shanghai and thought we’d have to leave them behind. Fortunately, a member of staff took pity on us and offered to arrange shipping to our hotel instead. She organised everything, we transferred a small fee to the courier, and two days later both power banks arrived safely at our hotel in Shanghai.

In our case, this wasn’t an official airport service. However, some airports in China now do offer power bank shipping, so if you find yourself in the same situation, it’s definitely worth asking before handing yours over.

How Many Days Do You Need in Chongqing?

2 Days

Two days is enough to experience some of Chongqing’s main highlights, but it will feel quite busy. You could explore the streets around Jiefangbei, visit a temple, ride the metro, eat hot pot and street food, and see the city from one or two viewpoints, but you’ll need to keep the pace moving.

3 Days

We spent 3 nights in Chongqing, which felt like a good amount of time for a first visit. It gave us enough space to explore the bustling streets around Jiefangbei, visit temples, wander through Huangjueya Old Street, ride the metro, eat plenty of hot pot and street food, and see the city from several viewpoints without feeling like we were racing through it.

4+ Days

If you have four days or more, we’d recommend using at least one of them for a day trip outside the city. Wulong Karst National Geology Park is one of the most popular excursions from Chongqing, known for its dramatic limestone landscapes, natural bridges and filming locations from Transformers: Age of Extinction. It’s somewhere we would have loved to visit ourselves but simply didn’t have enough time.

Getting Around Chongqing

Despite its size, we found Chongqing surprisingly easy to get around. Between the metro, buses and Didi, we never had any trouble reaching the places we wanted to visit.

If you’re travelling in China for the first time, it’s worth setting up your essential apps before you arrive. We’ve covered the ones we actually used in our best apps for visiting China guide, including Alipay, Didi, maps, translation and transport tools.

Metro and bus

Chongqing has an extensive metro network that connects many of the city’s main attractions. We used it throughout our stay and found it to be clean, efficient and easy to navigate, even as first-time visitors.

We also caught local buses several times, particularly when exploring the Nanshan area. Some places simply aren’t served by the metro, and the buses were just as easy to use.

We set up a Chongqing Transport Card in Alipay, which allowed us to pay for both buses and the metro by simply scanning our phone.

Didi

For longer journeys or when we wanted the easiest option, we used Didi, China’s equivalent of Uber. It was affordable, reliable and easy to book through the Alipay app. We found it especially useful late in the evening or when travelling to places outside the city centre.

Walking

Although many of Chongqing’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, don’t expect a flat city. Chongqing is built across steep hills, and even short walks can involve hundreds of steps, long escalators and surprisingly steep climbs. By the end of the day, your legs will certainly know they’ve had a workout.

Navigation can also be confusing at first. The city is built on multiple levels, so your map might tell you your destination is only 50 metres away, while in reality it’s several storeys above or below you. Give yourself a little extra time when walking, especially if it’s your first visit.

Best Time to Visit Chongqing

We visited Chongqing in September and found it very hot and humid. The combination of high humidity and the city’s steep hills made exploring on foot more challenging than we expected. We often found ourselves stopping to catch our breath after climbing some of the city’s endless staircases.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time walking, spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) generally offer the most comfortable temperatures. That said, Chongqing is a year-round destination. Summer brings lush greenery and dramatic thunderstorms, while winter is known for the low cloud and mist that earned the city its nickname, “The City of Fog.”

Practical Tips for Visiting Chongqing

• Don’t underestimate the hills. We regularly found ourselves stopping halfway up staircases to catch our breath, especially in the September heat and humidity.
• Allow extra time to get around. Distances on the map can be deceptive. Your destination might be directly above or below you, rather than across the street.
• Use the metro or buses when you can. It often saves time compared with walking, especially if you’re moving between different levels of the city.
• Choose your hotel location carefully. Staying near Jiefangbei made it easy for us to walk to many attractions and restaurants while still having good metro connections.

Internet, Payments and Apps

Most businesses in Chongqing are cashless, so it’s worth setting up Alipay and WeChat before you arrive. We used it throughout our stay for public transport, Didi rides and paying in restaurants and cafés.

You’ll also need an eSIM or VPN if you want to access Google services and other blocked websites. We cover everything you need to know, including the apps we used every day, in our Complete Guide to the Best Apps for Travelling in China.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Chongqing

We only spent three nights in Chongqing, but it was enough to understand why so many people rave about it. There were still plenty of places we didn’t have time to visit, especially Wulong Karst National Geology Park, which gives us a good excuse to return. If you’re looking for a city that’s completely different from anywhere else in China, Chongqing deserves a place on your itinerary.