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:
- Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 to Liziba Station.
- Use Exit 2.
- Walk about 600m uphill towards Datianwan Primary School (大田湾小学)
- Near the school area follow the road down between the apartment blocks to the Lansheng Pavillion
- 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), 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.
