Things to do in Chongqing: Deep Travel Guide to the World’s Largest City

In this vivid travel guide from One Planet Journey’s Yali Kang, you’re invited into the heart of China’s most under-explored megacity, by some measures the largest city in the world. Blending local knowledge with a deep travel ethos, Yali shares unmissable sights, character-rich neighbourhoods, and how to navigate this multilevel city, famous for its mind-bending layout. Complete with transportation tips and excursions to serene nature and UNESCO-listed cultural spots, you get an insider’s view of things to do in unforgettable Chongqing.

Chongqing: Rising With the Mountains, Bridging Across the Rivers 

Chongqing City is a direct-administered municipality in Southwestern China with a uniquely mountainous and hilly terrain that makes up between 76-98% of the area. Its frequent fog contributes to its many nicknames: the Mountain City, the River City, and the Fog City.

Hongya Cave, the Liziba monorail station, the confusing 8D levels of Kuixing Pavilion, Jianghu cuisine (as explored in my earlier article about Sichuan food, which covers what to eat in Chongqing), these are the calling cards of Chongqing you have likely heard about.

But hidden spots like Wulong and the Dazu Rock Carving still sit relatively undiscovered by many tourists and are only a few of Chongqing’s wonders. As is the warm and honest spirit of the resident communities. I liken Chongqing to one of my favourite local snacks, Guaiwei fava beans. It’s a mix of unexpected, bold, and unforgettable flavours. This city is diverse, daring, and fearless. Join me on a deep travel exploration of Chongqing.

What areas and neighbourhoods to stay in Chongqing 

Choose a neighbourhood to stay in that fits your travel plans, style, and budget. Here are some suggestions:

Jiefangbei & Hongya Cave Area 

Located in the heart of Chongqing, this area is the best choice if you value quick and easy access to many major attractions. There are also excellent public transportation options.

Best for first-time visitors who want to get a good feel of the city and stay close to popular sights.

Near Guanyinqiao (Guanyin Bridge)

For nightlife lovers, this area is particularly popular with younger travellers. There’s also a famous food street nearby, perfect for those looking to explore Chongqing in a deeper, slower-paced style.

Best for travellers who love authentic (street) food, local life, and nighttime entertainment.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ideal for slow travel and mindfulness. It has a quieter atmosphere and is one of Chongqing’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Best for culture lovers and travellers seeking a more traditional experience.

How to get around – transport in Chongqing 

Chongqing offers a wide variety of transportation modes, all directly influenced by the challenging topography. As mountains, rivers, and gorges surround it, expect vertical and multilevel transportation systems.

Airport to city: Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, which connects to major cities in China like Chengdu, and beyond.

Train/High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train): You’ll arrive either at Chongqing North Station or Chongqing West Station. From here, catch the subway to Central Jiefangbei. 

Light Rail / Subway: The Chongqing metro is extensive and affordable. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get around the city, with access to most of the attractions.

Taxi: Drivers are familiar with the streets and local terrain, and because of the confusing grid, it’s often more convenient than driving yourself.

Chongqing Sights and Attractions to visit 

Jiefangbei-Chaotianmen Central Business District 

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is a popular place for visitors to the area. It’s a core business zone for many corporate and financial institutions, not only for Chongqing but also for the entire western region. You’ll find Chongqing’s distinct historical and cultural identity mirrored in buildings and infrastructure. Shopping and leisure activities in this spot represent an enjoyable way to experience the character of the neighbourhood.

The People’s Liberation Monument, in the centre of the city, celebrates the liberation of Chongqing and is now also the symbol of the city itself. The New Year’s Eve crowds gather to welcome a new year as the bells ring at midnight.

Chaotianmen

In 2013, Chaotianmen became a top-ten cultural symbol of Chongqing. Situated at the junction of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers on the Yuzhong Peninsula in Yuzhong District, it is historically significant. It is one of the 17 ancient city gates in Chongqing (the ‘open gate’ represents the true city entrance, with the ‘closed gate’ responsible for military defence or drainage). A local acquaintance informed me that the emperor received his imperial edict here. I am now even more convinced that it was also the largest ancient city gate and an important transportation hub and port in old Chongqing.

During the summer flood season, the Yuanyang Pot River makes me marvel at the magic of nature. The natural meeting of two rivers, one clear and the other cloudy, is just like the base of a hot pot, half spicy and half mild, and is sometimes called the ‘double flavour hot pot’ by locals.

Both Chaotianmen Square and the nearby bridge have beautiful views of the river. They are favourite spots for locals on a stroll. With a refreshing breeze coming off the water, they become especially magical after dinner when the lights come on.

Raffles City

Raffles City, designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, mimics the sensation of ‘sailing to the sky’. It shapes the skyscraper into an arc, which resembles a ship in motion. In addition, the crystal corridor across the tower is approximately 300 metres long, 30 metres wide, and 22.5 metres high, with locals often referring to it as a ‘horizontal skyscraper’. The Chongqing architecture alone brings many people to the area.

Hongya Cave 

Hongyadong or Hongya Cave is another recognisable landmark in Chongqing, and has become especially popular on social media. When it’s lit up at night, the complex looks almost not of this world. Originally one of the city gates of ancient Chongqing, during the Republic of China period, this site found use as a distribution hub for river cargo. In 2002, the Chongqing Municipal Government transformed it into the folk-style district it is today. The renovated building is modern with reinforced concrete, but it has the look and characteristics of traditional stilt houses, with people coming from all over to see this unusual tourist attraction.

It’s based on the “stilted building” architectural form of Bayu, integrating traditional folk culture, dockside life, and mountain dwellings, as well as Chongqing food culture. The 13-story structure is like a small town on the cliff. There are snack stalls and bar streets, bringing life to the area that continues well into the early hours of the morning. During my visit, I noticed Chongqing was as lively at 1 am as during the daytime.

Kuixing Pavilion

Kuixing Pavilion is a century-old site that drew ancient scholars who came to pray. Built in the traditional Chongqing style, this is the legendary 8D terrain landmark that you may recognise from online photos. The illusion of Kuixing Pavilion: you step onto the 1st floor, but when looking down, you find yourself on the 22nd floor. Both levels feature a square plaza, and despite using a lift to change floors, the surroundings look the same. Like many illusions, it is difficult to explain, but that’s the magic of this mountain city.

Two ‘hanging’ bridges connect Kuixing Pavilion Square and the office building next to it. They have become popular for taking photos and online videos. While safe, I recommend holding on to the handrails if heights make you queasy. The bridges might sway from side to side a little once people start moving on them.

Transportation Tips: Take the bus to Lanjiang Road Station to get here.

Bai Xiang Ju

Baixiang Ju, also innovatively constructed to suit the terrain, is a magical high-rise building. The structure, built into and on the mountain, has 24 floors, no elevator, and has exits on the 1st, 10th, and 15th floors, leading to different city blocks. The clever design has made this place a must-see spot.

Complex Overpasses

The complex terrain has also led to some of the most complex overpass designs in China. The Huangjuewan Overpass in Danzishi, Nan’an District, features 20 vertically staggered ramps. Enough to make you dizzy, in fact, the entire city feels a bit multi-dimensional and almost surreal because of its intricate transportation systems.

Note: GPS isn’t always reliable here, but local taxi drivers know the terrain and shortcuts!

Liangjiang Ferry 

Taking a Liangjiang Ferry is a great way to enjoy the scenery of Chongqing, and the simplest route to take is to depart from Hongyadong and arrive at the boarding point. Tip: Consider taking a 1-hour ferry to visit the famous Ciqikou Scenic Area, enjoying the river and culture at the same time.

Liziba Station

Part of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2, which has become popular, is Liziba Station. It is unique because it has a single track that passes directly through a residential and commercial building. Don’t worry, they built the monorail and building together with a special station-bridge separation, to minimise noise and vibration impact on residents.

You find shops and offices on floors 1 to 5, the rail transit station is on floors 6 to 8, and above that, residential apartments on floors 9 to 19.

The station’s platform area accommodates tourists enjoying the views and taking photos. On Chinese social media, there is a popular trend called ‘eating the light rail’, and it refers to people posing with their mouths open as the train passes by, as if ‘eating’ it. 

Another unique aspect of Chongqing’s transit is the ‘designated backpack carriage’ for farmers. This subway helps vegetable and fruit sellers travel more easily into the city, which is a thoughtful solution that supports local trade. 

Cross-river Bridge and Yangtze River Cable Car

There are many rivers and valleys to cross, and for Chongqing people, bridges are the way to go. The unique topography makes the ‘bridge city’ nickname an apt choice. Can you believe it has over 14,000 bridges, including over 2,000 in urban areas and over 100 spanning its three major rivers?

Many types exist, and some of the better-known are:

Egongyan (suspension bridge),

Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge,

Dongshuimen (road-rail dual-use)

Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge (cable-stayed bridge), and

Chaotianmen Bridge, which arches across the Yangtze River.

These bridges relieve travel pressure and play a role in shaping urban development. Jiangbei District and Chongqing’s prosperous Yuzhong Peninsula connect via the Qiansimen Bridge. From here, I recommend the night view of Hongyadong, as well as the Jialing River and Chaotianmen Square.

In addition to bridges, ropeways (also called cable cars) represent an iconic means of travel in Chongqing. The Yangtze River ropeway starts from Xinhua Road in Yuzhong District at the north end, at Shangxin Street in Nan’an District in the south. I find crossing the river in this manner is a peaceful and enjoyable way to get from one side to the other.

Things to do in Chongqing: Culture 

Mountain City Trail – Shancheng 

Before lifts became widely available, Chongqing residents climbed hills and ridges on foot to get around. The Shancheng Lane Trail, on the Yuzhong, is one of the more traditional hiking trails for outdoor adventures. Many of the elderly residents still carry the memories of walking along the trail many years ago.

However, the most iconic walk is the Third Trail. Here, travellers discover a series of cultural and historical landmarks: the Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, Ren’ai Hall, (a French-style church with over a century of history), Shancheng Lane, traditional stilt houses, remnants of the old city wall, and other sites retaining the original spirit of old Chongqing.

A Slow Travel Approach 

To truly feel the soul of the Shancheng Trail, I suggest you slow down and take your time. To understand the heart of this city, past and present, stop for a moment and talk to the residents about old Chongqing. These interactions and connections make it easier to appreciate the deep culture and the unique history of Chongqing.

A quick note about conversing with the locals. They can be very direct and sometimes even seem impatient! This may be related to the way the Chongqing dialect is expressed. You may often hear interjections or modal particles such as ‘sai, sa, ma, ha’, for example, deng ha ma (Wait). Zou le ha (Let’s go). Hei ren ba sai! (So scary).

“Yao er” and “guaiguai” you will always hear on the street or in Chongqing’s stores. Shop owners or waiters often call young female customers “guaiguai” in order to build a closer relationship.

I suggest starting at the lower entrance, near Consulate Lane, which is accessible via Metro Line 1, Qixinggang Station, Exit 1. There are a few places along the way perfect for photos. The Cliffside Plank Road and viewing terrace come to mind. The Mountain City Trail has all the trappings that make a holiday outing perfect by my standards: local shops to explore, the morning sun shining brightly, and a scenic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Travel Tip: Since the path can be narrow and the steps quite steep in certain parts, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Shibati (Eighteen Steps) 

There are a few popular stories about how Shiba Ladder or Eighteen Steps got its name. One version is that a well sits exactly eighteen steps away from the nearest home. You can still see the ancient well on the hillside. Another version refers to a passage with eighteen steps connecting the upper and lower parts of Chongqing Yuzhong Peninsula.

Today, it is a cultural experience that represents the traditional style of the area. You can visit the Mountain City Memory Museum to explore over a century of history and transformation at the Eighteen Steps. The Eighteen Steps Tunnel Site Memorial Hall is a good place to stop next. The hall has an abundance of information about the tragic chapter of Chongqing’s past during its time as China’s wartime capital, when the city endured relentless bombings. If your legs and feet are weary from walking, step into a local teahouse and sit with an iced tea and watch the world go by.

Festivals and Competitions 

In addition to the Lantern Festival celebrated across the country that marks the last day of the Chinese New Year, Shibati holds a Grand Lantern Festival. Locals and travellers across the age spectrum enjoy intricately decorated lanterns and entertaining performances. All with an overall lighthearted atmosphere.

In spring, watch or join climbing competitions, including the motorcycle ladder races. The winners receive the honour of being called a ‘Bangbang’. These older Shancheng workers, ‘Bangbang’, or street porters, carry long bamboo sticks on their shoulders. Because of their determination and fearless work ethic, they have earned the reputation of being Chongqing’s toughest workers. The manual labour ranges from carrying and delivering water to food, and important documents.

Transportation Tips: A taxi or the subway will get you to Jiaochangkou Station, and from there, take Exit 11 for Shibati.

Because it’s also very close to the Mountain City Trail, it makes it easy to explore both on the same day. 

Huguang Guild Hall

When the Song Dynasty transitioned to the Yuan Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, war swept through the Sichuan Basin. This dramatically reduced Chongqing’s population. Subsequently, waves of immigrants poured into the Sichuan Basin coming from the Hu-Guang area (present-day Hunan and Hubei). This historical migration became known as ‘Huguang filling Sichuan’.

The Huguang Guild Hall is a spiritual home for mutual support for these immigrants. They built the complex on the mountain, with yellow walls and black tiles, sweeping eaves, and layered courtyards. It reflects the traditional style of ancient Chinese architecture.

Now known as the Chongqing Immigration Museum, it houses exquisite wood and brick carvings. Pay close attention to the intricate work of ‘Investiture of the Gods’ and ‘Journey to the West’.

Three Gorges Museum

To understand this city on a deeper level, you must visit this museum, one of the largest in the country. Its permanent exhibition, divided into themed halls, ranges from prehistoric civilisation to modern history, and of course about the huge Three Gorges Dam. Each section is rich in historical significance. 

Admission: Free

Recommended Length of Tour: Around 2 hours

Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town, founded during the Xianping period of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, developed rapidly during the Qing Dynasty and Republican periods. It is the largest and most culturally authentic ancient town in central ​​Chongqing. In 2022, it received the designation of national ‘intangible cultural heritage tourist attraction’. 

Wander through the narrow alleys lined with Ming and Qing architecture and try some of the traditional street food, such as authentic Maoxuewang (spicy duck blood and offal stew). Do you dare try it? There is also Chen Mahua (twisted fried dough sticks), and other regional snacks not to be missed for a deeper travel experience.

Transportation Tip: Ciqikou Ancient Town is in the Shapingba District. From Hongyadong Ferry Port, take a small ferry to the town’s entrance, or Light Rail Line 1 directly to Ciqikou Station.

Sanqing Temple

Sanqing Temple, tucked away on Huangjueya Old Street in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, is an ancient temple rich in Taoist atmosphere and Bayu local culture. During traditional festivals, Taoists hold ceremonies that are based on local religious customs. Believers often visit to pray for blessings and peace.

Viewed from the front of the temple, the city view and the Jialing River water are in the distance, combining the beauty of humanity and nature.

This temple is suitable for quiet worship and picture taking. I recommend Huangjueya Old Street, Sanqing Temple, and Nanshan Yikeshu night view for a slow one-day, deep travel combination.

 Admission: Free

The Spiritual World of Chongqing People

Chongqing is a mountainous city full of caves. Many of the air-raid shelters, like Dongjianshancheng in Yuzhong District or the Liziba and Nan’an District Rainbow Air-raid Shelter, are now teahouses, pubs, and even mahjong halls.

Step inside and you will see Chongqing locals chatting, playing cards, and immersing themselves in everyday experiences. The atmosphere is smoky, noisy, and fully authentic, and truthfully, this may be the most ‘Chongqing’ cultural experience of your trip.

The People’s Auditorium

A landmark building and the cultural business card of Chongging. Found on Renmin Road, it’s an architectural beauty, filled with history and urban spirit. Once you visit the Three Gorges Museum, you can find the Auditorium across the People’s Square. It is a golden combination, providing tourists with a cultural day tour.

Built on a mountainside, this building features a design that imitates the round roof of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Recognised as one of the ‘Top Ten Most Beautiful Theatres in China’, it is within walking distance of “Jiaochangkou Station” on Metro Line 1 or “Zengjiayan Station” on Line 2.

Natural and Heritage Day Trips from Chongqing 

If you can fit it into your schedule, I recommend visiting these attractions. They’re outside the city but worth the trip.

Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges

After city life, it’s time for nature, specifically karst formations in Wulong District. The three natural stone arch bridges of Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong combine to form the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia. For those ‘set-jetting’ travellers, you might recognise it as a filming location for Transformers 4.

Magnificent, dangerous, beautiful, dramatic, secluded. Take your pick for an apt description of this landscape. In June 2007, Wulong Karst, with the Three Natural Bridges, received a World Natural Heritage Site label.

Transportation Tip: For public transportation, take the train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus.

Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings represent some of the finest examples of late Chinese grotto art. First discovered and excavated during the early Tang Dynasty, the caves are large in scale, with over 50,000 statues.

Merging Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, these artistic carvings have great historical value and joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. These rock carvings are Chongqing’s only World Cultural Heritage site and are a must-visit for history and culture buffs.

Transportation Tip: Take the high-speed rail from Chongqing to Dazu Rock Carvings Station and then walk or take a taxi to the Dazu Rock Carvings Scenic Area.

Chiyou Jiulicheng

Chongqing is the only municipality in China with designated ethnic autonomous areas. It is home to many ethnic cultures, specifically the Miao and Tujia peoples. The city celebrates the Miao ethnic culture with a focus on the legendary figure of Chiyou, the earliest ancestor of the Miao. Located in Pengshui Miao and the Tujia Autonomous County, it is 175 kilometres from central ​​Chongqing.

Jiuli Palace stands 99 meters tall and is an impressive example of traditional architecture with courtyard houses, stilted buildings, and intricate wooden carvings. You’ll also see the Jiuli God Pillar, a Miao totem pole with the greatest height, the largest diameter, and the most carved ghosts and gods in the world. All listed in the Guinness World Records.

The Nine Gates are the landmark buildings of Chiyou Jiuli City, built along and into the mountain ridge. Simply magnificent. Each is well-proportioned and has a different shape. There are three stone gates, three wooden gates, and three brick-wood structure gates, all named after the Jiuli tribe. Each gate has engravings of Miao folk culture, historical stories, and totems.

Every May 11th, the world’s largest Chiyou sacrificial ceremony takes place, featuring performances that showcase Miao’s intangible cultural heritage, special foods, and so much more. There are also rich and wonderful performances and Miao cultural heritage exchange activities on weekdays.

Transportation Tip:

Bus: From Chongqing Sili Kilometre Transportation Hub Station to Pengshui Bus Station, then transfer to Chiyou Jiuli City

Train: Search for Pengshui Railway Station and continue from there.

In addition, two other scenic spots, Jinfo Mountain and Wushan Little Three Gorges, are interesting places to visit.

Endless things to do in Chongqing

Chongqing is a many-layered city, literally and figuratively. It has magical realism, cyberpunk architecture, and dramatic topography, and many stories of resilience and transformation await your discovery if you are willing to do a little digging beneath the surface! Just don’t get lost trying to navigate this vertical labyrinth.

The city inspires curiosity about life and dares to break through conventional thinking. Whether you’re into shopping, culture, or nature, you will find something in this article that encourages you to visit. With plenty of sights and attractions, you won’t run out of things to do in Chongqing.

Before you leave, two words: street food! Be sure to try some of the local culinary favourites! Hot pot, Xiao Mian (local-style noodles), fried crispy pork, and even the chilli oil ice cream! You won’t be sorry!

Enjoy Chongqing! 

Have you been to China? Did you visit Chongqing? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.