Things To Do
in Chongqing
Chongqing is a sprawling metropolis in southwestern China known for its dramatic hilly terrain and winding rivers. It sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, offering stunning riverbank views and iconic cable car rides. Famous as the birthplace of spicy hot pot cuisine, the city dazzles visitors with neon-lit nightscapes and traditional cliffside structures.
Chongqing’s foggy climate, unique culture, and rapid urban growth make it a compelling fusion of history and modernity.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. Check into hotel near Jiefangbei CBD. Enjoy a cup of local soy milk and a bowl of steamed wontons while soaking in the city bustle.
Explore the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, admiring modern skyscrapers and traditional alleyways. Visit the People's Liberation Monument and the surrounding malls for unique souvenirs. Sample street snacks like spiced peanuts and guo qiao mi xian.
Wander along the riverfront near Nanbin Road for spectacular skyline views. Board a night cruise on the Yangtze River to see glittering bridges. Savor your first hotpot dinner at a riverside restaurant to kick off your Chongqing culinary adventure.
Start with a traditional tea ceremony in a centuries-old teahouse in Ciqikou Ancient Town. Meander through red brick lanes lined with vintage shops and handicraft stalls. Observe local artisans molding clay teapots and painting calligraphy scrolls.
Sample small eats like peppermint candy and fried dough twists as you wander deeper. Join a pottery workshop to mold your own porcelain keepsake. Snap photos of the town’s vintage wooden balconies and old city walls.
Return to the riverside and watch the sun set behind the Jialing River. Enjoy a quiet riverside walk as lanterns light up historic streets. Finish the day with a bowl of spicy Sichuan noodles at a local eatery.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🚖Taxi start (urban) | $1 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.60 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-famous spicy cuisine
- Dramatic river and mountain scenery
- Vibrant night markets and bars
- Extremely hot, humid summers
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Hazy air quality at times
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián)" - How much?
- "我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège)" - I want this
- "对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)" - Sorry/Excuse me
Places to Visit in Chongqing
Visit one of these nice places.
Multi-level stilt houses lit up at night against the river provide a photogenic backdrop.
Where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet; colorful boats and bridges are ideal for sunrise shots.
Historic temples and statues on Ming mountainside offer eerie, atmospheric scenes.
Overlooks the entire city skyline wrapped in mist and lights, especially at dusk.
Food in Chongqing
Chongqing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bubbling broth filled with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns; try it at local chains like Shancheng Hot Pot.
Must-Try!
Spicy wheat noodles in a chili-oil sauce often topped with peanuts and scallions; available at roadside stalls.
Whole river fish char-grilled with cumin and chilies; popular at Maguan eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant stalls selling roasted skewers, fried tofu, spicy dumplings and candied fruit.
Open-air market famous for lamb skewers, cold noodles, stinky tofu, and bubble tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A slight nod or handshake is acceptable; avoid overly loud or boisterous behavior in temples.
Use communal chopsticks for shared dishes, wait for elders to begin eating, and don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Crowds are common; be patient in queues and avoid loud phone conversations on public transit.
Safety
Tipping in Chongqing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in local restaurants; round up small bills for porters or tour guides if desired.
Mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate; carry a Chinese bank–linked app or small cash for street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; occasional rain showers—pack a light rain jacket.
Hot, humid, and misty; expect temperatures above 35°C and heavy rainstorms—stay hydrated.
Pleasantly cool with clear skies; ideal for outdoor activities and river cruises.
Chilly, damp, and foggy; temperatures hover around 5–10°C—bring layers and waterproof shoes.
Chongqing at Night
Hiking in Chongqing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails through natural bridges, sinkholes, and limestone caves.
Scenic ridge walk with city vistas and forested sections.
Riverside cliffs, waterfalls, and historic temples along easy-to-moderate trails.
Airports
How to reach Chongqing by plane.
Major hub with domestic and international flights; take Metro Line 10 or airport shuttle to city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority residents speaking Southwestern Mandarin dialects.
Ethnic communities in nearby rural and mountainous counties.
Growing community of foreign professionals in finance and tech sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in parks and community centers; local clubs welcome beginners.
Indoor courts are common; casual pickup games in malls and sports complexes.
Street courts buzz with games day and night, reflecting China’s love for the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chongqing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for tofu dishes, stir-fried greens, and veggie versions of hot pot; specify “su” (素) when ordering.
Request no animal by-products; carry chili-free oil as most sauces contain fish or shrimp paste.
Rice-based dishes and plain broths are safe; avoid wheat noodles and soy-sauce–heavy dishes.