CHONGQING
Chongqing is China’s incredible “Mountain City”, an urban marvel of dramatic, hilly terrain and futuristic skylines. Set at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it’s a global hub famous for its fiery food and unique, multi-level architecture.
The city is a fascinating blend of ancient history, especially the Ba-Yu culture, and cutting-edge modernity, earning it the nickname the “8D Magic City”. It’s the gateway to the majestic Three Gorges and a powerhouse of innovation and flavor.
Most Popular Attractions
City Core & Iconic Architecture:
Hongya Cave (Hongyadong): An 11-story complex of traditional Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) built into the cliffside, offering a spectacular, illuminated night view that resembles the world of Spirited Away.
People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei): An iconic landmark in the heart of the city’s central business district and its busiest pedestrian street.
Chaotianmen Square: A vast plaza at the dramatic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, marked by the stunning Raffles City Chongqing skyscraper complex.
Liziba Station: A globally-famous monorail station where the train line passes directly through a residential building, a quirky example of the city’s complex urban design.
Yangtze River Cableway: A historic cable car offering a thrilling and scenic ride high above the Yangtze River, connecting Yuzhong and Nanan districts.
Chongqing Grand Theatre: A modern, distinctive glass structure that is a centerpiece of the city’s illuminated skyline, especially beautiful at night.
People’s Assembly Hall (Renmin Gongsuguan): A grand, imposing building with a green-tiled roof and classical Chinese architectural style, often confused with the Three Gorges Museum.
Three Gorges Museum: A comprehensive museum detailing the history, culture, and art of Chongqing and the Three Gorges region along the Yangtze River.
Eling Park: A serene classical garden perched on a ridge, offering one of the best panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Kuixing Building: Noted for its dramatic elevation, where you can walk across a bridge at what feels like the 22nd floor, showcasing the city’s 8D topography.
Historical & Cultural Sites:
Ciqikou Ancient Town: A well-preserved old town and former porcelain port with narrow streets, traditional architecture, tea houses, and local snack vendors.
Shibati (Eighteen Steps): A historic, hilly neighborhood that preserves the traditional life of the “Mountain City” before its modernization.
Longmenhao Old Street: A picturesque old street built along the mountain, offering historical buildings and excellent photo spots of the city skyline.
Luo Han Temple: A historic Buddhist temple dating back over 1,000 years, offering a peaceful contrast to the high-rises that surround it.
General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum: The former residence of the American general, now a museum commemorating his role in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII.
Huayan Temple: A large, historic Buddhist temple complex in the Jiulongpo District, known for its solemn atmosphere and size.
Nature, Scenic & Outlying Regions:
Wulong Karst National Geology Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic karst landscapes, including the majestic Three Natural Bridges and deep sinkholes.
Dazu Rock Carvings: A spectacular UNESCO-listed cluster of Buddhist and Taoist rock carvings and sculptures dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park: Known as the “Oriental Switzerland,” this park offers lush alpine meadows, forests, and a cool climate, a popular retreat from the city heat.
Furong Cave: A large, colorful karst cave near Wulong, featuring an incredible variety of stalactites and geological formations.
Yangtze River Cruise: The essential experience, often a multi-day cruise to see the spectacular Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling).
Chongqing Zoo: Home to an extensive collection of animals, most famously the city’s beloved Giant Pandas and Red Pandas.
Fengdu Ghost City: A large temple complex that vividly represents the Chinese concept of the afterlife and the netherworld.
Simian Mountain: A National Forest Park known for its abundant waterfalls, lush forests, and rich biodiversity.
Activities & Experiences
Experience the Ultimate Hotpot: Dine at a traditional, authentic Chongqing hotpot restaurant, famous for its intensely spicy and numbing “málà” broth. Try local favorites like duck intestine, beef tripe, and pig brain, or opt for a “Yuan-Yang” (split) pot with clear broth for balance.
Marvel at Hongya Cave’s Night View: Visit the iconic Hongya Cave complex, a stunning 11-story architectural marvel of stilted buildings on the cliffside. The nighttime illumination is said to resemble the bathhouse from the movie Spirited Away.
Ride the Yangtze River Cableway: Take a scenic ride on the Chongqing Changjiang Cableway, a “sky bus” that crosses the Yangtze River, offering breathtaking, unique views of the city’s unique geography and skyline.
See Giant Pandas: Visit the Chongqing Zoo to see its collection of Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. Plan to go early in the morning (7:00 AM–9:00 AM) for the best chance to see them active.
Explore the Dazu Rock Carvings: Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dazu Rock Carvings, featuring over 50,000 intricate Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian stone carvings dating back to the 7th century.
Wander through Ciqikou Ancient Town: Stroll through the narrow, cobbled alleys of Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic riverside town preserved with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, traditional teahouses, and local street snacks.
Cruise the Two Rivers at Night: Take a night cruise where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, providing the best vantage point to admire the spectacular illuminated skyscrapers and bridges of the ‘Cyberpunk’ skyline.
Visit Wulong Karst National Geology Park: Go on a day trip to the magnificent Wulong Karst National Geology Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), home to the dramatic Three Natural Bridges (featured in Transformers and Curse of the Golden Flower) and massive sinkholes.
Ride the Monorail through a Building: Experience the famous train that passes directly through a residential building at Liziba Station on Metro Line 2. The viewing platform below is the best place for photos.
Discover an Underground Air-Raid Shelter: Explore one of Chongqing’s repurposed World War II air-raid shelters, which have been converted into unique spaces like hotpot restaurants (e.g., Underground City Old Hotpot) or cool craft cocktail bars (e.g., Caver Bar).
Hike the Mountain City Trails (Shancheng Alley): Walk the historic and scenic Shancheng Alley or other ‘Mountain City Trails,’ traditional pedestrian paths with steep stairs and ramps, offering a glimpse into old Chongqing’s vertical living.
Shop and Sightsee at Raffles City: Marvel at the stunning modern architecture of Raffles City Chongqing, especially its famous horizontal “Crystal” skybridge that connects its towers and offers panoramic observation deck views.
Local Tips & Transport
The “Mountain City” Layout: Chongqing’s unique, hilly terrain means that walking a few blocks often involves significant stair climbing or altitude changes. What looks close on a map may require a climb!
Rail Transit is Excellent: Chongqing has an extensive and modern metro/rail transit system with 13 lines that cover most major areas and attractions.
Metro: Fares are very affordable. For easy travel, use the “Chongqing Jiaoyuntong” app to generate a QR code for quick entry and exit.
Monorail/Light Rail: Line 2 and Line 3 offer highly scenic rides. Line 2 is famous for the Liziba Station train-through-building experience.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are affordable and widely available. Ride-hailing via local apps like Didi is the most convenient way to travel, especially for navigating the complex road system.
Note: Traffic, particularly around tourist hotspots like Hongya Cave, can be extremely heavy during the evening (7 PM–9 PM).
From the Airport: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is well-connected. Metro Line 10 offers a direct, affordable route to the city center. Taxis are also readily available.
Embrace the Spice (“Málà”): Chongqing cuisine, especially its hotpot, is renowned for its intense spiciness combined with the unique, numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns (málà).
Tip: If you can’t handle extreme heat, ask for a “Yuanyang Pot” (a divided pot with spicy and non-spicy broth) or try non-spicy local dishes like Suanla Yu (Sour and Spicy Fish) or Tangyuan (sweet rice balls).
Dining Culture: Meals are a communal experience. For hotpot, don’t be afraid to try some of the local favorites like duck blood or tripe. The real culinary gems are often found in the non-descript hole-in-the-wall eateries, not the high-end restaurants.
Cashless City: Like much of China, Chongqing is largely cashless. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the primary forms of payment, even for street food. While some places accept cash, having a linked payment app is essential for convenience.
The Foggy City: Chongqing is famously known as the “Fog City” (Wudu) due to its high humidity and frequent fog, especially in winter. This contributes to the city’s dramatic, mysterious atmosphere and is part of the reason locals traditionally preferred fiery, spicy food to warm up.
Hidden Gems:
E’ling 2 Factory: A former printing factory transformed into a trendy, creative arts and design district with unique cafes, boutiques, and bookshops, offering great views of the city.
Luohan Temple: A serene, ancient Buddhist temple located right in the bustling downtown area, offering a peaceful escape from the urban chaos.
Chongqing Grand Theater Viewpoint: A fantastic, lesser-known spot across the river from Hongya Cave to get the ultimate panoramic night photo of the iconic stilted buildings and the illuminated bridge.
Traditional Teahouses: Seek out a local teahouse (often a bit worn and retro, like those along Tushan Road) to relax and socialize for a few yuan, a true glimpse into local, slow-paced life.
Language: English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist hotels and international businesses. Having a translation app and being able to show the name/address of your destination in Chinese characters (e.g., on a screenshot or note) will be incredibly helpful for taxis and asking for directions.
Top Restaurants
Zhou Shixiong Hot Pot [$15-$25] – A popular hot pot restaurant known for its traditional, intensely spicy, and numbing broth. Expect a lively, authentic atmosphere favored by locals.
Pei Jie Hot Pot [$10-$20] – A well-known and classic local hot pot establishment, serving the essential Chongqing experience: spicy beef-tallow broth and a wide variety of offal and meats.
E Zhang Men Hot Pot [$15-$25] – Noted for its sour and hot soup base, this chain is a favorite for those seeking a slight twist on the classic spicy hot pot, with many locations throughout the city.
Shancheng Lao Tangkou · 1636 Chongqing Old Cuisine [$15-$25] – A restaurant focusing on traditional “Old Chongqing Cuisine,” which offers classic, comforting, and less globally famous local dishes beyond just hot pot.
Chenxiang (Chuan Cuisine) [$20-$35] – Highly praised for its exquisite and reliable take on classic Sichuan and Chongqing dishes like Grilled Pepper Perch and Kung Pao Chicken, with a good environment.
Yang Ji Long Fu Restaurant [$10-$20] – A casual local spot celebrated for its authentic Szechuan cuisine and often recommended for its great value and generous portions of traditional dishes.
Ma Fang Wan No.66 [$10-$20] – A quintessential local spot for the Chongqing Hot Pot experience, known for its authenticity and being a favorite among residents, particularly for offal and a fiery broth.
Qianzhou Ribs [$10-$20] – A local favorite specializing in spicy, smoky Chongqing Ribs, perfectly cooked to be crispy and tender—a must-try regional specialty.
Lao Ma’s Noodle [$5-$10] – A legendary spot where you can experience the true, fiery essence of Chongqing’s noodle culture; a quintessential local breakfast or lunch stop.
Dao Maa Daan – Chongqing Noodles [$5-$10] – Highly recommended for authentic Chongqing Xiao Mian (Little Noodles), a staple dish with a thin, springy texture and an intensely spicy and savory sauce.
Qin Yun Lao Tai Po Tan Tan Mian [$5-$10] – Extremely popular locally for its very cheap and authentic xiaomian (noodles), providing a true taste of local street food culture.
Wang Zi Dumplings [$5-$10] – Famous for its fresh, handmade dumplings (Chao Shou) served bathed in a potent and delicious chili oil sauce, a classic Sichuan-style snack.
Chongqing Hot Ribs [$10-$20] – Known for serving spicy and smoky ribs that are a local addiction, offering a great non-hot pot experience for meat lovers.
Laozi Chongqing Liang Mian [$5-$10] – Famous for its Cold Noodles (Liang Mian) served with a tangy, spicy sauce that makes for a refreshing meal in the city’s humid climate.
Chongqing Fish King [$20-$35] – Specializes in Wanzhou-style Grilled Fish (Kǎo Yú), offering a smoky, spicy flavor in a sizzling plate, perfect for sharing.
Mala Tang Shi [$5-$10] – A popular spot for Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Noodles (Malatang), where you select your ingredients to be cooked in a customizable, spicy broth.
Xiao Peng Fei Chang Ji [$10-$20] – Known for its authentic and flavorful Fei Chang Ji, a dish featuring chicken and pig intestines cooked in a spicy, rich broth.
Wudu Cheng Wai · Guiyin [$30-$50] – Recommended for local dishes with a refined, pleasant vibe in the Hualong Qiao area, offering a more upscale setting than typical traditional spots.
Yueban [$20-$35] – A casual Sichuan restaurant offering great value and a modern take on local cuisine, often serving generous portion sizes with inventive set menus.
Chuan Ge Yuan Hot Pot [$25-$45] – Known for a slightly more modern and clean hot pot environment, often popular with a younger crowd, but still maintaining the fiery local flavor.
General Ba (Quanba General) [$20-$35] – A unique spot that falls into the Jiang Hu Cai (River and Lake Cuisine) category, known for its bold, rustic, and unconventional local dishes.
Caver Craft Beer Bar [$15-$30] – A unique spot literally located in a bomb shelter, offering a hipster/speakeasy vibe with a selection of craft beers and creative bar snacks.
Tripsmith [$15-$30] – A craft beer bar that offers interesting and weird local seasonings on its bar food, appealing to those looking for a modern, unique hang-out spot.
Bowltai, Eat Me, Little Moon (Xiǎo Yuèqiú) [$25-$45] – These are modern, Western-style brunch and bistro spots, catering to a younger crowd looking for international/fusion breakfast and lunch options.
Notigerbistro [$30-$50] – A modern bistro offering a contemporary and playful take on both local and international flavors in a trendy atmosphere.
Feng’s Barbecue (冯烧烤) [$15-$30] – A famous local barbecue spot known for its grilled skewers and, uniquely, its very popular grilled pig brain, a must-try for the adventurous food traveler.
Fenghuolun Barbecue [$15-$30] – Another popular, authentic local barbecue joint for savory skewers and smoky meats, often busy with locals late into the night.
Huangjia Barbecue [$15-$30] – Famous for its traditional Chongqing-style barbecue, offering delicious skewers with local spice mixes, including the local specialty of grilled pig brain.
Laolai Fu · Sour Soup Rabbit [$40-$70] – Known for its specialty, the stewed rabbit soup pot in a sour base, offering a non-spicy, tender, and smooth meat experience in an elevated setting.
Ji Shan Ban Lan · Fujian Cuisine [$50-$80] – A refined dining experience offering high-quality Fujian cuisine, often with river views and a slight fine-dining style, and a good choice for non-spicy options.
JW Marriott Buffet [$50-$80] – Known for a good-quality international buffet with a variety of seafood, including large scallops and oysters, excellent desserts, and a view.
Manhattan Steakhouse in Marriott Hotel [$60-$90] – One of the best places in town for high-quality Western food, offering imported beef steak and seafood in a classic, refined setting.
Seasons (Shānchá Sìjì) [$60-$100] – A great upscale dinner spot serving refined and exquisite local Chongqing cuisine in an elegant environment, focusing on elevated traditional flavors.
CD Yun Shang (JW Marriott) [$60-$90] – An upscale buffet option offering a good variety and quality, including a Tom Yum Goong hot pot, great seafood, and top-tier desserts.
Hai Yi Xuan Hot Pot [$70-$120] – Located in the 5-star Harbour Plaza, this is one of the most luxurious hot pot dining places, known for its authentic food, elegant environment, and extensive menu of soup bases and premium ingredients.
Tao Ran Ju Flavor Restaurant [$40-$70] – Offers innovative, award-winning Sichuan dishes in a cozy environment with reasonable prices for its quality; signature dishes include Spicy Winkles and Crispy Toothpick Rabbit Meat.
Wai Po Qiao (Grandma’s Bridge) [$50-$90] – A famous restaurant on Nan Bin Road, located by the bank of the Yangtze River, offering high-end dining and hot pot, often with great river views.
Intercontinental Restaurants [$60-$100] – Restaurants at the top of the Intercontinental Hotel in Chongqing often offer a good view and upscale dining options, including quality buffet breakfast.
Shunfeng 123 (Shùnfēng 123) [$20-$40] – A favorite for an “upscale” but cheap/affordable Chinese restaurant, offering a wide variety of good-quality regional Chinese dishes.
Yue Lai Lou (Cantonese) [$25-$45] – A well-regarded spot for high-quality Cantonese cuisine, a good option for those seeking a less spicy, different regional Chinese flavor.
Curry Curry Indian Restaurant [$20-$40] – A reliable option for Indian cuisine in the Jiangbei District, offering flavorful dishes at reasonable prices.
Wildflower Cafe [$25-$45] – An excellent choice for Western food, particularly known for its quality weekend dinner menu.
La Zuo Yi Shi [$20-$40] – Known for its delicious fusion of local and modern elements, offering an innovative take on classic flavors.
Jiuyuan Steamed Bun [$5-$10] – Not a full restaurant but a famous local snack spot for its special steamed buns with fillings like salty ham and sweet rosy sugar, a traditional light bite.
La Cantina (Mexican) [$15-$30] – A popular place for Westerners looking for a good Mexican food fix in the city, offering a casual and lively atmosphere.
ONEEYEBAR [$15-$25] – A highly-rated spot for barbecue and drinks, known for its location with a first-line night river view and a lively atmosphere with resident singers.
Zha Cai (Pickled Cabbage Head) [$5] – Not a restaurant, but a famous local pickled dish (compressed vegetable) made from a mustard plant stem, served as a pungent, spicy snack or side dish that you can find at many small stalls.
Su Yi Xiang Vegetarian Restaurant [$10-$20] – A well-known vegetarian buffet located near Jiefangbei, offering a wide variety of meat-free dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar 62: Located on the 62nd floor of the Niccolo Chongqing in the Jiangbeizui/Beibin Road area, this high-altitude bar offers stunning panoramic river views, original artisan cocktails, and an elegant setting with live music.
Suzie’s Sky Bar: A top-ranked bar in the Jiefangbei Area/Hong Ya Dong district, this spot provides excellent drinks with a fantastic view of the city’s iconic landmarks and lights.
Liquid Workshop: Found in the bustling Jiangbeizui/Beibin Road nightlife scene, this bar features a fusion of American industrial style and often hosts live band performances, creating an engaging atmosphere.
The Other River (紫薇路 – Ziweilu): Situated on the lively Ziweilu bar street, this venue is praised for its craft cocktails and sophisticated, relaxed environment, attracting a local and international crowd.
Truman: Known for its quality cocktails and a more low-key, intimate atmosphere, this bar is a popular destination for those seeking serious drinks in a less chaotic setting in the city center.
Brown’s: Tucked away down a back alley, giving it a speakeasy feel, this is a popular spot with a great selection of drinks and is often mentioned by expatriates and seasoned locals in the city center.
Caver: Near the People’s Square Area, this uniquely designed cave-style bar, converted from an old air-raid shelter, specializes in a wide variety of quality craft beers but also serves other drinks.
CQGS FOLK MUSIC BAR: A sky bar hidden on the 27th floor in the Guanyinqiao/9 Street area, it offers dazzling city views coupled with soulful live folk music performances.
Sparkling Sky Bar: Located on Nanbin Road/Danzishi, this bar is famous for its panoramic views of the Yangtze River, offering a fantastic backdrop for classic and creative cocktails.
Mua Guitar: Offering dazzling city night views from the 30th floor in the Guanyinqiao/9 Street district, this spot is known for its impressive live folk music performances.
River Terrace: Located in the Regent Chongqing in the Jiangbeizui/Beibin Road area, this bar’s outdoor seating provides a panoramic river view, perfect for a relaxing evening with soft music.
Lost Boys: A welcoming pub with a great mix of local and international patrons, known for its solid drinks selection and cold draft beer, located in a more relaxed area.
Small Drunk (小醉): A cozy, closet-sized bar not far from Chongqing University in the Shapingba district, which serves both coffee and cocktails and is a social favorite among locals.
TripSmith: A dedicated craft beer bar on Ziweilu that also offers a great range of drinks, known for attracting a diverse, friendly crowd.
Pull a Rabbit: A cool, well-regarded bar located near the bustling 9th Street area, offering a more intimate spot away from the main club entrances.
DNA CLUB: Consistently ranked as one of the top clubs in Chongqing, this massive, high-energy venue is a central feature of the Guanyinqiao/9 Street nightlife.
MENGTIAN LiveHouse: Located in the Jiangbeizui/Beibin Road area, this venue boasts a massive stage, surround sound, and an electric atmosphere, focused on high-energy live performances.
BOTTLE LIVE SHOW: Situated in the vibrant Guanyinqiao/9 Street area, this is a sonic utopia for trendsetters, famous for its passionate and energetic live performances.
Canyon Cocktail (formerly Canyon Club): A lively spot with a focus on house and techno music, located in the popular Guanyinqiao/9 Street area, known for its vibrant energy and international crowd.
313: A major club on 9th Street, known for being one of the biggest and most popular spots, drawing huge crowds with its commercial and electronic music mix.
MOJAR: A popular club on 9th Street, frequently visited by university students and known for a lively, energetic atmosphere and mainstream music.
Theatro: A large-scale club in a central nightlife district, known for its impressive light shows, VIP service, and a diverse range of electronic and commercial hits.
Uday2077 Cyber Pub (Uday2077赛博酒馆 – 9th Street Branch): This club on 9th Street has a futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic, offering a unique setting for a night of dancing and drinks.
Tropicoco: Located on 9th Street, this club is a favorite for those who enjoy reggaeton, Jersey club, and other high-energy, global dance music genres.
Fluff Room: A specialized venue for hip-hop music and culture, offering a different vibe from the main electronic clubs, often located a short taxi ride from the main nightlife districts.
NUTS Livehouse (坚果livehouse): A famous live music venue near Jiaochangkou Metro Station, known for hosting an eclectic mix of alternative, rock, and punk bands, making it a favorite for music lovers.
Echo Bay: A well-regarded live music venue up in the Yubei district, offering cool music and a great atmosphere for those looking for an alternative to big clubs.