Looking for what to do in Chongqing? You’ve come to the right place! Chongqing was the second city we visited in China on this 2025 itinerary, during our second trip around the world. Expectations were high… but did the city meet them or even manage to surprise us?
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Why is Chongqing special?
Chongqing is one of the largest cities in China and stands out for its unique geography, built between mountains and rivers, filled with skyscrapers, endless staircases, and chaotic streets. Known as the “8D city” for its irregular topography, where buildings seem to grow on top of other buildings, Chongqing is also famous for its spicy hotpot, vibrant culture, and stunning views of the Yangtze River.
Best time to visit Chongqing
We visited Chongqing in March and were greeted with a full day of rain and maximum temperatures of 8°C. This ended up affecting our plans, but it also showed us a more melancholic and authentic side of the city. If you want to explore Chongqing to the fullest, the best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and there is less fog.
Where to stay in Chongqing
The 3 best areas to stay in Chongqing are:
- Jiefangbei – The modern heart of the city, ideal for a first visit, with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers.
- Hongya Cave – The most iconic historical area of Chongqing, with traditional architecture and a magical atmosphere at night. Perfect for an authentic experience.
- Nan’an District – On the other side of the river, it offers incredible views of the skyline, a quieter environment, and good transport connections.
Chongqing Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing
We arrived in heavy rain, so we ended up exploring only the surroundings of the hotel. We had some amazing dumplings at the Bayi Road Food Market, a street food market full of authentic flavors. Then, we strolled through the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Streets, the bustling city center, surrounded by neon lights and towering skyscrapers.
Day 2: Exploring the City
The rain didn’t let up, so we only managed to start exploring Chongqing in the late afternoon. We began at Shibati, one of the last historic neighborhoods in the city, full of steep staircases, narrow alleys, and old houses. Walking here is like stepping back in time and understanding what Chongqing used to be like.
Next, we headed to the Kuixing Building, a building with an exterior plaza that, at first glance, seems normal… until you look down and realize you’re on the 23rd floor! From here, you have an impressive view of the river and the skyline on the other side.
Later, we visited the famous Hongya Cave, which at first glance looks like an ancient temple embedded in the mountain, but is actually a complex full of restaurants, shops, and spectacular viewpoints. At night, the lighting transforms the place into a true movie scene.
We also walked along the riverside and passed under the Qiansimen Bridge, which offers one of the best views of the city. For dinner, we chose Raffles City, one of Chongqing’s most iconic architectural complexes, famous for its skyscrapers connected by a suspended bridge at the top.
We ended the day back in Jiefangbei, exploring the area at night and seeing the People’s Liberation Monument, one of the city’s historical landmarks.
Day 3: From the Metro in the Building to the Cultural Heart of the City
We started the day with one of the most iconic images on the list of things to do in Chongqing: a metro train passing through a building. We took Line 2 and got off directly at Liziba Station, which is inside the building, and then headed to the viewpoint where you can get the best view of the train crossing the building. It looks like an urban magic trick, but it’s just another example of how Chongqing adapts to its unique geography.
Next, we headed to Testbed 2, a former industrial area transformed into a vibrant space full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you want to lose yourself exploring every corner. One of the buildings has a rooftop bar with an incredible view of the city – it’s worth going up and ordering a drink to enjoy the scenery.
In the afternoon, we returned to the city center, specifically to Jiefangbei, the commercial heart of Chongqing. We had lunch here, surrounded by the city’s frenetic pace, with skyscrapers, luxury shops, and huge LED screens all around.
To end the day, we went to Ciqikou, one of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in Chongqing. We strolled through its lively streets, where the aroma of local specialties fills the air. We tried some delicacies, explored the craft shops, and even visited the Baolun Temple, a peaceful refuge amidst the hustle and bustle.
But the big surprise of the day was the Chongqing 1949, an immersive and emotional show that transports you to one of the most significant moments in China’s history. Upon arrival, the theater building is already impressive, but the rotating stage and seating provide a phenomenal experience. If you’re in Chongqing, this show is a must-see!
Still have time in Chongqing?
If you still have a few extra hours in the city, take the opportunity to explore Chongqing in other ways. Here are some suggestions to make your trip even more memorable.
Night Cruise on the Two Rivers
Chongqing Eye Skydeck: The Best View of the City
Food Tour: The Best of Local Cuisine
Night Cruise on the Two Rivers
Seeing Chongqing illuminated at night, reflected in the waters of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, is something you won’t want to miss. A night cruise takes you through the heart of the city, passing by illuminated bridges and skyscrapers that are part of the iconic skyline. A unique experience to end your visit on a high note!
Chongqing Eye Skydeck: The Best View of the City
If you want a 360º panoramic view of Chongqing, then the Eye Skydeck is the place to go. Located at the top of a skyscraper, it offers an incredible perspective of the city, especially at sunset or at night.
Cable Car over the Yangtze River
The Chongqing Cable Car is one of the city’s icons and a unique (and scenic) way to cross the Yangtze River. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth adding to your itinerary!
Food Tour: The Best of Local Cuisine
Chongqing is a paradise for those who love spicy food and intense flavors. To truly immerse yourself in the local cuisine, nothing beats a guided food tour, where you’ll taste everything from traditional hotpot to irresistible street snacks.
Extra Tips for Your Trip to Chongqing
- Is Chongqing safe? Yes! The city is safe both during the day and at night. However, due to its terrain, some streets can be steep and poorly lit.
- How to get around? The Chongqing Metro is modern and covers the city well, but you’ll walk a lot due to the hills. Taxis and Didi (the Chinese version of Uber) are good options.
- Maps and navigation: Forget Google Maps – locations are poorly marked, and many don’t even exist! It’s best to use Amap (Gaode Maps) or Apple Maps, which work well.
- Language and communication: Few locals speak English, so it’s essential to have a real-time translation app like Google Translate.
- Currency and payments: The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Most places accept payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are available to foreign tourists. It can be difficult to use international cards.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to avoid the extreme summer heat and intense humidity.
- Unlimited internet: China blocks many Western apps. An eSIM from Holafly guarantees unlimited internet without the need for complicated VPNs.
- Travel insurance: The healthcare system in China can be expensive for foreigners. Insurance like Heymondo ensures hassle-free medical assistance.