When I was planning my trip to Chongqing, I ran into a problem that I was really not used to—I had no idea what to actually do there.
Google searches kept leading me to the same generic TripAdvisor recommendations, and none of them made the city sound particularly exciting. It wasn’t until I dug deep into Chinese apps and explored the city for myself that I realized how much fun there actually is to be had here.
One thing that stood out immediately? The architecture. Chongqing’s layout is some of the most unique I’ve ever seen, with towering buildings, layered roads, and hidden walkways that make the whole city feel like a maze.
But what really makes it special is how the city transforms at night. The way Chongqing uses lights—bright, colorful, and totally futuristic—is unlike anywhere else. I was hesitant to call it “cyberpunk” since that term gets thrown around a lot, but honestly? Once the sun goes down, it really does feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from Blade Runner.
That said, I found that some of the spots social media hypes up aren’t all that exciting in person (like Kuixing Building, the spot that looks like it’s the ground floor but is up 20-something floors–that wasn’t worth our time at all).
If you want to experience Chongqing beyond just the landmarks that have gone viral on IG/TikTok, this list will help you dig deeper and give you a real taste of what makes this region of China special.
There are a few different sections in this guide, so you can use these jump links to get to the section you’re looking for:
- Things to do within the city area of Chongqing
- Things to do outside the city area – where all the spectacular sights are located!
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Table of Contents
Understanding Chongqing: The City vs. The Rest
LISTEN UP EVERYONE. Unless you’re a China pro, don’t skip this section because Chongqing is not what you think it is.
Chongqing is massive—both in population and sheer land area. There’s Chongqing city, and then there’s Chongqing municipality.
When people talk about visiting Chongqing, they usually mean the main urban area: the skyscrapers, the bright lights, the famous hotpot spots, the buzzing Jiefangbei district, and the city’s hilly/stacked architecture.
I didn’t know this before visiting and chatting with locals, but Chongqing is WAY more than just its dense, high-rise cityscape.
Beyond the urban core, the municipality of Chongqing spreads out into a vast region full of mountains, rivers, and karsts (a word I had never heard of before). There are 38 different divisions spread across 82,300 sq km, to be exact!
Chongqing encapsulates places like the Yangtze River, the famous Three Gorges scenic area, Wulong Karst National Park, the Three Natural Bridges (a must-see!), and Fairy Mountain.
These are the areas where you’ll find the real hidden gems that locals love traveling to—think karst mountains, tall gorges, sleepy villages, and scenic hiking trails galore. Despite some of them being a few hours’ drive away from the city center, it’s still considered Chongqing!
Just take a look at the tourist attractions page on Trip.com. Many of the top sights listed are actually outside of the city. If you only hang out within the city, you’re missing half of what makes Chongqing so special.
If you’re a first-timer with limited time in China, chances are you won’t have enough time to venture out into Chongqing’s scenic areas. (We sure didn’t, but we’ve made a note to come back and do more nature-y things the next time we’re in this area of China!)
But if you’re still in the early stages of planning, check out some of the scenic spots within Chongqing’s municipality. You might wanna rework your itinerary to fit in some day trips!
👉 Pro Tip: A lot of the nature spots are spread out and not as easily accessible by public transport. You’ll likely need to join a guided tour to visit them. All the Western activity sites (GetYourGuide, Viator, etc.) suck for China. You’ll find the best selection of day tours on Trip.com.
Guided Day Trips From Chongqing
Below is a list of the top day trips in Chongqing. I’ve provided links to their attraction pages on Trip.com so you can read reviews and learn more about them.
I know Trip.com can be hard to navigate sometimes. It was when I first started using it! You can also check out these day trips with English-speaking tour guides on Klook.
Just keep in mind that Chongqing is only recently seeing a rise in foreign tourism, so many of the tours on Klook are new and may not have many reviews yet. That doesn’t necessarily mean the tour company is new—just that they’re still building their presence on the platform.
Three Natural Bridges
If you only have time to do one scenic side trip, make it the Three Natural Bridges!
Also known as Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the larger Wulong Karst National Geology Park and is famous for its magical landscape: beautiful greenery, massive natural stone bridges, and giant sinkholes (some of the largest in the world!).
The landscape feels straight out of a fantasy movie, which makes sense since it’s been a filming location for numerous Chinese films and even Transformers 4.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to maximize your sightseeing time, opt to stay overnight in Wulong for at least one night. The trip to Wulong from Chongqing is ~3 hours by car, and trying to squeeze in everything you wanna see on just a day trip is hard. That said, if you only care to see the highlights, a guided day trip will do just fine! Guided day trips can be found on Klook (group tours) or Trip.com (offers mostly private tours).
Dazu Rock Carvings
A UNESCO-listed site, the Dazu Rock Carvings are ~1.5-2 hours from Chongqing and feature over 50,000 intricate Buddhist carvings dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Among the many stone carving groups, the Baoding Mountain and Beishan Stone Carvings are the most famous.
The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan
Renowned as a top-tier AAAAA scenic area, The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan is a 45-kilometer stretch along the Daning River that’s often hailed as being better than the Three Gorges. This area impresses with towering emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls, ancient hanging coffins, and even wild monkeys.
It’s best experienced on a 4-hour boat ride which you can book on Trip.com.
This next section covers the stuff I recommend you do within the city area of Chongqing.
Eat mala hotpot (in an air raid shelter)
Chongqing is located in the Sichuan province, aka the birthplace of mala (numbing and spicy) hotpot. Skipping it would be a crime!
Fun Fact: Chengdu is also located in the Sichuan area! That said, the food in Chengdu is spicy. But the food in Chongqing? Even SPICIER.
You’ll find literally hundreds of restaurants to try this signature style of hotpot at. During our trip, we couldn’t go more than a few dozen steps before spotting the words “火锅” (the Chinese words for “hotpot”) on restaurant signs.
If you’re up for eating like the locals do, try some duck intestines, pig brain, beef tripe, or beef aorta—all local favorites!
One of the most unique spots to try hotpot: Underground City Air Raid Shelter Old Hotpot (pop this into Dazhong Dianping to find it: 地下之城·防空洞老火锅 – 龙头寺店). This massive underground space is made up of 18 interconnected air-raid shelters, covering an area equivalent to about six football fields. It’s insanely big!
Grab cocktails in an air raid shelter
If you can’t get enough of Chongqing’s bomb shelter phenomenon, another super cool place to hang out is Caver Bar in Yuzhong District.
This craft beer and cocktail bar is housed in… you guessed it… a Chongqing-style air raid shelter. The outside is totally unassuming, but once you get in, you’ll be shocked by how unique the space is. It’s not touristy (yet), so enjoy the laidback space with peace and quiet while you can.
Banquet of Baguo: dine like an ancient emperor
The first-ever immersive cultural dining show in Chongqing has finally opened! Much like the Shuyanfu experience in Chengdu, you’re going to feel like complete royalty when you partake in a dinner show here.
Located at the Baguo Hall of Chongqing Hualiyan Culture and Art Banquet Center, this multi-course dinner-and-a-show experience showcases 3000 years of Bayu culture.
The entire experience lasts nearly 3 hours and is filled with opportunities to watch performances while enjoying freshly made dishes, including seafood, beef, and even hot pot!
The performance features a multitude of different scenes including tea ceremonies, poetic duels between historical poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, ancient female warriors defending the country, etc.
If you have yet to experience this type of immersive dining in China, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!
I’m absolutely obsessed with these types of dinner shows! Not only is it a nostalgic recreation of the royal Chinese banquet (come on, when else would you get to experience something like this???), but it’s also a fun way to learn about Bayu culture and heritage. Plus, I absolutely love costumes from different periods, no matter the culture!
👉 Pro Tip: For the best view of the performances, get the VIP seats (front row). If you choose standard seating, you might get stuck in one of the further back rows and have a bunch of heads in your pics/videos.
Explore Hongya Cave at night
A multi-level stilt house complex built into a cliffside, Hongya Cave (Hongyadong in Chinese) is easily the most popular attraction in Chongqing.
You think you’ve seen crowds while traveling? Wait til you experience crowds in China. This area is maaaaad packed at night. Like unbelievably packed.
While touristy and total mayhem, I’d say it’s still worth a quick visit at night (when the lanterns light up and the riverside views are at their best).
You don’t need to spend too much time shopping inside—the stores cater to the constant flow of tourists, so prices are higher, and most souvenirs aren’t unique or artisanal. You can find the same items elsewhere for cheaper! Instead, take some photos, explore the different floors, enjoy the architecture, and move on.
Oh yeah, don’t expect to get cute pictures in front of Hongyadong. Chances are, you’ll have at least 4-5 other heads in your photos. You’re better off snapping your selfies on the stairs heading down to the viewing platform than taking them when you get down there. It’s a total zoo down there!
Watch a large-scale show
If you’re into immersive, grand-scale productions like the ones in Vegas or NYC’s Broadway and have yet to experience one in Mainland China, you need to. They’re literally some of the best in the world.
My mom’s been telling me that for years, but I had to see it for myself to believe it. After seeing a total of four large-scale productions in China (include one in Xi’an with a rotating stage like this one in Chongqing), I must say… she was so right!
In Chongqing, you can find two blockbuster theatrical spectacles, each offering wildly different but equally great experiences. If you don’t plan on venturing out into Chongqing’s Wulong district (about 2 hours away from the city), then Chongqing1949 is your only option.
Chongqing1949
This one is a gripping historical epic that depicts the Chinese Civil War, staged in a custom-built, 1,500-seat rotating theater. The show plunges you into the chaos of 1949, as Communist prisoners in Zhazidong and Bai Mansion resist oppression on the eve of the city’s liberation.
The production has colossal sets (think crumbling prison walls), acrobatic battle sequences, and cinematic projections that blur the line between stage and reality. Bring tissues—there are some tear-jerker scenes in this one!
You can read reviews and buy tickets to Chongqing1949 here.
Impression Wulong
This outdoor masterpiece unfolds in the Taoyuan Grand Canyon in the Wulong area, where the mountains, cliffs, and rivers form the backdrop to the stage. Over 100 performers use the fading Plains & Rivers musical tradition to narrate Chongqing’s folklore and natural beauty. Think swirling silk costumes, folk songs, and wonderful choreography.
This one really only makes sense if you’re day-tripping to the Wulong Karst or Three Natural Bridges area, otherwise, it’s too out of the way from the main city.
You can read reviews and buy tickets to Impression Wulong here.
Get lost in Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town, a former trading hub dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is one of Chongqing’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s packed with tea houses, street food stalls, and traditional wooden buildings.
If you’re new to China and come from a big city, you’re going to love exploring these ancient towns. Most cities in China have pedestrian-friendly old streets filled with shops, street food, and souvenirs, and they’re a great introduction to the country’s historical side.
While it’s definitely touristy, it still offers a great glimpse into old Chongqing’s charm. Just wander through the alleys, grab a local snack, and soak in the atmosphere.
You can take the train here, but since we were a group of four and Didi rideshares were SO cheap in Chongqing, we just got a ride here to save time. It took no longer than 25 minutes to get here from our hotel (Hyatt Regency Metropolitan Chongqing), even in traffic!
Spend the afternoon at Shibati (Eighteen Steps)
Honestly, I think this is one of the most underrated things to do in Chongqing. If you love repurposed historical buildings, perusing through little shops, and getting lost in the nooks and crannies of old neighborhoods, Shibati is a must-visit.
I’ll be honest—I had zero expectations for this place because there were so few resources that talked about it when I was planning my trip. It completely took me by surprise—it’s far bigger and packed with things to do than I imagined, and I ended up loving it way more than I thought I would!
I think Shibati deserves at least three hours of your time. I absolutely adored this place, despite the throngs of people we encountered on the main staircase.
There are so many little walkways and stairs that steered me away from the crowds (very few visitors take the time to explore the side alleys, but YOU totally should!
The highlight of our time there? Stumbling upon a cute little cat cafe and spending about 45 minutes ogling over the energetic cats (they were WAY livelier than the cats at cafes in the USA).
Explore Longmenhao Old Street
Longmenhao is one of the oldest and best-preserved old streets in Chongqing, offering a fascinating look into the city’s port culture and Bayu Culture.
I absolutely loved this area—it’s similar to Shibati (the 18 Steps area) because it’s a bunch of old buildings set among hilly landscapes.
At Longmenhao, you can stroll through beautifully restored streets lined with traditional architecture. Though it doesn’t have quite the same historical feel as places like Ciqikou or Longxing Ancient Town, it still offers a wonderful escape from the skyscraper scenery of modern Chongqing.
Plus, there’s a ton of greenery here! This added so much to my overall affinity to the area.
The top section is dotted with sparsely placed cafes and small shops. As you work your way down, the street becomes more crowded and lively, especially at the picturesque area near Qiansimen Bridge, which is a super popular spot for photos (as proven by this ‘soldier’ standing here for photo ops).
If you’re done admiring the architecture of the upper areas, the bottom section of Longmenhao is where you’ll want to spend your time. This part of the street is packed with a wide variety of shops, art installations, food stalls, and restaurants.
Soak in the energy at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Moving onto the more modern side of Chongqing, Jiefangbei is the commercial heart of the city, a pedestrian district packed with malls, restaurants, food courts, street snacks, and endless people-watching opportunities.
Historically, it’s centered around the Liberation Monument, a clock tower built to commemorate China’s victory in the Sino-Japanese War, but these days, it’s more of a meeting point in the middle of a high-rise shopping hub.
If you’re into shopping, you’ll find everything from luxury brands like Gucci and Prada to local Chinese favorites like Xiaomi and Huawei. But the real highlight? The food. That is, if you can handle spicy food.
Pop into the many food courts and snack streets around Jiefangbei—you’ll find an endless variety of spicy Chongqing specialties, from bowls of noodles to barbecue skewers to fried chicken cartilage.
This is a great area to try one of Chongqing’s specialties: Chongqing noodles (or in Chinese: Chongqing Xiao Mian, 重庆小面). As a total weakling for spicy food, I found it to be pretty darn good flavorwise, but far too spicy for my tongue to handle, despite the fact that we ordered it “wei wei la” (which means barely spicy -_-).
While you’re in this area, take your time wandering through the underground food courts; they’re packed with hidden gems where locals grab quick, delicious meals!
See the famous Liziba Station with your own eyes
If Shibati feels like a step back in time, Liziba Station catapults you into Chongqing’s chaotic, futuristic side—and straight onto everyone’s TikTok/IG feed.
This metro station has blown up online for one main reason: every 5 minutes, a train pierces straight through the middle of a 19-story apartment complex.
But I’m warning you now, the viewing area is going to be crowded. Chinese visitors and foreign tourists jostle for the perfect shot of the train swooshing through the building. Locals trying to make a buck know that this is a hotspot, so they capitalize on the frenzy—vendors hawk snacks, souvenirs, and even professional photography services.
Just like Hongyadong, this is a high stimulus/mayhem area: megaphones blare, tourists attempt to capture themselves “eating” the train as it passes by, and street vendors shout over each other.
Overall do I think this spot was worth it? Probably not, unless you really need a selfie there.
Catch the sunset at Chongqing’s trendiest teahouses
There’s a unique area of the Nan’an district that offers some of the best views of Chongqing, especially at sunset.
If you’re looking to slow down and soak in the cityscape, allocate a few hours of your night to enjoy the atmosphere of one of these outdoor teahouses—bonus points if you’re visiting with a date, as this area is super cutesy and romantic!
Wild Tea Stall (荒野茶摊) is one of these places. They offer several different packages, including a sunset tea set (with both basic and premium options), a boiling tea set, a craft beer set, and even a fusion hotpot set. Each experience is designed for groups ranging from two to six people.
You’ll find this outdoor teahouse on Yitianmen Street in the Nanan District, about 50 meters northwest of the Lianhua Village Community Police Station. It’s a bit tucked away up the hill, so be prepared to huff and puff ever-so-slightly. If you get lost, just look for other young people headed in your direction. Chances are, they’re headed there too.
I recommend getting there before sunset (i.e. before the lights of the city begin to come on); seeing the city come alight is so cool!
👉 Pro Tip: There are actually a bunch of different tea houses on the hill, so if you’re confused, just pick any one of them. We mentioned Wild Tea Stall above, but “路野茶摊” is another option. They also serve tea and the view won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for another spot with equally amazing views, check out Huang Yuming BBQ nearby. They serve hotpot, and you can head to the area with swings and sofas to snap some photos as the sun sets. It’s a super cute spot with great vibes!
Enjoy a traditional Chongqing-style teahouse
In Chongqing’s old teahouses, you won’t find the luxury or elegance of places like London. Instead, these teahouses are packed with the spirit of old Chongqing.
At Lu Zu Min Republic Teahouse, which dates back to 1911, you can sip tea while watching martial arts, the mesmerizing face-changing performances of Sichuan opera, and even fire breathing!
You’ll also witness a skilled tea master expertly pouring tea from a long-spouted kettle with impressive skill and guest interaction. Alongside these performances, you’ll find a diverse lineup of folk art, including storytelling, magic, and more.
You probably won’t understand a lick of what they’re saying if you aren’t Chinese, but the experience will still be 100% worth it.
Soak in the Ronghui Hot Springs
Chongqing is known for its natural hot springs, and Ronghui Hot Springs in Shapingba District is one of the most accessible and well-known hot spring resorts in the city. Go here if you want to unwind after a day of walking through the city’s relentless staircases!
This hot spring resort isn’t just about soaking in warm mineral waters—it’s a full-fledged entertainment complex. The outdoor hot spring area features landscaped pools infused with essential oils (citrus, rose, lavender, etc.) and Chinese medicinal herbs. And as you can see, there’s even one that looks like a bowl of hotpot!
For those visiting in summer or with kids, there’s a small water park with slides and play areas. Indoors, you’ll find even more pools, spa services, and a German-style health spa. There’s even a gym, therapy rooms, and VIP-exclusive areas if you’re looking for a more private experience.
Check out all the different packages offered on Trip.com.
👉 Pro Tip: Since Trip.com is one of the few sites that DON’T require a Mainland Chinese phone number to buy advance tickets, it’s the easiest place to buy tickets for Ronghui Hot Springs.
See giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo
While Chengdu may be the true land of the Giant Pandas, Chongqing Zoo offers an equally enchanting encounter—it’s home to a thriving giant panda colony that’s a must-see if you aren’t planning to visit Chengdu.
Beyond pandas, you can also see golden monkeys, black langurs, red-crowned cranes, and even striking white tigers. But if I’m being honest, everyone’s here for the pandas.
Arrive early (before their lunchtime) to catch them playfully tumbling or snacking on bamboo!
Explore the 816 Nuclear Plant
If you’re into Cold War history, 816 Nuclear Plant is a fascinating (and eerie) visit. It’s the world’s largest decommissioned underground nuclear facility, built secretly inside a mountain from 1966–1984.
Think of it as a mix of a history museum, an engineering marvel, and a time capsule. During your visit, you’ll explore vast tunnels (some as tall as a 25-story building!) that once housed reactors, control rooms, and storage pools for nuclear materials.
It’s a rare glimpse into China’s secretive military past, showcasing both human ingenuity (60,000+ workers spent 18 years digging this!) and the surreal scale of Cold War projects.
This one’s a bit off-the-beaten-path but if this is the type of stuff that gets you excited, it can be worth the trip.
You can learn more about the different areas and buy tickets here.
Honorable Mentions
- Huangjueping Graffiti Art Street + a stop at the Jiaotong Teahouse there (Jiulongpo District)
Where To Eat In Chongqing
Pipa Yuan – the world’s largest hot pot restaurant that covers an entire hillside, features nearly 900 tables and can seat around 5,800 people at a time.
Ban Shan Cha Yuan – mountainside tea house with great views.
Underground City Air Raid Shelter Old Hotpot – hotpot in an old air raid shelter! This massive underground space is made up of 18 interconnected air-raid shelters, covering an area equivalent to about six football fields.
Banquet of Baguo – If I had to recommend one splurge in CQ, it would be this multi-course dinner-and-a-show experience!
Street food stalls and food courts at Jiefangbei – so many good options. Our hotel (Hyatt Regency Metropolitan Chongqing) was located in this district, so we ate there practically every night.
At the malls – honestly, you don’t really need to have a list of restaurants prepared before your trip. There is good food EVERYWHERE. The restaurants at the malls are great too.
Essential Travel Tips For Chongqing, China
- Food in Chongqing is hot. We are not a spicy-loving family, so it was kind of a struggle to find food we enjoyed in Chongqing. If you eat spicy, you’ll love the local cuisine. If you can’t handle spice, you’ll wanna learn how to say the Mandarin words for “little spicy” (shiao la) or “no spice” (bu la).
- The city is hilly. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- If you’re visiting with elderly parents or children who can’t handle all the hills and stairs, you might need to seek out elevators instead of tackling stairs (like at Hongyadong). Be prepared to wait for these elevators because Chongqing has seen an influx of tourists from Mainland and beyond, and many of them happen to be old.
- The city is impressive, especially during sunset and in the evening. Be sure to visit at least one of the picturesque areas during sunset to experience the best of both worlds. (Hongyadong, Ciqikou, Shibati, etc.)
- Chongqing is not a very international-friendly city (like Beijing or Shanghai). Not many people speak English. Most locals prefer to speak in the local dialect, which sounds a bit different from Mandarin.
- If you plan on staying just within the city limits, 3 days is enough. If you plan on doing a day trip our of the city, you’ll need at least 4 days.
- As with many major cities, Chongqing has air pollution. You can check pollution levels for Chongqing here.
- Always carry an umbrella—rain can come at any time, anywhere.
- Don’t take photos with costumed characters without asking first. Some charge a fee after the picture (if you’re okay with that, then go ahead).
- Skip the viral cable car (but do explore the Nan’an area). You will be in line for hours and then once you’re in, be squished into a tiny box with your face pushed up against scratched plastic windows. Is that really how you wanna spend your time?
- A lot of Didi drivers (and Chinese people in general) smoke cigarettes. Therefore, their cars smell like smoke. If the smell of smoke bothers you, order a premium car. Those are so much nicer and don’t smell of stale smoke!
- Get used to squat toilets in China. Unless you’re at a very high end mall, they are everywhere.
Planning Your Trip To China?
Here are some of our other China travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip:
Chongqing
- Where To Stay In Chongqing: 3 Central Areas For First-Timers
- An Afternoon In Ciqikou Ancient Town (Chongqing, China)
- Shibati (18 Steps): A Walk Through Chongqing’s Past
Chengdu
- 3 Days In Chengdu, China: Pandas, Ancient Streets, and Royal Banquets
- 4 Days In Chengdu, China: An Even Better Itinerary!
- 15 Actually Fun Things To Do In Chengdu: Beyond Pandas And Temples
- Shuyanfu Dinner Show: A Must-Do In Chengdu, China
China In General
- Preparing For China: 30 Essential Things To Know Before Your Trip
- 7 Must-Have Apps To Help You Survive In China (+ What eSIM To Get)
