Chongqing travel guide

Chongqing Tourism | Chongqing Guide

You're Going to Love Chongqing

Chongqing is located on the Yungui plateau and surrounded by small mountains. This is the biggest inland city in China and was the capital of the country from the late 1930s to the early 1940s.

Enjoy boat trips down the Yangtze river, learn about Chongqing's past as a porcelain port, and wander through well-preserved old streets, residences, and temples.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chongqing

1. Take a Trip Down the Yangtze River

Several cruises depart from Chongqing. Take a boat trip down the river to see some amazing landscapes and to go through the Three Gorges Dam.

2. Visit the Buddhist Dazu Rock Carvings

The UNESCO-listed rock carvings are three hours away from Chongqing.

3. Learn about Modern Chinese History

You can visit the old residence of Zhou Enlai, one of the members of the Communist party, which has been turned into a museum, or head to the old military headquarters of Jiang Jieshi.

4. Explore Ancient History

The Three Gorges Museum houses many artifacts related to the Qing dynasty. You can admire classic architecture and see traditional dancing at the Great Hall of the People.

5. Find Out about the Porcelain Trade

Ciqikou is still an active porcelain port. You will find old streets, small shops, porcelain crafts, and restaurant boats in the area.

1. Take a Trip Down the Yangtze River

Several cruises depart from Chongqing. Take a boat trip down the river to see some amazing landscapes and to go through the Three Gorges Dam.

2. Visit the Buddhist Dazu Rock Carvings

The UNESCO-listed rock carvings are three hours away from Chongqing.

3. Learn about Modern Chinese History

You can visit the old residence of Zhou Enlai, one of the members of the Communist party, which has been turned into a museum, or head to the old military headquarters of Jiang Jieshi.

4. Explore Ancient History

The Three Gorges Museum houses many artifacts related to the Qing dynasty. You can admire classic architecture and see traditional dancing at the Great Hall of the People.

5. Find Out about the Porcelain Trade

Ciqikou is still an active porcelain port. You will find old streets, small shops, porcelain crafts, and restaurant boats in the area.

What to do in Chongqing

1. An Ancient Community That's Full Of Life

In modern China, ancient neighborhoods like Cíqìkǒu can seem like a miraculous survival, and in many ways that's true. Located a few miles north of Chongqing's city center, this historic suburb dates all the way back to Ming China (1368-1644), and has been lovingly preserved and restored for tourists to enjoy. But it's no theme park. The beauty of Cíqìkǒu is that it's still alive. People live, work and manufacture there. So amid the temples, you'll find thriving porcelain stores and restaurants where the city's famous hotpots are well and truly on the menu.

2. A Homage To Chonqing's American Hero

It might seem odd to find a museum named after an American general in Chongqing, but Joseph W. Stilwell was no ordinary American military man. Stationed in China during World War 2, he helped mastermind the nation's fight against Japan, and did so from his home in Chongqing. Located in the Yuzhong neighborhood, the museum is a great introduction to a remarkable man. Visitors might be especially tickled by Stilwell's prickly relationship with nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek - now a pariah figure in modern China. Some say that personal rivalry is why the general remains a cult figure in the area.

3. Simply Gorgeous

A spellbinding geological park, the Wulong Karst is akin to China's version of the Grand Canyon. Formed by the gradual action of the Wu River as it passes through a region of karst limestone, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But more than that, it's simply stunning. Wonders include the "Three Natural Bridges", which arch across the river, the enormous Furong Cave with its massive "Glory Hall", and Houping Tiankeng - a group of seemingly bottomless sinkholes.

4. A Beautiful Quarter Created By Immigrants

A sprawling complex filled with temples, museums, homes, and shops, Huguang Guild Hall is a joy to explore. Situated next to the Yangtze River, it was once the hub of Chongqing's immigrant community, drawing workers from all over China, which may account for its amazingly diverse architecture. The prayer halls are dazzling, with elegant courtyards and gardens, furnishings, and art works. And at the weekends, the complex becomes a cultural magnet thanks to free performances of Beijing-style opera and singers from Zhejiang province.

5. A Welcome With Genuine Wow Factor

Modern Chongqing's most impressive landmark, the People's Assembly Hall, was built in the 1950s as a kind of palace to impress dignitaries arriving in the city, both from other parts of China and abroad. Stretching over more than 66,000 square meters, it was built in an attractive Ming/Qing revival style, with attention very much focusing on its huge dome, which resembles the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Heading inside is a must, but it's also fun to explore Renmin Square in the evening, when locals take their daily strolls.

1. An Ancient Community That's Full Of Life

In modern China, ancient neighborhoods like Cíqìkǒu can seem like a miraculous survival, and in many ways that's true. Located a few miles north of Chongqing's city center, this historic suburb dates all the way back to Ming China (1368-1644), and has been lovingly preserved and restored for tourists to enjoy. But it's no theme park. The beauty of Cíqìkǒu is that it's still alive. People live, work and manufacture there. So amid the temples, you'll find thriving porcelain stores and restaurants where the city's famous hotpots are well and truly on the menu.

2. A Homage To Chonqing's American Hero

It might seem odd to find a museum named after an American general in Chongqing, but Joseph W. Stilwell was no ordinary American military man. Stationed in China during World War 2, he helped mastermind the nation's fight against Japan, and did so from his home in Chongqing. Located in the Yuzhong neighborhood, the museum is a great introduction to a remarkable man. Visitors might be especially tickled by Stilwell's prickly relationship with nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek - now a pariah figure in modern China. Some say that personal rivalry is why the general remains a cult figure in the area.

3. Simply Gorgeous

A spellbinding geological park, the Wulong Karst is akin to China's version of the Grand Canyon. Formed by the gradual action of the Wu River as it passes through a region of karst limestone, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But more than that, it's simply stunning. Wonders include the "Three Natural Bridges", which arch across the river, the enormous Furong Cave with its massive "Glory Hall", and Houping Tiankeng - a group of seemingly bottomless sinkholes.

4. A Beautiful Quarter Created By Immigrants

A sprawling complex filled with temples, museums, homes, and shops, Huguang Guild Hall is a joy to explore. Situated next to the Yangtze River, it was once the hub of Chongqing's immigrant community, drawing workers from all over China, which may account for its amazingly diverse architecture. The prayer halls are dazzling, with elegant courtyards and gardens, furnishings, and art works. And at the weekends, the complex becomes a cultural magnet thanks to free performances of Beijing-style opera and singers from Zhejiang province.

5. A Welcome With Genuine Wow Factor

Modern Chongqing's most impressive landmark, the People's Assembly Hall, was built in the 1950s as a kind of palace to impress dignitaries arriving in the city, both from other parts of China and abroad. Stretching over more than 66,000 square meters, it was built in an attractive Ming/Qing revival style, with attention very much focusing on its huge dome, which resembles the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Heading inside is a must, but it's also fun to explore Renmin Square in the evening, when locals take their daily strolls.

1. An Ancient Community That's Full Of Life

In modern China, ancient neighborhoods like Cíqìkǒu can seem like a miraculous survival, and in many ways that's true. Located a few miles north of Chongqing's city center, this historic suburb dates all the way back to Ming China (1368-1644), and has been lovingly preserved and restored for tourists to enjoy. But it's no theme park. The beauty of Cíqìkǒu is that it's still alive. People live, work and manufacture there. So amid the temples, you'll find thriving porcelain stores and restaurants where the city's famous hotpots are well and truly on the menu.

2. A Homage To Chonqing's American Hero

It might seem odd to find a museum named after an American general in Chongqing, but Joseph W. Stilwell was no ordinary American military man. Stationed in China during World War 2, he helped mastermind the nation's fight against Japan, and did so from his home in Chongqing. Located in the Yuzhong neighborhood, the museum is a great introduction to a remarkable man. Visitors might be especially tickled by Stilwell's prickly relationship with nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek - now a pariah figure in modern China. Some say that personal rivalry is why the general remains a cult figure in the area.

3. Simply Gorgeous

A spellbinding geological park, the Wulong Karst is akin to China's version of the Grand Canyon. Formed by the gradual action of the Wu River as it passes through a region of karst limestone, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But more than that, it's simply stunning. Wonders include the "Three Natural Bridges", which arch across the river, the enormous Furong Cave with its massive "Glory Hall", and Houping Tiankeng - a group of seemingly bottomless sinkholes.

4. A Beautiful Quarter Created By Immigrants

A sprawling complex filled with temples, museums, homes, and shops, Huguang Guild Hall is a joy to explore. Situated next to the Yangtze River, it was once the hub of Chongqing's immigrant community, drawing workers from all over China, which may account for its amazingly diverse architecture. The prayer halls are dazzling, with elegant courtyards and gardens, furnishings, and art works. And at the weekends, the complex becomes a cultural magnet thanks to free performances of Beijing-style opera and singers from Zhejiang province.

5. A Welcome With Genuine Wow Factor

Modern Chongqing's most impressive landmark, the People's Assembly Hall, was built in the 1950s as a kind of palace to impress dignitaries arriving in the city, both from other parts of China and abroad. Stretching over more than 66,000 square meters, it was built in an attractive Ming/Qing revival style, with attention very much focusing on its huge dome, which resembles the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Heading inside is a must, but it's also fun to explore Renmin Square in the evening, when locals take their daily strolls.

Where to Eat in Chongqing

Eat at Wu MiZhou Hotpot to try the hot pot Chongqing is famous for and to enjoy a breathtaking view of the skyline and the river. If you crave some western food, head to Casablanca. An quick meal should cost you ¥20, mid-range restaurants should cost between ¥30 and ¥60, while an upscale meal might cost ¥100 or more.

When to visit Chongqing

Chongqing in February
Estimated hotel price
$53
1 night at 3-star hotel
Chongqing in February
Estimated hotel price
$53
1 night at 3-star hotel

Visiting Chongqing in the summer is not ideal because of the humidity and pollution. Winter months and the early spring can be cold and foggy, making fall the best time for a visit.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Chongqing

Plane

The Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is located 13 miles northeast of the city. You can take a shuttle bus, ride line 3 of the subway system, or pay ¥50 for a taxi to get to Chongqing.

Train

There are three major train stations in Chongqing. You can take a train between Chengdu and Chongqing for ¥100 and get from Wuhan to Chongqing for ¥240.

Car

A well-connected and well-maintained network of roads run to the city. Take G5013 to get from Chengdu to Chongqing; G65 if you are coming from Xi'an; and G50 from Wuhan.

Bus

There are many buses from cities like Chengdu, Nanchong, and Yibin to Chongqing. You will arrive at the Chaotianmen station if you are coming from the east, or at the Chen Jiaping station if you are coming from the west.

Plane

The Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is located 13 miles northeast of the city. You can take a shuttle bus, ride line 3 of the subway system, or pay ¥50 for a taxi to get to Chongqing.

Train

There are three major train stations in Chongqing. You can take a train between Chengdu and Chongqing for ¥100 and get from Wuhan to Chongqing for ¥240.

Car

A well-connected and well-maintained network of roads run to the city. Take G5013 to get from Chengdu to Chongqing; G65 if you are coming from Xi'an; and G50 from Wuhan.

Bus

There are many buses from cities like Chengdu, Nanchong, and Yibin to Chongqing. You will arrive at the Chaotianmen station if you are coming from the east, or at the Chen Jiaping station if you are coming from the west.

Airports near Chongqing

Airlines serving Chongqing

Lufthansa
Good (7,136 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,340 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,687 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,457 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,813 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,519 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,137 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,303 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (871 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,340 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (297 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (830 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (189 reviews)
China Southern
Good (112 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,451 reviews)
Air China
Good (138 reviews)
Asiana Airlines
Excellent (478 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (809 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (1,289 reviews)
Vietnam Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Chongqing

The Crowne Plaza Chongqing Riverside is a great option if you want to be near the Yangtze river. The Hilton Chongqing is another great option if you are looking for comfortable accommodation.

Popular Neighborhoods in Chongqing

Hongyadong - head to this area to see the Chaotianmen harbor, shop at the flea market, and enjoy the atmosphere of an old town.

Jiefangbei - this is the perfect area if you want to walk around and shop at a modern mall.

Foreigner Street - home to many foreign-run businesses, this area features plenty of fun attractions such as an Australian bar and an upside-down house.

Hongyadong - head to this area to see the Chaotianmen harbor, shop at the flea market, and enjoy the atmosphere of an old town.
Jiefangbei - this is the perfect area if you want to walk around and shop at a modern mall.
Foreigner Street - home to many foreign-run businesses, this area features plenty of fun attractions such as an Australian bar and an upside-down house.
Most popular hotel in Chongqing by neighborhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Chongqing

Most booked hotels in Chongqing

Glenview Itc Plaza Chongqing
4 stars
Excellent (9.3, 999 reviews)
$65+
Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing
4 stars
Excellent (9, 819 reviews)
$66+
JW Marriott Chongqing
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 279 reviews)
$106+
Bindun Langyi Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongyadong)
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 323 reviews)
$28+
Hilton Chongqing
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 633 reviews)
$65+

How to Get Around Chongqing

Public Transportation

Getting around Chongqing with the subway is very easy thanks to the many lines. Fare is based on distance and should cost between ¥2 and ¥10.

Taxi

Taxi fare starts at ¥10 and you will have to spend another ¥1 per mile.

Car

There are different options for renting a vehicle, including Shenhangzhe Car Rental. Renting a car should cost ¥120 a day.

Public Transportation

Getting around Chongqing with the subway is very easy thanks to the many lines. Fare is based on distance and should cost between ¥2 and ¥10.

Taxi

Taxi fare starts at ¥10 and you will have to spend another ¥1 per mile.

Car

There are different options for renting a vehicle, including Shenhangzhe Car Rental. Renting a car should cost ¥120 a day.

The Cost of Living in Chongqing

Shopping Streets

You will find plenty of malls in Chongqing, including the Paradise Walk Mall, Metropolitan Plaza Mall, or Xiangquang Times Square.

Groceries and Other

Carrefour and Walmart are located throughout Chongqing as well as many smaller grocery stores. Expect to pay ¥17 for a dozen eggs.

Cheap meal
$2.17
A pair of jeans
$36.21
Single public transport ticket
$0.29
Cappuccino
$3.62