Chongqing is a dramatic river city built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. You will find neon skylines, steaming hotpot restaurants, and misty mountain scenery on the doorstep.
Discover Chongqing
Discover Chongqing
Why visit Chongqing?
What to expect
Expect a dense urban centre of high-rises and elevated highways, layered above tunnels, ferries, and monorails. The atmosphere is energetic yet relaxed, with lively neighbourhoods that stay active well into the evening.
Plan your trip
Chongqing is a gateway to the Three Gorges region, mountain resorts, and river cruises along the Yangtze. Plan time for both the city and nearby nature, using Chongqing as your base to explore western China.
Top sights in Chongqing
Hongya Cave
Stroll through this cliffside complex of traditional-style buildings, viewing the illuminated facades and river vistas from terraces and walkways.
Chaotianmen Square
Visit the point where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, with open plazas, riverfront promenades, and views of Chongqing’s skyline.
Three Gorges Museum
Learn about the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, and Chongqing’s development through detailed exhibits and large-scale models.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Wander narrow lanes lined with old-style houses, teahouses, and shops, and step up to viewpoints over the riverside district.
Yangtze River cableway
Take the aerial cable car across the Yangtze River for sweeping views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline and bridges.
Jiefangbei CBD
Explore this central pedestrian area, ringed by shops, offices, and towers, and see the prominent Liberation Monument at its heart.
Nanshan Scenic Area
Head up to this hillside area for walking trails, gardens, and panoramic views back across the city, especially atmospheric on hazy days.
Raffles City Chongqing
Admire the striking architectural complex at Chaotianmen, including its elevated skybridge and riverfront setting.
Experience Chongqing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Chongqing’s metro and monorail lines to cover longer distances and cross the rivers quickly, then connect by taxi or ride-hailing for steep hillside streets. For a scenic ride, try the Yangtze River cableway, and expect many staircases for the final few metres.
Local life & culture
You will see residents chatting in teahouses, playing cards in lanes, and gathering in public squares for dance or exercise. Older neighbourhoods and riverfront districts reveal a slower pace alongside the modern high-rises and busy commercial centres.
Where to unwind
Relax in hillside parks and riverfront promenades, where you can watch boats glide by at sunset. Evenings on elevated viewpoints and terraces offer cooler air and striking night-time views of Chongqing’s illuminated bridges and towers.
A taste of Chongqing
Street food & local specialties
Try classic Chongqing hotpot, spicy noodles, and skewers in lively districts such as Jiefangbei and Nanbin Road, where many small eateries stay open late. You will find clusters of stalls serving quick bowls and snacks along side streets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and contemporary districts around Guanyinqiao and Jiangbeizui offer a mix of local eateries and international cuisine. Menus often feature smaller sharing plates so you can sample several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose riverfront restaurants or high-floor venues overlooking the confluence at Chaotianmen and the city skyline. Dining on elevated terraces lets you watch Chongqing gradually light up as evening falls.
Retail therapy in Chongqing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In areas such as Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao, large shopping centres combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, creating all-day lifestyle hubs. They are convenient places to cool off and explore several floors of shops at once.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and markets near Ciqikou Ancient Town, Nanbin Road, and older urban districts are good for handicrafts, souvenirs, and local-style accessories. Take time to browse side alleys where independent stalls often cluster.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Chongqing’s main shopping streets glow with neon signs, and some markets and stalls continue trading into the night. Central areas are well linked by metro and buses, making it easy to reach them and return to your hotel.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and gradually warming days, good for city walks and river views. Summer (June to September, peak season) is hot and humid, often 28–33°C (82–91°F), with hazy, dramatic cityscapes and lively evenings outdoors. Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) are cooler, roughly 8–18°C (46–64°F), with misty conditions, softer light, and fewer crowds at popular viewpoints.