Chongqing is a vast river city framed by misty hills, historic alleys, and modern towers. You experience a lively urban energy alongside dramatic landscapes shaped by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Discover Chongqing
Discover Chongqing
Why visit Chongqing?
What to expect
Expect steep streets, layered bridges, and neighbourhoods stacked along the hillsides, all linked by metro lines and ferries. Old districts sit beside shimmering skyscrapers, giving every walk a mix of past and present.
Plan your trip
Use Chongqing as a base to explore the Yangtze River region and the wider southwest of China. Allow time for both the historic city core and day trips to nearby mountains, hot springs, and river viewpoints.
Top sights in Chongqing
Hongya Cave
Walk through tiered wooden buildings clinging to the cliffside, where lantern-lit walkways overlook the river and the city skyline.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Stroll this central square and shopping district, where the Liberation Monument is surrounded by bright lights, cafés, and modern towers.
Yangtze River cableway
Glide above the Yangtze River in an aerial cable car for sweeping views of Chongqing's dense skyline and curving bridges.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Explore stone streets and traditional houses in this riverside quarter, where you can browse teahouses, artisan stalls, and quiet side lanes.
Eling Park
Head up to this hilltop park for panoramic views of Chongqing's rivers and skyscrapers, especially atmospheric at sunset or in light evening haze.
Three Gorges Museum area
Visit the museum to learn about Yangtze River culture, then wander the surrounding civic square framed by striking modern architecture.
Walk or dine along this illuminated riverfront, where the lights of downtown Chongqing reflect off the water after dark.
Experience Chongqing's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Chongqing's metro network for most journeys, especially between downtown, riverfront districts, and railway hubs. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with steep hills and late nights, while river ferries and the cableway offer scenic crossings and shortcuts between banks.
Local life & culture
You see daily life spilling onto streets and stairways, from people chatting on low stools to lively city squares. Old neighbourhoods and riverside parks sit beside futuristic transport hubs, giving the city a distinctive, layered character.
Where to unwind
Seek quiet corners in hillside parks, riverside promenades, or teahouses tucked into older streets. Early mornings and late evenings are cooler and calmer, ideal for gentle walks and skyline views.
A taste of Chongqing
Street food & local specialties
Chongqing is known for boldly flavoured dishes such as spicy noodle bowls and hotpot, with many small eateries and stalls clustered around older streets and busy local markets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In central districts and malls you find a wide range of casual restaurants, tea shops, and cafés, often serving sharing plates so you can sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for restaurants and lounges on higher floors or along the river, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the illuminated skyline and bridges for a memorable dinner setting.
Retail therapy in Chongqing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in downtown Chongqing bring together international brands, cinemas, and dining, creating easy all-in-one stops for browsing, entertainment, and a quick meal.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets in older districts host family-run shops and stalls where you can find local crafts, everyday goods, and regional products in a more relaxed, neighbourhood setting.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets glow with neon signs, late-opening shops, and food stalls. Well-connected metro lines make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel at night.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) is mild, with average temperatures around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), and trees and parks turning green. Summer (June to September, peak season) is hot and often humid, with averages of 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), and the city can feel warmer in dense urban areas. Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is generally comfortable, around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with clearer skies and pleasant conditions for walking. Winter (December to February, low season) is cool and damp, with averages of 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F), and light mist common along the rivers.