Chongqing is a dynamic riverside metropolis where steep hills, misty skylines, and bright lights meet historic lanes and laid-back teahouses. You experience a city that feels both intensely modern and deeply rooted in its past.
Discover Chongqing
Discover Chongqing
Why visit Chongqing?
What to expect
You find layered neighbourhoods along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, lively streets filled with hotpot restaurants, and a skyline threaded by bridges and monorails. The city is hilly, vertical, and atmospheric, especially at dusk when the towers light up.
Plan your trip
Chongqing is a key gateway to western China and classic Yangtze River cruises. You can base yourself in the central districts, then explore nearby ancient towns, mountain viewpoints, and hot spring resorts on easy day or overnight trips.
Top sights in Chongqing
Hongya Cave
Stroll the stacked cliffside complex of Hongya Cave, where traditional-style buildings, river views, and glowing night lights create one of Chongqing's most recognisable cityscapes.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Walk through Jiefangbei, the city centre's main pedestrian district, lined with shops, cafés, and the Liberation Monument, and feel Chongqing's energy day and night.
Yangtze River Cableway
Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for a sweeping view of the river, bridges, and dense skyline, especially striking in the early evening.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Wander the narrow lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town, with old architecture, teahouses, and snack stalls giving you a glimpse of Chongqing's older riverside life.
Three Gorges Museum
Visit the Three Gorges Museum to learn about the Yangtze River, local history, and the region's transformation through thoughtful exhibits and large-scale models.
Eling Park
Head up to Eling Park, a hilltop garden that offers quieter paths, pavilions, and panoramic views across the river bends and high-rises.
Raffles City Chongqing
Explore Raffles City Chongqing, an eye-catching complex at the confluence of the rivers, combining shopping, dining, and striking architectural viewpoints.
Experience Chongqing's everyday rhythm
Getting around
You can rely on Chongqing's metro and monorail network for most journeys, as it cuts efficiently through the hilly terrain and busy bridges. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for late evenings or steep last-mile stretches, especially in older neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
You see locals gathering in teahouses, riverside squares, and small parks to chat, play cards, or dance in the evenings. Older districts mix with modern towers, giving you a sense of a city that keeps its relaxed social habits even as it grows upward.
Where to unwind
Escape to riverside promenades, hilltop parks, and nearby hot spring resorts for a slower pace. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times, when the light is softer and the city heat eases.
A taste of Chongqing
Street food & local specialties
Chongqing is famous for richly spiced hotpot, numbing-and-fragrant noodles, and skewers, best explored in lively streets around Jiefangbei and Ciqikou. Small local eateries and late-night stalls give you an authentic taste of the city's bold flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find convenient casual dining in central malls and new riverside districts, where hotpot, barbecue, noodles, and international options sit side by side. Portions are often generous but affordable enough that you can share and sample several dishes with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose restaurants overlooking the Yangtze or Jialing rivers or high-floor venues in the central business district, where night views of bridges and towers frame your dinner.
Retail therapy in Chongqing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Around Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao you can browse large shopping centres that combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment, making them easy meeting points in any weather.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets around Ciqikou Ancient Town and older riverside quarters offer souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks, while neighbourhood markets reveal everyday life and simple household goods.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets glow with neon signs and late-opening stores, and some markets stay active into the night. The metro and plentiful taxis make these evening hotspots straightforward to reach and return from.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Summer (June to August) is warm and humid, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F), and is considered peak season for city breaks and river cruises. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are shoulder seasons, with milder averages of 18–22°C (64–72°F) and often more comfortable for exploring hills and parks. Winter (December to February) is a low season, cool and sometimes misty, with average temperatures near 8–10°C (46–50°F), giving the city its famous foggy atmosphere and quieter sightseeing.