Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Chongqing (CKG)

About Chongqing

Discover the mountain city on the Yangtze

Chongqing is a dynamic metropolis built on steep hills and wrapped in mist, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. Its skyline rises from the riverbanks in dramatic layers, offering sweeping views, lively waterfront promenades, and a sense of energy that runs late into the evening. You will find modern towers, vintage alleyways, and leafy parks all sharing the same slopes.

The city is known for its distinctive character: hilly streets linked by stairways and monorails that slice between high-rises, ferries gliding across the water, and a constant buzz from teahouses and street food stalls. Beyond the urban core, nearby river gorges, ancient towns, and viewpoints give you a chance to slow down and take in the region’s landscapes.

Top sights in Chongqing

Hongya Cave

Explore this riverside complex of stilted buildings, where illuminated facades, shops, and eateries overlook the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Stroll this central shopping and dining district, surrounded by modern high-rises, boutiques, and lively night-time street scenes.

Yangtze River cableway

Glide across the Yangtze River in a cable car for panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and steep riverbanks.

Ciqikou Old Town

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional architecture, local snacks, and artisan shops in this historic riverside quarter.

Night river cruise

Take an evening cruise to see Chongqing’s illuminated bridges and skyscrapers reflected in the water.

Experience Chongqing’s urban energy and river landscapes

Chongqing is best explored on foot and by public transport, giving you a close look at its layered streets and elevated tracks. Ride the monorail as it curves between high-rises, then step off to walk hillside stairways that link neighbourhoods with pocket parks and viewing platforms. A ride on the Yangtze River cableway offers a memorable overview of the city’s unique terrain.

For a change of pace, you can venture to historic quarters like Ciqikou, where restored buildings, teahouses, and snack stalls line stone-paved alleys. River cruises along the Yangtze, from short evening trips to longer excursions, reveal the surrounding hills and bridges from a different angle. If you have more time, day trips into nearby river valleys and scenic areas introduce quieter viewpoints, walking trails, and opportunities to see the broader region beyond the urban core.

A taste of Chongqing

Chongqing has a bold and distinctive food culture, with flavours that range from numbing and spicy to deep and savoury. Hotpot is the city’s signature experience: simmering broths, often rich with spices, in which you cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and local specialities at your table. Smaller eateries and street stalls serve bowls of noodles and snacks tailored to local tastes.

As you explore, you will find casual canteens, busy hotpot restaurants, and modern venues that reinterpret classic dishes in contemporary settings. Riverside districts and central neighbourhoods offer plenty of late-night dining, so you can enjoy a meal after an evening cruise or walk. Whether you seek familiar flavours or want to try regional specialities, the city’s food scene rewards curiosity and an open palate.

Retail therapy in the mountain city

Shopping in Chongqing ranges from large, modern malls to compact markets and side streets filled with local businesses. Around Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao, you will find major retail centres with international and domestic brands, cafés, and entertainment under one roof. These neighbourhoods are ideal if you enjoy browsing in air-conditioned comfort between sightseeing stops.

For something more local, explore smaller streets near historic quarters and older districts, where shops sell regional snacks, tea, and everyday items. Evening markets often appear along busy thoroughfares, creating a lively atmosphere with bright lights and a mix of stalls. Whether you are picking up a small keepsake or simply enjoying the bustle, shopping fits naturally into a day of exploring the city.

Best time to visit Chongqing

Spring in Chongqing (March to May, 15–23°C / 59–73°F, shoulder season) brings milder temperatures and gradually greener hillsides, ideal for river cruises and city walks before the summer heat sets in. Occasional mist adds to the city’s famous atmospheric views along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

Summer (June to September, 26–33°C / 79–91°F, peak season) is warm and humid, with long daylight hours and a lively street scene that extends well into the evening. This is a good time to enjoy riverside promenades, illuminated skylines, and air-conditioned attractions and malls between outdoor activities.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 8–18°C / 46–64°F, low season) bring cooler air, more frequent mist, and a calmer feel on the streets. It is a comfortable period for exploring viewpoints, sampling hotpot and hearty local dishes, and experiencing the city with fewer crowds at some attractions.

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