Flights from Paris (CDG) to Chongqing (CKG)

About Chongqing

Discover Chongqing

Why visit Chongqing?
Chongqing is a dynamic river city set among steep hills and dramatic gorges, where glittering towers rise above traditional lanes. You can expect vivid skylines, lively streets, and a constant connection to the mighty Yangtze and Jialing rivers that meet at its heart.

What to expect
The city spreads across hills and peninsulas, linked by bridges, tunnels, and a fast metro network. Neighbourhoods such as Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, and Ciqikou Old Town reveal different sides of Chongqing, from contemporary cityscapes to historic architecture and narrow, atmospheric streets.

Plan your trip
Chongqing works well as both a standalone urban break and a starting point for exploring the wider region, including cruises towards the Three Gorges. With efficient links across China, it is a convenient base to connect river journeys, inland landscapes, and other major cities in one itinerary.

Top sights in Chongqing

Jiefangbei Central Business District

Stroll through Chongqing’s bustling commercial core, with its landmark clock tower, shopping streets, and neon-lit skyline views at night.

Hongya Cave

Explore this cliffside complex of stilted buildings overlooking the river, known for its dramatic night-time lighting and traditional-style architecture.

Ciqikou Old Town

Wander narrow stone lanes lined with historic buildings, small teahouses, and craft shops that hint at Chongqing’s trading past.

Chaotianmen Square

Visit the point where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, with open plazas, riverfront walks, and views of bridges and cruise ships.

Raffles City Chongqing

Head to this striking complex for elevated city views, contemporary architecture, and a mix of dining and lifestyle venues.

Three Gorges Museum

Gain an overview of the region’s landscape and heritage through exhibits on the Yangtze River, local culture, and large-scale engineering projects.

Yangtze River cableway

Ride the cableway across the Yangtze for a memorable aerial perspective of Chongqing’s steep hills, bridges, and high-rise skyline.

Nanshan scenic area

Escape to forested hills above the city for walking paths, viewpoints, and panoramic vistas over Chongqing’s towers and rivers.

Experience Chongqing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Chongqing’s metro is the most efficient way to move between major districts, often running on elevated tracks with wide river views. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for steeper neighbourhoods and late-night journeys, while short walks reveal hidden stairways and pocket squares.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Chongqing plays out on pavements, in parks, and along riverside promenades, where residents gather to chat, stroll, or exercise. Older quarters retain a compact, lived-in feel, while newer districts showcase broad avenues, public art, and lively squares that stay active well into the evening.

Where to unwind
Parks on the hillsides and riverside walkways offer quiet spots to pause between busy sightseeing days. Head to green spaces overlooking the city for softer light and cooler air in the early morning or late afternoon, when the skyline slowly brightens or begins to glow after sunset.

A taste of Chongqing

Street food & local specialties
Chongqing is known for bold, spicy flavours and warming broths, with small eateries and casual stalls scattered across central streets and residential alleys. Neighbourhoods around Jiefangbei and Ciqikou Old Town are particularly rich in simple spots where you can sample local noodles and snacks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and mixed-use developments throughout the city house convenient food courts and mid-range restaurants serving regional Chinese dishes and international favourites. Menus often feature smaller plates and sharing options, making it easy to try several flavours in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with views across the river or towards Chongqing’s illuminated skyline. High-floor venues in modern complexes and hotels combine refined cooking with large windows, giving you time to appreciate the city lights as you dine.

Retail therapy in Chongqing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Jiefangbei and newer riverside districts bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés in one place. These lifestyle centres double as meeting points, where you can browse, relax, and plan the next stage of your day out of the heat or rain.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the big complexes, smaller streets and pockets near Ciqikou Old Town, Yangjiaping, and Guanyinqiao reveal independent boutiques and stalls. Here you can look for handicrafts, simple homeware, and locally inspired souvenirs that reflect Chongqing’s hill-city and river culture.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and busy commercial squares keep the atmosphere lively, with shops, kiosks, and food outlets staying open into the night. Many of these areas sit close to metro stations, so you can shop, dine, and return to your hotel easily by public transport.

Best time to visit Chongqing

Spring season (Chunji)
From March to May, temperatures usually range between 15°C and 23°C (59°F–73°F), with mild air and a gradual increase in humidity. This shoulder season brings fresh greenery on hillsides and comfortable conditions for city walks and river viewpoints.

Summer season (Xiaji)
June to September is warm and humid, with typical temperatures between 26°C and 33°C (79°F–91°F). Marked as peak season, these months feature long daylight hours, energetic evenings, and a lively city atmosphere, with indoor attractions and shaded parks offering pleasant breaks.

Autumn and winter season (Qiuji and Dongji)
From October to February, temperatures usually range from 7°C to 18°C (45°F–64°F), and you may experience misty skies that soften the skyline. This low season is calm and atmospheric, ideal if you enjoy quieter streets, cooler walks, and a gentler pace of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions