Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Chongqing (CKG)

About Chongqing

Discover Chongqing

Why visit Chongqing?
Chongqing is a lively metropolis set among steep hills and river gorges, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. You will find a mix of dramatic skylines, misty landscapes, and an energetic street scene that feels both traditional and forward-looking.

What to expect
The city is known for its multi-level roads, elevated walkways, and monorails weaving between towers, creating a distinctive urban silhouette. Older neighbourhoods sit beside new districts, with riverfront promenades, observation decks, and hillside viewpoints offering striking perspectives day and night.

Plan your trip
Chongqing works well as both a city break and a starting point for journeys along the Yangtze. You can combine time in the urban core with excursions to scenic areas and nearby historic towns, using the city as a convenient base to explore western China.

Top sights in Chongqing

Jiefangbei Central Business District

Walk the pedestrian streets around the Liberation Monument, surrounded by shopping malls, cafés, and illuminated towers.

Hongya Cave

Explore this hillside complex of stilted buildings overlooking the river, especially atmospheric when its terraces are lit up after dark.

Chaotianmen Riverside Area

Visit the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, with promenades, viewing decks, and options for short river cruises.

Liziba Monorail Station

Watch the monorail train glide through a residential building, a uniquely Chongqing sight popular with photographers.

Ciqikou Old Town

Stroll narrow streets lined with traditional architecture, local snacks, and teahouses overlooking the Jialing River.

Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area

Head up to viewpoints on Nanshan for panoramic views of the skyline framed by hills and winding rivers.

Raffles City Chongqing

See the eye-catching complex with its skybridge and enjoy riverside walks at the tip of the Yuzhong Peninsula.

Three Gorges Museum of Chongqing

Learn about the history, culture, and landscapes of the wider region through detailed exhibits and large-scale models.

Experience Chongqing's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Chongqing has an extensive metro and monorail network that helps you cross the river valleys quickly and avoid steep climbs. River ferries and short cruises offer a different view of the city skyline, while taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for late-night returns or hilly side streets.

Local life & culture
Daily life plays out in hillside neighbourhoods, riverside promenades, and lively squares where people gather to chat, stroll, or exercise. Older residential areas offer glimpses of traditional low-rise housing beside new towers, while public art, neon signs, and dramatic bridges add to the city’s character.

Where to unwind
Riverside parks and viewpoints around Nanshan and other hillsides give you space to step back from the dense urban core. Early mornings are calm, with soft light over the river valleys, while evenings bring cooler temperatures and illuminated skylines that are ideal for relaxed walks or quiet photo stops.

A taste of Chongqing

Street food & local specialties
Food stalls and small eateries are part of Chongqing’s identity, with steaming pots, skewers, and noodles drawing locals at all hours. Busy streets around older districts and riverfront areas are ideal for sampling spicy broths, noodle dishes, and comforting snacks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new commercial districts gather a wide range of restaurants under one roof, from local chains to international favourites. Menus often include smaller plates, making it easy to share and try different flavours in one sitting, which is useful if you are short on time.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose restaurants with views of the river junction, bridges, or terraced cityscape. High-floor dining rooms and riverfront venues let you enjoy the skyline as it shifts from daytime haze to a sea of lights, turning dinner into an atmospheric part of your visit.

Retail therapy in Chongqing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in areas such as Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. They provide a comfortable way to shop across several floors, often directly connected to metro stations and sheltered from the city’s humid weather.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and older commercial areas are where you can browse for local crafts, everyday fashion, and homeware. Districts around Ciqikou Old Town and parts of Yuzhong District are popular for compact shops and stalls, where you can explore at your own pace.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated façades, billboards, and shopfronts make central shopping streets particularly photogenic. Many malls stay open into the evening, and pedestrian areas remain busy and lively, with public transport making it straightforward to return to your hotel at the end of a late shopping trip.

Best time to visit Chongqing

Spring in Chongqing (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with misty mornings over the river valleys. It is a pleasant time for city walks and viewpoints, with fresh greenery on surrounding hillsides and comfortable conditions for exploring urban neighbourhoods.

Summer season (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 26–33°C (79–91°F). Long daylight hours and vibrant evenings make it ideal for river cruises, skyline views, and air-conditioned mall visits, while occasional rain showers add to the city’s atmospheric haze.

Autumn and winter (October to February, low season) see cooler days of around 8–18°C (46–64°F) and more frequent fog or low cloud. This softer light creates dramatic silhouettes of bridges and towers, and quieter tourist spots let you enjoy viewpoints and promenades with more space.

Frequently Asked Questions