Destinations

This is your gateway to discovering China’s beauty! Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, we’ve got you covered.

Chongqing

For travelers planning a trip to China, Chongqing offers a truly unique experience, standing out as one of the best cities to visit in China. As the only municipality directly under the central government in western China, its mind-bending, multi-layered cityscape and deep historical roots create a destination unlike any other. Forget flat cities; Chongqing’s magic lies in its blend and clash of different dimensions, making it one of the most beautiful places in China.

1. Where Mountains, Rivers, and City Collide

As the world’s largest mountain-and-river city, the China landscape here is dramatically shaped by the confluence of the Yangtze (长江) and Jialing (嘉陵江) rivers. This creates the stunning “Two Rivers, Four Banks” (两江四岸) scenery that defines the city. Buildings cling to steep hillsides, with traditional stilt houses (Diaojiaolou – 吊脚楼) nestled among modern skyscrapers. The result is a surreal cityscape where the “city is in the mountains, and the mountains are in the city.” The Chongqing night view is spectacular, with countless lights reflecting on the rivers, earning it the nickname “Oriental Victoria Harbour.” For breathtaking aerial views, ride the Yangtze River Cableway or wander the mountain city walkways (山城步道) to soak up the local life.

2. Transportation That Defies Dimensions

Chongqing is world-famous for its “8D magical transportation,” offering many unique things to do in Chongqing. The Chongqing metro system includes the famous Liziba Station, where light rail trains pass right through an apartment building. Massive bridges arc like rainbows across the rivers, and Asia’s longest escalator connects streets at different elevations. The river-crossing cableway, dubbed an “air bus” by National Geographic, is a must-do, letting passengers glide through the mist. This transport network isn’t just functional; it’s a spectacular part of the China scenery and a testament to human ingenuity. Exploring it is one of the top things to do in China.

3. Healing Hot Springs and Fiery Food


Recognized by the UN as the “World’s Hot Spring Capital,” Chongqing boasts major hot spring clusters perfect for relaxation. But it’s also proudly known as the “Hot Pot Capital of China.” The local cuisine, an offshoot of Sichuan food, is defined by spicy, numbing, and fragrant flavors. From street-side Chongqing noodles (重庆小面 – Chongqing Xiaomian) to bubbling nine-grid hot pot (九宫格火锅 – Jiugongge Hotpot), the food is an adventure. You can even find hot pot restaurants in old air-raid shelters, a unique cultural experience. Be sure to check the Chongqing weather before your visit to dress appropriately for your culinary explorations.

4. Two Cities in One: Day vs. Night

By day, Chongqing is a multi-level maze. By night, it transforms. The dazzling lights of Hongyadong (洪崖洞), also known as Hongya Cave, sparkle alongside the neon glow of Jiefangbei (解放碑) square. The aroma of tea wafts from Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街), while jazz music spills out from the bars in Jiujie (九街). This vibrant nightlife makes the city buzz around the clock. The dramatic shift from day to night means there’s always something new to discover, with plenty of Chongqing hotels nearby to serve as your base.

5. Where History Meets the Present

With a 3,000-year history, Chongqing has incredible cultural depth. Ancient Ba-Yu (巴渝) battlefield sites exist alongside revolutionary memorials. The traditional eaves of the Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆) face the modern glass walls of Raffles City Chongqing (来福士) across the river, a stunning example of modern architecture. Memories of its time as China’s wartime capital and its dockland culture live on in local arts like Sichuan Opera face-changing (川剧变脸 – Chuanju Bianlian). History here is woven into the fabric of everyday life, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in China.

As one of China’s fastest-growing megacities, Chongqing cherishes its local culture while innovating. It embraces the world with the enthusiasm of its hot pot and reshapes travel expectations with its unique layout. Arriving at Chongqing Airport (CKG), you’ll soon find yourself in a new chapter of Eastern magical realism where tradition and modernity collide. The city’s charm lies in always exceeding expectations. As the locals say: “重庆，来了就晓得了。” (Chongqing, you’ll understand when you come.) Consider adding it to your China tour package for an unforgettable adventure.

Recommended Attractions and Activities：

I. Must-See City Landmarks

  • Hongyadong (洪崖洞): Famous for its traditional Bayu stilted houses (吊脚楼), the night lights make it look like a fairy tale world from “Spirited Away.” You can overlook the confluence of two rivers. Experience: stroll the old mountain city streets, try hotpot (火锅), and take photos of Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥).
  • Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街): The heart of Chongqing’s history and commerce, where the Victory Monument stands alongside modern shopping malls. Feel the city’s vibrant energy.
  • Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道): An “aerial corridor” crossing the Yangtze, offering unique views of the city’s skyline and river.

II. Natural and Geological Wonders

  • Wulong Karst Three Natural Bridges (武隆天生三桥): World Natural Heritage site, three giant natural stone bridges (Tianlong, Qinglong, Heilong), and a filming location for “Curse of the Golden Flower.”
  • Jinfo Mountain (金佛山): 5A scenic area with karst landscapes, ancient forests, and Buddhist culture. Ski in winter, escape the heat in summer.
  • Ayi River Rafting (阿依河漂流): Rafting adventure themed on Miao culture (苗家), combining canyon scenery and whitewater thrills.

III. History, Culture & Folk Experiences

  • Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇): A thousand-year-old town preserving old Chongqing wharf culture, with teahouses, Sichuan opera (川剧), and local snacks like Mahua (麻花).
  • Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻): World Cultural Heritage, Buddhist grotto art from the Tang and Song dynasties, especially the impressive Thousand-Hand Guanyin (千手观音).
  • Huguang Guild Hall & Shancheng Alley (湖广会馆与山城巷): Ming and Qing architecture showing immigrant culture; walk the mountain city path for river views and old Chongqing life.

IV. Magical Transport & Internet-Famous Spots

  • Liziba Light Rail Through Building (李子坝轻轨穿楼): The light rail passes directly through a building—capture the “sky train” from the viewing platform.
  • Crown Escalator (皇冠大扶梯): Asia’s second-longest escalator, with a 52-meter drop, a true mountain city experience.
  • Sujia Dam & Huangjuewan Interchanges (苏家坝/黄桷湾立交): China’s tallest ramp bridge and a five-level interchange—drive or use a drone to feel the 8D city vibe.

V. Night Views & Leisure Spots

  • Nanshan Yikeshu Viewing Platform (南山一棵树观景台): Panoramic views of Chongqing, with city lights and river reflections.
  • Nanbin Road Night Scene (南滨路夜景): Riverside stroll, check out Danzishi Old Street (弹子石老街) and the Twin Towers light show, enjoy the “Little Hong Kong” nightscape.
  • Beibei & Nanshan Hot Springs (北温泉/南山温泉): Mountain hot springs for relaxation, combining nature and wellness.

VI. Food & Local Experiences

  • Must-try foods: Chongqing Hotpot (重庆火锅), Xiao Mian (小面), Suanlafen (酸辣粉), Brown Sugar Ice Jelly (红糖冰粉).
  • Special activities: Watch Sichuan opera in a teahouse, drink Gaiwan tea (盖碗茶) in Ciqikou, and explore night markets like Bayi Gourmet Street (八一好吃街).
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