Chongqing 7 Days Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing the 8D Magic Mountain City

Embarking on a Chongqing 7 days itinerary is the perfect way to dive deep into China’s most photogenic metropolis. This comprehensive guide is designed for international travelers seeking the full experience—from iconic cityscapes and profound history to fiery cuisine and breathtaking nature. Follow this plan for an unforgettable journey through the hills, rivers, and vibrant streets of Chongqing.

Core Highlights of This Chongqing Travel Plan

3D Transportation: Ride the monorail through a residential building and cross the Yangtze River by cable car.

Layers of History: Explore relics from WWII to ancient Buddhist rock carvings.

Magical Nightscapes: Witness the Hongyadong area’s stunning lights, reminiscent of a real-life Spirited Away.

Fiery Food Feast: Taste authentic hot pot, Xiao Mian noodles, and delicious street snacks.

Natural Wonders: Opt for extended trips to UNESCO sites like the spectacular Wulong Karst.

Your Chongqing 7-Day Trip at a Glance

Focus: This Chongqing 7 days itinerary concentrates on the city center, with one thematic focus per day for efficient exploration.

Accommodation: Stay in the Jiefangbei or Guanyinqiao areas. They offer excellent metro access and are the best bases for your stay.

Getting Around: Use the metro and walking as your main transport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are very useful. Remember, short map distances can involve many stairs due to the unique terrain.

Must-Pack: Extremely comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, an umbrella, and stomach medicine for spicy food.

Detailed Day-by-Day Chongqing 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Urban Heartbeat & Historical Echoes

Theme: Iconic landmarks and the city’s historical layers.

Start at the Chongqing People’s Great Hall, an impressive Soviet-style building. Next, visit the Three Gorges Museum to understand the region’s history. Then, take a quiet walk along Zhongshan 4th Road, lined with historic villas.

Head to the Jiefangbei monument for lunch at the nearby Eight One Good Street Food Street. Try local snacks like small glutinous rice balls or spicy sour noodles.

Visit the Luohan Temple, an ancient sanctuary surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Then, walk the Daijia Alley Cliffside Path to experience Chongqing’s vertical terrain firsthand.

See the magical Hongyadong at night (lights are usually on from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM). For the best views, take a Two Rivers Night Cruise to see the illuminated skyline.

Tip: Book your night cruise tickets online at least 2 days in advance. The inside of Hongyadong is very commercial; the best views are from outside.

Day 2: Old City Vibes & Aerial Perspectives

Theme: Discover old Chongqing from above and within its ancient streets.

Take the famous Yangtze River Cable Car from Xinhua Road Station to the south bank. Visit an observatory for a 360-degree city view. Then, explore the Huguang Guild Hall, which tells the story of historic migration to Sichuan.

Return to the Yuzhong district. See the Tongyuan Gate ancient city wall. Then, wander through the restored old streets of Shancheng Lane or 18 Steps.

Continue exploring the atmospheric alleys.

Enjoy the stepped night views of Shancheng Lane or 18 Steps.

Tip: The cable car gets very crowded. Go right at opening time or book a timed-entry ticket online to save time.

Day 3: Viral Transport & Artistic Strolls

Theme: See internet-famous spots on a city walk.

Watch the train go through the building at Liziba Monorail Station. Walk part of a historic step trail and visit a museum. Then, head to E’er Factory Creative Park, a photogenic hub in a renovated printing factory.

Have lunch at E’er Factory or near Eling Park, which offers great river views.

Hike a section of a scenic cliffside trail, and visit a traditional temple. For the adventurous, try the incredibly long escalators at Hongyancun Metro Station.

Visit a high-altitude observatory for a breathtaking view of the city confluence.

Food Tip: Try the famous spicy chicken at a local restaurant or have hot pot.

Day 4: Historic Memory & Modern Leisure

Theme: Reflect on modern history and enjoy a mix of old and new.

Visit Ciqikou Old Town. It’s touristy but retains its old wharf charm. Have lunch here—try the local duck blood stew or fried dough twists.

Spend a relaxed afternoon at Chongqing Tiandi, a stylish riverside area with cafes and restaurants.

Enjoy a classic Chongqing hot pot dinner in the Shapingba district or back in the city center.

Tip: Avoid the crowded main street in Ciqikou and explore the smaller side alleys instead.

Day 5: South Bank Scenery & Photography Tour

Theme: Explore the south bank for the best city panoramas.

Explore Longmenhao Old Street with its well-preserved buildings. Then, visit the historic French Naval Barracks for photos.

Have lunch at Danzishi Old Street, which offers a fantastic direct view of the city skyline across the river.

Choose between a botanical garden or a Taoist temple on Nanshan Mountain. The temple provides a distant view of the city.

Have dinner along the south bank. Then, head to a popular observation deck for a stunning panoramic night view.

Transport Tip: Use taxis between spots on the south bank. Allow extra time for the drive up the mountain.

Day 6: Forest Trails & Mountain Delicacies

Theme: Hike through urban lungs and find famous local food.

Hike a historic forest path up to a temple for spectacular views.

You can try vegetarian food at the temple or head to a specialty street to taste the local spring water chicken.

Visit a museum on the mountain to learn about the city’s role as a wartime capital.

Enjoy more local farmhouse cuisine on the mountain or return downtown.

Hiking Reminder: Wear your most comfortable shoes and carry water.

Day 7: Relaxed Farewell & Souvenir Shopping

Theme: A calm finish and last-minute shopping.

Visit a serene ancient Buddhist complex to relax.

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the temple or head back to the city.

For last-minute shopping, go to a major pedestrian street area. Buy hot pot base paste or other local snacks as gifts.

Have a farewell dinner near your accommodation. Then, conveniently take the metro directly to the airport or railway station.

Alternative: Revisit your favorite neighborhood or try a restaurant you missed.

If You Have More Time: Extended Itinerary Options

To extend your Chongqing 7 days itinerary, consider these trips:

Wulong Karst: See the incredible Three Natural Bridges and Fairy Mountain National Forest Park. It’s a 2-3 hour journey; stay overnight.

Dazu Rock Carvings: Visit these magnificent UNESCO-listed Buddhist sculptures. A high-speed train day trip is possible.

Wanzhou Grand Waterfall: Experience this impressive waterfall. It’s about a 1-hour high-speed train ride.

Essential Practical Information

Where to Stay:

Jiefangbei: Best location, central to most attractions. Higher prices.

Guanyinqiao: Modern shopping district, newer hotels, great value, vibrant nightlife.

South Bank (e.g., Danzishi): Good value, many B&Bs, excellent views of the north bank skyline.

Shapingba: More budget-friendly, close to universities and Ciqikou, but farther from some core sights.

Transport Guide:

Airport: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). Take an airport express bus to the city center.

Train Stations: Chongqing North Station is closer to downtown than West Station.

City Transport: The metro is your best friend. Use mapping apps for real-time navigation. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient but can get stuck in traffic.

Food Must-Trys:

Hot Pot: Look for well-rated local spots tucked away in alleys.

Local Dishes: Try restaurants known for Sichuan classics.

Street Food: Seek out busy local stalls for the most authentic noodles and snacks.

Final Important Tips for Your Chongqing 7 Days Itinerary:

Book Ahead: Reserve tickets online for major attractions and transport like the cable car and cruises.

Footwear is Key: Always wear comfortable flat shoes. Chongqing’s terrain is a workout.

Manage the Spice: When ordering, clearly ask for “mild spicy” or “no spice” if needed.

Navigation: GPS can be confused by the 3D roads. Don’t hesitate to ask friendly locals for directions.

This Chongqing 7 days itinerary is crafted to help you discover the magic of this unique city efficiently. Every day is designed to offer a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and food.

Want More Personalized Advice?

This guide covers the essentials for a great Chongqing 7 days itinerary, but every traveler is unique. For personalized recommendations on hidden gems, specific restaurant bookings, or local guide services, feel free to reach out! You can email us at mylocalfriend@163.com or leave a message on our website. We’re happy to help make your Chongqing adventure even more special.