Best Places to Visit in Chongqing China: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Mountain City’s Top Attractions

Discover the best places to visit in Chongqing China, a city famed for its mountainous terrain, dazzling nightscapes, spicy cuisine, and rich history. Whether you love urban exploration, natural wonders, or cultural walks, Chongqing has it all. This guide combines local insights and traveler experiences to offer you a clear and practical itinerary for exploring the very best places to visit in Chongqing China.

Classic Chongqing City Route (3 Days, 2 Nights)

Short on time? This route covers the most iconic spots and is ideal for experiencing the best places to visit in Chongqing China. It is transport-friendly and perfectly captures the city’s unique charm.

📍 Day 1: Yuzhong Peninsula Core Area

Liberation Monument → Bayi Good Food Street → Shancheng Trail → Eighteen Steps → Raffles City → Hongyadong Night View

Liberation Monument: The city’s landmark. Best visited for photos in the early morning or evening to avoid the midday heat.

Bayi Good Food Street: Right next to the monument. It’s packed with local snacks for a quick culinary experience.

Shancheng Trail: A path built along the old city wall. Feel the original “mountain city” stair culture and enjoy river views.

Eighteen Steps: A reconstructed old street that retains the charm of traditional Chongqing alleys. Great for a stroll and photos.

Raffles City: Modern buildings shaped like “sails.” The shopping mall’s top floor offers a view of where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet.

Hongyadong: The most magical sight at night with its stilted buildings. Lights are on from 20:00 to 23:00. Take Metro Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 9, and follow the crowd to the viewing platform. Note: The lower riverbank may be flooded if water levels are high, but the upper viewing areas remain open.

🍜 Food Tip for Today: Try hotpot at a popular spot near Hongyadong or Liberation Monument (avoid overly touristy ones). For late-night snacks, consider barbecue or the local yogurt drink chain “One Cup of Yogurt Cow.”

📍 Day 2: Ancient Towns, Old Streets & River Views

CiqiKou Ancient Town → Two Rivers Ferry → Xiahaoli Old Street → Longmenhao Old Street

CiqiKou Ancient Town: A historic riverside town with tea houses, snacks, and handicrafts. Ideal for a morning visit. It’s one of the classic places to visit in Chongqing for a taste of old-world charm.

Two Rivers Ferry: A short, scenic, and affordable boat ride (around ¥10 or $1.5 USD) on the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You can board near Ciqikou.

Xiahaoli & Longmenhao Old Streets: Recently restored historical areas. They blend old architecture with trendy cafes and shops. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk and watching the city lights across the river at dusk.

📍 Day 3: Internet-Famous Sites & Cultural Stops

Liziba Light Rail Piercing Building → Three Gorges Museum → People’s Great Hall → Beichuang Cultural Park → Guanyinqiao Shopping District

Liziba: See the light rail pass through a residential building—a truly unique urban spectacle. There’s a dedicated viewing platform for photos.

Three Gorges Museum (Free): Book in advance via WeChat mini-program. Entry requires your passport/ID. It systematically presents the history and culture of the Three Gorges.

People’s Great Hall: Facing the museum, this iconic pseudo-classical building is very photogenic from the outside.

Beichuang Cultural Park: A trendy area transformed from old warehouses. Great for coffee and boutique shopping.

Guanyinqiao: A modern commercial hub. The surrounding “Guanyinqiao Good Food Street” offers a wide variety of local snacks.

Natural Wonders Trip: The Stunning Wulong Scenic Area

If you have an extra 1-2 days and love nature, a trip to Wulong is a must. This area showcases some of the absolute best places to visit near Chongqing China for jaw-dropping landscapes, having been a filming location for movies like Transformers 4.

Three Natural Bridges (“Tiankeng”): Massive natural stone bridges formed by karst geology. Enter from Gate 1 to take an elevator down. The walk takes 2-3 hours. Gate 3 involves a walk downhill and is less crowded.

Longshuixia Fissure: A deep canyon with waterfalls and streams next to the bridges. The walking path is long; knee protection is recommended.

Fairy Mountain: Features high-altitude grasslands. Perfect for escaping summer heat or winter skiing.

Travel Tip: Reach Wulong from downtown Chongqing by train (about 2 hours, ¥25 / $3.5 USD) or long-distance bus. Shuttle buses are needed inside the scenic area. Consider staying overnight for a more relaxed visit to these incredible places to visit around Chongqing.

Historical & Cultural Walk: Zhongshan 4th Road & Surroundings

For a quiet stroll through history and film locations—a different kind of experience among the best places to visit in Chongqing China—head to Zhongshan 4th Road, often called the city’s most beautiful street.

Accommodation Suggestion: Stay near Niujiaotuo Metro Station for convenient transport.

Walking Route (Nice by Day or Night):

Start at Niujiaotuo. Walk along Zhongshan 4th Road, passing the China Democratic Parties History Museum and Gui Garden (site of historical KMT-CCP negotiations).

Continue to see the famous stone wall and tree roots from the movie Better Days.

Near Zengjiayan Metro Station, visit Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence.

If you have energy, walk from Zengjiayan Station back via the Cliffside Trail for great night views of the Jialing River.

This route is peaceful. Visit the (mostly free) museums by day and enjoy the cool, beautifully lit walkways at night.

Practical Travel Tips for Chongqing

🚇 Transport

Use the light rail (subway). It covers major places to visit in Chongqing and avoids traffic.

Taxis and buses are handy but get stuck in rush-hour congestion.

Not recommended to drive. The complex 3D road system can confuse navigation apps.

🍲 Food

Must-try: Chongqing Hotpot (choose busy local spots, average ¥80-120 / $11-17 USD per person), Xiao Mian (noodles, ¥10-15 / $1.5-2 USD), Sour & Spicy Potato Noodles, Chuan Chuan (skewers), Barbecue.

Recommended Food Streets: Bayi Good Food Street, Guanyinqiao Good Food Street.

🌤 General Tips

Summers are hot and humid. Avoid long outdoor activities at midday and stay hydrated.

Wear comfortable shoes. Exploring the best places to visit in Chongqing China involves many slopes and stairs.

Book tickets online in advance for some sites (e.g., Three Gorges Museum).

Check weather and river level warnings before visiting riversides or natural areas.

Chongqing is a city of incredible layers. Its stunning natural landscapes, magical urban vistas, and historic streets full of stories promise a unique travel experience. We hope this guide to the best places to visit in Chongqing China helps you plan a memorable trip!

Need more personalized advice or local guide recommendations for the best places to visit in Chongqing China? Feel free to reach out via email at mylocalfriend@163.com or leave a message on our website. We’re happy to help you tailor your perfect mountain city adventure!