The ultimate guide to Chongqing - Why you should visit, where to go & what to do!
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, Xiaohongshu, or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen Chongqing pop up as the real-life cyberpunk metropolis — neon lights glowing through thick fog, trains zipping through apartment blocks, and highways twisted like a bowl of noodles.
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But… is Chongqing actually worth visiting?
Short answer: Yes — if you love chaotic city energy, jaw-dropping night views, and food that sets your soul on fire 🔥
And maybe not, if you're looking for a slow, scenic, stress-free holiday.
Here’s our honest breakdown.
What Made Chongqing Go Viral?
There’s a reason why Chongqing keeps blowing up online, especially on TikTok and Xiaohongshu — the city looks like it leapt straight out of a sci-fi game.
Some of Chongqing's most famous features:
- Multi-layered highways stacked 4–5 levels high 🤯
- Fog-drenched valleys that make the skyline look surreal 🌁
- The famous monorail that cuts straight through a residential block 🚊
- Hongya Cave at night—a glowing honeycomb of lanterns and escalators
- Skyscrapers in dramatic clusters, lit in neon blues and reds
Reasons Chongqing IS Worth Visiting
1. The City Layout Is Wild (In the Best Way Possible)
Built across mountains and rivers, Chongqing is basically a vertical city. Expect steep inclines, skybridges everywhere, and roads stacked like lasagna. It’s heaven for explorers who love wandering and saying, “Wait… how did we end up here?” 🤔
Image credit: @dh tang on Pexels
2. Night Views That Hit Different
Chongqing is absolutely stunning after dark - with the iconic neon lights coming to live.
Best spots to see the night view:
- Hongya Cave (best seen from Qiansimen Bridge)
- Eling Park Observatory
- Nanbin Road riverside views
3. The “Train Through the Building” (Liziba Station)
Yes, it’s real — the monorail literally passes through an apartment block. It’s quick, fun, and uniquely Chongqing. Go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
4. The Spiritual Home of HOTPOT
Chongqing isn’t just famous for hotpot — it lives hotpot. Be prepared for numbing spice, flavourful broths, and locals who will happily challenge you to go spicier.
Must-try items:
- Beef tripe
- Duck blood
- Potato slices
- Handmade noodles
What You Should Know Before Visiting
1. Weather Is Moody
Image credit: @Junchen zhou on Pexels
Expect foggy, humid, and often grey skies. But if you're into moody, vibey photography, Chongqing is the perfect place for you!
2. There are slopes. Lots of slopes.
Stairs everywhere. Inclines everywhere. Be ready for cardio (and avoid it if traveling with elderly family members who prefer flat, easy strolls).
3. It gets crowded (especially at popular attractions)
Unfortunately, as Chongqing is becoming more popular for it's night views, it's also getting more crowded. Especially at Hongya Cave, Liziba Station and Ciqikou Ancient Town. Just be prepared to brace the crowd!
4. How many days you actually need
If you’re planning a quick getaway, 2D1N is enough for a fast city sampler. With just a weekend, you can hit the essentials: wander through the iconic Hongya Cave, catch the monorail shooting through the building at Liziba Station, enjoy an authentic Chongqing hotpot dinner, and end the night with panoramic views around Raffles City or the riverside.
For a more complete experience, 3D2N lets you pair the city with one major highlight. This is the sweet spot for most travellers — you’ll cover the main city attractions and add a day trip to Wulong Karst for a nature escape, or take the Yangtze River cruise for something more relaxing.
If you have time to spare, 4D3N gives you a balanced mix of culture and nature. Beyond the city must-sees and Wulong, you can include a visit to the Dazu Grottoes or ride one of Chongqing’s scenic cable car routes, giving you a deeper look at both the city’s heritage and its stunning landscapes.
What To Do In Chongqing
1. Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) — Best at Night
The most recognisable spot in Chongqing, Hongya Cave comes alive after sunset. Its multi-level structure of wooden façades, lanterns, and escalators looks straight out of Spirited Away. The interior is touristy, but the exterior view — especially from Qiansimen Bridge — is where the magic happens. Go just before sunset to catch the lights switching on.
2. Liziba Monorail Station — The Train Through the Building
A must-see for anyone who loves quirky urban design. Watch Line 2 of the Chongqing monorail glide through a residential tower — a piece of engineering that went viral worldwide. There’s now a dedicated viewing deck for photos, but crowds can build up quickly, so early morning or late evening is your friend.
3. Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)
If you need a break from skyscrapers, slip into Ciqikou’s maze of cobblestone lanes. Expect street snacks like chilli-dusted grilled tofu, sticky rice cakes, and suanlafen (spicy sour noodles).
You’ll also find teahouses, craft shops, and surprisingly peaceful riverside corners if you wander off the main street.
4. Raffles City Skywalk (The Crystal)
Perched above the confluence of the two rivers, the Skywalk gives you a bird’s-eye view of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline. The architecture alone is a spectacle — futuristic and sleek, matching Chongqing’s sci-fi reputation. Time your visit near dusk for the best photos.
5. Shibati (十八梯)
Also known as the “Eighteen Ladders,” Shibati is one of Chongqing’s most historic neighborhoods (and also a less touristy alternative to Hongya Cave for those who love cultural immersion!).
Nestled on the city’s steep hills, this area was once a dense residential quarter with winding alleys, staircases, and old-style stilt houses — the perfect glimpse into the daily life of Chongqing locals in the past century.
For photographers and urban explorers, Shibati is a treasure trove: every staircase, alley, and balcony offers a new perspective of Chongqing’s layered, vertical cityscape. Don’t miss sampling local snacks like chuan chuan xiang (skewered hotpot) or stopping by a teahouse for a quiet moment away from the bustling city.
Klook tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon as the soft light enhances both photos and atmosphere!
6. Xiahaoli (下浩里)
If you’re after a side of Chongqing that’s artsy, local, and off the typical tourist path, Xiahaoli is the spot. Tucked away from the city’s bustling commercial areas, this small neighborhood has been quietly transforming into a creative enclave. Think boutique cafés, independent art galleries, and street murals blending seamlessly with traditional Chongqing architecture.
Xiahaoli is also a great place to experience Chongqing’s younger creative scene, from live music in intimate venues to weekend pop-up markets. With a strong local vibe, it’s perfect for travellers who want a slower pace, away from the neon-glow crowds of Hongya Cave.
Klook tip: We recommend visiting during the day when the cafés are open, or early evening when the streets come alive with a warm, cozy glow!
7. Two Rivers Night Cruise (两江夜游)
For a calm evening, hop on a night cruise around the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You’ll float past illuminated buildings, bridges, and riverbanks — one of the easiest ways to take in Chongqing’s famous night scenery without the crowds.
Klook tip: Time your ride with Chongqing's famous drone shows for the most spectacular night view! Usually available on Saturdays (May-Sept: 9PM; Oct-Apr: 8:30PM).
8. Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre (重庆1949大剧院)
If you’re looking for a show that’s dramatic, immersive, and uniquely Chongqing, Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre is a must-add to your itinerary. This large-scale live performance blends theatre, dance, music, and dazzling stage effects to retell defining moments in Chongqing’s wartime history — especially its resilience during the 1940s.
Expect towering rotating sets, cinematic lighting, and an emotional storyline that’s easy to follow even if you don’t speak Mandarin. The highlight for many travellers is the sheer scale of the production: hundreds of performers, dynamic props, and a stage that transforms from scenes of daily life to war bunkers in seconds.
If you want a break from night views and hotpot, Chongqing 1949 delivers an unforgettable, cinematic look into the city’s past — in a way only Chongqing can.
9. Chongqing Li Yan Ba Guo (重庆李言八锅)
No visit to Chongqing is complete without visiting Li Yan Ba Guo, where the panoramic immersive dining show “Ritual Banquet Ba Country” transports you across a thousand years of Bayu history. Rooted in traditional Bayu culture and woven with elements from the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, this experience blends food, performance, and heritage into a single unforgettable feast.
Across 90 minutes, dishes, music, and dance merge seamlessly. As ancient melodies fill the hall, performers in exquisitely detailed traditional costumes bring the eras to life. Using dance as the narrative thread, each segment elegantly connects Hanfu culture, ritual performances, and beautifully plated dishes, creating a multisensory journey through history.
10. Chongqing Changjiang Cableway
One of the simplest and most scenic ways to see Chongqing. This cross-river cable car was once everyday transport for locals and is now a beloved tourist ride. You’ll glide over the river with panoramic views of the clustered skyline — great for daytime shots, even better at night.
11. Wulong Karst National Park (武隆喀斯特)
Just under two hours from the city, Wulong is jaw-dropping. Think towering limestone bridges, deep sinkholes, and dramatic valley landscapes — no wonder it’s featured in films like Transformers: Age of Extinction. It’s an easy day trip and a perfect contrast to Chongqing’s urban density.
12. Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 50,000 Buddhist sculptures carved into cliffs. It’s rich, peaceful, and ideal if you want something more cultural or spiritual. The detail and preservation of the carvings are incredible — one of China’s most overlooked heritage experiences.
Where To Stay in Chongqing
Chongqing is a massive, multi-level city, so staying in the right area can make a big difference — especially if it’s your first visit. Here are the best neighbourhoods to base yourself in, depending on your travel style.
1. Jiefangbei (解放碑) — Best for First-Timers
If you want to be in the heart of the action, Jiefangbei is your spot. It’s central, lively, and packed with food streets, malls, and easy access to the metro. You’ll be within quick reach of Hongya Cave, the Yangtze River Cableway, and Raffles City.
Recommended Hotels | Where & Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
Steps from major landmarks like the People's Liberation Monument / central CBD Extremely convenient with metro access | |
Very central location — about 4–5 minutes’ walk from the main city CBD and within walking distance to pedestrian streets | |
Serviced-apartment–style stay Perfect for families or big groups! | |
Short walk from Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave, and the riverside/cableway area Stunning views & high-rise vibes Great for couples or city-first travellers |
2. Raffles City / Chaotianmen (朝天门) — Best for Luxury & Views
If you want to level up your stay, the Chaotianmen area offers some of Chongqing’s most iconic hotels. Raffles City is famous for its futuristic architecture, skywalk, and unbeatable river confluence views.
Recommended Hotels | Where & Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
Located inside the landmark Raffles City Chongqing complex Spacious, serviced-apartment style rooms Perfect for families or those staying longer | |
Located directly above Metro Line 1’s Chaotianmen station Outstanding river‑view & skyline views | |
Steps away from the nearest metro station (Xiaoshizi Station ~120 m away; Chaotianmen Station ~580 m) Good for casual travellers, solo travellers, or budget-to-mid budget stays |
3. Shapingba (沙坪坝) — Best for Culture & Local Life
Further from the tourist hotspots, Shapingba offers a more local, laid-back vibe with access to universities, cafés, bookshops, and historic sites like Ciqikou Ancient Town. It’s great if you want a calmer base without losing convenience.
Recommended Hotels | Where & Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
Ji Hotel Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station Pedestrian Street | Budget‑friendly and right near Shapingba railway/metro station, very convenient if you plan to rely on transit |
Huiyuan Hotel (Chongqing Shapingba High Speed Railway Station Jinsha Tianjie Branch) | Very close to Shapingba Railway Station Adjacent to a commercial/shopping area |
So… Is Chongqing Actually Worth Visiting?
Yes — if you’re craving something bold, different, and unforgettable. Chongqing isn’t traditionally “beautiful,” but it is atmospheric, flavour-packed, and full of character. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip ends.
If you love neon cityscapes, unconventional experiences, and food that hits hard, this is your sign to finally book that trip!
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