How to Plan Chongqing Tour

Chongqing (重庆), located in southwestern China and bordering Sichuan (四川), Guizhou (贵州), Hubei (湖北), and Hunan (湖南), is a city unlike any other. In the minds of most Chinese people, Chongqing is distinguished by its hot weather, stunning women, and spicy hotpot. For travelers, the main draw is undoubtedly cruising the Yangtze River (长江), China’s longest river, enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way, and indulging in a relaxing and meaningful journey.

Chongqing offers a vast range of sights and experiences. Are you planning a trip to China that includes Chongqing? This guide provides everything you need—must-see attractions, itinerary suggestions, top experiences, tips for allocating time, transportation options, and accommodation recommendations. Let’s embark on your Mountain City adventure!

Must-Visit Attractions: City and Suburban Highlights

Chongqing is one of China’s four direct-controlled municipalities and is even larger in area than Beijing and Shanghai. Its attractions can be divided into three main parts: Yangtze River cruise, urban exploration, and suburban trips to places like Dazu (大足) or Wulong (武隆). Here’s a detailed overview of Chongqing’s essential sites:

Key Attractions in Chongqing

Top Experiences in Chongqing: Unlock Unique Mountain City Adventures

Chongqing sits along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, blending economic development, rich natural resources, and a historic past with preserved cultural sites. Here are must-do activities to fully experience its scenery, culture, skyscrapers, distinctive transport, and cuisine:

1. Cruise the Yangtze River on a 4-Day Journey

Most visitors come to Chongqing to board a 4-day, 3-night downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (宜昌), Hubei. Covering 644 km, the route passes through the Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam. Onboard, travelers enjoy leisure and cultural activities, with stops for sightseeing in different towns each day.

Cruises typically depart from Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头) around 20:00–21:00. Arriving at the dock around 18:00 is recommended. If time permits, explore nearby Chaotianmen Square (朝天门广场) to admire skyscrapers and shopping areas.

2. Experience Chongqing’s Unique Terrain with a “Through-Building Metro”

Known as the Mountain City, Chongqing offers rare sights of metro lines passing through residential buildings. At Liziba Metro Station (李子坝地铁站) on Line 2, watch a metro train glide through a high-rise for an unforgettable experience. Step outside and see this engineering marvel up close—truly one-of-a-kind in the world of railway transportation.

3. Savor Authentic Spicy Hotpot

As the “Hotpot Capital”, Chongqing’s spicy hotpot is a must-try. This culinary tradition is more than a meal—it’s a lifestyle. Gather with friends around the table, cook your ingredients in a simmering pot, and enjoy lively conversation. Ingredients include beef, pork, chicken, sausage, duck intestines, and more. For the ultimate experience, head to Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) or Jiefangbei Square (解放碑广场) in the evening.

4. Admire the Mountain City Skyline

With its rivers carving the city into multiple districts, Chongqing’s skyline is spectacular. Two recommended ways to experience it during daytime:

• Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道): Originally built for daily commuters, now a popular tourist attraction, spanning 1,166 meters across the river. Expect crowds and lines.
• Eling Park (鹅岭公园): Established in 1909, this park features the Two Rivers Pavilion (两江亭), offering serene views of the skyline and central business district skyscrapers.

5. Night Views: City Lights Reflecting on the Yangtze

Chongqing boasts one of the world’s most dazzling skylines. At Yikeshu Viewing Platform (一棵树观景台) on Nanshan Hill, enjoy a panoramic night view of Yuzhong Peninsula (渝中半岛). Another great spot is Nanbin Road (南滨路), where riverside architecture mirrors the illuminated cityscape. For views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers’ confluence, head to Changjiahui Riverside Park (长嘉汇滨江公园).

Sample Itineraries: Efficiently Explore Chongqing

Most travelers spend 4–5 days in Chongqing and surrounding areas. Suggested itineraries:

4-Day Itinerary

• Option A:
  • Day 1: Arrive early, half-day city tour (Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave), board cruise at night.
  • Day 2–4: Cruise along the Three Gorges, short visit to Three Gorges Dam, arrive in Yichang.
  • Focus: City highlights + Yangtze cruise.
• Option B:
  • Day 1: Directly board cruise at Chaotianmen Dock.
  • Day 2–4: Cruise along Three Gorges, short visit to the Dam.
  • Focus: Pure cruise experience; customization available.

5-Day Itinerary

• Option A:
  • Day 1: Arrive, stay overnight.
  • Day 2: Full-day city tour (Ciqikou, Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Metro, Hongya Cave), board cruise at night.
  • Day 3–5: Cruise along Three Gorges, short Dam visit.
• Option B:
  • Day 1: Arrive in Yichang, board cruise at Maoping Port (茅坪港).
  • Day 2–5: Cruise along Three Gorges, arrive in Chongqing, half-day city exploration.

Tip: Add nearby attractions like Dazu Rock Carvings or Wulong Karst before or after the cruise to enrich your journey.

Best Time to Visit

Chongqing has a humid subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 16–18°C. Summers are hot (26–29°C), winters cold (4–8°C), and the rainy season is May–September. Fog is common, with some mountain areas experiencing 204 foggy days annually.

• Spring & Autumn: Best for sightseeing, comfortable weather.
• Summer: Hot but minimal fog; great for city night views.
• Winter: Foggy but fewer tourists; suitable for cruises.

Cruises operate year-round.

Getting to Chongqing

By Air

• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (重庆江北国际机场) serves 200+ domestic destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Huangshan, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lhasa, etc.

By High-Speed Rail

• Major stations: Chongqing Station, Chongqing North, Chongqing West, Shapingba.
• Travel times: Chengdu ~2 hrs, Xi’an ~5.5 hrs, Lanzhou ~7 hrs, Beijing ~12 hrs, Shanghai ~11.5 hrs.

Local Transport

• Metro, taxi, bus, or private transfer can reach city and suburban attractions.
• Options for transfers to Chaotianmen Dock, Wulong, and Dazu are available.

Accommodation Recommendations

Choose a convenient location to simplify your trip. Popular areas:

• Jiefangbei CBD (解放碑中央商务区): Ideal for cruise access.
• Yuzhong District (渝中区): Near most attractions.
• Nan’an & Jiangbei Districts: Good for skyline and river views.

Recommended Hotels

Jiefangbei CBD:

• JW Marriott Chongqing (重庆JW万豪酒店, 5★) – Minsheng Road 235, Yuzhong
• The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square (重庆解放碑威斯汀酒店, 5★) – Xinhua Road 222, Yuzhong

Yuzhong District:

• Milky Way Hotel (重庆万友康年大酒店, 4★) – Changjiang 2nd Road 77, Daping
• Eling Park Hotel (重庆鹅岭公园酒店, 3★) – E’ling Main Street 181

Extend Your Journey: Nearby Cities

• Chengdu (成都): Giant pandas, volunteer opportunities, local culture, and nearby Leshan Giant Buddha & Emei Mountain.
• Xi’an (西安): Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ming City Wall.
• Guilin & Yangshuo (桂林 & 阳朔): Scenic Li River cruise, countryside cycling, Longji Terraces.
• Zhangjiajie (张家界): UNESCO-protected sandstone pillars, glass bridge, and adventure experiences.

Other travelers also combine Shanghai, Beijing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Huangshan, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and more. Custom itineraries are available.

Chongqing Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes; avoid heels.
• Book Yangtze River cruises in advance, especially during peak season.
• For sensitive stomachs, choose mild or half-spicy hotpot with sesame oil dip.
• Arrive early at night-view spots like Yikeshu Platform and Nanbin Road.
• Carry masks in autumn/winter due to fog; watch traffic carefully.
• Use the metro for convenient city travel; download the Chongqing Metro app.

Following this guide, both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers can easily plan a perfect Chongqing trip, immersing in the city’s vibrant lifestyle, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.