Chongqing travel blog — The fullest Chongqing travel guide for first-timers

Chongqing is one of the mountain cities with the most impressive transport system in the world. Chongqing is loved by Chinese people and also loved by international tourists. So, is Chongqing worth visiting, how to visit Chongqing, what to do in Chongqing and how to plan a budget trip to Chongqing for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Chongqing travel blog (Chongqing blog) with the fullest Chongqing travel guide (Chongqing tourist guide, Chongqing city guide, Chongqing guide) from how to get to Chongqing, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Chongqing to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Chongqing is one of the fastest growing metropolises in the country, located in southwest China. With a system of 24 bridges connecting urban areas on both sides of the Yangtze River, Chongqing is also known as the “city of bridges”. Visitors to Chongqing can visit neighborhoods with a long history and large, modern shopping centers with the world’s leading brands.

Overview of Chongqing (# chongqing travel blog)

Chongqing is one of four centrally run cities in China, bordering Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces. Chongqing has a unique combination of past and present. From ancient structures such as temples, rock carvings to modern buildings like shopping malls and skyscrapers, Chongqing offers a harmonious blend of two worlds. You can easily find winding old streets, modern neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and cafes.

In addition, the city is also a vibrant economic center with modern commercial centers and luxury shopping areas. Chongqing’s old town, with its wide streets, colorful lanterns and stalls selling traditional crafts, attracts visitors with its distinctly Chinese appeal.

Chongqing is a major tourist city in China located right upstream of the river, at the confluence of the Yangtze River and Xiangjiang River, making this place bring a breath of fresh and vibrant nature with sparkling lights. night. Chongqing is truly a place worth visiting for those who love Chinese tourism and culture.

Chongqing not only plays an important role in China’s economic, cultural and technological development, but is also one of the tourist cities that attracts the most tourists in China. When traveling to Chongqing, you will see that this city has a very special beauty that is both modern and ancient.

When is the best time to travel to Chongqing? (# chongqing blog)

The Chongqing climate with four distinct seasons with cool autumn and spring. Summer has many night rains (the city is famous for its night rains in the 3rd mountain range with average temperature/year: 18 degrees Celsius. On average there are about 100 foggy days a year.

There are two extremely suitable times to travel to China: the period from March to May every year and the period from September to October in the fall. The temperature in Chongqing during these two periods is about 20 degrees.

Spring (March – May): Spring in Chongqing has a mild climate and warm weather. At this time, the flowers are in full bloom, creating a beautiful scene and attracting many tourists. This is the right time to explore local culture, participate in traditional festivals and enjoy the fresh air of spring.

Summer (June – August): Summer can be hot and humid. However, this weather also brings opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as climbing mountains, walking in the park and enjoying the natural landscape of the mountains. If you enjoy exploring nature, then summer might be the right time. But in summer the temperature can reach up to 38 degrees Celsius and often has showers.

Autumn (September – November): Autumn brings beautiful scenery with ripe rice fields and changing leaves. The cool and pleasant weather makes visiting tourist attractions and exploring local culture more enjoyable. In this season you will have the opportunity to admire those leafy forests at Garden Expo Park.

Winter (December – February): Winter can be cold and frigid, especially in the mountains. However, if you love chilly air and enjoy activities like skiing, winter can also be a fun time to visit Chongqing. Coming to Chongqing in winter, you will feel the cold, quite romantic. Just imagine that on a cold winter night, there’s nothing better than sitting down to eat spicy hot pot and looking at the brilliant streets and bustling crowds of people here, right?

If Shanghai has a modern, bustling beauty and Beijing has a nostalgic, ancient look, Chongqing is a harmonious combination of the ancient in ancient architecturures and the modern, vibrant of a dynamic city. So coming here in any season, you can experience a poetic atmosphere that only Chongqing has to offer.

Getting to Chongqing (# chongqing travel guide)

Plane (# chongqing travel blog)

From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, there are direct flights to Chongqing city. Visitors can easily search and book air tickets through ticket booking apps such as Ctrip, Agoda, Tripadvisor… Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the time you book the ticket.

Most flights will transit at Baiyun international airport in Guangzhou city and then continue to fly to Chongqing Jiangbei airport about 20km from Chongqing center. There are many airlines operating this route such as Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, etc. Ticket prices range from 272 – 333 USD/way depending on the airline, departure point, and ticket booking time…

To getting from the airport to the city center: Airport shuttle bus (about 15 yuan), taxi (from 50 yuan), subway (lines 3 and 10).

Train (# chongqing blog)

Chongqing has several important railway stations such as Chongqing west railway station or Chongqing north railway station, allowing you to travel by train from neighboring cities. Travelers can find out timetables and book train tickets through booking websites or at railway stations.

Getting around Chongqing (# chongqing guide)

To getting around this city, you can choose a number of popular means of transport such as subway, bus, bicycles, taxis… However, the traffic system in Chongqing is very overlapping like a maze, easily confusing you up if you don’t pay attention. The bus is chosen by many tourists because it is cheap, quite developed and almost accessible to tourist attractions. Taxis are more expensive but they are extremely convenient and comfortable. However, no matter which means you choose, you should learn a few Chinese sentences or download a translation app in case you need to ask for directions.

• Subway: Includes 6 lines, ticket prices are based on distance
• Taxi: 10 yuan/3km first, 2 yuan/km next. Peak and off-peak surcharges are different
• Bus: 500 routes, average ticket price 2 yuan/person
• Yangtze River cable car

Public bicycles

Chongqing offers public bicycle services to residents and visitors. This system allows you to rent a bike at one location and return it at another. This is a convenient and environmentally friendly way to explore the city.

Subway

Chongqing has subway lines operating on the city’s main streets. Subway are a popular travel option with the ability to enjoy cityscapes while traveling in comfort.

On foot (# chongqing guide)

If you want to explore the city slowly and enjoy the local atmosphere, then walking is a good choice. In Chongqing there are many streets, squares and areas for pedestrians, creating favorable conditions for exploring beautiful places to visit and landscapes in the city.

Where to go and what to do in Chongqing?

The mountain city of Chongqing attracts tourists with ancient buildings, poetic rivers, hot springs, or wild gorges of exotic beauty. Below are tourist attractions which you should not miss in Chongqing.

Hongyadong (Hongya Cave)

If mentioning the most famous tourist place in Chongqing, Hongyadong scenic area is at the top. Hongyadong is a 4A level tourist scenic attraction (5A is the highest level in the scenic classification criteria in China). Hongyadong Scenic Area is a perfect combination of river scenery, urban landscape and ancient traditional Chinese architecture.

Hongyadong is massive during the day and sparkling when lit up. If you have ever watched the movie “Spirited Away” – a famous Japanese anime movie, you will see animated scenes realized here.

Chaotianmen Dock (# chongqing city guide)

Address: HH7Q+8PJ, Changjiangbinjiang Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China, 400013

Chaotianmen is one of the most beautiful river junctions in the world. This is the intersection of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Chaotianmen is Chongqing’s most important river port. This place is the gathering place for ships carrying thousands of tons of traded goods every day and is the place to welcome passengers of yachts or passenger ships across the river to the Three Gorges Dam. Chaotianmen’s night scene is extremely brilliant with lights and cruise ships traveling back and forth on the river.

Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of religious sculptures located in Dazu District, Chongqing City, 163 km from the city center. Statues began to be carved at the end of the Tang Dynasty, spanning five dynasties, reaching their peak during the Song Dynasty.

This is China’s cave art treasure with more than 50,000 rock carved statues, distributed in more than 40 locations in Dazu district, mainly Buddhist statues, followed by Buddhist statues, Taoism and Confucianism, and statues of a few historical figures.

Dazu Rock Carvings is a heritage recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Dazu Rock Carvings is the general name for rock carvings including Baoding Mountain, Beishan Mountain, Nanshan Mountain, Shizhuan Mountain and Shimen Mountain. The works carved on stone include images, characters, Buddha statues, ancient writing and many epitaphs related to Buddhism that are extremely sophisticated and vivid. In addition to works related to Buddhism, there are many works related to Taoism, Confucianism and historical figures that demonstrate the cultural and religious interference of the people here during the period dating back to the XIX – XVIII centuries.

Yangtze River cable way (Chang Jiang Suo Dao)

Experiencing the Yangtze River cable car is an activity you must definitely try out. This is what the Chinese call the “air bus of the mountain city”. The transparent cable car glass with the cable car line crossing the river from one end to the other will help visitors enjoy the breathtaking view of the river and Chongqing city.

During the day, you can enjoy the natural scenery and at night when the city lights up, it is also extremely brilliant. This is also the filming location of many movies such as “Crazy Stone” and “A Bite of China”. Ticket prices range from 20 yuan – 30 yuan depending on one-way or round-trip travel. Children under 1.3m get free transportation tickets.

Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town

Ciqikou is a well-preserved ancient town about an hour’s drive from downtown Chongqing. This town was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, originally named Longyin.

However, around 1918, the porcelain trade here began to prosper, so people gradually used the name Ciqikou meaning “porcelain port” instead of the old name and also representing the main profession of this town.

Ciqikou Old Town (Ciqikou) is an old town located on the outskirts of Chongqing city. This old town is mostly made up of buildings dating back a long time, some even built during the Ming Dynasty. On both sides of the road are teahouses with red lanterns hanging high in Chinese style. Visit the old town of Ciqikou, walk on the green stone streets and enjoy light snacks of Chongqing like you are returning to the past era of wuxia movies.

With a history of more than 1,800 years, Ciqikou ancient town has many characteristics of traditional culture typical of the mountains. This was a bustling area in the past with 2 main streets, both of which are currently busy trading areas. Now, the town has a total of 12 streets and teahouses play an important role in local culture.

Coming to Ciqikou, visitors not only have the opportunity to admire a typical mountain old town, but also have the opportunity to experience and shop for ceramic products, handicrafts and especially teas – a special feature represents the region’s culture before Chongqing became the modern, developed region it is today.

In addition, with its location along the Jialing River, Ciqikou also offers beautiful natural landscapes. You can walk on the road along the river, admiring the peaceful river scene and the old houses on the shore. Especially in the evening, when hundreds of lanterns are hung throughout the old town, the atmosphere becomes more romantic and interesting than ever.

People’s Liberation Monument

The People’s Liberation Monument is located in the heart of Chongqing city, the most prosperous area, and is a symbol of culture and a witness to the city’s history of resistance. This is a 27.5 meter high structure located at the intersection of Minquan, Minzu and Zourong roads of Yuzhong district.

Located in the middle of a large pedestrian square, the Liberation Monument is considered the heart of Chongqing’s commercial district, surrounded by about 3,000 shops and offices, along with dozens of major shopping malls. , many modern hotels as well as important business establishments.

Besides, about 300 meters from the Monument is the largest food street in the city, attracting thousands of visitors every day. It can be said that this is the most modern and vibrant place in Chongqing city today.

Chongqing Zoo

Found in 1953, Chongqing Zoo covers an area of 45 hectares, making it the largest urban zoo in China. This is the residence of about 230 species of rare wild animals. The most prominent one is the Panda House with an area of about 2 hectares.

If you can’t go to Chengdu, Sichuan, you can see giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo. Currently in Chongqing zoo there are up to 21 animals specifically such as Lanxiang, Ershun, Mangzai, Shuangshuang, Chongzhong, Xixi, Qingqing, Xingxing, Chenchen, Yuke, Yuai, Yubao, Qizhen, Qibao, Xinxing, Youyou, Liangyue, Yubei, Curious, Tin Tin. Ticket price is about 25 yuan/person.

The zoo serves as a conservation as well as breeding area for many types of pandas, including giant pandas, small pandas, South China tigers and several other endangered species. In recent years, the zoo has expanded and added many new animal species such as antelopes, elephants, giraffes, some birds…

The panda breeding area is always the most attractive attraction at Chongqing Zoo. Renovated to resemble a natural environment, visitors here will have the opportunity to admire pandas at close range and their adorable daily activities. This location attracts about 1 million visitors each year.

Stilwell Museum

Stilwell Museum will be a suitable place to visit if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Chongqing people. The museum is a building located on a total area of 5,000 m2 with two floors and a basement. This place stores many living utensils, household appliances and more than a hundred articles of Joseph W. Stilwell – an American general who made many contributions to the Chinese people.

Chongqing Amusement Park

Chongqing Amusement Park is always bustling with tourists coming to participate in thrilling rides. The park is located right in the heart of Chongqing city. The reason the park is so attractive is because the games are designed to be extremely novel, making visitors feel extremely adventurous.

Chongqing Great Hall of the People

The Chongqing People’s Great Hall is also known as the Chongqing People’s Auditorium. The hall is currently located in the center of Chongqing city. This is a large ceremony hall, and is the venue for political meetings and national cultural events. Chongqing Great Hall of the People is considered one of the iconic architectural works of Chongqing, and is an important address on the Chongqing tourist map.

Three Gorges Museum

Address: 236 Renmin Rd, Daxigou, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China, 400015

Located opposite the Chongqing People’s Hall, the Three Gorges museum is not only China’s largest monographic museum but is also a conservation, research, and education facility for cultural relics and the natural environment of Chongqing and the Three Gorges region.

Built on an area of 42,500 square meters, the museum opened to visitors on June 18, 2005. This is the place to help visitors have an overview of the entire Three Gorges area using high technology on every aspect.

In addition, the museum also has a 360-degree cinema showing the natural and social landscape of the entire Three Gorges area before the dam construction.

Ronghui Hot Springs

Ronghui Hot Spring is famous for being the favored resort of many famous people such as Chiang Kai-shek, Soong Mei-lin and Deng Xiaoping.

This place has the best hot spring source in China and was discovered during the Ming Dynasty. Coming here, you can also admire the buildings next to the hot springs that have the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty such as waiting houses, rest houses, bathrooms…

Cruise on the Yangtze River

The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. You can cruise from Chongqing to Yichang or vice versa, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Three Gorges, the world’s largest dam, and many cultural and historical relics along the way.

Location: Shigu Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province and Shasong Bi Village, Southern Shangri-La County

Shopping at Jiefangbei Square

Jiefangbei Square is the commercial center of Chongqing and a city landmark. It is surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls, department stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. You can find everything from local specialties to international brands here.

Chaotianmen Bridge

Address: HHPJ+6RW, Chaotianmenchangjiang Brg, Nan’An, China, 400062

Chaotianmen Bridge is a rope bridge spanning the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. This is one of the longest arch bridges in the world and is a marvel of engineering. You can enjoy the bridge’s stunning views from both sides of the river or on a boat.

Experience local life at Huguang Guild Hall

Huguang Guild Hall is a complex of ancient buildings that served as a community center for migrants from Huguang province (now Hunan and Hubei provinces) during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a theater, a temple, a garden and a museum. You can watch traditional Sichuan opera performances here or learn about local history and culture.

Address: No. 3 Hufang Road, Xi Cheng Qu, China
Opening hours: All day
Ticket price: 25 yuan

Wulong Karst

Located in the southeast of Chongqing city, Wulong Karst is not only famous for its majestic limestone mountain natural scenery, but is also the setting of the movie Golden Armor by famous director Zhang Yimou. Then, in 2014, the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction also had many scenes filmed here, making this scenic area even more famous.

Most of the attractions in Wulong are natural landscapes, and several of them have been recognized as World Natural Heritage sites by UNESCO. The four most attractive tourist attractions when coming here include: Tiankeng Three Bridges – three dome-shaped natural rock bridges; Furong cave; Qingkou Tiankeng; Longshui Gorge and many other majestic natural landscapes that visitors can explore here.

Three Gorges

Three Gorges is a famous tourist attraction with its wonderful natural landscape and exceptional cultural and historical value. Named after three majestic green mountains overlapping each other, this mountain has become a favorite destination for domestic and foreign tourists, attracted by the wonderful harmony between nature and people.

Three Gorges Mountain rises into the sky with its long mountain ranges and lush green vegetation. With a high mountain peak, visitors can enjoy not only the beautiful scenery from above but also experience exciting and challenging climbs. The paths to the top of the mountain are carefully designed, providing safety and convenience for those who want to explore the natural beauty.

The Yangtze River is about 6,300 km long and is currently the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. Next to the river are three gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge, this area is called Sanxia or Three Gorges.

Choosing to visit here, you will experience the feeling of walking on glass bridge and below is a deep mountain abyss. This is definitely an interesting game for those who love adventure. Standing from the observatory, you will admire the panoramic view of majestic, green mountains and winding rivers, creating a unique poetry only found in the Three Gorges.

Location: 14 km west of the city center.

What to eat in Chongqing?

Chongqing cuisine is always characterized by a more spicy and richer flavor. Unlike Chengdu cuisine, local dishes in Chongqing are tastier and more authentic. The main spices in the dishes include chili, sesame, fermented black beans, green onions, ginger, garlic, wine, soy sauce and a variety of flavorings used with nearly 40 different processing methods. These methods include drying, salting, marinating, frying and smoking. The colors, smells, flavors, shapes and nutrients in every dish are carefully and meticulously considered. That’s why everyone says that Chongqing cuisine is not only attractive but also extremely nutritious.

Chongqing’s cuisine is likened to “Heavenly food”. Chongqing food is heavily influenced by Sichuan cuisine: spicy and hearty. There are many processing methods to preserve the most delicious flavor of that dish.

Kung Pao Chicken

This dish makes everyone fascinated with its wonderful combination of sweet, salty and spicy. This is a very “approachable” dish for tourists because the spicy taste is not too strong and can be easily found at eateries on the street. You can also make this dish at home if you want.

The way to make it is to cut chicken into small square pieces, then roll them in dry flour and fry them crispy in hot oil. The highlight of the dish is the rich and attractive Kung Pao sauce. This sauce is made from chicken broth, black vinegar, soy sauce, fermented soybeans, peanuts and chili peppers, and a little wine to highlight the flavor. Indispensable in Kung Pao sauce is Sichuan pepper, which brings a unique flavor to the dish. This is also one of the main dishes chosen by China to Westernize their cuisine.

Spicy Sweet Potato Noodles (Suan La Fen)

This street food is not only popular in Chongqing but is also widely loved throughout China. This simple dish has a hot and sour taste mixed with the sweetness of fresh noodles and the eye-catching red color of satay chili, creating a feeling that is both delicious to the eye and delicious to the mouth. The main ingredients of this dish are sweet potato noodles and peas.

The main spices that make up the characteristics of this noodle dish are chili oil, Sichuan pepper corn and vinegar, which work to enhance the flavor of the dish and stimulate the taste buds. Currently, there are two types of noodles to make Suan La Fen, one is dry noodles that are pre-prepared and convenient, and the other is fresh noodles that are prepared on the spot. Most traditional noodle shops still choose this processing method to ensure the freshness of the noodles, ensure hygiene and attract diners while enjoying the dish and seeing firsthand the interesting way the noodles are prepared.

Chuan chuan xiang (Skewered hot pot)

Another version of the famous Sichuan hot pot is Chuan Chuan Xiang, a dish loved by many people and popular in Chongqing today. The difference of Chuan chuan is that the accompanying ingredients are skewered onto small sticks, from vegetables to meats, then dipped in a special sauce cooked in an iron or clay pot. This way of eating makes enjoying food more convenient.

Chuan chuan xiang’s specialty is the richness of the ingredients and the distinct flavor of the sauce, making diners want to come back again and again to discover new flavors. Many Chuan chuan restaurants are located in old apartment buildings or small alleys but are always bustling with people, showing people’s love for this skewered hot pot dish.

Chongqing Hot Pot

One of the famous specialties of Chongqing cuisine is the rich spicy hot pot. This hot pot dish has a variety of ingredients such as beef stomach, duck intestines, pork tendon or beef, along with fresh vegetables.

The special feature of this hot pot is that the broth is made from beef fat and chili, spices creating an unforgettable spicy flavor. Chongqing spicy hot pot is often served in pots with compartments so customers can choose the spicy level that suits their taste. In addition, this hot pot can also be combined with other spices and herbs to increase the appeal and nutrition of the dish.

In the city of Chongqing, hot pot restaurants can be found everywhere and many have become extremely popular in local as well as international circles. Some restaurants to try include: Xiao Tian E (Cygnet Hot-Pot Palace) and Su Da Jie, E Zhang Men,… In addition, hot pot restaurants in Harbor Plaza also serve this delicious hot pot.

Mapo tofu

Mapo tofu is a traditional Chongqing dish famous for its rich and spicy flavor. Considered one of the typical delicacies of Chinese cuisine, Mapo tofu has conquered many diners with its unique flavor and simple yet sophisticated preparation.

This dish is usually made from fresh and soft tofu, cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Tofu will be cooked in a pot with some spices such as onions, garlic, chili and typical spices such as black bean paste and Sichuan black pepper. Mapo tofu has a special flavor, combining spicy, salty and slightly sweet flavors from the spices.

The way to prepare Mapo tofu is quite simple but requires technique and sophistication to create the perfect flavor. Tofu will be cooked in the pot with spices and rich sauce, creating an eye-catching red-brown color mixture. This dish is often enjoyed with white rice, creating a complete and delicious meal.

Dandan noodles

The ingredients of Dandan noodles include many different vegetables, along with chili oil, minced meat, and green onions. This dish is a rustic snack associated with people living in this city. In the past, Dandan noodles were sold on street vendors, but now they are sold in stores or stalls.

Jiangtuan Fish

Jiangtuan Fish is the most abundant and widely cultured fish in Chongqing, and most eateries and restaurants serve dishes prepared from it, in many different ways.

Like many other types of fish, Jiangtuan has many different cooking methods such as grilled, steamed, fried… Each dish brings a unique flavor that diners love and remember forever. Just once enjoy Jiangtuan Fish, you will definitely not forget its taste.

Sichuan boiled fish

Sichuan boiled fish is usually made from fresh boiled fish, raised in clean water and natural environment. The traditional cooking method involves soaking the fish in salt water and spices for a short time to remove the fishy smell and increase the tenderness of the fish. After that, the fish is boiled in boiling water, keeping the fish meat soft and sweet and crispy. When serving in a bowl, the cook will pour hot cooking oil directly onto the fish and add some fragrant onions.

One of the important elements of Sichuan Boiled Fish is the unique spice mixture. Spices include garlic, ginger, onion, pepper, most especially chili and other spices that are delicately combined to create a unique and attractive flavor. This boiled fish dish is often decorated with herbs such as basil, coriander and green onions to create an attractive and eye-catching aroma.

When enjoying Sichuan Boiled Fish, you will feel the wonderful flavor of sweet and soft fragrant fish meat mixed with the spicy taste and characteristic aroma from the spices. Boiled fish is often enjoyed with some side dishes such as garlic fish sauce, fresh lettuce and crispy toast, creating a balance and richness in flavor.

BBQ pork rice

This is originally a typical dish of Hong Kong people, but thanks to its delicious taste, easy cooking, and attractive presentation, it has become extremely popular in Chongqing. You can enjoy BBQ pork rice dishes at many roadside eateries or restaurants. They are not only delicious but also eye-catching, affordable and convenient.

Chongqing Chicken with Chili Sauce

As a famous cold dish in Chongqing, it is not difficult for you to enjoy Chili Sauce chicken when you come to this city. When preparing this dish, the chef must choose homebrew roosters to get the right fresh, fragrant and spicy flavor. Each piece of white, firm, fragrant chicken is cooked with chili, making it quite spicy. Taking a bite, you can immediately feel the spicy, salty, and sweet flavors blending in the dish.

Where to stay?

As a developed city in China, Chongqing has a developed, diverse and rich hotel system, depending on your choice, choose a suitable resting spot.

Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing: Only 3.9 km from the city center, the hotel is located in a beautiful location to ensure you can visit tourist attractions easily and quickly. Among them, we can mention some tourist attractions such as ChongQing ShiZi Jin Jie, ChongQing HaoChi Jie… (Agoda, Booking)

Sheraton Chongqing Hotel: The hotel is only 1.8 km from the city center so it is very convenient for you to move to interesting attractions such as DongDong ShangYe Jie, LongMenHao ShangYeJie… (Agoda, Booking)

Kempinski Hotel Chongqing: If you choose Kempinski Hotel Chongqing as your stopover, you can visit many interesting attractions in the city such as WanDaJin Jie, YaTai ShangGu HuiZhan BuXingJie, NanAn NanHu RenJia XiuXian MeiShiJie. (Agoda, Booking)

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Niccolo Chongqing (Agoda, Booking)
• Ascott Raffles City Chongqing (Agoda, Booking)
• Intercontinental Chongqing Raffles City (Agoda, Booking)
• The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square (Agoda, Booking)
• Hilton Chongqing (Agoda, Booking)
• Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing (Agoda, Booking)
• Zou Qu Ye Travel Hotel (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Chongqing on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some notes before you go

• Most airports, train stations, and bus stations have “car cheaters”, many of whom have their fares increased midway, so you should take a clearly branded taxi.
• Avoid from too spicy foods: Chongqing was formerly a city under Sichuan province, and Sichuan is one of the spiciest provinces in China, so Chongqing hot pot is very spicy for foreigners. Therefore, when going to eat hot pot, you should ask the restaurant to serve 2-compartment mandarin hot pot or 4-compartment hot pot so that you can both experience Chongqing’s spicy food and have a different hot pot taste. In addition, you should order more milk or cold drinks while eating.
• Chongqing is a city with high humidity, Chinese people also call this a foggy city because there is little time to see the sun. You should bring some medicine and corresponding skincare items to avoid skin allergies.
• Chongqing has mountainous terrain and undulating streets, so this is not a suitable place for cycling. Public transportation such as buses and railways are developing here. When traveling to Chongqing, you should plan your route in advance or have a local guide to choose the appropriate means of transportation.

Questions and answers about Chongqing

Question: I heard that Chongqing transport is very special?

Chongqing is built on mountains, and there are many high-rise buildings on the riverbank. Transportation in Chongqing is so complicated that even if you are not a local driver, you can easily get lost by the roads here. Chongqing also has subways passing through buildings, public areas above buildings… The complexity of Chongqing traffic is a hassle for tourists and outsiders but is something that Chongqing residents proud.

Q: Is Chongqing suitable for traveling by renting a car?

As a mountainous city with complex road conditions, there are many cars, bridges, curves, tunnels, one-way lanes, especially traffic jams are a nightmare for drivers who are not familiar with the road. Unless there is a special need for self-driving cars, it is better to make good use of public transportation resources.

Q: Where is the best place to stay in Chongqing?

Finding hotels in  Jiefangbei area or in Shapingba where there are many entertainment activities is more convenient for tourists.

Question: Is the food in Chongqing very spicy?

Compared to Chengdu, it is also a city with hot and spicy cuisine. Chongqing cuisine is more “gypsy” and even harder. If you can’t eat spicy food, you must tell the restaurant owner in advance if you don’t want to be unable to eat any dishes when you come here!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Chongqing you can refer to

• Shenlong Gorge Scenic Area Ticket
• Simian Shan Scenic Area Ticket in Chongqing
• Jinfo Mountain North Slope Scenic Area Ticket in Chongqing
Three Little Gorges Combo Ticket
• Dazu Rock Carvings Ticket with Round Trip Transfers in Chongqing
• Chongqing Ciqikou, Secret Viewing Platform, and Yangtze River Cable Half Day Tour
• Chongqing Wulong Scenic Area Attractions Ticket with Round Trip Shared Transfer
• Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Museum Day Tour
• Chongqing Hongyadong, Beibin Road, and Nanbin Road Night Tour
• Chongqing Ciqikou, Secret Viewing Platform, and Yangtze River Cableway Day Tour
• Black Mountain Valley Ticket
• Yunyang Longgang National Geological Park Ticket
• Chaotianmen Night Cruise
• Private Jiangbei Airport Transfers (CKG) for Chongqing
• Three Little Gorges Combo Ticket
• Chongqing City Day Trip with Yangtze River Cable Car

Check out more China guide here.