17+ best, most famous & must visit places in Chongqing

January 9, 2025

Where to go in Chongqing? Follow us to discover the hottest Chongqing tourist attractions – Where traditional breath blends perfectly with modern urban features through this article with 17+ best Chongqing attractions, most famous & must visit places in Chongqing below!

Chongqing city at dusk | must visit places in Chongqing

Ciqikou | must visit places in Chongqing

Spicy hotpot, must eat in Chongqing | must visit places in Chongqing

“Mountain City” Chongqing is a great destination for those who are passionate about exploring the majestic natural beauty and rich culture. This place stands out with its majestic mountain ranges, winding rivers and impressive architectural works. Chongqing is not only attractive for its beautiful landscape but also for its subtle combination of ancient and modern.

Prosperous city of Chongqing | must visit places in Chongqing

Chongqing Memorial Monument | must visit places in Chongqing

Chongqing is located in the southwest of China. In ancient history, Chongqing was the main production center and economic center of the upper Yangtze River region. | must visit places in Chongqing

Today in Chongqing, you may imagine yourself traveling back in time, but the next day, you will be amazed by the skyscrapers and the most modern technology. Let’s take a look at the must-see Chongqing tourist destinations and top places to visit in Chongqing with us!

Wulong Karst geological park – Chongqing (#must visit places in Chongqing)

Address: Wulong District, Chongqing

Amidst the majestic landscape of the Karst terrain in Southern China, Wulong Karst geological park in Chongqing is an ideal and one of the must see places in Chongqing for those who are fascinated by the wild and mysterious beauty of nature. About 139km from the center of Chongqing city, Wulong stands out with its natural rock wonders, of which the Three Natural Bridges is one of the largest groups of natural bridges in Asia.

| klook | must visit places in Chongqing

The bridges span deep canyons, creating a majestic scene, as if taking visitors into the world of fantasy movies. Besides the Three Bridges, Wulong also has many other attractive places such as Furong Cave, Fairy Mountain and Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, each of which is a magical work of nature.

Furong Cave – Chongqing

Address: 6W95+6JR, Wulong District, Chongqing

Regarded as the “Glorious Underground Art Palace”, Furong Cave in Chongqing is a natural wonder not to be missed. About 190 km from the city center, this cave stands out with its majestic beauty and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, like exquisite works of art by nature.

This is one of the most impressive limestone caves in China, possessing more than 70 types of secondary chemical sediments, creating a stunning landscape. Highlights of Furong Cave include the great Golden Hall, Leifeng Tower and coral rock lake, each area offering many unforgettable experiences.

Yangtze River & Jialing River in Chongqing

Chongqing is the intersection of two famous and spectacular rivers in China, the legendary and China’s longest Yangtze River and the Jialing River. This 20km long river is not only the city’s main artery but also an ideal destination for tourists to explore the beauty of this land. When the two streams of water merge, you can see the clear difference in color between them, with a picturesque scene.

To fully appreciate the poetic beauty of the two rivers, you should join a river cruise, especially a night cruise. The journey along the two rivers will take you through famous landmarks, such as Ciyun Temple, the Bund, and bustling commercial areas, where the ancient and modern features of the city blend together.

Stunning scene of Chongqing with dense skyscrapers

Chongqing Zoo

Address: No. 1 Xijiao Road, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing

Entering Chongqing Zoo, you will immediately feel the wild natural space as if recreated in the heart of the bustling city. This is home to more than 260 rare animal species, and is also a green oasis with a landscape of gently sloping mountains and winding streams.

If you know names like Third Crown Prince Meng Lan, Princess Ya Ya, Meng Ni… then this will definitely be a Chongqing tourist attraction that you will extremely enjoy.

One of the most unique highlights is the giant panda area, where visitors can easily see the image of mischievous pandas climbing, playing or leisurely enjoying each green bamboo branch. Not stopping there, the zoo also offers a diverse journey of discovery with separate areas for predators, birds, reptiles and primates.

Hongyadong Cave – Chongqing

Address: No. 88 Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Considered a bright pearl in the heart of Chongqing, Hongyadong makes a strong impression with its unique architecture and rich history and cultural values of the Ba Shu region. Located on the Yuzhong Peninsula on the Yangtze River, this structure consists of 11 floors of stilt houses leaning against the cliff, creating a majestic and enchanting landscape.

Hongyadong, a symbol and must-visit place of Chongqing | must visit places in Chongqing

Hongyadong, must-visit place in Chongqing. | must visit places in Chongqing

When night falls, the brilliant lights from Hongyadong Cave illuminate the entire area, turning it into a prominent check-in spot on social media, attracting a large number of visitors. Not only stopping at the architectural beauty, this place also offers a rich experience with shops, local specialty restaurants and an ideal space for sightseeing.

Chongqing Cloud Eye Observatory Deck

Address: 201 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

From the 67th floor of the United International Building, the Cloud Eye Observatory offers a breathtaking view of the entire Chongqing skyline at an altitude of 520 meters. This is the ideal place to feel the beauty of nature and modern life. During the day, the city comes alive with skyscrapers, winding rivers and bustling urban landscapes. When night falls, the shimmering light from thousands of lights decorates Chongqing with an unforgettable magical look.

The observatory is also a must-see stop for photography enthusiasts. The striking red staircase and impressive shooting angles always inspire creativity. In particular, the moment of brilliant sunset or the scene of sparkling sunlight in the early morning mist will be a “golden” time to take photos that you cannot miss.

Dazu Rock Carvings – Chongqing

Address: Baotang Road, Dazu District, Chongqing

Hidden in the majestic nature of Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvings are a living testament to the crystallization of art and culture over the centuries. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this complex includes more than 50,000 exquisite sculptures, spread over 75 areas, reflecting the peak of Chinese cave sculpture art from the 9th to 13th centuries.

The special feature of Dazu is the harmonious blend of three major ideologies: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. It is this combination that creates the depth of thought and timeless aesthetic value for the works here. When coming to the Baodingshan area, visitors will be captivated by the magnificent Thousand-Armed Buddha, along with the vivid sculptures that tell stories about teachings and daily life.

Liziba Railway Station – Chongqing

Address: No. 39, Liziba Zhengjie Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Experience in Chongqing with the Liziba Railway, where the train runs through a high-rise building, will surprise you. This is not only a transportation route but also a unique combination of modern and creative architecture. From 6:30 am to 11:12 pm, the CRT 2 train will pass through the building, bringing an interesting sight to visitors.

Liziba has become a prominent destination, attracting millions of tourists every year and appearing in countless videos online. It is not only a landmark of Chongqing, but also preserves the cultural and historical imprint of the city. For great photos, look for shooting angles at Exit 2, the observation deck, or near Datianwan Primary School.

Ciqikou Ancient Town – Chongqing

Address: No. 1, Cinan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing

In the heart of bustling Chongqing, the ancient town of Ciqikou appears like a vivid picture between the past and the present. With more than a thousand years of history, Ciqikou was once a bustling trading center, famous for its ceramics. The stone streets, ancient houses in the Ming and Qing styles, and traditional teahouses tell the story of an old Chongqing.

Here, you will be immersed in the rustic life, sip a cup of tea, enjoy Sichuan opera, or discover many attractive dishes such as Chongqing spicy hot pot, sweet sticky rice cakes, and salted peanuts. Ciqikou is the ideal place to experience the culture and history of Chongqing.

Nanbin Road Bell Tower – Chongqing

Address: Nanqin Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing

The Nanbin Road Bell Tower, located at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River, is an indispensable symbol when visiting Chongqing. With a height of 45,277 meters, this bell tower is not only the pride of the city but also preserves profound cultural values. Every day, the bell will ring three times, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere for the city.

In particular, during the Lunar New Year, the bell tower is illuminated with orange lights, shining brightly in the night sky, like a precious gem in the heart of the city. From the tower, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the intersection of two large rivers and the beautiful sunset.

Great Rift Valley – Chongqing

Address: Wuling Town, Fuling District, Chongqing

Located in Wuling Forest National Park, the Great Rift Valley is an impressive natural wonder that visitors cannot miss. About 180 km from the city center, the 10 km long valley is notable for its majestic mountain scenery, waterfalls and mysterious caves. Formed over millions of years, this place has sharp mountains like knives and overlapping mountain ranges, creating a wild, challenging beauty.

With more than 95% of the area covered by forest, the valley is home to thousands of species of plants and wild animals. Summer is the ideal time to explore and camp here, enjoying the wild beauty of nature.

Huguang Assembly Hall – Chongqing

Address: No. 1, Bajiaoyuan, Changbin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

The Huguang Assembly Hall, a prominent historical site in Chongqing, is an ideal destination to explore the beauty of ancient culture and architecture. Built during the Kangxi period, the assembly hall includes structures such as the Guangdong Assembly Hall, the Qi’an Assembly Hall and the Yu King Temple, creating an impressive architectural complex. With more than 300 years of history, it is one of the largest assembly halls in central cities in China.

The architecture of the assembly hall bears the imprint of the Qing Dynasty, with spacious rooms and airy gardens. In particular, the Yu King Temple impresses with its exquisite carvings and ornate opera stage. The assembly hall is not only a place for cultural exchange but also preserves historical traces of the development of trade and migration in Chongqing.

General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum – Chongqing

Address: No. 63 Jialingxin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Intimately linked to the history of China-US relations during World War II, the General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum in Chongqing is a special destination. Located on Jialingxin Road, this is where General Joseph W. Stilwell lived and worked. Since its opening in 1991, the museum has exhibited more than 100 of his personal artifacts, including daily necessities, military uniforms and important documents.

The offices, bedrooms and halls are authentically recreated, helping visitors better understand General Stilwell’s life and work during his time in China. The museum also houses many valuable military artifacts, such as US military vehicles, reflecting the deep friendship between the two countries.

Chongqing Three Gorges Museum

Address: No. 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Located in the heart of the city, the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum is a fascinating destination that preserves the rich history and culture of the region. Opened in 2005, this free museum displays more than 180,000 precious artifacts, reflecting the great development and changes of Chongqing.

The museum has 10 permanent exhibitions, with prominent themes such as Ba-Wu culture, the history of the war against Japan, and the urban development of Chongqing in the 20th century. Visitors can also watch a 3D film about the Three Gorges landscape before the hydroelectric dam was built. In addition, the tourism practice center here also opens up opportunities to participate in archaeological, calligraphy, painting, and ceramic activities.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street – Chongqing

Address: Yuzhong District, Chongqing

If you want to feel the vibrant life of Chongqing, don’t miss Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. Located right in the Jiefangbei commercial center, this street is always bustling with high-end stores, luxury shopping malls and attractive street food.

The 36,000m2 street includes Mingguan and Danzu streets, which gather famous international brands such as LV, Prada, and local shops selling unique souvenirs. In particular, Baiyilu Food Street is an ideal destination for you to explore specialties, from spicy and sour noodles to Sancheng dumplings, bringing a rich and unforgettable culinary experience.

Eling Park – Chongqing

Address: 181 Elingzheng St, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Built in 1909 during the Qing Dynasty, Eling Park is an ideal destination to relax and admire the magnificent beauty of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The park is located on a high hilltop in Chongqing, not only attractive for its fresh air but also for its ancient architecture and traditional Chinese garden art.

With an area of 66,254 square meters, Eling Park owns many interesting areas such as the stone rope bridge, the art flower garden and the victory observatory. It is also famous for its more than 80,000 trees and 42 ancient trees, creating an ideal space to immerse yourself in nature. At night, the park becomes sparkling and magical, one of the most beautiful night view spots in Chongqing.

Chongqing Great Hall of the People

Address: 173 Renmin, Da Xi Gou, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Chongqing Great Hall of the People is an outstanding architectural work, bearing the cultural imprint of the city and Asia in the 20th century. Completed in 1954, the work combines the Ming-Qing style and the influence of Soviet architecture, creating a beauty that is both ancient and modern.

Located in People’s Square, the work impresses with its high dome and sturdy pillars. This is where important conferences take place and attracts many visitors. With its large space, the Great Hall of the People is not only an ideal destination to explore the art of architecture, but also a place to learn about the history and culture of Chongqing.

Chongqing is an ideal destination for you to enjoy the harmony between beautiful nature and profound cultural values. Here, visitors will admire the amazing natural wonders such as Ba Shu or Eling Park, and explore the outstanding historical architectural works such as the Great Hall of the People. Along with the remarkable development of infrastructure and tourism services, Chongqing promises to bring many memorable experiences for every journey.

Chongqing, one of the best places to visit in China

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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