The Ultimate Chongqing Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Food You Must Try

Where is Chongqing and what’s interesting for a self-guided trip? We will reveal the latest experiences to fully prepare before departure. Plan your perfect trip with our ultimate Chongqing travel guide – discover how to get there, the best attractions, hidden gems, delicious local food, and must-do activities in China’s breathtaking mountain city.

From above, Chongqing is like a maze of light embracing winding rivers and misty mountains. This city not only attracts visitors with skyscrapers interspersed with majestic suspension bridges, but also with a vibrant and traditional lifestyle. Walking here, you will encounter small eateries with the fragrant smell of spicy hot pot, ancient alleys tinged with time, and the majestic natural scenery where mountains and rivers meet.

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In this journey, we will take you to explore from famous check-in spots to little-known local experiences, so that every moment in Chongqing is memorable.

Where in China is Chongqing?

Chongqing is a municipality directly under the central government of China, located at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze River and the Jialing River meet. Chongqing is known as the “mountain city”, “fog city” and “8D city” because of its rugged mountainous terrain, dense fog and modern transportation system.

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With an area of up to 82,400 square kilometers, this land is not only a municipality directly under the central government but also one of the most important urban centers in China, alongside Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.

Chongqing has a history of more than 3,000 years, once the capital of ancient Ba Shu. The city has experienced many historical ups and downs, from the period when it was an important commercial and military center to the period when it was invaded by Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After the founding of China, Chongqing became one of the largest and most important cities in the country.

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Chongqing has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by many different cultures such as Ba Shu, Han, Sichuan and Tibet. The city is home to many historical and cultural relics, including UNESCO-recognized sites such as the Wan Huang Tomb, Fengdu Cave and Dazu Grottoes.

How to travel to Chongqing from Vietnam? How much does it cost?

Travel to Chongqing by plane

Traveling from Vietnam to Chongqing is increasingly easy with direct flights and convenient transit. If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, you will fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport and land at Chongqing’s Jiangbei International Airport. The common round-trip ticket price is around 4.4 million VND ($167.78), while one-way tickets can be purchased from 2.3 million VND ($87.70) depending on the airline and time of booking.

From Hanoi, flights also land at Jiangbei Airport with round-trip tickets costing around 4 – 5 million VND. Airlines such as China Eastern, China West Air or Air China often operate these flights with regular frequency.

Travel to Chongqing by Road

Traveling by road from Vietnam to Chongqing offers an interesting experience for those who love to explore in a slower and more intimate way with the local culture. Usually, this journey begins by bus from Hanoi or neighboring provinces to Huu Nghi Quan border gate (Lang Son), where you complete immigration procedures to China.

After entering the country, you can continue by bus or train from Dongxing city (Guangxi, China) to Nanning – a major transportation hub near Chongqing. From Nanning, visitors can transfer to a high-speed train or bus to Chongqing. The total travel time can last from 24 to 36 hours, depending on the schedule and means of transport you choose.

It should be noted that the road trip requires careful preparation of Chinese visas, bus tickets, and a reasonable schedule. However, this is also a way to help you experience the border culture, the scenery on both sides of the road, and meet many local people along the way.

Guide to Getting around Chongqing for First-Time Travelers

Metro

The transportation system in Chongqing is considered quite modern and convenient, especially with the increasingly expanding subway network. In particular, metro line No. 10, which directly connects the airport to the city center, is a popular choice for many tourists. Ticket prices for subway trips are very affordable, ranging from only 7,000 to 25,000 VND depending on the distance.

However, due to the typical mountainous terrain of Chongqing, some stations have long stairs or large height differences, which can make it a bit difficult for newcomers to move around. To limit this situation, you should use metro map applications such as MetroMan or Gaode Maps to choose stations with elevators and escalators for more convenience.

【China Railway】High-speed rail tickets from Chengdu to Chongqing/Xi’an…

Public Bus

Buses are also a popular means of transport with a wide network covering the city. Bus fares range from 3,500 to 35,000 VND, depending on the distance you travel. One thing to note is that most of the signs and bus route names are only displayed in Chinese, which can be difficult for unfamiliar visitors.

Therefore, you should prepare in advance by using applications such as Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps to look up the route or save the address in Chinese so that you can easily ask the locals when needed.

Ride-hailing Apps

Traditional taxis and Didi ride-hailing services are also very popular in Chongqing. The starting taxi fare is around 35,000 VND for the first 3 km, then around 7,000 VND for each additional km. Traveling from the airport to the city center takes about 40-50 minutes with a fee of 300,000 to 430,000 VND.

However, when using traditional taxis, visitors may encounter some difficulties such as drivers not understanding English or giving the wrong destination. Therefore, using the Didi ride-hailing app with an English interface and accurate positioning feature is a safer and more convenient choice. Don’t forget to prepare your address in Chinese to send to the driver via the app to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Rent a Self-Drive Car/Rent a Car with a Driver

For those who come to Chongqing for the first time or travel with a group of friends or family, renting a self-drive car or renting a car with a driver is the optimal choice to make the trip much easier and more comfortable. Instead of having to struggle with public transportation or find a taxi in a large and complicated city, you can take the initiative in your entire travel schedule.

Especially when traveling in a large group, the cost of renting a car is divided equally, which will be much more economical than traveling individually by taxi or calling a technology car.

Booking a car in advance at Klook also helps you avoid unnecessary troubles, ensuring a smooth and complete trip from start to finish. Just arrive, pick up the car and get ready to go, isn’t that convenient?

What to do in Chongqing? Famous Chongqing Tourist Attractions

Hongyadong Cave

Chongqing: A one-day tour to the famous mountain city

Located along the Jialing River at No. 88, Binjiang Road, the vast Hongyadong Ancient Town covers an area of 46,000 square meters and consists of a total of 11 floors. It is not only a beautiful ancient town but also a symbol of Chongqing’s history and culture. With more than 3,000 years of history, it contains unique relics and architecture, from mountain houses to wharves with distinctive Bayu folk culture.

Chongqing Qingyuyan Palace Feast Experience

In addition to exploring the architecture and history, you can also enjoy the specialties at the gourmet shops, shop for souvenirs at the local shops. At the same time, the ancient town also has exhibition halls and art galleries, bringing you new and interesting educational experiences.

Dazu Rock Carvings

When you arrive in Dazu, you will admire more than 50,000 statues carved on stone. These are mainly statues of gods in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and historical figures. Each work is meticulously and delicately crafted, creating a lively and attractive space.

In addition to its artistic value, Dazu stone statues are also an important part of the cultural heritage of this land, preserving the stories, traditions and cultural values of the community. This is an ideal destination for those who love art and want to explore more deeply the unique culture of Chongqing.

Ciqikou Old Town

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When visiting Ciqikou Old Town, you will be immersed in the unique historical and cultural space of Chongqing. This old town is one of the best preserved old towns, retaining many precious cultural heritages of China. With traditional architecture, small stone paths and tiled-roof houses, Ciqikou is an ideal destination for you to explore and learn about the traditional life of Chongqing people.

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You can stroll through the small streets, admire the unique architecture, visit local shops selling handicrafts or enjoy local cuisine at small roadside stalls when you come here.

Chongqing Zoo

Located in the southwest of Chongqing, this zoo is both a recreational stop and an important center for wildlife conservation and research. Chongqing Zoo was officially established in 1955 with an area of over 60 hectares.

As one of the zoos located in the largest cities in China, this zoo is where you can observe animals in their natural environment. Currently, there are more than 4,500 wild animals from about 230 different species.

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With its conservation and education efforts, Chongqing Zoo also offers you the opportunity to learn about animal conservation and environmental awareness. This is an ideal destination for those who love animals and want to experience the natural world closely.

Chongqing Travel Guide: Wulong Geopark

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage since 2007, Wulong Geopark is located in the southeast of Chongqing City. Exploring this park is an exciting journey as you admire the beautiful and impressive natural images.

Wulong is not only a famous tourist destination but also a natural museum with top geological works of art. You will be fascinated by unique landscapes such as Tiansheng Three Bridges, Furong Cave, Baima Mountain along with majestic limestone mountains. Wulong Geopark is an ideal place for you to have the opportunity to learn about the richness and uniqueness of nature, as well as to enjoy unforgettable travel experiences when visiting Chongqing.

A perfect match – Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges Longshui Gorge Ground Crack One-day Tour

Yangtze River Cable Car

In operation since 1987, the Yangtze River Cable Car is a must-see destination when traveling to Chongqing. With a total length of 1,166 meters, this cable car line was originally built to enhance traffic between the two districts of Yuzhong and Nan’an without the need to build bridges, saving costs.

Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway + Hongyadong…

The Yangtze River Cable Car not only brings you the thrill and excitement of gliding across the calm rivers, but also allows you to see the whole Chongqing landscape from above. From the cable car, you can see the lush green mountains, the calm river and the villages in the distance. This promises to be a great experience for you to relax, enjoy and explore the beauty of Chongqing from a whole new perspective.

Chaotianmen Dock

Chaotianmen Dock is not only an important cultural destination but also a symbol of Chongqing’s development and prosperity throughout history. Built centuries ago, this port is one of the most important maritime ports in China.

Every day, thousands of tons of goods are transported through here. At the same time, Chaotianmen Dock is also the starting point for many river cruises, especially the journey to the Three Gorges Dam – one of the top attractions in the area.

In the evening, the night scene at Chaotianmen Dock becomes sparkling when hundreds of headlights illuminate the riverbank and tourist boats. Large and small boats pass by on the river, creating an extremely romantic and unique picture, giving you interesting and memorable experiences when you set foot in Chongqing city.

Three Gorges Dam

With a total area of up to 15 square kilometers, the Three Gorges Dam is one of the important and unique destinations of Chongqing. Built on the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam not only plays an important role in providing electricity to the area but also brings many other benefits to the community and the surrounding environment.

What is special is that the Three Gorges Dam is also an attractive tourist destination for you, with beautiful scenery and fresh air of the surrounding area. You can participate in activities such as rowing on the Yangtze River, exploring the chrysanthemum fields, conquering canyons such as Xiling Canyon, Qutang, … With its wild natural beauty and quiet space, the Three Gorges Dam is a destination not to be missed when traveling to Chongqing.

Chongqing Travel Guide: What is the best season to travel to Chongqing?

Chongqing, a city with a humid subtropical climate, possesses a captivating beauty like a painting that changes with the flow of time. To immerse yourself in the most quintessential experiences that this city has to offer, spring and autumn are the two periods most favored by tourists.

Spring (March – June): Chongqing stays away from the cold of winter, wearing a warm cloak with gentle sunlight. The pleasant climate is the perfect condition for you to freely explore outdoor tourist attractions.

Chongqing in spring is also filled with brilliant flower festivals. Flowers bloom, adorning the city with a sparkling, brilliant color, bringing visitors into a romantic and poetic world. Regarding cuisine, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the city’s attractive specialties – spicy hot pots, fragrant grilled skewers or elegant noodles.

Autumn (September – November): Chongqing enters a period with fresh and cool air, no longer hot summer days. This is the ideal time for visitors to freely visit famous places without worrying about being affected by the heat. Autumn also paints an extremely romantic and poetic natural scene when the weather is cold, the leaves of the trees begin to turn a brilliant yellow.

The winding roads around the mountains, poetic rivers and picturesque ancient villages will fascinate all eyes. Besides the natural beauty, autumn also brings many unique cultural festivals of ethnic minorities in Chongqing.

In addition to spring and autumn, visitors can also visit Chongqing in summer (June – August) and winter (December – February). Summer is the peak tourist season, the weather is quite hot and rainy, so you should prepare suitable clothes and bring an umbrella. Winter in Chongqing is quite cold, there may be snow, requiring warm clothes and necessary items to keep the body warm.

Famous Chongqing Hotels China

To fully enjoy the travel experience here, choosing the right place to stay is extremely important. Below is a list of famous hotels in Chongqing, promising to bring you a comfortable and memorable stay.

• Intercontinental Chongqing Raffles City, an IHG Hotel (klook, agoda)
• Crowne Plaza Chongqing New North Zone, an IHG Hotel (klook, agoda)
• voco Chongqing Chaotianmen, an IHG Hotel (klook, agoda)
• Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing (klook, agoda)
• JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing (klook, agoda)

Chongqing Dining Guide

Chongqing is not only famous for its majestic natural scenery and unique culture, but also attracts tourists with its rich and diverse cuisine. Here are some typical Chongqing dishes that you must try when coming here:

Kung Pao Chicken

A famous Chinese dish, Kung Pao Chicken is made from delicious, chewy chicken, combined with peanuts, onions and hot peppers to create a rich and attractive flavor. Enjoying Kung Pao Chicken with hot rice is a culinary experience not to be missed when coming to Chongqing.

Mapo Tofu

A unique and delicious dish that bears the mark of Chongqing. The soft tofu is marinated with spices and cooked with spicy red bean sauce, creating a perfect combination of flavors. Mapo Tofu is often served with white rice, providing a delicious and nutritious meal.

Chongqing Spicy Hot Pot

Famous for its characteristic spicy taste, Chongqing Spicy Hot Pot is a popular dish on cold days. The hot pot broth is made from herbs and spices, then you can add meat, seafood, vegetables and mushrooms to the pot according to your preference. Enjoying Chongqing Spicy Hot Pot with friends and relatives is an extremely interesting and memorable culinary experience.

Skewered Hot Pot

A unique variation of hot pot, skewered hot pot brings convenience and fun to diners. Ingredients such as vegetables and meat are skewered, then cooked in a clay or iron pot with accompanying sauce. You can choose the skewers according to your preference and enjoy with rich sauce.

Spicy Sour Noodles

A typical dish of Chongqing with delicious chewy noodles made from sweet potatoes, cooked in soy broth. Spicy and sour vermicelli is often served with roasted peanuts, aromatic coriander, vinegar and chili sauce, creating a unique spicy and sour flavor that stimulates the taste buds.

Jiangtuan Fish

Chongqing Banquet of Ba Kingdom: Experience the Royal Feast

This specialty fish of Chongqing is prepared in many different ways such as grilled, fried, steamed, etc. Each preparation method brings its own delicious and attractive flavor. Jiangtuan fish is often marinated with rich spices, then meticulously processed to preserve the natural sweetness of the fish.

Chili Stir-Fried Chicken

A spicy dish for those who love the feeling of “exploding” taste buds. The chicken is marinated with spices and chili before being stir-fried with fresh chili, creating a bright red color and an irresistible spicy flavor. Chili stir-fried chicken is often served with white rice or bread, providing a delicious and stimulating meal.

In addition, Chongqing also has countless other delicious dishes waiting for you to discover such as: Chongqing Egg Cake, Grilled Steamed Buns, Chongqing Tofu Pudding,… Come to Chongqing and experience the rich and diverse cuisine here, to preserve unforgettable culinary moments in your travel journey!

Chongqing Travel Guide: Souvenir Shopping Guide in Chongqing

Shopping for souvenirs is not only a way to preserve beautiful memories of your trip but also an opportunity for you to explore the unique culture of the land you have set foot on. Chongqing, with its long history and culture, is home to countless unique and attractive souvenirs, bearing the mark of the people and land here.

Here are some suggestions for souvenirs you should buy when coming to Chongqing:

Shu Embroidery

The traditional Shu embroidery art of Chongqing is famous for the sophistication and sharpness of its motifs. You can find Shu embroidery products such as embroidery paintings, pillowcases, tablecloths, etc. to make meaningful souvenirs for relatives and friends.

Rongchang Folding Fans

Rongchang folding fans are made from bamboo or paper, with diverse and delicate patterns, making them ideal souvenirs to bring home. Rongchang fans not only help you dispel the heat but also beautifully decorate your living space.

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Hechuan Rice Cakes

Hechuan rice cakes are a traditional cake of Chongqing, made from glutinous rice, walnuts, sugar, roses and honey. The cake has a sweet, delicious and rich taste, with a strong Chongqing flavor. Hechuan cake rice cakes are an ideal gift for you to share with relatives and friends, or to enjoy with tea on cold days.

Snacks

Chongqing is a paradise of spicy and delicious snacks. You can find spicy sticks, chicken feet, self-boiling rice, beef jerky, etc. with a variety of flavors. This is a great gift for you to bring a part of Chongqing culture and cuisine home, so that you and your loved ones can enjoy and feel the unique flavors of this land together.

In addition, you can also refer to some other souvenirs such as:

• Chongqing tea: Chongqing tea is famous for its delicious, rich flavor. You can buy Oolong tea, Luc Bao tea, Sen tea, etc. as gifts for tea lovers.
• Stone Buddha statues: Chongqing has many establishments that produce stone Buddha statues with exquisite craftsmanship. You can buy Buddha statues to decorate your home or as gifts for loved ones.
• Bamboo souvenirs: Bamboo is a popular plant in Chongqing. You can buy bamboo souvenirs such as baskets, trays, hats, fans, etc. as gifts for friends and relatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chongqing Travel In China

Where is Chongqing located on the map of China?

Chongqing is a centrally-governed city in Southwest China, famous for its mountainous terrain and rich river system. It is also an important economic, cultural and transportation center of the Southwest region.

What is the best time of year to travel to Chongqing?

Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are considered the most pleasant times to explore Chongqing, when the weather is cool, with little rain and suitable for outdoor activities.

How to travel from Vietnam to Chongqing?

You can choose to fly directly from major international airports in Vietnam such as Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) or Noi Bai (Hanoi) to Chongqing’s Jiangbei International Airport. In addition, if you like to experience, you can combine taking a bus or train across the border and then continue your journey by train or car in mainland China.

What are the outstanding attractions in Chongqing that cannot be missed?

Some famous destinations in Chongqing include Ciqikou Old Street, the Yangtze River Cable Car, the Nanning Mountain Scenic Area, and beautiful cave complexes and waterfalls such as the Fairy Palace Waterfall.

Is public transportation in Chongqing convenient for tourists?

Chongqing has a developed subway system, with many lines covering the city and connecting to the airport, making it convenient to travel. However, due to the mountainous terrain, some metro stations have many stairs, so be careful when carrying bulky luggage or traveling with the elderly.

How much does it cost to eat and travel in Chongqing?

The cost of eating is quite diverse, from 50,000 – 150,000 VND for a street meal, to several hundred thousand VND at a restaurant. Subway and bus tickets usually range from 7,000 to 35,000 VND per trip. Taxis cost about 35,000 VND for the first 3 km and about 7,000 VND for each additional km.

What should newcomers to Chongqing pay attention to about the local language and culture?

Mandarin Chinese is the main language, English is not widely used, especially on signs and in daily communication. You should prepare translation applications in advance or save the address and destination name in Chinese for convenient asking for directions or communication.

What are some special dishes to try when coming to Chongqing?

Chongqing hotpot is famous for its characteristic spicy taste, in addition to spicy noodles, incense-burning chicken, and other attractive grilled dishes. These are culinary experiences not to be missed when coming to this city.

Should you rent a self-drive car or rent a car with a driver when traveling to Chongqing?
For large groups or families, renting a self-drive car or a car with a driver is very convenient, helping you to take the initiative in your schedule, save time and avoid the hassle of traveling by public transport. Booking a car in advance through reputable applications will help the trip go more smoothly.

What recreational activities are suitable for families and children in Chongqing?

In addition to visiting natural and historical tourist attractions, Chongqing also has theme parks, zoos, and indoor playgrounds suitable for the whole family. Traditional cultural performances are also an interesting choice to explore local characteristics.

Hopefully, in this detailed article, we have brought you valuable Chongqing travel experiences. Not only is it about discovering beautiful natural scenery or exploring rich historical relics, going to Chongqing is also about experiencing the unique culture and cuisine of this land.

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. And Chongqing travel blog here.