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Quick Guide to Chongqing China Tourist Attractions
Is Chongqing worth visiting? When it comes to things to see in Chongqing, you can approach it from five perspectives to fully experience the city. Of course, you can't see all of Chongqing's top 10 attractions at once - choose based on your interests!
Places to Visit in Chongqing
| What to Experience in Chongqing | Destination |
|---|---|
| Yangtze River | Yangtze River Cruises start from Chongqing. |
| History and Modern City | Three Gorges Museum, Jiefangbei, Liziba, Ciqikou. |
| Things to do in Chongqing at Night | Hongya Cave and Qiansimen Bridge |
| Nature Wonders | Dazu Rock Carvings, Wulong Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Gap |
| Local Cuisine | Chongqing Hot Pot |
Chongqing may not boast a plethora of world-renowned attractions, but its unique multi-layered architecture and intricate transportation network make it truly one of a kind. You'd be hard-pressed to find another city quite like it.
- One-day Chongqing must-sees：Ciqikou, Three Gorge Museum, Liziba, Hongya Cave.
1. Yangtze River Cruise: Relax at Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam
Located where the mighty Yangtze meets the Jialing River, Chongqing is the perfect gateway for a memorable 4-day, 3-night Yangtze River cruise. A river cruise is the most delightful way to discover this legendary river, unveiling the stunning Three Gorges scenery along the way and culminating in a visit to the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam. It's an immersive journey into the heart of Chinese history and culture.
As the world's third-longest river, the Yangtze stretches an incredible distance, comparable to a round trip from Beijing to Paris. Its course is interwoven with breathtaking landscapes and captivating legends, especially within the iconic Three Gorges. This 200-kilometer stretch is not only the birthplace of Ba and Chu culture but also a celebrated "golden waterway" attracting visitors from across the world, making it a favored retreat for Chinese seniors.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to Board | Chaotianmen Dock (Jialing River and Yangtze River confluence on the Yuzhong Peninsula, Yuzhong District, Chongqing) |
| Best Boarding Time | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Cruise Route | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Duration | 4 Days & 3 Nights |
| Highlights Along the Cruise | Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu Ghost City, War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show, and more. |
| Get to Chaotianmen Dock | If you're taking a taxi, Chongqing North Station is the nearest - about a 20-minute ride. If you're using public transport, get off at Shapingba Station and take Metro Line 1 directly - it's a 34-minute trip. |
Things to Do at Yangtze River Cruise: Admire Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam
On your cruise, you'll glide along the river like the ancient poets who wrote of traveling a thousand miles in a single day, marveling at the beauty of the Three Gorges 三峡(Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge). Discover ancient cultural sites, seek out the intriguing hanging coffins clinging to sheer cliffs, immerse yourself in local life, and witness the grandeur of the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝), China's monumental feat of engineering. With the sun illuminating the river and majestic mountains, and a refreshing river breeze, this is a journey to soothe your spirit.
Best (and Worst) Times to Cruise Yangtze River: Tips for 12 Months
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise: 10 Steps (2025)
2. Hongya Cave: Night Views Like Spirited Away
Speaking of tourist attractions in Chongqing, Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) tops the list! If you love the enchanting, layered architecture of "Spirited Away," Hongya Cave is your perfect destination. This stunning complex of stilt houses clings to the mountainside along the Jialing River, right in the heart of the city. Named after an ancient natural cave, Hongya Cave, it once protected the ancient city of Yu.
With a history stretching back to the 4th-5th centuries AD, Hongya Cave has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties. During the Ming and Qing eras, it thrived as a bustling port and market. Today, it's a vibrant district showcasing the unique blend of Southwest China's traditions and modern urban energy.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | No. 88 Binjiang Road, Jialing River, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China. |
| Opening Hours | Full Day |
| Best time to Visit | It's not that great during the day. You should go at night after the lights come on. (Lights usually turn on at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM in summer) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Price | Free |
| Get to Hongya Cave | It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Exit 9, Xiaoshizi Subway Station. |
What to Do in Hongya Cave? Enjoy the Movie-like Night View
Here, you can marvel at the 12-story stilt houses, explore the charming "one street and three alleys" layout, and indulge in authentic Chongqing flavors like hot pot. As night falls, Hongya Cave transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, reflected in the river like a magical floating palace. This is a favorite spot for photographers and social media enthusiasts, so don't hesitate to capture its beauty, no matter your skill level!
3. Qiansimen Bridge: Enjoy Night View in the Chongqing Landmark
Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥), located very close to Hongya Cave, is a must-see night view in Chongqing. Spanning the Jialing River and connecting Jiefangbei and Jiangbeizui, it is one of Chongqing's key transportation hubs. Qiansimen Bridge is approximately 840 meters long. Its unique cable-stayed design and striking, blood-red appearance have made it a new landmark of this mountainous city.
Standing on Qiansimen Bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Jialing River's banks: To the north, modern high-rise buildings stand shoulder to shoulder, their glass facades reflecting the sunlight with dazzling brilliance. To the south lies the historic Yuzhong Peninsula, where famous Chongqing attractions such as Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and the Hongyadong Folk Custom Area are scattered. Especially at night, the lights of Hongyadong twinkle like stars, reflecting on the gently flowing Jialing River, creating a dreamlike scene with Qiansimen Bridge.
Looking down from the bridge, the Jialing River flows serenely, with boats shuttling back and forth. Occasionally, you can even spot traditional awning boats, adding a touch of ancient charm to this modern panorama. Simply viewing the bridge might be a bit monotonous. You can visit nearby parks, green spaces, and walking paths to chat with locals—Chongqing people are very welcoming.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | About 290 meters south of North Binjiang Road 1 in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. |
| Get to Qiansimen Bridge | By Bus: Take bus route 105, 111, 114, or 135 to the Xiaoshizi Chongqing Gold Store Station and then walk to Qiansimen Bridge. By Metro: Take Metro Line 6 and disembark at either Grand Theater Station or Xiaoshizi Station. From either station, Qiansimen Bridge is within walking distance. |
| Nearby Qiansimen Bridge | Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, parks. |
4. Three Gorges Museum: Discover Ba-Chu Culture & the Three Gorges Project
Looking for cultural insights? A trip to a museum is always the answer. The Three Gorges Museum, a cultural icon among Chongqing's top 10 attractions, provides a glimpse into the Yangtze River Three Gorges and the culture of Southwest China. What's more, the museum offers live English guides, so you can skip the robotic voice of translation apps.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | No. 236, Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (January 1 - December 31), Closed on Mondays. |
| How Long to Spend | 3 Hours |
| Get to Three Gorges Museum | Exit 3 of Zengjiayan Station on Chongqing Metro Line 2. |
What to See in Three Gorges Museum?
Don't miss these highlights: the fossilized jawbone of Wushan Man from the Early Paleolithic era, the magnificent Three Rams Bronze Zun from the Shang Dynasty, the striking Bronze Tiger-Knob Chunyu and Bronze Bird-Shaped Zun from the Warring States period, the prestigious Gold Seal of the Partial General and the historic Jingyun Stele from the Han Dynasty.Enhance your experience by joining a guided tour or exploring the informative English descriptions accompanying these key artifacts - they're exceptionally well-written.
Delve into the culture of the Three Gorges:Discover the fascinating Ba-Chu culture that flourished in the Yangtze River Three Gorges. These ancient states, Ba and Chu, existed from the 8th to 3rd centuries BC. Though their dynasties eventually fell, they bequeathed a legacy of invaluable relics, including intriguing hanging coffins and impressive bronze objects.
Be sure to also explore the impressive Three Gorges Project. This will give you a richer understanding of the area. And if you love unique souvenirs, watch out for the eye-catching cultural and creative products – you might get hooked!
Beyond Three Gorges Museum: Admiring the exterior of the Chongqing People's Great HallJust opposite the Three Gorges Museum stands the famous Great Hall of the People (重庆人民大礼堂). It's worth taking a look at this impressive building, a blend of traditional Chinese palace architecture and Western large-span structural design.
5. Liziba: Snap Light Rail Crossing a Building
Liziba is famous among Chongqing China attractions because it has this crazy train that goes right through a building - it's like something out of an 8D movie! Tourists come from everywhere to take pictures of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 zooming through Liziba Station.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | No. 62, Liziba Zheng Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City. |
| Price | Free |
| How Long to Spend | 30 Mins |
| Trains Run | Approximately every 7 minutes. |
| Get to Liziba | Take Light Rail Line 2 of the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT), get off at Liziba Station, Exit 1. |
Best Places to Snap the Light Rail
Liziba Viewing Platform: Come out of Exit 1 at Liziba Station, go straight down (stairs on the left, elevator on the right), and boom! You're across the street at the viewing platform. It's the place for the building - eating-train photo, but it gets super crowded.
Liziba's 4th-6th Floors: Across from the platform is Shisige Market (食嗣阁集市). Go inside, take the elevator to the 4th or 6th floor, and follow the signs for some cool window shots.
6. Ciqikou Ancient Town: A Journey through Temple and Museum
Ask a Chongqing local what is Chongqing famous for, and they'll likely point you towards Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇). This historic town, dating back to the Song Dynasty, once thrived as a hub for porcelain trade. Adding to its rich history, a Ming Dynasty emperor even sought refuge within its temple walls. With over a millennium of history, Ciqikou's distinct old-world charm and vibrant folk culture have led it to be known as "Little Chongqing."
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | No. 1, Ci Nan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City, China. |
| Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | Full Day |
| Duration | 2-3 Hours |
| Get to Ciqikou Ancient Town | Take Line 1 to Ciqikou Station. Once you exit, follow the crowds to easily find the closest entrance to the old town. |
Things to Do in Chongqing Ciqikou
Visit Baolun Temple (宝轮寺): This ancient Buddhist temple within Ciqikou dates back to the Song Dynasty and once provided refuge for a Ming Dynasty emperor. Its exterior is imposing and grand. Many visitors purchase items like bracelets from the temple, seeking blessings for wealth, health, and academic success. You can try it too - it's a way to find a sense of peace and positive energy.
Explore the Chongqing Memory Museum (重庆记忆博物馆): This museum offers insights into Ciqikou's past and the transformations of old Chongqing. Enhancing your visit with a local guide is strongly recommended.
Relax at the Diaojiaolou Square (吊脚楼广场): You can find this quieter spot by venturing into the back streets. The square is surrounded by traditional Chongqing stilt houses (Diaojiaolou).
7. Jiefangbei - Come Check out Chongqing CBD
You'll often hear about Jiefangbei when discussing Chongqing attractions. The Jiefangbei is a 27.5-meter-high monument, originally built in 1940 to commemorate China's victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War (World War II), later becoming a symbol of Chongqing's liberation. Most of Chongqing's celebrations are held in this , such as the New Year's Eve countdown every year.
The area around Jiefangbei is a bustling CBD where you can shop, eat hot pot, and easily walk to nearby Chongqing attractions like Hongya Cave and Qiansimen Bridge.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Minquan Road, Minzu Road, and Zourong Road Intersection, Yuzhong District, Chongqing |
| Get to Jiefangbei | Take Light Rail Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station. |
| Nearby Jiefangbei | Qiansinen Bridge, Hongya Cave |
8. Baodingshan & Beishan: Highlights of the Dazu Rock Carvings
Fancy a trip out of the city and into the surrounding countryside? For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Dazu Rock Carvings, a highlight of Chongqing attractions. Dating back to the 7th century, this remarkable site showcases the harmonious coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in its intricate carvings. As Chongqing's sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dazu is considered a peer to China's four most famous grottoes: Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes. What sets Dazu apart, however, is its focus on scenes of everyday life in ancient China.
| Know Before You Go | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | In Dazu District, Chongqing. |
| Opening Hours | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Price | (3.1-11.30): Baodingshan: 115RMB, Beishan: 70RMB (12.1-2.28): Baodingshan: 110RMB, Beishan: 50RMB |
| Duration | One Day |
| Get to Dazu Rock Carvings | Take Dazu Bus Route 205 to Baoding Bus Station, or take a taxi to Shengshou Temple. |
Things to See in Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings
While Dazu Rock Carvings span five locations, Baodingshan and Beishan are the highlights. Religious or not, these carvings are sure to captivate.
Baodingshan Rock Carvings: Begin with the Cycle of Reincarnation to understand Buddhist samsara. The towering 7-meter Avatamsaka Trinity dominates the scene, while Manjushri's pagoda has stood for over a millennium. The massive reclining Buddha depicts Sakyamuni's Parinirvana. Numerous carvings also depict daily life, offering glimpses of ancient Confucian thought.
Beishan Rock Carvings: At Beishan, faded colors haven't diminished the statues' power. Guanyin figures here are notably dynamic and graceful, a departure from traditional depictions.
9. Visit Wulong Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Gap
To see natural scenery, Chongqing's Wulong District boasts a World Natural Heritage site - the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) and the Longshuixia Gap (龙水峡). The two scenic areas are not far from each other.
| Facts of Three Natural Bridge | Details | Facts of Longshuixia Gap | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 200m S of Longqiao & Xiannan Rd Int., Xiannvshan Town, Wulong District, Chongqing. | Location | No. 32, Ginkgo Avenue, Xiannvshan Street, Wulong District, Chongqing |
| Opening Hours | 08:30 – 16:30 | Opening Hours | 08:30 – 16:30 |
| Ticket Price | 125 RMB | Ticket Price | 105 RMB |
| Visting Times | 2 - 3 Hours | Visting Times | 2 Hours |
| Transportation | Train from Chongqing North to Wulong, then transfer to Fairy Town (3 hours) | Transportation | 15-minute shuttle from the Three Natural Bridges. |
What to Do in Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap?
The Three Natural Bridges are the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia and the filming location for the movie Transformers. These three natural stone bridges are more like enormous stone caves, with an average height of over 200 meters and a width of about 100 meters. You can take an elevator down to the valley floor to admire the Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge.
The Longshuixia Gap is a deep and narrow geological feature, stretching approximately 5 kilometers. Visitors can follow the plank walkways deep into the fissure to experience waterfalls, a sliver of sky, bizarre rock formations, primeval forests, and deep pools of water.
10. Savor the Chongqing Hot Pot, Spicy Feeling
When mentioning Chongqing, one simply cannot overlook its renowned hot pot. Chongqing hot pot is world-famous for its distinctively spicy, numbing, fresh, and fragrant flavor, making it one of the most iconic dishes of this mountainous city. The flavor is rich and intense; even the "mildly spicy" option packs a punch, posing a challenge to your stomach!
Where to eat hot pot in Chongqing?
Most Chongqing China Attractions are concentrated in Yuzhong District, so you can conveniently enjoy hot pot after sightseeing there.
Here are a few recommended hot pot restaurants:
- Meimei Hot Pot: Their beef tripe (maodu) is especially delicious!
- Tao Popo Hot Pot: This one is not as spicy.
- Chuqimen Eel Hot Pot: The broth base uses very fragrant oil.
Plan Your Chongqing Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel
Most tourists dedicate a day to exploring downtown Chongqing attractions. A typical one-day itinerary covers Ciqikou Ancient Town, the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Station, and Hongyadong. For those interested in the Dazu Rock Carvings, the Wulong Karst landscape (including the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gorge), a two-day trip is recommended, combining the city tour with either Dazu or Wulong. Or you can head to Chengdu or Zhangjiajie nearby Chongqing.
Things to Do in Chongqing One Day Trip:
- Half Day: Ciqikou
- Half Day: Three Gorges Museum & Liziba
- Hongyadong & Qiansimen Bridge (at Night)
What to Do in Two Days Chongqing Plus Dazu Rock Carvings Trip:
Day 1. Three Gorges Museum, Liziba.
Day 2. Dazu Rock Carvings (Baodingshan), Ciqikou.
What to See in Two Days Chongqing Plus Wulong Trip:
Day 1. Ciqikou, Three Gorges Museum, Liziba.
Day 2. Wulong Three Natural Bridge, Longshuixia Gap.
Chongqing Plus Chengdu Trip:
Day 1: Chengdu - Pandas, Wenshu Monastery, People's Park, Jinli Street.
Day 2: Chongqing - Three Gorges Museum, Li Ziqi Station, Hongya Cave.
Chongqing Plus Zhangjiajie Trip:
Day 1: Arrive in Chongqing.
Day 2: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing Three Gorges Museum, Liziba, Hongya Cave.
Day 3: Take train to Zhangjiajie.
Day 4: Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie
Day 5: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Boat Tour; Zhangjiajie City Tour (72 Galerias)
Day 6: Tianmen Mountain
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