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1. Chongqing's Must-See Attractions
Looking for fun things to do in Chongqing? Well, it's not exactly famous for ancient ruins like Beijing, which has sites going back almost a thousand years. But trust me, Chongqing makes up for it with its awesome modern buildings and super convenient transportation. You won't find another city quite like it!
Chongqing's travel highlights are spread across its main urban area, Wulong, the Dazu Rock Carvings, the Yangtze River Three Gorges, and more. There's something cool to discover in every part of the region. When you're planning your trip to Chongqing, definitely consider adding these must-see spots based on what you're into.
| Places to Visit | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ciqikou Ancient Town | Head to Baolun Temple & Experience “Little Chongqing”. | Half Day |
| Three Gorges Museum | Discover Ba-Chu Culture and the Three Gorges Project | 2-3 Hours |
| Liziba | Light Rail Going Through a Building. | 30 Mins |
| Hongya Cave | Night View | 1-2 Hours |
| Dazu Rock Carvings | UNESCO World Heritage Site, polychrome Religious Sculptures of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. | 1 Day |
| Wulong Karst Landscape | World Natural Heritage Site, visit Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap | 2 Hours |
| Yangtze River Cruise (Chongqing to Yichang) | One of China's most famous cruise routes, , offering views of the Three Gorges and local folk culture. | 4 Days & 3 Nights |
Check Top 10 Chongqing Attraction.
2. Chongqing Itinerary Planning: 1-2 Day & 4-Day Trip Ideas
Most of the must-see spots in Chongqing are in the main city area, and you can easily see the best of them in a day. But don't forget the outskirts! That's where you'll find the amazing Dazu Rock Carvings and the incredible karst landscapes of Wulong. Definitely plan an extra day to check those out. Check detailed Chongqing itinerary planning.
One Day in Chongqing
In the city center, wander through Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇), admiring the charming stilt houses and stepping into history at Baolun Temple, a former refuge for a Ming Dynasty emperor. Delve into the rich culture of the Yangtze River Three Gorges at the Three Gorges Museum (三峡博物馆). For architecture enthusiasts, the Great Hall of the People and the unique Liziba station (李子坝站) offer a fascinating contrast between static and dynamic design. As night falls, Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) comes alive, offering the perfect taste of Chongqing's vibrant nightlife.
One Day Chongqing City Tour Itinerary:
Travel Route: Ciqikou Ancient Town -> Three Gorges Museum -> Liziba -> Hongya Cave
Two Days in Chongqing
Chongqing Trip Plan 1: Two Days Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings tour.
After leaving Chongqing's urban area, head to the Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻), a World Heritage Site with over 50,000 Buddhist statues and more than 70 grottoes. The carving art here is exquisitely beautiful. Starting with the Cycle of Six Rebirths, it's a series of interconnected religious didactic tableaux, with Confucian culture as the underlying support.
| Travel Route | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Chongqing Downtown -> Dazu Rock Carvings | Day 1: Visit the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum, with exterior views of the Great Hall of the People and the Liziba Rail Transit passing through the building. Evening: Enjoy the night view around Hongya Cave. Day 2: Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings, first exploring the Baodingshan Scenic Area, followed by the Beishan Scenic Area. Go back to downtown and visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. |
Chongqing Trip Plan 2: Two Days Chongqing Wulong tour.
After your time in Chongqing city, spend your second day at the Wulong Karst Geological Park and its impressive Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥), a location featured in films such as "Transformers." These three natural stone arches stretch across dramatic gorges. Hike along the walkways and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Be sure to also visit the Longshuixia Gap (龙水峡地缝), where you'll find waterfalls, stunning views of the sky peeking through narrow openings, unique rock formations, ancient forests, and tranquil pools.
| Travel Route | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Chongqing Downtown -> Wulong Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Gap | Day 1: Start your trip by exploring Ciqikou, then check out the Three Gorges Museum and the Chongqing People's Grand Hall. See the crazy train that goes right through a building at Liziba. Finish the day with the amazing night views of Hongya Cave. Day 2: Head out to Wulong and see the Three Natural Bridges first, followed by the beautiful Longshuixia Gap. |
Four Days in Chongqing
Given Chongqing's excellent location on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, how could you miss a Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise? Take a Yangtze River cruise to get close to the Three Gorges and visit the attractions along the way.
Travel Route: Chongqing to Yichang
Duration: 4 Days & 3 Nights
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Chongqing Free Time & Embarkation at Chaotianmen Port
Day 2: Yangtze River Cruise & Fengdu Ghost City
Day 3: Three Gorges & Shennv Stream Excursion
Day 4: Disembarkation in Yichang
3. When to Visit Chongqing: Best Months & Seasons
The best time to visit Chongqing is between March and May, and October to November. During these months, there are more clear days and the temperature is suitable for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hotpot without feeling too hot. However, there is a large temperature difference, so be sure to dress in layers!
If you plan to visit Chongqing in other months, you can refer to the following information about Chongqing's four seasons and temperatures.
Spring (March-May): Chongqing's temperature gradually warms up, with an average temperature of around 15°C to 25°C. It's a great time to wander around the city, go shopping, and climb hills. Spring is also one of the rainiest seasons, so it's recommended to bring an umbrella when going out.
Autumn (September-November): It often continues to be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C.
Summer (June-August): Not a good season for tourism, with temperatures reaching over 40°C.
Winter (December-February): Chongqing's weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C. However, with the rising water levels in rivers, it's a good time to experience the Yangtze River cruise.
4. Is Chongqing Expensive to Visit?
Traveling to Chongqing isn't expensive. Most of your money will be spent on the plane ticket.
City Sightseeing:
- Classic City Tour: 2000 RMB
- City and Suburbs Tour: 4000 RMB
- Yangtze River Cruise: Additional 4000 RMB
Transportation:
Chongqing has a well-developed public transportation system, including high-speed rail, subway, bus, and light rail, which are relatively inexpensive.
Taxis can be a bit pricier due to the city's mountainous terrain, but generally won't exceed 100 RMB within the city.
Accommodation:
Hotels near Jiefangbei, the city center of Chongqing, typically range from 300 to 500 RMB per night. Read about - Chongqing Accommodation->>
Food:
Casual meals can be found for around 30-60 RMB. For a more authentic experience, dining at a local hot pot restaurant can cost over 100 RMB.
Attractions:
Entrance fees for city attractions usually range from 50 to 100 RMB. Natural attractions in the suburbs, such as the World Heritage site of Wulong Karst, can cost between 100 and 150 RMB.
5. Getting to/Around Chongqing: Transportation Options
How to Get to Chongqing
When traveling to Chongqing, you can choose to fly or take the high-speed rail.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (重庆江北国际机场) handles both domestic and international flights. Domestic routes include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and more. New routes are continually being added in 2024.
As a major transportation hub in Southwest China, Chongqing has several major civilian train stations, primarily including Chongqing Railway Station (重庆站), Chongqingbei Railway Station (重庆北站), Chongqingxi Railway Station (重庆西站), and Shapingba Railway Station (沙坪坝站). Collectively, these stations handle thousands of trains daily.
- Beijing to Chongqing Train：6.3h
- Shanghai to Chongqing Train：10.6h
- Guangzhou to Chongqing Train：5.7h
- Shenzhen to Chongqing Train：6.3h
- Xian to Chongqing Train：5.2h
- Chengdu to Chongqing Train: 1.5h
After arriving in Chongqing, you can take a train or bus to visit the nearby areas.
- Chongqing to Wulong Train: 2h
- Chongqing to Dazu Train: 30mins
How to Travel Around Chongqing
For first-time visitors to Chongqing, taxis are the preferred choice for sightseeing due to their speed.
Taxi: "Little airplanes" - Chongqing's speedy taxis offer an affordable way to get around.
Metro: Chongqing boasts an extensive metro system with eight lines, including the iconic Li Ziqi Station.
Easily reach major attractions like Hongya Cave and Jiefangbei. Purchase tickets using overseas bank cards at manned booths.
Bus: While challenging for first-time visitors, buses are ideal for reaching suburban attractions like Dazu Rock Carving and Wulong Karst.
Cable Car: Experience the unique Yangtze River Cableway, offering panoramic city views. Ride between North Station (near Jiefangbei) and South Station.
6. Best Chongqing Hotels & Accommodation
The best place to stay in Chongqing is near Jiefangbei Square.
Price: 100-500 RMB. Budget options like Gemei, Yifan Shanchengli, and Qianhe Pushi can be found for around 100-200 RMB. For a mid-range option, consider Adora or Honyadong Meiju for around 300 RMB. If you're looking for a higher-end experience, Kaiyuezhenxuan and voco are good choices.
Pros: Located in the city center, close to many attractions.
Cons: If you don't choose one of the recommended hotels, the overall experience may be subpar. Other hotels might have old facilities, small rooms, or be located on a hill, requiring you to carry your luggage uphill.
7. Where to Eat Chongqing Hot Pot and More?
For authentic Chinese food like hot pot or stir-fries, we suggest checking out Nanfang Huayuan Night Market (南方花园夜市) or Huilongwan Night Market (回龙湾夜市). These are local favorites that have been around for a long time. Nanfang Huayuan, near Xietaizi Station on Metro Line 1, is known for its many decades-old shops. Huilongwan, near Gongshang University Station on Metro Line 3, offers a wider variety of snacks.
8. Chongqing Packing List: Essential Items
Plan a trip to Chongqing. Don't forget to bring all your important papers.
1. Apply for Visa: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport offers visa-on-arrival. China has a visa-free program in place - see if your country is eligible.
2. Passport: Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates and have at least one empty visa page. Contact our travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel to help you handle all things.
P.S. Feel free to pack as much as you need. Chongqing's attractions have helpful local porters, known as "bangbang" workers, who can assist with your luggage for a small fee.
Best Day Trips Near Chongqing, Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel
Chongqing is not far from Chengdu and Zhangjiajie, so you can spend some time visiting these places.
Chengdu is particularly close to Chongqing, making transportation between attractions very convenient. Therefore, a two-day itinerary for Chengdu and Chongqing's urban areas is just right. For Zhangjiajie, it's best to allocate more days, as the scenic area is quite large. You can plan your visit after completing your tour of Chongqing's urban area and Wulong.
Chengdu + Chongqing 2-Day City Tour
Day 1: Chengdu - Explore the Chengdu Panda Base, Wenshu Monastery, People's Park, and Jinli Ancient Street.
Day 2: Travel by high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing. In the afternoon, visit the Chongqing Three Gorges Museum, admire the Chongqing People's Great Hall, and experience the unique Li Ziqi Railway Station where the train passes through a building. Explore the Hongya Cave, offering panoramic views of the Jialing River and Qiansimen Bridge.
Chongqing Zhangjiajie 6-Day Tour
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
Extend to Beijing/Guilin/Shanghai
Traveling to Chongqing is a breeze, allowing you to easily combine your trip with visits to other top Chinese cities like Beijing, Guilin, and Shanghai. Discover Beijing's imperial past, Guilin's breathtaking scenery, and Shanghai's modern allure.
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