Chongqing is a metropolis built across mountains and river valleys along the Yangtze, which turns its city plan into a multi-level world stacked on top of itself. Roads, expressways, the metro and skyscrapers all sit at different heights, creating a sight so striking that travelers around the world call it Cyberpunk City. Beyond its one-of-a-kind architecture, this is also the birthplace of fiery mala hotpot and the launching point for cruises through the Three Gorges Dam, one of China's great natural and cultural landmarks.
#1 Hongya Cave (Hongyadong) · Hongya Cave
An 11-storey traditional stilt-house (diaojiaolou) complex clinging to a steep cliff above the Jialing River, with a history stretching back more than 2,300 years. At night, when neon light pours from every floor and reflects off the water, it creates a scene many compare to the film Spirited Away. Inside, you'll find local restaurants, souvenir shops and the best river viewpoints in the city.
- Come in the evening, 6:00-9:00 PM, for the best light show. The finest photo angle is from the opposite bank of the river.
- The glass elevator on the outside of the building gives a panoramic view of the river and the city.
- It gets very crowded during long holidays. Come on a weekday or arrive a little earlier.
#2 Liziba Station, the Monorail Through a Building · Liziba Station
An engineering phenomenon famous around the world: the Line 2 monorail runs directly through floors 6-8 of a 19-storey residential tower. Floors 1-5 are commercial, floors 6-8 are the rail line, and floors 9-19 are apartments, all built at the same time to cope with Chongqing's mountainous terrain, which lacks enough flat ground for a normal station. It has become one of the most photographed train stations on Earth.
- Stand and wait for the train from the platform or from the street below for the most jaw-dropping shot.
- Ride Line 2 through the station yourself for the full experience.
- The light is best during the day, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, for clear photos.
#3 Ciqikou Ancient Town · Ciqikou Ancient Town
The best-preserved ancient town in Chongqing, more than 600 years old, dating back to the late Ming dynasty. Old wooden houses line narrow lanes on a hillside above the Jialing River, packed with local snack shops selling mala noodles and salted peanut candy, traditional teahouses, and Sichuan embroidery artisans. It's known as Little Chongqing because it gathers every flavor of the city into one place.
- Try the traditional salted peanut candy and mala noodles at the roadside stalls.
- Walk up to Baolun Temple on the hill to escape the crowds and take in the view.
- Come early, 8:00-10:00 AM, before the streets fill with tourists; the atmosphere is calm and the photos turn out well.
#4 Yangtze River Cableway · Yangtze River Cableway
A cable car crossing the Yangtze that has run since 1987, stretching 1,166 metres to link Yuzhong District with Nan'an District. It was once a main form of transport for residents before the bridges were built. Today it carries up to 50 passengers per trip and takes just 4-5 minutes to cross the river, offering a panoramic view of the Chongqing metropolis that no other vantage point can match.
- Ride the cableway both ways, out and back: the city view is clear by day and the lights are beautiful at night.
- Buy your ticket at the Xinhua Road station (Yuzhong side); the fare is very cheap, just a few yuan.
- When standing inside the car, don't forget to hold the rail, as it sways a fair bit in the wind.
#5 Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO World Heritage Site) · Dazu Rock Carvings
Chongqing's greatest UNESCO World Heritage Site, a collection of more than 50,000 Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist rock carvings across 75 protected locations. Work began in the 7th century during the Tang dynasty. The highlight is the Baoding Hill site, with a 31-metre reclining Buddha and narrative tableau sculptures that depict heaven and hell in astonishing detail.
- Hire an English-speaking guide at the Baoding Hill entrance, because the religious symbolism is very complex.
- Allow 3-4 hours at Baoding Hill to see it all, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.
- Buy tickets online in advance during summer, as daily visitor numbers are limited.
#6 Three Gorges Dam and a Yangtze Cruise · Three Gorges
Chongqing is the main starting point for cruises through the Three Gorges, made up of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which stretch more than 192 kilometres along the Yangtze past steep mountain ranges, ancient villages and stone bridges. Luxury cruise packages run 3-5 nights and include buffet dinners, lecture rooms and small-boat tours that reach into the most spectacular gorges.
- Book your cruise at least 2-3 months ahead during the travel season (April-October).
- In spring (March-May) the water is clear and the flowers are in bloom, with the most beautiful views.
- A speedboat takes one day, but a slow cruise gives a far more complete experience.
#7 Jiefangbei Square and Monument · Jiefangbei CBD
The heart of Chongqing, the densest business and shopping district in western China. The 27.5-metre monument was built in 1941 to commemorate victory in the war of resistance against Japan. It's surrounded by international department stores, designer boutiques, local restaurants and hundreds of food stalls. At night, the high-rises glitter beautifully with light.
- Head down to the underground Chaotianmen Shopping Mall, which connects into a vast network beneath the streets.
- The cheap local restaurants are in the small alleys around the edges, so don't only go into the upscale malls.
- Weekends are extremely crowded; come on a weekday or early in the morning.
#8 Eling Park (Eling Gongyuan) · Eling Park
A hilltop park built in 1909 during the Qing dynasty, now the best free viewpoint in Chongqing. From the 7-storey Liangjiang Pavilion you can see a full 360 degrees, taking in the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the bridges, the skyscrapers and the rail line cutting through the city. Inside the park there's a 175-year-old giant tree and an ancient stone bridge.
- Climb the 7-storey Liangjiang Pavilion for the 360-degree view; entry is free of charge.
- Around sunset, 5:00-6:30 PM, the view is at its best, as the city's lights start coming on all at once.
- It's popular with Chongqing locals exercising in the morning, giving you a genuine slice of local life.
Where to stay in Chongqing for this trip
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chongqing - Nan'an
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Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
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Bloom Boutique Hotel Chongqing
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Hilton Chongqing
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Tours, tickets & activities in Chongqing
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Before You Pack
Chongqing is easy to get around thanks to its many metro lines, and most sights are free or cheap. Plan at least 4-5 days to cover both the city and a day trip out to the Dazu rock carvings or a Three Gorges cruise.