Best Place to visit in Chongqing
Welcome to Chongqing, a city where the ancient and the modern collide amidst a stunning landscape of rivers and mountains. Beyond the iconic skyline and fiery hot pot, lies a wealth of hidden gems and beloved local haunts waiting to be discovered. This blog post aims to guide you through the must-see attractions that draw visitors from around the globe, while also unveiling the authentic experiences cherished by Chongqing's residents. Prepare to embark on a journey that blends popular landmarks with the city's vibrant, everyday charm, offering a truly immersive glimpse into the heart of this dynamic metropolis.
Internet Sensations of Chongqing that show you the magical “8d city”:
Hongya Cave: A fairytale by the River：Its multi-level stilted buildings create a magical, glowing scene along the river. It offers a mix of traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants. But it is very crowded almost all the time. I do not suggest going inside the cave building if you are not comfortable with big crowds. You can just take pictures on the street side and appreciate the light from a distance.
Liziba metro station: An Urban Engineering Wonder. Extremely interesting combination of architecture and engineering. A metro station that is built in an apartment building. Here you can see the jaw dropping situation that the metro drives into the building. You can take many goofy pictures and videos here, such as eating the train.
Kuixinglou park: “you thought you are on the ground floor, but you are on the 22nd floor”. It's' ground floor illusion' – where you step in and find yourself on the 22nd – is truly something. I remember this place from my weekly calligraphy lessons, right next door, two decades ago. It's fascinating to see how it's transformed into a must-visit attraction.
Chongqing’s must-sees city attractions:
Luohan Temple: A buddhist temple orginaly during the Northern Song Dynasty (1064-1067 AC). It is located in the bustling downtown area of Chongqing, which offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Nanshan or South Mountain: located in the Nan’an Diestrict of Chongqing. Nan shan Yi Ke Shu viewing platform offers a perfect panoramic night view of chongqing’s cityscape.
Ciqikou Ancient Town: Wander through the historic alleyways of Ciqikou Ancient Town, where traditional teahouses and local craft shops offer a glimpse into old Chongqing.
Chongqing Changjiang Cableway: This iconic cableway provides a unique perspective, offering a memorable journey across the river and capturing stunning photographic moments.
Chongqing Zoo: Visit the Chongqing Zoo and encounter adorable giant pandas, a major draw for both local and international tourists.
Raffel Tower: Marvel at the modern architectural wonder of Raffles City Chongqing, highlighted by its "Crystal" skybridge that offers panoramic city views.
Jiefangbei Monument: This iconic monument, located in the heart of Chongqing's bustling commercial district, stands as a symbol of the city's liberation and a landmark for vibrant shopping and urban life. It used to be the tallest building in the area, and now the smallest. How much has the area developed?!
Chongqing People's Auditorium: Admire the grand architecture of the Chongqing People's Auditorium, a significant landmark showcasing traditional Chinese design.
Don't miss a thing! Our comprehensive Chongqing City one-day tour + Food experience covers Chongqing's essential sights, including all three Internet Sensations and some other must-see attractions. Indulge in authentic street food for lunch and savor a delicious hot pot dinner against the backdrop of the city's dazzling night skyline.
Chongqing’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Dazu Rock Carvings:
Prepare to be amazed by the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that whispers tales of ancient China. Join our knowledgeable guide as they unveil the intricate details and historical context of these remarkable carvings, revealing the heart of Buddhist philosophy. Experience firsthand the awe-inspiring artistry and spiritual depth that have captivated visitors for centuries.
Wulong Karst:
Welcome to the Wulong Karst, a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within the South China Karst! Prepare to be amazed by its breathtaking landscapes, especially the magnificent Three Natural Bridges. You might even recognize these stunning vistas from the movie Transformers – an experience you won't soon forget.
I recommend dedicating at least a full day to either of these captivating sites. While high-speed rail and bus are viable options, for groups of friends or family, a private car offers unparalleled convenience and can often be surprisingly economical. Let us craft the perfect day trip for you, including: seamless round-trip private transport, an expert English-speaking guide, a delectable lunch of local specialties, and all attraction entrance tickets. For the intricate and story-rich Dazu Rock Carvings, an English guide is especially invaluable, transforming your visit into a truly immersive and insightful journey.
Interested in a day tour with us?
Discover Chongqing Like a Local: Hidden Gems & Unforgettable Experiences
Escape the Tourist Trail: Urban Hikes with a View: Craving fresh air and stunning cityscapes without the crowds? Chongqing's secret network of urban hiking trails offers breathtaking natural beauty right in the heart of the city. For detailed routes and insider tips, check out my dedicated blog post!
Guanyinqiao: Where Local Life Buzzes. Dive headfirst into the vibrant heart of Chongqing at Guanyinqiao. This bustling hub is a local favorite. There are many shopping malls and trendy boutiques, countless cafes and restaurants with either international or local cuisine for the foodies, and street food markets with affordable prices just makes you drool. At least 3 movie cinemas are nearby so you can catch the latest blockbuster (yes, you can bring your own milk tea!) After a whole day of shopping and exploring, you can then relax in a foot massage spa.
Chongqing's Signature Indulgence: The Art of Massage. Chongqing is sooo hilly, you would really appreciate some foot massage after a whole day of walking and possible hiking. Actually massage is becoming a must try experience in Chongqing, because it is so good and the locals cannot keep the secret anymore. In Chongqing, many massage places offer not only amazing hour-long massages, but also a movie cinema experience and unlimited food and drinks for 3 hours. If you are interested in adding a massage experience for your trip, let us know, we can arrange it for you and your travel buddies.
9th Street: Where Nights Come Alive. Chongqing locals know how to balance hard work with hard play. When the sun sets, 9th Street (Jiu Jie) ignites. If you are also a fan of fun night life, come to 9th street or called Jiu jie in Chinese. Fun fact: Jiu in Chinese means 9, but it also means alcohol. IYKYK. At 9th street, either you want a chill, relaxing bar to chat with friends or have a romantic date, or a crazy and music popping dance club, you can find them there.
Beyond the City: Nature's Hidden Sanctuaries
Yearning for peaceful nature, away from the city buzz and crowded landmarks? Let me share some serene spots I know.
Yongchuan Bamboo Forest (Cha Shan Zu Hai): Forget Japan—experience the serene beauty of a genuine Sichuan bamboo forest. Just an hour outside the city, this "Tea Mountain Bamboo Sea" blends lush tea farms with towering bamboo groves. At the lower altitude of this mountain, you can find tea farms. When you keep going higher, you reach the bamboo forest.
Wuling Mountain Adventure: Embark on a day trip to explore the awe-inspiring Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley, the intriguing 618 Nuclear Plant site, and the captivating underwater historical museum. These three locations are conveniently located near each other, making for a very full and interesting day.
Discover Chongqing through the eyes of a local
Born and raised here, I'm passionate about sharing the city's vibrant food, rich culture, and dynamic development. Our exclusive tours offer unique experiences you won't find elsewhere:
master the art of hot pot soup base making,
immerse yourself in the captivating Sichuan Opera,
witness the future of automotive innovation with a visit to Changan's cutting-edge, automated car factory. Changan, a historic manufacturer dating back to 1862, now leads the way in producing diverse vehicles, including the latest in new energy technology.
There's so much more to Chongqing than what we could fit into one article! We hope this has given you a taste of the incredible experiences awaiting you. If any of these—like learning to make hot pot, seeing Sichuan Opera, or touring Changan's car factory—spark your interest, just let us know in the contact form. We're excited to help you plan a trip that perfectly matches your desires.
Whether you explore Chongqing with us or independently, we wish you an unforgettable journey through this incredible city and China! If you're curious about local hiking trails or need help setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay, we've created detailed blog articles just for you. Find them easily on our 'Useful Info' page.
