Chongqing Chongqing, China Travel Guide
These are the must-visit locations that define Chongqing's image and character. Be prepared for large groups of people, particularly during rush hour and holidays.
Chongqing's unique topography makes its landmarks especially captivating, often involving multiple levels and panoramic views.
These landmarks stand for the blend of Chongqing's history and modernity.
Well-preserved old town on the Jialing River. Showcases traditional architecture, narrow streets, teahouses, and artisan shops. Free entry. Try Mahua and ginger candies. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Take Metro Line 1 to Ciqikou Station.
Historic Buddhist temple near Jiefangbei, dating to the Northern Song Dynasty. Famous for 500 arhat statues. A peaceful oasis amidst urban bustle. Small entrance fee. Open 8 AM - 5 PM.
Important in history location in Yuzhong District. Venue for peace talks between Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek in 1945. Open 9 AM - 5 PM, free entry.
Former residence of General Joseph W. Stilwell. Focuses on Sino-American cooperation during WWII and Chongqing's role as wartime capital. Open 9 AM - 5 PM (closed Mon), free entry.
Remnants of Chongqing's ancient city wall, providing a glimpse into its past. A quieter historical spot. Can be combined with Liziba or E'ling Park.
While largely a city center, Chongqing has natural oases and viewpoints for respite.
One of Chongqing's oldest and highest parks, on a ridge. Offers panoramic views of the Jialing and Yangtze river confluence. Features traditional Chinese gardens and pavilions. Open 6 IN the morning - 10 PM. Complimentary access to park, small fee for viewing tower.
Large botanical garden on Nan'a Mountain. Diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and scenic viewpoints throughout the city. Offers a structured natural environment. Open 9 AM - 5 PM. You have to pay to get in.
Mountainous area with various city viewpoints. Famous for "Yikeshu" (一棵树) or "One Tree" viewing platform, providing spectacular night views of the Chongqing skyline. Charges an entrance fee. Best visited at dusk. Accessible by taxi or bus.
Despite its dense urban core, Chongqing has a number of parks and elevated spaces that serve as green lungs and scenic spots. These give a peaceful contrast to the city's hustle.
Lush areas and gardens display different plant life throughout the year, offering varied experiences based on the season.
These environmental high points are ideal for capturing wide-angle shots of Chongqing's unique cityscape, particularly at dusk or after dark at the time the city lights up.
This metro station is where Line 2 passes directly through a residential building. A striking example of "mountain city" engineering and city planning. Scenery from street level for photos.
A former printing factory repurposed into a trendy cultural and creative park. Houses cafes, art studios, independent boutiques, and restaurants. Great for photography and relaxing.
A renovated but historically significant old street with traditional architecture along with current shops. Unique views of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers confluence. Pleasant for a stroll.
Venture beyond the most popular sites to discover Chongqing's lesser-known, but equally fascinating, spots.
Good planning maximizes your sightseeing experience in Chongqing's sprawling and layered urban landscape.
Chongqing's metro system connects most major attractions, and walking commonly requires climbing stairs. Grouping nearby attractions by district is time-saving and energy.
Group attractions that are geographically close or easily linked by public transport.
Pre-booking tickets for popular attractions can save time, especially during peak season. Certain places offer online booking through their official WeChat accounts or specific apps.
While independent exploration is feasible, a guided tour can enrich your understanding and streamline logistics, particularly for complex sites or when language is a barrier.
Chongqing's unique multi-layered urban structure and diverse transportation modes are a piece of its appeal.
Chongqing Municipality is vast, and regions in the suburbs have a range of attractions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with natural bridges, sinkholes, and caves. Offers hiking and dramatic karst landscapes. A popular day trip or overnight excursion from Chongqing. Booking tours recommended.
Another UNESCO site, a collection of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock carvings dating from the 7th to 13th centuries. A significant artistic and religious heritage site. Located in Dazu District, accessible by bus from Chongqing.
Home to Giant Pandas and other wildlife. While within the urban area, it provides a green space and an opportunity for a relaxed visit, especially popular with families. Accessible by metro.
For sights outside the city center, organized tours often provide a more convenient and efficient way to explore, handling getting around and ticketing.
Find Wulong Tours on GetYourGuideWulong is a few hours' drive. Tours commonly include round-trip transportation from Chongqing. Independent travel involves long-long-haul buses and public transport in the area.
Dazu Rock Carvings are also a popular day trip. Coaches from Chongqing take about 2-3 hours. Guided tours simplify the visit.
Explore Dazu ToursBook tours in advance, particularly during busy travel periods. Confirm inclusions like entrance fees, meals, and English-speaking guides.
Check Tour AvailabilityFor outdoor trips, pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. Sun protection is advisable.
Many visitors combine a trip to Chongqing with a Yangtze River cruise, typically starting or ending here. These cruises traverse the Three main Gorges, offering stunning landscapes.
Leverage digital tools and community resources for a smooth sightseeing experience.
Chongqing's unique mountainous terrain makes universal accessibility challenging. Older parts of the city and some historical sites could be without ramps or elevators.
Plan routes accordingly if you have mobility restrictions.
Experience Chongqing from unique angles that highlight its distinctive urban environment.
Chongqing includes various massive public escalators and lifts that are attractions in themselves, connecting different city levels and districts.
The confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, coupled with the metropolis's illuminated skyline, creates a stunning nightly panorama.
Beyond grand landmarks, Chongqing's charm also lies in its hidden historic alleyways, known as "laojie" (老街) or "steps" (梯坎).
These areas highlight Chongqing's layered history and local character, away from the main tourist paths.
Chongqing's transportation system is a sight on its own, adapting ingeniously to the city's mountainous ground.
These transport modes are not just for navigating; they offer scenic tours of the city.
Chongqing's parks are community hubs where locals engage in various activities, offering a window into daily life.
These spaces provide a genuine connection to Chongqing's community culture.
Chongqing's layered urban design lends itself to vertical compositions. Look up and down to photograph the city's depth.
The city truly transforms at night. Bring a stand for a camera for stunning long-exposure shots of the brightly lit skyline and river reflections.
The Yangtze River Cableway and Liziba Metro Station provide wonderful opportunities for capturing movement in a city setting.
