Chongqing, China, this charming 8D magical city, has light rails that pass through buildings, high-rise buildings, hot and delicious food, and warm and hospitable residents. It is like a huge treasure, attracting countless tourists to explore. Today, we will present you with a travel guide to the top ten must-see attractions in Chongqing, so that you will not leave regrets on your trip to Chongqing!
Hongyadong
Hongyadong is famous for its unique “stilted building” style with traditional Bayu architectural features. It is a must-visit attraction in Chongqing when it is lit up at night, just like the fantasy world in Hayao Miyazaki’s animation.
- Visiting time: It is recommended to visit Hongyadong from 7 to 10 pm. Hongyadong is magnificent after turning on the lights.
- Photo check-in point: You can take a panoramic view of Hongyadong on Qiansimen Bridge; you can take beautiful photos with Hongyadong as the background on the riverside on the bottom floor of Hongyadong; the corridors and observation decks on each floor of Hongyadong can also capture unique perspectives.
- Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 and get off at Xiaoshizi Station, and exit from Exit 5A or 5B.
- Surrounding food: Dongzili tripe hot pot, the tripe is crispy and refreshing; Jianglong claws, melt in your mouth, with a variety of flavors to choose from.
Jiefangbei
As a landmark building in Chongqing, Jiefangbei is a good place for shopping, food and learning about Chongqing’s history and culture. This is the most prosperous commercial center in Chongqing, surrounded by tall buildings and numerous shopping malls.
Nearby food: Huashi Pea Noodles, the noodles are chewy and the peas are soft and glutinous; Haoyoulai Hot and Sour Noodles, sour and spicy, super popular
Tour time: All day, the night view is also beautiful at night.
Photo check-in: Take a photo with the Jiefangbei in front of the monument to record this iconic moment; take photos of the bustling street scenes around the Jiefangbei with the Jiefangbei as the background.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 and get off at Xiaoshizi Station, or take Line 2 and get off at Linjiangmen Station.
Liziba Light Rail Station
The light rail has become popular on the Internet because of the strange sight of passing through the building, attracting a large number of tourists every day.
- Time to visit: It is recommended to visit during the day to watch the moment when the light rail passes through the building.
- Take photos and check in: At the viewing platform of Liziba Light Rail Station, you can clearly see the light rail passing through the building; if you shoot from the opposite side of the road, you can take a shocking picture of the light rail about to pass through the building.
- Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Liziba Station.
- Nearby food: Liangshan Chicken, the taro is soft and glutinous, and the chicken is tasty; Li Ji Chuanchuan is fragrant, with rich dishes and affordable prices.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town is rich in Bayu culture, religious culture, Shaci culture, Hongyan culture and folk culture. It is a microcosm and symbol of the ancient city of Chongqing and is known as “Little Chongqing”.
Food recommendation: Chen Mahua, crispy and fragrant, with a variety of flavors; Guzhen Chicken Offal, spicy and fragrant, with a large portion.
Tour time: 2-3 hours is recommended to experience the leisure time of the ancient town.
Check-in attractions: Baolun Temple, with a long history and solemnity; stroll through the ancient streets of the ancient town to experience the Ming and Qing style architecture and traditional folk customs; Zhongjiayuan, a typical eastern Sichuan dwelling, understand the life of traditional wealthy families.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Ciqikou Station.
Eling Second Plant
Eling Second Factory is a gathering place for young artists. It was formerly Chongqing Printing Factory No. 2. Now it has been transformed into a cultural and creative park full of creativity and artistic atmosphere.
Surrounding food: Rugu Secret Garden, with a beautiful environment, you can enjoy the river view while dining; Lazy Fish Time Pavilion, providing delicious desserts and coffee.
Play time: afternoon to evening, the light is suitable for taking pictures, and you can also enjoy the night view of the city at night.
Photo check-in: various graffiti walls, creative shop entrances, rooftops, etc. are all great photo spots; the filming location of the movie “Passing by Your World”, check in the same scene.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Eling Station, exit from Exit 2 and walk there.
Yangtze River Cableway
The Yangtze River Cableway is one of Chongqing’s special transportation methods. Taking the cableway, you can overlook the magnificent scenery on both sides of the Yangtze River and experience the unique topography of the mountain city.
- Tour time: One way is about 5 minutes. It is recommended to take a round trip to enjoy the river view from different directions.
- Photo check-in: In the cable car, take photos with the Yangtze River and the buildings on both sides as the background; after arriving on the other side, you can take a panoramic view of the cableway operation near the cableway station.
- Transportation: The boarding point in Yuzhong District is located at No. 153 Xinhua Road. You can take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 and get off at Xiaoshizi Station; the boarding point in Nan’an District is located at Longmen Road, Shangxin Street. You can take Metro Line 6 and get off at Shangxin Street Station.
- Notes: There are more passengers on holidays. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance or travel during off-peak hours.
Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum
The Three Gorges Museum is a large comprehensive museum with rich collections. It vividly displays the history and culture of Chongqing and the Three Gorges region through cultural relics display, multimedia demonstrations and other methods.
Notes: The museum is open free of charge, but reservations must be made in advance on the official WeChat account.
Visiting time: 2-3 hours is recommended, and you should visit each exhibition hall carefully.
Must-see exhibitions: The Magnificent Three Gorges Exhibition Hall displays the natural scenery and cultural history of the Three Gorges region; the Ancient Ba-Yu Exhibition Hall, learn about the ancient civilization of the Ba-Yu region; the Chongqing City Road Exhibition Hall, presents the urban development process of Chongqing from ancient times to modern times.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Zengjiayan Station, and exit at Exit 5A.
Wulong Three Natural Bridges
Wulong Three Natural Bridges is a world natural heritage site, famous for its spectacular karst landforms. The movies “Curse of the Golden Flower” and “Transformers 4” were both filmed here, making it famous.
- Tour time: 3-4 hours is recommended. The scenic area is large and needs to be visited on foot.
- Check-in attractions: The three natural stone bridges of Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge are majestic; Tianfuguanyi, quaint, can feel the atmosphere of the scenes in the movie; glass viewing platform, standing on it overlooking the canyon, thrilling.
- Transportation: Take a shuttle bus to Wulong from Chongqing Sili Transportation Hub, and transfer to the scenic area through bus after arriving in Wulong; you can also take a train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station, and then go to the scenic area.
- Tickets: Tickets + eco-friendly car prices are adjusted according to different seasons and policies. It is recommended to check and purchase in advance on the official website or travel platform.
Dazu Rock Carvings
Dazu Rock Carvings is a world cultural heritage, famous for its exquisite stone carving art and rich Buddhist cultural connotations. The stone carvings here have a wide range of themes and superb skills, and are outstanding representatives of China’s late cave art.
Tickets: Tickets for Baodingshan Rock Carvings and Beishan Rock Carvings are sold separately, and there are also joint tickets available. The specific prices can be checked on the official website.
Tour time: 3-5 hours is recommended. Baodingshan Rock Carvings and Beishan Rock Carvings are the main tourist areas.
Must-see stone carvings: The Thousand-armed Guanyin of Baodingshan Rock Carvings is exquisitely shaped, covered with gold foil, and solemn; the three holy statues of Huayan are well-proportioned and magnificent; the Wheel of Sutras Cave of Beishan Rock Carvings is delicately carved and the characters are lifelike.
Transportation: Take a bus to Dazu from Chongqing Chenjiaping Bus Station, Caiyuanba Bus Station and other places, and transfer to a bus to the scenic area after arriving in Dazu; you can also take the high-speed rail to Dazu South Station and then go to the scenic area.
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park
Fairy Mountain National Forest Park has vast grasslands, forests and alpine lakes. It is a cool and pleasant summer resort; it is covered with snow in winter and you can ski and enjoy the snow. It is known as the “Switzerland of the East”.
- Time to visit: 1 day is recommended to fully enjoy the natural scenery.
- Activities: Horseback riding, camping and kite flying in summer; skiing and snow ringing at Fairy Mountain Ski Resort in winter; you can also stroll through the forest and enjoy the grassland scenery.
- Transportation: You can take a shuttle bus to Wulong at the Chongqing Si Kilometer Transportation Hub, and transfer to a direct bus to the Fairy Mountain Scenic Area after arriving in Wulong; if you drive, start from Chongqing, drive along the Baomao Expressway, and go to the scenic area after getting off at Wulong.
- Tickets: Ticket prices vary according to the season, and some activities in the scenic area are subject to additional charges.
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Jiefangbei, Hongyadong in Yuzhong District or along Nanbin Road in Nan’an District. The transportation is convenient, there are many delicious foods around, and you can enjoy the river view.
- Transportation: Chongqing has complex terrain and undulating roads. It is recommended to give priority to rail transportation, which can basically reach various attractions. Pay attention to the stops when taking the bus to avoid going in the wrong direction.
- Food: Chongqing cuisine is mainly spicy. If you can’t eat spicy food, remember to tell the waiter in advance and ask the chef to put less chili. When tasting hot pot, you can pair it with Weiyi soy milk, which is spicy and delicious.
- Weather: Chongqing has a high temperature in summer, so pay attention to taking measures to prevent heatstroke and cool down; it is relatively wet and cold in winter, so pay attention to keeping warm. Check the weather forecast before traveling and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
The charm of Chongqing is far more than these ten attractions. There are more niche and beautiful places waiting for you to discover. Follow this guide and start your trip to Chongqing. I believe you will fall in love with this vibrant and charming city!