Skip to main content

Best Local-Recommended Things to Do in Chongqing

Chongqing, a vibrant city, attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique terrain, rich culture and lively nightlife. It not only boasts magnificent natural scenery, but also has a profound cultural heritage and modern urban features. 


This article will introduce some of the local-recommended tourist activities in Chongqing to help you experience the most authentic, as well as representative tourism projects. It will also provide you with a practical guide for your Chongqing tours. 




 

Explore the Iconic Landmarks


Visit the Hongya Cave


Hongya Cave is one of the iconic attractions in Chongqing. Previously known as Hongya Gate, it was also one of the seventeen gates of Chongqing. Located between Linjiangmen and Qiansimen, it was a closed gate. It is famous for its stilt houses built along the mountain and the dazzling night lights. The architectural style here is unique, blending traditional and modern elements, so it is an ideal place for tourists to experience the mountain city's charm. The best time for photography is from dusk to night, when you can enjoy the beautiful river view from afar. 


Ride the Yangtze River Cableway


This is one of the best things to do in Chongqing. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and the first large-scale cross-river passenger cableway on the Yangtze River independently designed and manufactured in China. It is known as the first "aerial corridor" on the Yangtze River and the "aerial bus" of the city. 


The cableway starts from Xinhua Road (Chang'an Temple) in Yuzhong District in the north and ends at Shangxin Street (Longmenhao) in Nan'an District in the south, connecting the bustling business district of Yuzhong District and the scenic Nan'an District. It is a city card of Chongqing that demonstrates the natural and cultural features of the mountain city. 





 

Stroll in Ciqikou Ancient Town


The ancient town of Ciqikou in Chongqing is a thousand-year-old settlement, originally built in the Song Dynasty. It was named after its production of porcelain and is a rare, ancient and traditional cultural historical district. It is a tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful scenery and a unique geographical feature of "one river, two streams, three mountains and four streets". 


The ancient town of Ciqikou covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers and is rich in Ba-Yu culture, religious culture, Shama culture, Red Rock culture and folk culture, each with its own characteristics. It has well-preserved ancient buildings and offers traditional performances such as oil pressing, silk reeling, sugar making, dough figurine making and Sichuan opera, as well as various traditional snacks and tea houses. 


Discover Local Culture and Food


Savor Authentic Hot Pot





One of the most prominent features of Chongqing hotpot is its predominant spicy and numbing flavors, with a variety of other tastes coexisting. The numbing sensation is a hallmark of Chongqing hotpot. When making Chongqing hotpot, a large amount of chili peppers and Sichuan pepper are added to the base ingredients. The reason for the addition is that locals prefer the numbing taste, which it is also determined by the geographical location of Chongqing. If you can't handle too much spiciness, you can choose a yin-yang pot, with one side spicy and the other not, to meet the needs of different tastes. 

 

Visit the Three Gorges Museum


Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, also known as Chongqing Museum, is one of the first batch of national first-class museums and a national-level museum jointly built by the central and local governments. It is a full-funded public institution at the director-general level. 


Located on Renmin Road in Yuzhong District, it is a great place to learn about the Yangtze River civilization, the history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and Ba-Yu culture. The museum displays a large number of precious historical relics and picture materials, showing the historical changes and cultural heritage of the Chongqing area. It is suitable for the whole family to visit together. 


Enjoy Modern City Vibes


Explore Jiefangbei CBD


One of the landmarks of Chongqing, it is a historical witness to the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the liberation of Chongqing. Located in the center of the Jiefangbei Central Business District in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, at the intersection of Minzu Road, Minquan Road and Zourong Road, it is the commercial center of Chongqing, integrating shopping, food and nightlife. 


Here, there are both modern high-rise buildings and historic sculptures and buildings. The Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is the most prosperous commercial circle in Chongqing, a popular place for tourists and locals to relax and shop. At night, it is brightly lit and suitable for taking photos and strolling. It is open all day. It is recommended to spend about 1 hour here. It is free of charge.

 

Take the Light Rail Line 2 Through a Building


Li Ziba Light Rail Station is one of the popular tourist attractions in Chongqing, renowned for its unique sight of a light rail train passing through a building. It is not only a favorite spot for tourists to take photos but also a part of the daily commute for locals. There are also pedestrian streets, shopping and cultural art districts nearby, where you can experience the blend of modernity and tradition in Chongqing.


Best Time to Travel


The best time to visit Chongqing is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is mild and comfortable, ideal for exploring the city's mountainous landscape, hot springs, and river cruises. Avoid peak summer, as it can be hot and humid. These seasons also offer beautiful scenery and fewer crowds than national holidays.

Post a Comment

Latest Posts