How to Plan a Trip to Chongqing: Your Complete Guide

Located in the Southwest of China, Chongqing is the birthplace of Bayu culture with over 3,000 years of history. Surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, this “Mountain City” is famed as the “Fog Capital” and “Furnace.” From spicy hotpot to photogenic streets, it’s one of China’s most unique destinations. Wondering how to plan your Chongqing tours? This guide has you covered.

Must-See Attractions in Chongqing

Chongqing boasts many tourists attractions, primarily located in the urban area, Wulong, and the surrounding counties. Below are the must-visit attractions in Chongqing, which you can easily organize with a reliable Chongqing trip planner.

Top Things to Do in Chongqing

1. Experience the Vertical Charm of Chongqing

Chongqing is a 3D playground where skyscrapers, rivers, and cliffs meet. Visit Liziba Light Rail Station to see a metro train pass through a building. Ride the Yangtze River cable car 60 meters above the water for skyline views, and take the 112-meter Huangguan Grand Escalator for a thrilling tunnel-like ride. All of these are unforgettable highlights of your Chongqing trip.

2.Explore Chongqing’s Natural Wonders

Chongqing greets visitors with stunning views. Explore the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong Karst National Geology Park, the giant limestone arches featured in Transformers 4. Then head to Fairy Mountain for horseback riding across wildflower-strewn grasslands. Furthermore, camping there under the Milky Way and a starry sky is also a wonderful experience.

>> Recommended Chongqing Wulong Karst Day Tour

3.Uncover Chongqing’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage    

When traveling in Chongqing, take a stroll in Ciqikou Ancient Town, and don't miss the hand-pulled sugar art. Head to Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO site) and marvel at these 1,000-year-old "Buddha’s Netflix" of Tang-Song life. Pay a visit to the Three Gorges Museum and dive into the Yangtze’s geological and human wonders through immersive exhibits. At Hongya Cave, the 11-tiered wooden stilted buildings come alive at night, resembling a real-life version of Spirited Away. 

>> Recommended Chongqing Day Tour to Dazu Grottoes

4.Take a Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing serves as the starting point for memorable Yangtze River cruises, where you can admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Three Gorges and step ashore to explore iconic cultural and historical sites. Along the route, you can step ashore to discover Fengdu Ghost City's eerie folklore, wander through the poetic landscapes of Baidi City, and marvel at the Lesser Three Gorges' serene beauty.

>> Recommended 10-Day Yangtze River Cruise Tour with Chongqing

5. Shop and Relax in Chongqing 

Chongqing is also a shopper’s paradise. Jiefangbei pedestrian street, one of the top 10 shopping streets in China, houses flagship stores of Louis Vuitton and Gucci, with the towering Liberation Monument as its glittering centerpiece. While Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street, one of the largest, widest, and most spacious of its type in Southwest China, features Tiffany-blue Malls and rooftop gardens. 

Feeling tired after long-time walking and shopping? Head to Northern Hot Springs, one of the famous Chongqing hot springs, to relax in the soothing thermal waters.

How Long to Stay in Chongqing | Best Itinerary

Spend 4–5 days to fully enjoy Chongqing and its surroundings. With only 1–2 days, you can still see the city’s highlights. If you have 5 days or more, add a Yangtze River cruise or extend your trip to nearby Chengdu.

Chongqing 1-Day Itinerary

For a day tour in Chongqing, you can go to Ciqikou Ancient Town in the morning, then take the Chongqing CRT Line 2 to Liziba Station and get ready to be amazed by the light rail piercing through buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Three Gorges Museum. At dusk, head to the Hongya Cave to see the traditional stilted buildings illuminated by lights.

>> Recommended 1-Day Classic Chongqing Tour

Chongqing 2-Day Itinerary

If you stay in Chongqing for 2 days, you can go as follows. 

Day 1: Visit the city’s landmarks, including Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba Station, Three Gorges Museum, and Hongya Cave.

Day 2: Admire ‌Dazu Stone Carvings‌, ascend ‌Eling Park’s elevator for a bird’s-eye view of Chongqing’s skyline, and then stroll along the ‌Longmenhao Old Street. End your day with a ‌Yangtze River cable car‌ ride.

>> Recommended 2-Day Chongqing Highlights Tour

Chongqing 3-Day Itinerary

If you have 3 days, you can go as follows.

Day 1: Pay a visit to Dazu Stone Carvings in the morning. Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town and Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street in the afternoon. Admire Hongya Cave at night.

Day 2: Spend a day in Wulong Karst National Geology Park‌. Begin your journey at the ‌Three Natural Bridges. Then, ascend the beautiful ‌Fairy Mountain.

Day 3: Head to Chiyou Jiuli City for its Miao architectural complex, take a boat ride to explore Wujiang Gallery, and then visit the millennium Gongtan Old Town.

Chongqing 4-Day Itinerary

Planning a 4-day tour in Chongqing? Here is the itinerary for you.

Day 1: Go on a Chongqing city tour to Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Jiefangbei Shopping Area, and Hongya Cave.

Day 2: Visit ‌Dazu Stone Carvings, ‌Goose Neck Park, and ‌Longmenhao Old Street.

Day 3: Explore Wulong Karst National Geology Park with ‌Three Natural Bridges and Fairy Mountain.

Day 4: Start a trip to Chongqing Zoo, Beicang Taping, ‌Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street, and ‌Hong'en Temple Park.

Chongqing 5-Day Itinerary

With 5 days in Chongqing, you can follow either of these two travel routes.

If you have 6 or 7 days, you can extend your Chongqing tour to Chengdu for giant pandas.

Best Time to Visit Chongqing 

Spring and autumn are the best times to plan a Chongqing tour. During these periods, the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, and the surroundings are at their most beautiful. In summer, temperatures in Chongqing often go up to and over 35°C, earning it the name of “Furnace”. But it's still a good time for enjoying Chongqing’s night views. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional fog, and it's preferred by travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate experience of Chongqing. 

>> Check out Chongqing’s weather and best time to visit

Chongqing Food | What to Eat in Chongqing

There is no doubt that a trip to Chongqing isn’t complete without hot pot. Chongqing hot pots with traditional beef tallow and refined vegetable oil are all worth trying. Moreover, Xiaomian is one of Chongqing locals’ favorite breakfasts, with chewy noodles and rich seasonings. As for local cuisine, Yangji Longfu is a good choice.

Besides, Chongqing also treats visitors with various snacks, such as the crispy Chen Mahua, Lao Ma Wontons, and sour and spicy noodles, which can be found easily in Chongqing’s streets and alleys. 

>> See more about Chongqing cuisine, food and restaurants

Chongqing Accommodation | Where to Stay in Chongqing

On your Chongqing travel, you can pick a hotel close to major attractions or metro lines to save time on transit. Below are the best areas to stay in Chongqing.

1. Jiefangbei: Right in the city center, you’ll find ‌endless food, shopping, and sights‌. Just be ready to pay a bit more for the prime location.
2. Nanbin Road‌: Staying here, you’ll wake up to ‌jaw-dropping river views‌! The higher you go, the better the scenery—perfect for a romantic getaway or a scenic stay.
3. Guanyinqiao: ‌This area is packed with bars, nightlife, and great eats, plus hotels won’t break the bank like downtown spots.
4. Shapingba: For travelers who want to save without sacrificing convenience, this area is a good option, as it is close to universities and subway lines.

Chongqing Transportation | Getting to / around Chongqing

How to Get to Chongqing

By Air

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the main aviation hub. And direct flights to Chongqing from major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai last around 2-3 hours. To get to the downtown area from there, board the Metro Line 10 for a quick 40-minute ride.

By High-Speed Train‌

As a major transportation hub in Southwest China, Chongqing houses three main railway stations, including Chongqing North Station, Chongqing West Station, and Chongqing Station. Chongqing North Station is the closest to the city center, with easy access by Metro Lines 3 and 10. 

How to Travel around Chongqing

Explore Chongqing with Easy Tour China

Planning a trip to Chongqing can be daunting with so much to consider. Why not let Easy Tour China handle it? Specializing in China tours, we have professional tour guides who will introduce the history and culture of Chongqing, take you to explore hidden gems, and ensure you return satisfied. See our top-rated China tour packages with Chongqing below.

Can’t find your perfect match? Just contact us, and we’ll create a customized Chongqing tour you’ll love!