What to see in Chongqing: a route through the must-sees and restaurants

In this article, we share the Best places to see in Chongqing on your ownIf China is already a land of contrasts, this megacity of over 32 million inhabitants (the entire municipality) will blow your mind. Known as the cyberpunk city or the "city of fog," here you'll see Impossible skyscrapers, trains passing through buildings, you'll eat the most brutally spicy cuisine and be amazed by otherworldly landscapes like WulongWe visited it in 2026 on our second trip to China and we're sharing our route with all the anecdotes, in case you're going too. travel to Chongqing independentlyWe're sure you'll find it very helpful! And you'll find a full video at the end.

To make it easier for you to read, below is an index with the key points of this guide: the places we visited on our route, our extra recommendations, the Detailed itinerary with our hotelthe interactive map and direct links to Book trains, activities, and our hotel. Plus, we have a discount on your eSIM for China with unlimited data and VPN. included, as well as in our trusted travel insurance. Let's get started!

What to see in Chongqing: the places we visited

Our trip through Chongqing was full of surprises and a lot of spatial disorientation. Here are the details. All the points we visited and recorded are in our YouTube video guide, which you'll see at the end.with all the useful information so you too can organize it without wasting time:

1) Hongyadong: the hanging village to see in Chongqing

This is probably the most viral spot in the city and the one that best explains its essence. It's a group of traditional Chinese houses (style diaojiaolouBuilt on a cliff overlooking the Jialing River. Although impressive by day, The nighttime image with everything lit up is a pure spectacle and it's very reminiscent of the movie El viaje de ChihiroWe took the opportunity to have dinner here at a restaurant in All-you-can-eat hot pot with amazing views for €37 for twoIt's very touristy, yes, but seeing the skyline lit up while you have dinner is an experience worth having.

To see Hongyadong from the outside with the best perspective, approach the Qiansimen Bridge or to the walk Beibinyi Road on the other side of the river.

2) Liziba Station: the subway that runs through a building in Chongqing

You've probably seen it on Instagram or TikTok: a subway that literally swallows a 19-story residential buildingDue to the city's complex topography, the engineers of Line 2 had no choice but to route the train through the building. The train passes between the 6th and 8th floors while daily life in the building continues around it. An engineering marvel. You can go down to the street to take the classic photo, or go up into the building and watch it go by from inside.

💡 Tip Local Guide: If you're looking for a quieter and less crowded angle, on the way to the next stop (the artistic district of TESTBED2, about 20 minutes away) you can see another perspective of the train entering and leaving the building.

3) TESTBED 2: the creative neighborhood to see in Chongqing

Located in a former banknote printing factory, TESTBED 2 It is now the the most artistic and alternative corner of the cityGiant murals, industrial walkways, designer shops independent, made with recycled materials and Charming cafes where you can try coffee inside a pepperThere are several viewpoints overlooking the city.A visit to the old banknote museum is free. It's perfect for Take a walk from Liziba and on the way to Dongting Hot PotNext stop!

4) Hot pot in a World War II bunker, Dongting Hot Pot

You can't leave the hot pot capital of the world without trying it in one of its most unique formats: inside a World War II air raid shelter. These old bunkers have been converted into restaurants where the temperature drops about 10 degrees Celsius compared to the street, which is a welcome relief because the broth is fiery hot. This one is called Dongting Hot Pot (洞亭火锅) In the Yuzhong district, we walked from TESTBED2. If you're taking the subway, it's exit 7 at Lianglukou station. There are more than 20.000 hot pot restaurants in ChongqingBut eating it underground in a bunker is a unique experience!

💡 Tip Local Guide: Ask for one Use some of the hot pot broth without spice, or you'll regret it. (There's a division in the middle.) As you'll see in the YouTube video, The waitresses themselves can help you prepare the sauce that usually accompanies this dish. And if they see you have no idea, they come over to lend a hand, even to cook the meatballs.

5) Raffles City and The Crystal Skywalk, things to do in Chongqing

El Raffles city is the Chongqing's most futuristic skyscraper and, coincidentally (or not), where we stayedOn its highest floor, at Meters 250, is the famous Skywalk: A an observatory with a glass floor and also a 300-meter-long outdoor walkway that connects the towers over the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The entrance fee, including the walk along the boardwalk, costs around € 25 per person (If you only want to go to the observatory, the price is €15). We went Go at sunset to see the views both day and night: the city changes completely when it lights up.

💡 Tip Local Guide: Buying tickets on-site was a bit of a hassle; if you want to save yourself the trouble, Get them online on this pageThe experience is truly worthwhile; it even helped us get rid of our jet lag! Don't forget your passport: it is mandatory for entry.

6) Chongqing Art Museum: The Chopsticks Building

One of the most spectacular and unexpected buildings in Chongqing is the Chongqing Art Museum (Chongqing Art Gallery) is popularly known as "the toothpick building" for its unmistakable facade of red beams that emerge in all directions above a dark structure. Even if you don't go inside, the building itself justifies the stop: it makes for a stunning photo with the skyscrapers in the background. And if you decide to go inside, the Admission is free In most cases, the exhibitions of contemporary Chinese art are worth a visit. The next two stops are just a few minutes' walk away.

7) Datang Plaza and Kuixinglo Building, curiosities to see in Chongqing

If you want to understand why they call Chongqing the "3D city," you have to come here. You enter at street level through the Datang Square (also known as the women's square), you walk along convinced that you are on the ground floor… and when you look over a railing of the Kuixinglou building You discover that you are suspended in the 22th floor above the actual ground level. They are practically the same space seen from different angles: two names for the same mind-blowing experience of spatial disorientation.

8) Jiefangbei and the Liberation Monument

Known as the "Times Square of Chongqing", Jiefangbei It is the city's commercial epicenter with more than 4.400 shops. The center features the Monument to LiberationA 27-meter obelisk commemorates the victory over Japan and chimes every 15 minutes. Nearby is also the monument awarded by the government to this Chongqing street for being one of the few with so many meters of pedestrian space. If you go at night, just a few steps away is the Bayi Road and the Bayi Night MarketPerfect if you love street food as much as we do. So if you're only in Chongqing for a few days, Try to schedule this visit for the evening to combine the gastronomic aspect.

9) JiaoChangKou Night Market and Bayi Road

When night falls, the area of Bayi Road and its JiaoChangKou Night Market They become a frenzy of lights, noise, and smells. It's the epicenter of the Chongqing nighttime street food. Here we tested the Gui Bao Zi (glutinous rice buns filled with pork, steamed with pine needles). Also the fried gyozas/dumplings on a fried dough with egg and chivesThe most delicious thing we tasted at the market. And the We got dessert at the food court of the street Bayi Road (Perfect for when it rains). At the end of this street, look for the Toothpicks and giant chilies to take a great souvenir photoAll this and more that we tested is shown to you in detail in our video.

10) Shihuishi Wet Market: an authentic market to see in Chongqing

Another must-see in Chongqing is the Shihuishi Wet Market, A traditional food market where you feel the real pulse of the city, far from the neon lights and tourists. Stalls selling spices, all kinds of mushrooms, tofu and noodles in bulk, XXL-sized fruits, seeds ground on the spot, and even live animals! It was hard to find, but if you look... Shihuishi Vegetable Market on Google Maps or this on AMAP: 石灰市菜市场 Chongqing, you will save time.

We took the opportunity to try Chongqing's most famous breakfast in one of the nearby establishments. It's the Wan Za Mian: some Fresh noodles with ground pork, yellow peas and a hint of nutsSome of the best food we've had in China! Each dish cost us less than €2. To find it, search on AMAP. 胡记特色面庄 (Hú Jì Tèsè Miàn Zhuāng) "Hu Ji Special Noodle Restaurant." And the address can be seen in the video: 大同路 103 (Dàtóng Lù 103).

11) One Tree Garden Viewpoint (Nanshan Yikeshu)

To see the famous cyberpunk skyline in all its glory, we paid the 30 yuan (about €4) entrance to go up to Nanshan Yikeshu ViewpointAlso known as One Tree Garden, it's located on Nanshan Mountain and offers a 360° panoramic view of the two rivers and the entire Yuzhong Peninsula. We recommend going a little before nightfall to see the skyscrapers light up: the city is completely transformed. It's the perfect place to grasp the scale of this urban behemoth of 32 million inhabitants. To find it, enter this into AMAP: 南山一棵树观景台 Chongqing Or try this: South Mountain Yikeshu Ticket Office.

12) Longmenhao Old Street, Chongqing Bay and the Chongqing Clock Tower

We strolled through the historic area of Longmenhao, where the Traditional houses blend with views of the modern skyline. Visit here Danzishi and Xiahaoli Old Street, They have an authentic and peaceful atmosphere with views of the river.

Then we toured the Chongqing Bay along the river to the Chongqing Customs Clock Tower. At night this area becomes the place to be: dozens of venues organize photo shoots with spectacular motorcyclesNeon lights and illuminated skyscrapers in the background. The atmosphere is 100% cyberpunk and very photogenic. As you'll see in the video, We had the typical fish soup for dinner in the same square as the tower with views of Raffles City.

13) Wulong and the Three Natural Bridges: The Transformers Excursion

A 40 minutes in train from Chongqing East we arrived to Wulong and its famous Natural Bridges, a karst landscape from another planet and UNESCO World Heritage. Scenes from the movie were filmed here. Transformers 4 (There is a giant sculpture at the entrance and also within the natural area itself). The three natural limestone arches have dragon names: the Green Dragon (taller than the Eiffel Tower), the Black Dragon (the longest) and the Celestial Dragon. They carry 200 million years forming due to water erosion at the bottom of a canyon up to 300 meters deep. Tickets including shuttle bus and elevator are around €20 per person and can be booked in advance at this page.

The hike through the canyon lasts about 2,5 hours and about 8 kmThe ground is always wet, so wear shoes with good grip. We left Chongqing at 10:30 and returned at 18:30: about 8 hours in total, including bus and Didi journeys.

• 🚄 Train from Chongqing East Station (重庆东站) to Wulong South (武隆南)Book easily at Trip.com And don't forget to bring your passport, it will be your entry ticket.
• 🚕 From the station take a Didi to the Visitor Center (27 km, about 38 min), there is also a shuttle bus. Once you arrive at the visitor center, your ticket includes another shuttle to the entrance. Three Natural Bridges.
• 🌡️ Inside the canyon you will enjoy some 10°C less than in Chongqing. Bring an extra coat.

More things to see and do in Chongqing, China

China is vast, and Chongqing is no exception. If you have more time or aren't going to Wulong, here's more. Tourist attractions to see in Chongqing:

• Ciqikou Ancient Town: The old, traditional village of the city. Cobblestone streets, red lanterns, craft shops, and the famous want (Braided fritters that smell heavenly). We recommend going early to avoid the crowds. Also near Ciqikou are the historic streets of Danzishi and Xiaohaoli.
• Drone show: All On Saturday nights there is a drone show over the riversThe best areas to see it are Nanbin, Jiangbeizui, and Chaotiamen. Arrive early because with 32 million inhabitants plus tourism, it gets very crowded (that's why we avoid weekends).

• Yangtze River Cable Car: A historic symbol of the city: before there were so many bridges, it was the vital means of transport for crossing from one bank to the other. Today it's an attraction in itself, offering spectacular views of the skyline and skyscrapers. Especially beautiful at night.
• Night cruise on the two rivers: Around 140 yuan (€18) to see the skyline from the water. Departures from Hongyadong or Chaotianmen pier. A completely different perspective of the illuminated city.
• Rock Sculptures of Dazu: A World Heritage Site. A series of reliefs and statues carved into the rock, of incredible archaeological value. They are about 2 hours from the city and are well worth the visit if you extend your stay.

Where to stay in Chongqing and itinerary

If you're still looking hotel in ChongqingWe recommend you stay at the nerve center of the city, which is the area of ​​the Yuzhong Peninsula, surrounded by the Jialing and Yangtze rivers. We chose the ascott Raffles city for about €120 a night. The location is unbeatable. and The views from the rooms are a true luxury. Furthermore, You have the Skywalk practically at the hotel. y Hongyadong a walk of about 15 minutes.

This is the 3-day itinerary that we followed:

• Day 1 (afternoon): Arrival and visit to Raffles City Skywalk at sunset. Dinner at Hongyadong All-you-can-eat hot pot. Evening stroll along the riverfront.
• Day 2: Tomorrow in Liziba Station y TESTBED 2Hot pot in the bunker at midday. Late afternoon in the Jiefangbei, Chongqing Art Museum, Datang Square and sunset in the Nanshan Yikeshu Viewpoint (One Tree View Garden). Then Longmenhao Old Street and a walk to the clock tower along Chongqing Bay with a local dinner.
• Day 3: Excursion to Wulong (10:30 train from Chongqing East). Return to the city in the afternoon and dinner at the Bayi Night Market.
• Day 4 (morning): visit Shihuishi Market with a breakfast of some good Wan Za Mian.

Video on what to do in Chongqing: our complete guide

In the following video of our YouTube channel you have the complete guide on What to do in Chongqing, how to get around, accommodation, food, and the Wulong excursion. Subscribe and take a look at the entire list of our trip to China!

What to eat in Chongqing

As you may already know, Chongqing is the hot pot capital of the worldRed broth with chili and Sichuan peppercorns is practically a religion here. But there's much more:

• Wan Za Mian, Chongqing breakfastNoodles with yellow peas, meatballs, nuts, and a touch of spice. For less than €2. To find it, search on AMAP. 胡记特色面庄 (Hú Jì Tèsè Miàn Zhuāng) — "Hu Ji Special Noodle Restaurant." And the address can be seen in the video: 大同路 103 (Dàtóng Lù 103).
• Hot pot in an air raid bunker: Our top recommendation (see point 4). Authentic, spicy, and with history. Use the sesame oil and garlic sauce as an antidote to the spiciness.
• Local fish soup: We tried it next to the clock tower, with the Raffles City in the background. Three courses for two people for 140 yuan (€17), with complimentary buckwheat tea.
• Street food at Jiaochangkou Night Market: Fried gyozas, steamed glutinous rice buns with pork, cartilage, fluffy nougat, tangyuan (sesame rice balls), and bingfen (jelly with beans and fruit). All very cheap and very local.
• Concentrated broth to take away: The most typical edible souvenir from Chongqing. They sell it in cubes so you can make your own hot pot at home.

Map of Chongqing: what to see

Below is a map with the Location of the main attractions to visit in Chongqing. Remember that to get around the city easily, we recommend using AMAP. However, since they don't have this blog map feature, we're sharing it from Google Maps in case it's helpful.

How to get to Chongqing

• Train: The most recommended option for traveling between Chinese cities. The main stations are Chongqingbei (North) y Chongqingxi (West)Regular routes: Xi'an–Chongqing (5–6 hours), Chengdu–Chongqing (1,5–2 hours), Zhangjiajie–Chongqing (approximately 5 hours with connection). Book in advance at Trip.com Avoid queues at stations and always carry your passport.
• Airplane: The main airport is the Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG)It's 30-40 minutes from the city center by subway (line 10). There are domestic flights from all major Chinese cities.
• Getting around the city: The route we suggest can be done on foot in each area. You can combine it with metro o Didi (by downloading their app). For guidance, download Amap (高德地图)It's in 3D and shows you the city's vertical shortcuts. Google Maps doesn't work well here.

Tips for visiting Chongqing

• Best time: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit. Summer is very hot and humid. Avoid Chinese national holidays: places get extremely crowded.
• Always carry your passport with you. You will need it to buy tickets like the Skywalk and to access the Three Natural Bridges in Wulong and, of course, to travel by train.
• Download Amap before you arrive. Chongqing's streets have multiple levels, and Google Maps constantly gets lost. Copy the place name in Chinese and paste it into Amap.
• External batteries They must have the triple CCC to pass train and plane security checks. Without that requirement, they will be confiscated.
• The city has fog more than 100 days a year. Schedule your visits to viewpoints for midday or the afternoon, when the fog usually clears.
• Get ready to walk and climb hills. The city is extremely vertical. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, especially for Wulong.
• Always keep the translator active. Very few people speak English, and many authentic restaurants only have their menus in Chinese. It's part of the charm, but without the language, you're lost.

📱 Internet in China: eSIM with built-in VPN (a must)

To travel in China, you absolutely need an internet connection: to pay with Alipay, to order Didi, to translate, to use Amap, and to communicate with your loved ones! We traveled with Holafly, which offers unlimited data with a built-in VPN to be able to use apps blocked in China (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.). You can also share the data to your computer if you need to work (up to 1 GB per day). It worked great for us. You have a 5% discount with the code LOCALGUIDEGRANCANARIA or by booking through our link. If you're going to Hong Kong or Macau, grab the eSIM for China that includes these destinations.

🏥 Travel insurance for China (5% discount)

If you're traveling to China on your own and don't yet have insurance, we always get it from [company name/insurance company]. IATIIf you're also planning activities and excursions, we recommend the IATI Backpacker policy with coverage for adventure activities. You have a 5% discount for being our reader:

We hope this Hope this guide on what to see in Chongqing on your own has been helpfulIf you have any questions, leave us a comment. Here's a summary of useful links.

And also a link to More full articles about the other stops on our two routes through China:

• What to see in Zhangjiajie (the Avatar park)
• What to see in Fenghuang (the city of the Phoenix)
• What to see in Chengdu + Leshan Great Buddha
• What to see in Xi'an + Terracotta Warriors
• What to see in Beijing + the Great Wall of China
• General guide: what to see in China independently
• Essential tips for traveling to China