Located in southeast China and the upstream of Yangtze River, Chongqing is a fantastic city with a history of over 3,000 years. Being the source place of the Bayu culture, Chongqing boasts a great number of historic sites, unique architecture, and stunning views. When planning a trip there, you may wonder what to see and do in this city. Below are the top 10 things to do in Chongqing to explore this “8D Magic City.”
1. Discover Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument
Completed in August 1947, the People’s Liberation Monument is one of the cultural symbols and landmark attractions in Chongqing. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. Visiting there, you will learn more about the history of China and marvel at the architecture of the monument.
The monument has an octagonal structure with 24 meters tall and 4 meters wide, consisting of a pedestal, base, body, and observation deck. It has a circular interior, tourists can climb on the observation deck through the 140-step hanging winding stairs.
- Location: 177 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: All day long
- Time needed: about 1 hour
- How to get there: You can take Subway Line 1 to get off at Jiaochangkou Station and exit from Exit 9; Or take Subway Line 2 and get off at Linjiangmen Station.
2. Marvel at the Stilted Buildings of Hongya Cave
Covering an area of 46,000 square miles, Hongya Cave is also a landmark of Chongqing City, and visiting there is one of the top things to do in Chongqing, China. It mainly features stilted buildings and a commercial street of ancient styles. There are 11 floors in Hongya Cave featuring different themes on each. The most charming views of this attraction can be seen at night when the lights are turned on from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
It is a good place for you to admire the wonderful scenery and experience the Bayu culture. Seated by the riverside, Hongya Cave allows you to see the stunning views of the Jialing River. It presents a lush green forest with streams flowing through, forming a small yet beautiful waterfall. Also, it boasts Bayu Fengqing Street where you can see the green tiles and red eaves, intimating the ancient residences of Chongqing.
- Location: 88 Jialingjiang Binjoang Road, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- How to get there:
- Take Chongqing Metro Line 1 or Line 6 and get off at Xiaoshizi Station;Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Imgangmen Station or Hwangwon Station. It takes about 10-20 minutes to walk to Hongya Cave
3. Embark on a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing
The Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing is the primary starting point for a Yangtze River cruise which offers an efficient and leisure way to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks along the river. The typical route from Chongqing flows downstream, lasting 4 days and 3 nights.
At the start of the journey, you’ll get a chance to enjoy a dazzling night view of Hongya Cave and surrounding illuminated skyline from the deck. In the following days, the cruise will take you past core areas of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River until you reach the impressive Three Gorges Dam in Yichang.
Along the journey, your eyes will be delighted by ever-changing views of majestic gorges, ancient hanging coffins, old plank roads, towering cliffs, misty peaks, ancient pagodas and architecture, etc. Based on the cruise ship, there are 1-2 optional shore excursions each day. There are also few cruises to Wuhan, and Shanghai. >>Top Things to Do on Yangtze
- Boarding time at Chaotianmen Dock: 16:00 to 20:30 (may vary depending on the cruise company)
- Address: At the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
- Best time to go: March to October
- Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights from Chongqing to Yichang, 5 Days and 4 Nights from Yichang to Chongqing
4. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvings boasts a huge collection of Buddhist grottoes carved during the Tang and Song Dynasties (7th -13th centuries). These carvings are centered around five mountain sites, including Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain (two most popular), with over 50,000 statues scattered across 75 cliff faces.
The cliff faces span 300 to 500 meters in length and rise 7 to 25 meters in height, with sculptures ranging from a 31-meter-long reclining Buddha to smaller 1-3 meters tall figures of everyday people.
Titled as “The Millennium Epic on Cliff Walls”, the carvings vividly portray ancient life scenes and religious philosophies, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cultures. Notable sculptures include the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and Reclining Buddha of Shakyamuni at Baoding Mountain and the “Wheel of Dharma Cave” at Beishan Mountain.
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- Location: The main site is at Baoding Town, Dazu District, Chongqing
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 from March 1 to November 30; 09:00 – 18:00 from December 1 to February 28.
- Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
- Recommended visiting time: 4-5 hours to explore 80% of the major sites
- Combined ticket: 170 CNY from March 1 – November 30; 120 CNY from December 1 – February 28
- How to get there: Not in city center, take Chongqing-Dazu bus from Caijiaping or Chenjiaoping Bus Station (about 2 hours); Or take direct buses from Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave to Baoding Mountain.
5. Fly over the Yangtze River by the Cableway
Taking the Yangtze River Cableway to fly over the river is also on the list of things to do in Chongqing. This cableway is said to be the “No. 1 Cableway along the Yangtze River and the first stop of a Chongqing tour.” It connects the Yuzhong District with the Nanan District, stretching 1,166 meters. With a running speed of 6 meters per second, it takes 5 minutes for a single route.
The cableway allows you to travel from the vibrant area of the city to a tranquil part of it. Along the way, you will see the beautiful skyline of Chongqing with the running river under your feet and high-rise buildings by the riversides. You’ll be immersed in the romance of this city when the night falls and the lights of the buildings are on.
- Location: 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: CNY 20 for a single way, CNY 30 for a round trip
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Time needed: 5 minutes for the cableway, more time may needed for a queue
Recommended China Tours including the Yangtze River
- 7 Days Best Chengdu and Chongqing Tour with Excursion to Yangtze River
- 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour
6. Discover the Enchanting Wonders of Wulong Karst Geology Park
Wulong Karst Geological Park in Chongqing is a breathtaking segment of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed South China Karst. It boasts a variety of geological wonders, including caves, sinkholes, natural bridge clusters, vertical shafts, gorges, fissures, stone forests, and underground rivers, which were featured in the film Transformers: Age of Extinction.
- Location: No. 32, Yinxing Avenue, Wulong District, Chongqing, China.
- Opening hours: Three Natural Bridges/Longshuixia Fissure Gorge: (March – November): 08:00 – 17:00; (December – February): 09:00 – 16:30; Furong Cave: 08:30 – 16:30 (year-round)
- Combined ticket: ¥280 for the three core areas.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Recommended visiting time: 1-2 days
7. Visit the Time-honored Ciqikou Ancient Town
If you consider free things to do in Chongqing, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. Built in the Song Dynasty, Ciqikou has a long history with one third of it well-preserved. Used to be the North Gate of Chongqing and a bustling water transport terminal of the Jialing River, Ciqikou Ancient Town is built along the Ma’an Mountain. Standing by the Jialing Riverside, you will find Ciqikou is like a castle, which is majestic and magnificent, especially under the sunlight.
This old town houses many tourist attractions, including the Stilted Building Square with a charming night view, the ancient Baolun Temple, Yinglong Gate for viewing the river scenery, and the Mahua Museum which is themed on Mahua, fried dough twists. Besides, the architecture there is also impressive. With black tiles, brown eaves, white windows, and blue stone walls, residences in Ciqikou Ancient Town present distinctive colors.
- Location: 1 Cinan Street, Shapingba District
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: All day long
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 in Chongqing city, get off at Ciqikou Station, take Exit 1 and walk about 400 meters and you will find it.
Best Chongqing Tours with Ciqikou Old Town
- 1 Day Chongqing City Tour
- 2 Days Chongqing Tour with Wulong Karst Geological Park
- 4 Days Chengdu & Chongqing Highlights Tour
8. Visit Chongqing Zoo: A Hidden “Panda Paradise”
If you are planning a China family tour to Chongqing with your children, don’t miss the Chongqing Zoo. This is a large urban zoo that integrates various functions, including science popularization, animal protection, scientific research, and leisure entertainment.
Built on the hillside, Chongqing Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Southwest China, and serves as a key base for the protection and research of giant pandas. It is home to over 20 giant pandas, allowing close encounters with these “adorable stars. ” Additionally, you can also expect to see over 200 other species, including golden monkeys, South China tigers, Chinese alligators, Asian elephants, etc.
- Location: No. 1, Xijiao Yicun, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China (about a 30-minute drive from Jiefangbei in the city center ).
- Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
- Tickets: CNY 25 per person
- Best time to visit: All year round, arrive before 10:30 AM when the pandas are more active.
- Recommended visiting time: 2-3hours
9. Experience Two Rivers Night Cruise
Chongqing’s nightscape boasts one of the top three night views in China. And the Two Rivers Night Cruise just offer a perfect way to experience its unparalleled night scene. As the cruise boat gently departs from Chaotianmen Dock, you will enter into a breathtaking world with the glow of neon lights from both banks of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers, the thousands of lanterns at Hongya Cave, the rainbow lights of Qiansimen Bridge, and many other stunning skylines.
Besides night view sightseeing, some luxurious cruise ships also offer local shows onboard, such as Sichuan Opera face-changing and long-spout teapot tea art.
- Address: At the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
- Operating time: 19:00-21:00
- Duration: about 45 minutes
- Tickets: CNY 100-150 for a round trip
10. Experience the Winding Mountain City Trails
Recognized as a “Mountain City,” Chongqing has a rich mountain resource. Hence, hiking the mountain trails is one of the best things to do in Chongqing to experience the city’s charm on your China tours to Chongqing. The Shancheng Alley is a famous mountain trail of 1,748 meters long with ramps, which can only be accessed by foot, hence its name.
Walking on the alley is like traveling back to the old times, as it takes you to the winding stone ladders and clusters of stilted buildings with unique architectural styles. There are bookstores, coffee shops, and churches along the way, and the hanging plank along the river presents stunning sights of this city.
- Location: 234 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: All day long
- Time needed:2-3 hours
11. Appreciate the Night View at Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform
Chongqing displays a grand light show after sunset, and appreciating the night view of the city is also among the top things to do in Chongqing at night. Undoubtedly, Nanshan Tree View Platform is a great place to see the beautiful night skylines of this city. The lights of the city are like bright pearls, cascading with luminous colors, and the sky-piercing buildings with lights on in the distance intertwined with the brightness of the bustling streets, forming a picturesque landscape.
Besides, it’s also a paradise for photographers, and every shot is a good memory. The Jialing River and Yangtze River join each other, shimmering under the lights, resembling a flowing Milky Way. The bridges crossing the two rivers are like shining light belts, connecting different parts of the city. Standing on the viewing platform, you’ll be immersed in the extraordinary beauty of the night views of this magic city.
- Location: Longhuang Road, Nan’an District
- Ticket: CNY 30 in peak season (March to October), CN 15 in low season (November to February)
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
12. Uncover China Three Gorges Museum
Visiting China Three Gorges Museum is one of the ultimate things to do in Chongqing. Located at the heart of Chongqing City, this magnificent museum is a window into the history of the Three Gorges areas and a great place to explore Bayu culture, so never miss it on your Yangtze Cruise tours.
Built in 1951, this museum has a rich collection and exhibition of historical and cultural relics. As a comprehensive museum, it boasts different exhibition sections with different themes, such as the Three Gorges, archaeological excavations, valuable porcelain, and more. Through these, you’ll better understand this city as well as the Three Gorges.
- Location: 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: Free
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- How to get there: Take LRT Line 2 to Zengjiayan Station, exit 3 and walk to it.
Popular Chongqing Tours
- 4 Days Chengdu & Chongqing Highlights Tour
- 6 Days Exploration Tour of Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River – Yichang
13. Admire the Thrilling Raffles City Chongqing
Designed by the famous Singapore architect Moshe Safdie based on the old Chaotianmen Gate, Raffles City Chongqing has a unique design that recalls the ancient role of being a city gate. Located in Yuzhong District, it is a complex of eight buildings that combines shopping malls, high-end residential, hotels, and recreational facilities and has become a new symbol of this city.
Featuring the Crystal, a sky bridge above four 250-meter-tall skyscrapers, Raffles City Chongqing allows visitors to take an elevator to the Exploration Deck to marvel at the stunning views of the whole city. Also, it must be a fun thing to do in Chongqing to go on a thrilling hike on the Skywalk and dine in a high-altitude restaurant there.
- Location: 8 Jiesheng Street, Yuzhong District
- Ticket: Free for entrance, CNY 120 for Exploration Deck
- Opening hours:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
14. Take CRT to Experience Chongqing’s Unique Geography
If you want some unusual things to do in Chongqing, go and take the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT). It is not just a mode of transportation but also a way of viewing the stunning Chongqing skyline. Take Rail Transit Line 2 to see the only station in the world that crosses through buildings, which is the Liziba Station. It’s a building of 19 stories, with the first to fifth floors being the business space, the sixth to eighth for CRT transportation, and the ninth and above for residents.
CRT 2 takes you through the streets and lanes as well as residential and bridges, giving an unprecedented visual shock. Every station along this line is specially designed with cultural elements of Sichuan and Chongqing, telling 36 stories in total. These stories together form a cultural corridor, allowing you to learn more about this city on your Chongqing tours.
15. Sample Hotpot and Other Delicious Foods in Chongqing
Since it is a paradise for foodies, one of the top things to do in Chongqing is to sample the delicious Chongqing local food. Famous for its hotpot, this city treats visitors to fresh ingredients with pungent and spicy flavors, and you will find hotpot restaurants everywhere. Chongqing Noodles (Xiaomian) is also a daily food of locals, which is a delightful noodle dish with endless aftertaste. Other than these, the grilled fish and barbecue also appeal to tourists a lot.
Head for a night market in Chongqing to taste delicious food and experience the nightlife of the city. Particularly, South Garden Night Market in Jiulongpo District, Guanyinqiao Night Market in Jiangbei District, and Jiaochangkou Night Market in Yuzhong District are the most popular ones that locals and tourists often visit, they allow you to try the authentic local cuisine and enjoy music performances as well.
