Chongqing, located in southwest China, is often overshadowed by China’s more famous cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, this sprawling municipality is a must-visit for those looking to explore a city filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and an impressive culinary scene.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-see attractions, provide practical travel tips, and help you plan the perfect trip to Chongqing.
Getting to Chongqing: Transportation Tips
Before diving into the attractions, let’s talk about how to get to Chongqing. The city is well connected both domestically and internationally.
By Air: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is the main gateway to the city. It offers flights to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and international destinations such as Bangkok, Tokyo, and Dubai. From the airport, you can take a taxi (around $6-7) or use the airport shuttle bus (around $1.5-2) to reach the city center.
By Train: Chongqing has a major high-speed railway station, Chongqing West Railway Station, that connects it to cities like Chengdu, Xi’an, and Wuhan. The city also has extensive rail services that make it easy to travel to other parts of China.
Public Transport: The city has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, subways, and taxis. The Chongqing metro system is easy to navigate and covers many tourist areas. A single journey ticket costs around $0.30-0.50 depending on the distance.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing
The ideal time to visit Chongqing is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. These seasons offer mild weather, with average temperatures ranging from 59-77°F. Summer (June to August) can be sweltering and humid, with temperatures often reaching 95°F or higher. The winter months (December to February) are milder than in northern China, but you may still experience cold temperatures.
Top Attractions in Chongqing
Now let’s dive into the must-see attractions in Chongqing. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Dazu Rock Carvings
- Ticket Price: $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Transportation: To reach Dazu from Chongqing city center, take a bus from Chongqing’s Shapingba Bus Station. The journey takes about 2 hours.
The Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feature over 50,000 Buddhist statues and carvings, dating back to the 7th century. These carvings, scattered across mountains, are among the most impressive ancient artworks in China. It's a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking, and bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Wulong Karst Landscape
- Ticket Price: $12-$22, depending on which part of the scenic area you visit.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Transportation: Wulong is about a 2.5-hour drive from Chongqing city center. Buses and guided tours are available.
The Wulong Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its spectacular limestone formations, deep caves, and natural bridges. The most popular attraction is the Three Natural Bridges, where you can enjoy a hike with incredible views of the surrounding karst landscape. If you're an adventurer, you can even try ziplining across the valley!
- Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you’re visiting in the rainy season (June-August), check the weather forecast, as some areas may be slippery.
3. Liziba Light Rail Station
- Ticket Price: Free to watch, but if you want to take the light rail, ticket prices range from $0.30-$1.50.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM for the light rail.
- Transportation: Accessible by metro (Liziba Station) or by taxi.
Liziba Light Rail Station is famous for its unique design. The light rail train passes directly through a residential building, providing a thrilling ride and a chance to see the city from a different angle. It’s one of the quirkiest and most famous features of Chongqing.
- Tip: If you’re a photography enthusiast, make sure to catch a train around sunset to get the perfect shot of the light rail gliding through the building.
4. Chongqing Hotpot Experience
- Cost: A hotpot meal typically costs between $15-$30 per person, depending on the restaurant and the ingredients you choose.
- Best Places: “Shancheng” and “Jiaxiufang” are popular hotpot chains in the city.
Chongqing is world-famous for its spicy hotpot, where diners cook various meats, vegetables, and tofu in a bubbling pot of spicy broth. The broth is known for its numbing spiciness, thanks to Sichuan peppercorns. Hotpot is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.
- Tip: Be prepared for the intense spice! If you're not used to spicy food, ask for a less spicy option.
5. Yangtze River Cruise
- Ticket Price: $30-$70, depending on the type of cruise.
- Opening Hours: Cruises typically depart in the late afternoon and last for 2-3 hours.
- Transportation: The cruises depart from the Chaotianmen Dock, easily accessible by metro (Line 1) or taxi.
A Yangtze River cruise offers the perfect opportunity to see Chongqing's stunning skyline, bridges, and surrounding mountains from the water. You can choose between short daytime cruises or evening cruises to witness the city’s illuminated skyline.
- Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
Practical Tips for Visiting Chongqing
Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, many locals speak Chongqing dialect, which can be hard to understand. It's helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or use a translation app.
Weather: Chongqing’s summers can be very hot and humid, so always carry water and wear light clothing. In winter, pack a jacket as temperatures can dip, although they are milder than northern China.
Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB), but USD is accepted in some international hotels and stores. However, smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash in RMB. ATMs are widely available, and currency exchange is available at the airport.
Why Visit Chongqing
Chongqing has a unique charm that blends rich history with modern vibrancy. From the mesmerizing ancient rock carvings to the breathtaking landscapes, every corner of the city offers a new adventure. The famous spicy hotpot and the energetic urban atmosphere create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Make the most of your trip by exploring both the iconic sites and the hidden gems. With so much to see and do, Chongqing is sure to leave a lasting impression, offering memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
China’s Insane Megacity: Chongqing
Video by Nico
