ChongqingChongqing

Chongqing is a magical 8D city that will make you question your sense of space—light rail runs through buildings, roads are built on rooftops, and GPS navigation goes haywire here. The night view of the stilted houses at Hongyadong is reminiscent of *Spirited Away*, while the light rail passing through a building at Liziba is a spectacle unique to China. Hot pot restaurants scattered throughout the city ensure the air is always filled with the aroma of beef tallow.

Recommended Stay 2–3 days$$ (Great value for money; most attractions are free)Urban explorers, hot pot enthusiasts, photographers, and Instagrammers

Explore Chongqing

Sights

6 must-see attractions

Trips

1 ready-made plans

Food

What to Eat & Where to Find It

Transit

Metro, Taxi & Payments

Scams

Scams & Mistakes

Top Attractions

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Hongyadong

Chongqing’s most photogenic scene. You must visit at night—during the day, it’s just an ordinary traditional-style building, but once the lights come on at night, that’s when the magic happens. The best spot for photos is in the middle section of the Qiansimen Bridge.

1–1.5 hours (recommended in the evening)Book Ahead

Liziba Light Rail Passes Through a Building

A spectacle unique to Chongqing. Don’t just watch from below—be sure to ride Line 2 through the building yourself.

30 minutes

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Experience the old Chongqing wharf culture. Be sure to visit the Chen Changyin Twisted Dough Sticks flagship store on Back Street (15 yuan per jin, freshly fried); prices on Front Street are twice as high.

1.5–2 hours

Yangtze River Cable Car

Crossing the Yangtze River from the air—a unique perspective you can only experience in Chongqing.

30 minutes (including waiting in line)Tickets Required

Mountain City Trail

If you can only visit one place to experience old Chongqing, make it the Mountain City Trail. The river views from the cliffside walkway and the teahouses in the air-raid shelters—this is the most authentic side of Chongqing.

1–2 hours

Liangjiang Small Ferry

It’s cheaper than the Yangtze River Cable Car (15 yuan vs. 20 yuan), less crowded, and offers a more complete view—taking in the confluence of the two rivers, Hongyadong, the bridge, and the sunset all at once. Locals say the ferry is a better value than the cable car.

30–40 minutes (including waiting time)Tickets Required

Recommended Itineraries

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3-Day Trip

A 3-Day Trip to Chongqing, the Magical Mountain City

First-time visit to Chongqing—want to see magical sights, eat hot pot, and take stunning photos.

HongyadongLizibaCiqikouYangtze River Cable Car+2

From Airport to Departure, I Have Everything Covered

Hotel, transport, tickets, dining, scams — all sorted for your Chongqing trip. Just bring your passport and curiosity.