Things to do in Chongqing itinerary China

As a solo female traveler on a quest to visit all 197 UN-recognized countries in the world, I have gone on countless adventures across the globe. With 108 countries already explored, my journey recently brought me back to China. As some of you know, I went solo backpacking from Vietnam to China first time back in 2016 in an overnight train and wrote about backpacking in China. Almost 10 years later, I got invited to visit China! I must be doing something right 🙂 and luckily this time to a different city I hadn’t visited before but heard a lot about: Chongqing – so If you are after some unforgettable spicy food, a truly unique urban landscape, or just a weekend trip, continue reading this things to do in chongqing itinerary.

I am on the mission to travel all the 197 countries in the world (not in a race, more like in a slow and steady fashion) and recently completed 108 countries. It was a big milestone because I work hard, save for these trips and share what I know here on the blog for free so fellow travellers like you can benefit from it. You’re welcome to return the favour by ordering my new book on Amazon 🙂 A solo female traveler’s story: from Kathmandu to finding peace in 100+ countries

🗺️ Understanding Chongqing: History and political status

Chongqing, often called the “Mountain City” due to its unique location, sits at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It boasts a recorded history of over 3,000 years and was famously the wartime capital of Nationalist China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

Importantly, Chongqing is one of the four municipalities directly under the central government of the People’s Republic of China (alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin). This unique administrative status means it is a province-level entity, governing a massive area that includes a large urban core and surrounding counties and districts. This grants it significant political and economic importance as the financial and advanced manufacturing hub of Western China. Its nicknames, “Mountain City” and “Foggy City,” speak to its complex, hilly terrain and frequent fog, which contribute to its stunning, often surreal, “cyberpunk” appearance.

🔥 Why travel to Chongqing?

First of all, good news for Australians is, we donot need the visa for China anymore, so why wouldn’t you travel there! 10 years ago, I had to queue up in Chinese Consulate in Hanoi, fill up a detailed application form, provide passport size photo and submit fee. Then wait a few days for approval. Glad things have changed for the better now.

Australians holding an ordinary passport can travel to China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa. However, make note this policy, is extended until December 31, 2026, (maybe it will not be extended who knows) applies to major ports of entry but does not cover stays longer than 30 days, or travel for work or study, which still requires a visa. If you love travel, why not take advantage of this no visa option for 30 days. This is actually one of the main reasons why you see many aussies, nzs, and even europeran travelling to China as visa free option is the same for them too.

Chongqing is a dynamic and thriving mega-city, offering solo travelers and/or group an exhilarating blend of historical richness and futuristic urban design. The city’s unique geography—where the train passes through apartment buildings and multi-level interchanges are the norm—makes every exploration an adventure.

Exceptional safety: Like most major cities in China, Chongqing is generally considered very safe for travelers, including women. Violent crime is rare, allowing for comfortable exploration even late into the evening in central areas.
Unique scenery: Its distinctive, hilly landscape makes for incredible city views (especially at night) and allows you to visit a “ground floor” that turns out to be the 11th floor of a building! Don’t miss the famous stilt-house complex, Hongyadong.
Culinary adventure: Chongqing is the undisputed home of Mala (numbingly spicy) Hotpot. While the language barrier can be a slight hurdle, the welcoming nature of the locals and the sheer deliciousness of the cuisine make for memorable solo or group dining experiences.
Efficient public transport: Despite its complex geography, the city has a modern and reliable metro system (including the world’s longest monorail) that makes navigating its many districts straightforward.

🇨🇳 Things to do in Chongqing itinerary China

Travel essentials for China 🇨🇳

1. Download and set up WeChat pay and Alipay with your international bank debit or credit cards (yes you will need to submit ID or passport to verify. It is essential and easier for almost all transactions in China because almost all the popuation is cashless. However they are not allowed to reject it if you give cash. If you must, recommend bringing small notes like 20s or 50s, so it is easier for both parties. Also, WeChat has chat feature which automatically transates chineses into english so it was super easy to use. Reminds me of whatapp but with more functionality within the WeChat app.

2. While ordering taxi I was able to order chinese DIDI within Alipay so I would say that is a must app as Aussie DIDI version doesn’t work in China and neither does Uber. If you are not using Alipay, make sure to download Chinese DIDI.

3. Download Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (Amap) More accurate for navigating China than Google Maps.

4. Buy and set up your esim prior to landing, this is a must as well if you want to stay connected

5. Download NordVPN or ExpressVPN (Must be downloaded before arriving in China)Necessary to access global services like Google, Instagram, and even some email providers.

6. English is not widely spoken. Download Google Translate or Baidu Translate (with offline packages) For solo travelers, having a translation app (with offline Chinese capability) and your hotel address written in Chinese characters is essential for communicating with taxi drivers and restaurant staff.

7. Meituan or Dianping (Chinese only) For ordering food delivery or checking restaurant reviews, though you may need a friendly local to help you set it up. Look for pictures on menus to order solo.

8. Pack light clothing for the humid heat (if visiting in summer), a good walking shoes for the hills, and be ready to embrace the spice!

9. Learn basic chinese phrases: This will be helpful when communicating with drivers and asking for directions.

10. Be aware of your surroundings: As with any city, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your belongings and surroundings while using public transportation.

🏨 Where to stay in Chongqing?

The best areas for first-time solo travelers are concentrated on the Yuzhong Peninsula, the commercial and historical heart of the city. However, Chongqing is also famous for its natural hot springs, offering unique resort experiences slightly further afield.

A. Yuzhong Peninsula (Jiefangbei CBD): Commercial Heart & Central Hub

Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions, shopping, and excellent transport links. This area is the most lively and easily walkable.

Category	Recommended Stay Styles	Highlights
Luxury	InterContinental Raffles City, Niccolo Chongqing	Steps from Jiefangbei Monument, amazing river views, high-end amenities.
Mid-Range/Boutique	Hyatt Regency Liberation Monument, The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square	Central location, walking distance to Hongyadong and the Yangtze Cableway.
Budget/Hostel	Many smaller hotels and guesthouses around Jiefangbei	Affordability in the heart of the action, easy access to snack streets.

For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of centre. Above I researched and named the best ones with this filter (at the time of writing)
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.

B. Nan’an District (Yangtze River South Bank): Iconic Views & Luxury

This district is located across the Yangtze River from the main peninsula. It is famous for offering some of the most dramatic panoramic skyline views of the Yuzhong CBD.

Recommended Stays: Sheraton Chongqing Hotel.
Vibe: Modern luxury in a striking twin-tower building. It offers stunning river and city night views and is located near the Nanbin Road entertainment district. This is an excellent choice for photographers or those who prefer to observe the city hustle from a distance.

C. Jiangbeizui (Jiangbei District): Modern Skyline Views & Luxury

Located just across the river from the Yuzhong Peninsula. Great for those seeking ultra-modern hotels, quiet luxury, and fantastic panoramic views of the main city.

Recommended Stays: Regent Chongqing, many high-end serviced apartments.
Vibe: Newer, more spacious, and excellent for skyline photography.

D. Ciqikou Ancient Town Area: Traditional Vibe & Quieter Escape

Located in the Shapingba District, further out from the CBD. Perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, more traditional atmosphere away from the intense city hustle, centered around the well-preserved ancient town.

Recommended Stays: Boutique inns or guesthouses within the ancient town (like Wuyu Hotel).
Vibe: Old-town charm, less traffic, and a great place to enjoy local tea houses and snacks.

E. Ronghui Hot Springs Resort Area: Relaxation & Wellness Retreat

Located in the Shapingba District, this area is a famous destination for geothermal hot springs. Ideal for a relaxing break after days of city exploration.

Recommended Stays: Ronghui Hot Spring Resort (also known as Ronghui Grand Hotel or Ronghui Spring Courtyard).
Vibe: Focuses on wellness, with many rooms offering vouchers for the private hot spring pools right next door. The location is further from the central tourist sights but perfect for a serene escape. It is situated near the Ciqikou Ancient Town and accessible via a short taxi ride from the Tianlilu Metro Station (Line 1).

☀️ When is the best time to visit Chongqing?

My answer to this question for most places is when you have time and resources. But if you are after the perfect weather, then the shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn) are generally considered the most comfortable.

Season	Months	Average Temperature Range	Notes
Spring (Best)	March to May	15∘C to 25∘C(59∘F to 77∘F)	Mild temperatures, flowers blooming, and pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Autumn (Best)	September to November	15∘C to 22∘C(59∘F to 72∘F)	Cool, breezy, and comfortable as the scorching summer heat fades. Excellent for Yangtze River cruises.
Summer	June to August	Above 30∘C(86∘F)	Extremely hot and humid, one of China’s “Four Furnaces.” Avoid if you cannot handle intense heat.
Winter	December to February	5∘C to 12∘C (41∘Fto 54∘F)	Cold, damp, and often foggy. Great for avoiding crowds and enjoying hotpot, but less outdoor sightseeing.

Things to do in Chongqing itinerary

Iconic city landmarks & architectural wonders

Chongqing’s unique location at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers has given rise to some incredible urban sights.

1. Hongya cave (Hongyadong): This massive 11-story complex of stilted wooden buildings is built right into a cliffside and is arguably the city’s most famous landmark. It is particularly magical and reminiscent of a scene from the film Spirited Away when viewed at night, fully illuminated. It looks great from the cruise and equally upclose from the bridge or walking through it. Note – It closes at 11pm so head over earlier than that.
2. Liziba station: Witness one of Chongqing’s most bizarre yet famous sights: a monorail train passing directly through a residential apartment building. It’s an iconic photo opportunity.
3. Yangtze river cableway: A must-do experience. Take this historic cable car—once a vital mode of transportation—for a spectacular, sweeping view of the rivers and the city’s towering skyscrapers as you glide across the Yangtze.
4. Jiefangbei CBD & People’s liberation monument: Explore the bustling commercial and financial heart of Chongqing. The central monument is a historical symbol, while the surrounding area is packed with modern shopping malls and vibrant urban life.
5. Nanshan Yi Ke Shu viewing platform: Located on South Mountain (Nan’an District), this observation deck offers the absolute best panoramic night view of the city’s glittering “mountain” cityscape.
6. Raffles City Chongqing– The main observation deck, called the Exploration Deck (located in the Crystal Skywalk, the “horizontal skyscraper”), offers coffee and dessert options. The Crystal Skywalk, which houses the observation deck, also contains a Sky Garden with a range of restaurants and bars, providing other options for high-altitude dining and drinks. And for a more dedicated experience, the InterContinental hotel, which is part of the Raffles City complex, offers dining on its 42nd floor. You can find options like afternoon tea with exquisite desserts and beautifully crafted latte art, all while overlooking the magnificent cityscape.

Culture, history, and heritage

Step back in time at these cultural highlights that define the region’s rich past.

Ciqikou ancient town: Wander through the narrow, winding historic alleyways of this well-preserved old town that dates back to the Song Dynasty. You can enjoy traditional teahouses, shop for local crafts, and sample authentic street snacks. I enjoy spicy food so I bought myself a jar of chinese spicy chilli oil in one of the old street of Ciqikou. It was a small almost run down looking shop but his chillies looked exceptional. I was worried if it will spill to my clothes on the way back home but to my surprise, this shopowner packed it so well with a big foam shaped perfect for this jar and two weeks later I am still enjoying this Chilli although i’m about to run out!
Three gorges museum: Dedicated to the history and culture of the Three Gorges region and Chongqing. It offers an excellent overview of the city’s past and the monumental Three Gorges Dam project.
Chongqing people’s auditorium (Great Hall of the People): Marvel at the majestic and symmetrical traditional Chinese architecture of this large public venue.
Shibati (18 Steps): Take a walk down this famous mountain trail to experience the city’s old-school charm, featuring historic houses and steep staircases, offering a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers nearby.
The unforgettable stage: Chongqing’s must-see performances
If you are into culture, I highly recommend the two best theatrical and cultural experiences in the city, perfectly blending traditional art, mesmerising skill, and grand, modern spectacle.

A. The art of transformation: Sichuan Opera & Face-Changing (Bian Lian) 🎭

This is a highlight for anyone visiting the Sichuan-Chongqing region. The skill involved in the Face-Changing (Bian Lian) performance is a national treasure and remains one of the world’s great theatrical secrets.

The Magic: The performers, often masked as fierce or humorous characters, change their intricately painted masks in the blink of an eye—sometimes in less than 0.3 seconds—using subtle movements of their heads or hands. It’s so fast and seamless that you’ll spend the entire show trying (and failing) to catch the trick.

The Experience: When you attend a full performance, you get more than just the face-changing! The evening typically includes a variety of traditional Sichuan folk arts, such as:

Fire Breathing (another dramatic stunt).
Acrobatics (like the Rubber Band Rolling Lantern).
Long-Spout Teapot Art: A tea master performs a beautiful, choreographed ceremony, pouring hot water from a distance with a massive, meter-long teapot.

Traveler’s Tip: Many venues offer a chance to try on costumes or take photos with the performers before or after the show, which perfectly matches the fun idea of “dressing for the theme!”

Fun fact: I had received a huge face mask printed dress a couple of years ago and I always wondered about its origin but when I witnessed the Bian Lian I got my answers! Life was giving me hints way before I got here and I think that goes to show I am right where I need to be 🙂

Where to see it: These shows are often held in special theaters or Century-Old Teahouses located in the bustling Jiefangbei area, such as the Centennial Chongqing Teahouse or the 1941 Old Opera Theater. This adds to the authentic atmosphere, allowing you to sip traditional Gaiwan tea and local snacks while enjoying the show.

All the images, videos and stories in my instagram @annasherchand

B. The Chongqing Large-Scale Stage Play: Chongqing 1949

If the opera is a traditional cultural immersion, this play is a dive into the city’s dramatic history using cutting-edge theater technology.

The Spectacle: The most recommended large-scale production is Chongqing 1949. This play is housed in its own custom-built venue, the Chongqing 1949 Grand Theatre, near the Ciqikou Ancient Town.

Immersive Design: This is not a static play. The core of the experience is the 360-degree rotating stage and rotating audience seating. This means the scenery—which recreates massive, lifelike historical scenes like stilted buildings and the old Ciqikou Wharf—moves around you, putting you directly into the action.

The Story: The play is a powerful, emotional retelling of the events leading up to the liberation of Chongqing in 1949, focusing on the heroic resistance of Communist figures imprisoned in the city.

Language Barrier: While the show is performed in Chinese, foreigners can opt for ear piece with English translation, also the performance relies heavily on stunning visuals, sound effects, light, and massive stage pieces, making the story easy to follow and incredibly moving even without understanding the complete dialogue.

Traveler’s Tip: For the best, most immersive experience, ensure you book tickets for the rotating seats (typically Sections A and B), as the fixed seats do not offer the same dynamic views. The entire experience is a testament to the city’s ambition and technological prowess.

Chongqing’s essential culinary & nightlife

No trip to Chongqing is complete without indulging in the famous “mala” (numbing and spicy) cuisine.

Feast on Hot Pot: Chongqing is the undisputed home of the fiery hot pot. You can enjoy the communal dining experience with a traditional nine-grid pot, where each section has a slightly different heat level. Don’t be afraid to try local favorite dipping ingredients like duck intestine or beef tripe! Zhou Junji Hot Pot.
Try local specialties: Be sure to sample Chongqing Noodles (Xiao Mian), a staple breakfast dish, and the mouth-watering Hot and Sour Rice Noodles (Suan La Fen).
Experience an Air-Raid Shelter restaurant/bar: Due to its wartime history, Chongqing is full of repurposed air-raid shelters. Dining at a hot pot restaurant or grabbing a cocktail at a place like Caver Bar (in Yuzhong District) inside a massive, cool, underground shelter is a unique experience.
Explore 9th Street (Jiu Jie): For those looking for nightlife, this is the main hub where locals gather. It’s filled with lively bars, dance clubs, and relaxed venues. Deyi World Unit B was also recommended to me for after hours meals.
Viral Instagram ride in Chongqing: If you are on social media as much as I am, you probably have seen the viral bike ride video coming out of Chongqing. I love to support a small business so I collaborated with Jeremy and you can watch the result on my IG. If you would like to experience this, you can dm him on IG directly, he is tagged on the video. Separately, there is also a restaurant lakeside where you’ve to book in advance and the fit and handsome Chinese men will feed and look after you. Next time, I will have to book this in advance!

Nature & day trips

If you have a few extra days, consider venturing outside the city center to see the region’s stunning natural wonders.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its spectacular karst landscape. The highlight is the Three Natural Bridges (Tiankeng Sanqiao), enormous natural stone archways that are some of the largest in the world.
Dazu rock carvings: This UNESCO-listed site (a 1.5 to 2-hour trip from downtown) features over 50,000 exquisite Buddhist and Taoist sculptures carved into the rock face, mainly centered on Baoding Mountain.
Chongqing zoo: Home to one of China’s most significant populations of Giant Pandas. This is a great stop for families and animal lovers.
Yangtze river cruise: Chongqing is a primary departure point for scenic multi-day cruises down the Yangtze River, passing through the legendary Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling).
Soak in the hot springs: Chongqing is known as the “Hot Spring Capital of China.” Enjoy a relaxing soak at a location like Ronghui Hot Springs. Milk is my favourite one out of all the ponds I tried. If go visit, lmk which one you enjoyed the most. Maybe wine or coffee hot springs?!

How many days is enough for Chongquing?

That’s the key planning question for any trip to a sprawling Chinese metropolis!

The “right” amount of time in Chongqing depends entirely on your travel style and how much you want to see outside the main urban core.

Most experienced travelers agree that the sweet spot is 4- 5 days.

Here is a breakdown based on different travel paces:

🕒 Chongqing Itinerary Breakdown

Travel Style	Recommended Stay	What You Can Cover
Whirlwind City Hopper	2 Days	Focuses strictly on the Yuzhong Peninsula and the most famous sights accessible by metro. Great for a stopover/layover or quick weekend trip.
Cultural Explorer & Foodie (Most Recommended)	3 to 4 Days	Allows you to cover all city landmarks, dedicate a night to Hot Pot, explore the old town (Ciqikou), and take a half-day or full-day trip to a nearby attraction.
Nature & Heritage Seeker	5 to 7 Days	Perfect for those who want to include the incredible, but distant, UNESCO sites like the Wulong Karst or Dazu Rock Carvings without feeling rushed.

Detailed Itinerary Goal

2 Days: The Essentials

Day 1: Focus on the Yuzhong Peninsula (Jiefangbei, Raffles City). Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for views and save your evening for the illuminated spectacle of Hongyadong.Dinner must be classic Chongqing Hot Pot and spend one night in or around the city.
Day 2: Experience the unique transit system at Liziba Station (train passing through the building), explore the historical alleys of Ciqikou Ancient Town, and take in the city view from a vantage point like Eling Park or the Sheraton area’s Nanshan.

3 to 4 Days: The Sweet Spot

Days 1 & 2: Cover all the essentials listed above for chongqing tour.
Day 3: Take a manageable day trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO World Heritage site) or move to spend another night at the Ronghui Hotel and spend the day relaxing and enjoying the pools at the Ronghui Hot Springs.
Day 4 (Optional): Dive deeper into local life by visiting the lesser three Gorges Museum, exploring different urban districts like Jiangbeizui, or dedicating time to try different local street foods and coffees.

5+ Days: Deep Dive

Use the extra days for the Wulong Karst National Geology Park. This spectacular area requires significant travel time (around 3 to 4 hours each way from Chongqing) and truly merits a full day or even an overnight stay to explore properly.
The longer stay also gives you the flexibility to spend a day enjoying one of the larger, slower attractions, like taking a short river cruise or simply soaking in the atmosphere of Chongqing’s famous tea houses.

I hope this things to do in chongqing itinerary provied you with enough insights into chongqing china travel.
For me, i hope to visit Chengdu next or since I am a spicy food lover maybe Sichuan too. Happy travels!