Chongqing! The Mountain City. For most people, it’s a dream travel destination. And if your time is limited, you absolutely must visit Hongya Cave and Jiefangbei. Here, you can truly feel the unique charm of Chongqing and experience the culture and lifestyle of the Bayu region.
Chongqing is not a city you can just up and go to without planning. Before you leave, you’ll need to look into various guides, make reservations, and book tickets—there’s quite a bit to prepare before everything is finally in place. Speaking of traveling to Chongqing, I can offer you some advice. Whether you’re going on a road trip, joining a tour group, or traveling on your own, it’s best to plan ahead. If possible, find a reliable local guide to show you around—it can save you quite a bit of money.
Some attractions in Chongqing have a limited number of tickets available each day and must be booked in advance. Without a reliable guide to help and advise you, you may not be able to visit many places—and that would be such a shame. So before you go, you should definitely do your research and find a guide who can help arrange your meals, accommodations, transportation, and tickets. Only then can you truly relax and enjoy your trip. If you can spare three minutes to patiently read the following article, it will help you avoid many detours during your travels in Chongqing.
Must-do experiences in Chongqing
Check in at iconic landmarks (Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Yangtze River Cableway, etc.).
Explore natural scenery (Wulong Fairy Mountain, Three Natural Bridges, Wu River, etc.).
Experience Bayu culture (Ciqikou Ancient Town, Jiuli City, etc.).
See unique attractions (Liziba Light Rail passing through a building).
Taste Chongqing cuisine (hot pot, Chongqing noodles, spicy chicken, etc.).
Experience the Mountain City’s nightlife (go to bars, enjoy the night views, etc.).
What should you pay attention to when traveling to Chongqing?
Most attractions require advance reservations. For example, Hongya Cave needs to be booked in advance through official channels. Some memorial halls around Jiefangbei may also require reservations, so be sure to check ahead of time.
Challenges with self-driving: Regulations for non-local vehicles can be complicated, parking is not always convenient, and some areas have relatively high parking fees.
Complex transportation: Due to Chongqing’s unique terrain and winding roads, bus routes can be complicated, and navigation systems may sometimes “fail.”
Unlicensed tour guides: Around scenic spots there may be unscrupulous guides who lure visitors with low prices and then take them to shopping stops.
Attractions are spread out: Many attractions are far from each other. For example, Wulong is a certain distance from the urban area. Without careful planning, your trip may become exhausting.
Must-Visit Attractions in Chongqing
Hongyadong
The mountainous stilted buildings with distinctive Ba-Yu characteristics, illuminated at night, resemble a real-life version of Spirited Away.
Address: Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Map)
Jiefangbei
Chongqing Landmark Building ,A bustling commercial hub and fashion icon in Chongqing.
Address: Near Chongqing Times Square, Pedestrian Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Map)
Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges
The film location within the sinkhole offers spectacular scenery.
✅️Ticket Reservations:Trip
Address: Fairy Mountain Town, Wulong District, Chongqing, China（map）
Fairy Mountain
Known as the “Eastern Switzerland,” it boasts beautiful grassland and forest scenery.
✅️Ticket Booking: Trip
Address: Xiannüshan Town, Wulong District, Chongqing, China (Map)
Jiuli City
A magnificent architectural complex showcasing Miao culture.
✅️Ticket Booking: Trip
Address: Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, China Postal Code: 409616 (Map)
Wujiang River
The river flows crystal-clear and emerald-green, with picturesque scenery along both banks.
✅️Ticket Booking: Trip
Address: Xiahe Village, Wanzu Town, Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, China (Map)
Ciqikou Ancient Town
A thousand-year-old town, once a bustling water and land port, where you can savor local snacks and immerse yourself in the charm of the ancient town.
Address: Shapingba District, Chongqing, China (Map)
Lizi Ba Light Rail Viewing Platform
The best spot to witness the unique spectacle of light rail passing through buildings.
Address: 35 Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China. 50 meters north (Map)
Recommended Chongqing Itinerary
4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary
Day 1: 24-hour airport/station pickup to hotel for rest or free time. (Accommodation: Chongqing, Meals: None)
Day 2: Depart from downtown Chongqing - Wulong - Fairy Mountain (known as the “Eastern Switzerland”) - Tiansheng Three Bridges (UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, 5A Scenic Area, filming location for Transformers, Where Are We Going, Dad?, and The Running Man). (Accommodation: Wulong/Pengshui, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: [Jiuli City] - Wujiang River Cruise. (Accommodation: Changshou/Chongqing, Meals: B/L/D)
Day 4: Ciqikou Ancient Town (Millennium-old town) - Liziba Light Rail Viewing Platform (Light rail passing through buildings) - Liberation Monument - Hongyadong (Real-life Spirited Away) - Disband. (Accommodation: None, Meals: B/L)
5-Day 4-Night Itinerary Sharing
DAY 1: Airport/Station Pickup. Meals: Self-arranged all day. Accommodation: Chongqing city hotel.
DAY 2: Depart hotel — Tiansheng Three Bridges — Fairy Mountain Forest Park — “Impression Wulong” show. Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Accommodation: Wulong/Pengshui hotel.
DAY 3: Depart hotel — Wujiang Gallery Viewpoint — Gongtan Ancient Town — —Ayi River—Wujiang Miao Ethnic Group Grand Song and Dance Show, Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation: Pengshui Hotel
DAY 4: Depart Hotel — Chiyou Jiuli City — Skyscraper-Penetrating Light Rail — Liberation Monument — Hongyadong — Nanbin Road Night Tour, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodation: Downtown Chongqing Hotel
DAY 5: Drop-off at Station/Airport, Meals: Breakfast
Chongqing Travel Expenses
We spent 4 days exploring Chongqing with a premium 5-day tour package. Costs included:
1. Services: 24-hour VIP service with a professional tour guide and leader.
2. Transportation: 24-hour airport transfers—no need to worry about travel logistics. (✅️ Airport transfer booking)
3. Accommodation: 3 nights in comfortable hotels throughout the trip. (✅️ Book Chongqing Accommodations)
4. Admission: Entrance tickets to all itinerary attractions + VIP skip-the-line privileges.
5. Many tourist traps exist within scenic areas, but thanks to Dong A-mei's thoughtful arrangements, we avoided unnecessary expenses.
6. Meals: 3 main meals and 3 breakfasts—all excellent quality, including a complimentary Chongqing hotpot feast.
Recommended Hotels in Chongqing
Jiefangbei Area
Chongqing Grandview Hotel
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
Perched in the heart of the misty metropolis, this residence offers panoramic views of the bustling city center and the dazzling nightscape of the twin rivers. At the “Sixth Sense” Western restaurant, savor global gourmet delights and authentic local flavors of Ba-Yu cuisine; The most elegant “Mountain City Reflections” Chinese Restaurant blends local specialties with Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine; the sophisticated “Sky Pavilion” offers rich coffee, Western à la carte dishes, private Chinese dining rooms, and afternoon tea; the distinctive Gran Tea House, exuding refined artistic charm throughout, is the ideal meeting place for business and travel elites.
Chongqing Hanwen Hotel
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
The hotel is located in the Jiefangbei business district on the Yuzhong Peninsula, along the banks of the Jialing River. It is adjacent to Huanghuagarden Station on Light Rail Line 2, offering direct access to Jiefangbei in one stop. The Liziwa Light Rail runs through the building, connecting to the Jianchuan Museum and Shibati. Within walking distance of attractions like Hongyadong, the Grand Hall, and Zhou Enlai's Mansion; across the river from Jiangbeizui CBD—China's third financial district—where the dazzling nightscape unfolds in a breathtaking panorama. Unlike traditional luxury brands, even brief stays here transcend mere lodging. It embodies understated elegance with exceptional quality, pulsing with urban energy while preserving a slow-paced, leisurely essence.
Guanyinqiao Area
Chongqing Junhao Hotel
✅️ Book Discounted Rates: Trip
The hotel is located in the Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street commercial district of Jiangbei District, offering convenient transportation and a setting nestled between mountains and water, rich in both natural and cultural landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of the Jialing River and North Riverside Road, with Liujia Pier Food Street just steps away. Gaze upon the iconic Li Zi Ba light rail station—a viral spot where trains pass through buildings—and reach urban attractions like Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and the Grand Theatre in no time. Create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.
Chongqing Century Golden Resources Hotel
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
A 10-minute walk from Guanyin Bridge brings you to the viral photo spot “I'm in Chongqing.” No summer surcharges, includes 4 breakfasts. Stay in Chongqing's trending commercial district with a 20% discount voucher for Cloud Eye. Located 50 meters from Light Rail Line 3. Major shopping malls nearby: Starlight 68, Longfor North City Mall, New Century Department Store, New World Department Store, Grand Mall, Sunshine Century Mall
Nanbin Road Area
Sheraton Chongqing Hotel
✅️ Booking Discount: Trip
Sheraton Chongqing Hotel stands along the picturesque Nanbin Road by the Yangtze River. Its iconic twin golden towers blend traditional Chinese elements with elegant European design, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship throughout. Boasting unparalleled views, it elevates your stay with prestige, awakening your senses to the city's captivating panorama. Multiple distinctive restaurants and lounges offer authentic Chinese and Western culinary delights, delighting your palate.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Chongqing
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
Located in the bustling Nanbin Road scenic, dining, and leisure district of Chongqing, the hotel offers breathtaking river views. Spacious and comfortable guest rooms feature “Tropical Rainforest” showerheads and bathtubs. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Chongqing offers exquisite global cuisine. Whether at the Yangtze River Café, Nanbin Garden Chinese Restaurant, Four Seasons Japanese Restaurant, or the Lobby Bar, embark on a culinary journey exploring world flavors. Indulge in mouthwatering Western pastries and desserts, elevating your dining experience with premium quality!
Nanan District
Kempinski Hotel Chongqing
✅️ Booking Offer: Trip
Majestically situated along the Yangtze River and connected to the Chongqing International Convention and Exhibition Center, the hotel features a range of luxurious rooms and suites with state-of-the-art facilities, offering either breathtaking views of the Yangtze or dazzling cityscapes. Four restaurants and bars showcase global culinary delights, including Element All-Day Dining, Guohui Ban Chinese Restaurant, Lobby Lounge, and Kempinski Gourmet Gallery. Kempinski Hotels has brought its globally renowned European luxury and meticulous service to Chongqing. At Kempinski Chongqing, European indulgence is within reach.
Shangqing Temple & Liziba Area
Chongqing Hilton Hotel
✅️ Booking Offer: Trip
The hotel is adjacent to the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Central Business District, with famous attractions like Hongyadong and the Yangtze River Cableway just moments away. Located at a transportation hub with seamless access to the city's rail transit system, it places the three major shopping districts—Jiefangbei, Guanyinqiao, and Nanping—within easy reach. The Chongqing Hilton
features the acclaimed Café@Two, the renowned Chinese restaurant Drunken Moon Court helmed by a master chef, and the Lingbo Pavilion Lobby Lounge with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, guests can step away from the city's hustle and bustle to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Daping/Times Avenue Area
Chongqing Honglou Hotel
✅️ Book Discounted Rooms: Trip
This historic hotel served as high-end apartments for Soviet military experts in the early years of New China. The three-story building features tree-lined pavilions and gazebos outside, while inside, it boasts corridors, courtyards, yellow walls, and green tiles. Named “Red Building” for its vermilion-lacquered pillars supporting the roof, it housed over twenty Soviet experts and their families upon completion. For a time, European influences permeated the halls, creating a vibrant atmosphere of foreign customs. With its ornate eaves, the Red Building has sheltered numerous historical figures, truly living up to its name. Building No. 1 is designated by the Chongqing Municipal Government as an immovable cultural relic of significant value. After renovation and upgrading, the hotel offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city—a serene, elegant space surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and floral fragrance, featuring architecture that is both simple and graceful. Here, light and shadow harmonize with historic architecture, reviving revolutionary memories while seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Transformed into a true red-themed hotel and an urban garden resort, it offers a refreshing experience.
Chongqing North Railway Station Area
Chongqing Huayu Wyndham Grand Hotel
✅️ Book Discounted Rooms: Trip
Located on the eastern section of Taishan Avenue in Yubei District, the hotel is conveniently situated near the North Station transportation hub, ensuring hassle-free travel. Drawing inspiration from Chongqing's municipal flower, the camellia, and the city's distinctive stilted houses, the hotel incorporates light and shadow artistry to infuse the essence of mountain city culture, creating a gentle and elegant ambiance.
Four Points by Sheraton Chongqing North Railway Station
✅️ Booking Discount: Trip
This Marriott International Select Brand hotel is situated on the middle section of Min'an Avenue in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing. It is adjacent to major CBD clusters including Chongqing North Railway Station and Liangjiang Fortune Financial Center. The hotel offers convenient access, being right next to Metro Line 4/ Loop Line at Exit 1B, with direct access to Chongqing North Railway Station via either line. Featuring forward-thinking design and a humanistic philosophy of comfortable living, guest rooms seamlessly integrate classic terrazzo color palettes and ergonomic sofas, allowing every traveler to experience refined comfort and lifestyle aesthetics throughout their journey.
Qibo Center Area
Chongqing Binle Baoxuan Hotel
✅️ Booking Discount: Trip
Located at No. 2 Saidi Road, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing (Qibo Center), the hotel is adjacent to Jintong Road Station on Light Rail Line 3. It is approximately 18 minutes from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, 13 minutes from Chongqing North Railway Station, Yuela International Expo Center, and Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street. Its location is exceptionally convenient. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms featuring a minimalist, stylish, and modern design (minimum room size: 42 square meters), all boasting unobstructed views of either the golf course or cityscape. The sky-high check-in lobby, all-day Skyline Restaurant, and lobby lounge are situated on the 36th floor. A luxurious 1,000-square-meter multi-function hall and several private Chinese dining rooms serve authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine alongside exquisite banquets. Facilities include an international-standard fitness center, indoor heated pool, and professional spa.
Chongqing Anpu Hotel
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
Emerging from the clouds, Anpu blooms, Emerging from ethereal mists, this hotel nurtures the distinctive Ba-Yu culture. With the Yangtze River as its backdrop and technology as its brush, it paints a new paradigm for contemporary travel. Rooted in the mountain city's character and inspired by the concept of “smoke and fire in the clouds,” it blends modern minimalism with refined opulence to create a highly designed business hotel.
National Expo Central Park Area
Wyndham Chongqing Yuelai Hotel
✅️ Book Discounted Rates: Trip
Located on Yuelai Riverside Avenue in Yubei District, Chongqing, the hotel is near the Yuelai International Expo Center. With direct access to Light Rail Lines 6 and 10, it offers stunning views of the Jialing River and layered mountain ranges, boasting an excellent location and convenient transportation. Featuring spacious, comfortable, and stylishly luxurious rooms, each space is immaculately clean and warmly appointed with advanced amenities, delivering a premium experience and high-end enjoyment.
A diverse array of restaurants and lounges, complemented by an indoor pool, fitness center, and spa, enhances your stay with refined amenities. Seamlessly integrated with the convention center, the hotel provides over 12,500 square meters of versatile meeting spaces, flexibly accommodating diverse event requirements and establishing itself as Chongqing's premier choice for conference hotels.
Shapingba Three Gorges Plaza Area
Chongqing Ronghui International Hotel
✅️ Booking Discount: Trip
Chongqing Ronghui International Hotel is nestled in the heart of Quanli Town, renowned as “China's Premier Hot Spring Town.” This integrated urban hot spring resort seamlessly combines “hot springs + hotel + commerce + residences + recreation + cultural creativity” into one destination. Drawing inspiration from terraced fields in its architectural design, the hotel blends cultural elements like camellias and mountain-inspired hot spring living to create a luxurious yet relaxed stay experience. The hotel integrates its brand philosophy of “Service to the Fullest” with the essence of hot spring etiquette. From the welcoming “Golden Key Service” to premium hot spring amenities, guests experience Ronghui International's heartfelt hospitality.
Hainan Yuntian Hot Spring Resort Area
Holiday Inn Chongqing Science Hall
✅️ Book Discounted Rooms: Trip
Located in the Western (Chongqing) Science City, boasts prime accessibility. Adjacent to Science Avenue and multiple expressways and rail transit lines, it offers seamless connections to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Chongqing West Railway Station. Guests can effortlessly explore nearby attractions like Tianci Hot Springs, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in the city's 8D marvels and embracing its laid-back pace of life. Guest rooms, suites, and apartments embrace the new generation of Holiday Inn design philosophy—warm and bright—with expansive windows framing vibrant cityscapes. All accommodations feature modern amenities and premium bedding, including dual pillow options for personalized comfort. The Alien Little Beast-themed family rooms brim with whimsy and childlike charm in every detail, thoughtfully equipped with children's toiletries and daily essentials. The “Kids Eat, Stay, and Play” value package fills family vacations with delightful surprises and cherished new memories.
Huayi Hotel Chongqing Science Hall
✅️ Book with discounts: Trip
Huayi Hotel Chongqing Science Hall is conveniently located within the Western (Chongqing) Science City. The hotel ingeniously weaves the essence of Chongqing's Five Beauties—bird-resting emerald rivers, ancient riverside wharves, extraordinary architectural wonders, the grace of purple bamboo, and the passion of Ba dance—into its design. The “bamboo joint” motif facade symbolizes purity and resilience, complemented by expansive terraces to create an extraordinary and refined living experience. Featuring meticulously crafted New Chinese-style elegant guest rooms and suites, diverse restaurants blending global and local flavors, a tea-tasting sanctuary, wellness center, and a standalone conference center with over 5,300 square meters of indoor and outdoor venues, the hotel delivers a multidimensional experience of New Chinese aesthetic living.
Chongqing University of Technology Huaxi Area
Chongqing Ronghui Peninsula Hotel
✅️ Booking Discount: Trip
Nestled within the Xiliutuo Riverside Tourism Zone of Chongqing's Banan District—a national 4A-rated scenic area—the hotel commands prime riverside views along the Ba River. It harmoniously complements the Xiliutuo Town, Camellia Square, Riverside Park, and Ba River Promenade. A rare, integrated venue in Southwest China combining a ceremonial chapel and banquet hall—the ideal love sanctuary. Its panoramic river views and ingenious design blend the solemnity of a chapel with the grandeur of a modern banquet hall, while the outdoor lawn exudes delicate vitality and spirituality. Just as love's testimony demands both dignity and romantic beauty, this space delivers a profound sense of ceremony for newlyweds.
Attraction Reservation Guide
1. Hongyadong: Reserve your visit time slot in advance via the official WeChat public account or other platforms.
2. Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges: Purchase tickets and make reservations in advance via the scenic area's official website or travel platforms.
3. Jiuli City: Tickets are generally available for purchase on-site or through online platforms. Advance reservations may be required for certain special events.
4. Other attractions such as Jiefangbei and Ciqikou do not require reservations. However, visits to related memorial halls or museums may necessitate advance booking. Please consult the scenic area for specific details.
Local's Secret Food Guide
1. Brother Zhou's Chongqing Hot Pot: Crisp tripe and authentic broth.
2. Huashi Bean Sprout Noodles: Signature dish with rich flavors.
3. Fat Man's Hot Pot: Classic hot pot style with fresh ingredients.
4. Chen Jianping Twisted Dough Sticks: Crispy, fragrant specialty from Ciqikou.
5. Mountain City Mini Tangyuan: Soft and glutinous texture, sweet without cloying.
6. Shihuis Market Li Skewers: Representative of skewer hotpot, diverse ingredients.
