Chongqing China Travel Guide: The best 10 sights in Travelling to Chongqing
Welcome to Chongqing, the “8D Magic City,” where towering mountains and winding rivers converge amid a vibrant tapestry of traditional and modern culture. I’m Alobei, and over the next few minutes, I’ll walk you through the Top 10 must-see attractions in this spectacular metropolis. Each spot offers its unique flavor, so be sure to plan your time wisely to soak in every bit of Chongqing’s charm. Let’s embark on this journey!
10 Best Places to Sightsee in Chongqing, China
- Hongya Cave
- Liziba Station
- Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
- Yangtze River Cableway
- Ciqikou Ancient Town
- Huguang Guild Hall
- Chaotianmen Raffles City
- Dazu Rock Carvings
- Huangge Ancient Trail
- Chongqing Hot Pot Experience
1. Hongya Cave (洪崖洞)
By day, Hongya Cave showcases classic Bayu stilted architecture; by night, its lantern-lit façades come alive, evoking scenes straight from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Here you’ll enjoy local cuisine stalls, cultural folk performances, and sweeping views of the Jialing River. I recommend arriving at dusk—capture panoramic shots from across the river or on the Qiansimen Bridge.
For an extra touch, rent a hanfu (traditional robe) and immerse yourself in the ancient ambience.
2. Liziba Station (李子坝)
Witness one of the world’s most unique rail experiences: the Chongqing monorail threading directly through a residential tower.
From the dedicated viewing platform, you can snap dramatic photos of the train entering—seemingly “stopping” on the eighth floor!
This architectural marvel is China’s first co-built, co-existing straddle-beam monorail station.
3. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑)
At the heart of Chongqing stands the Liberation Monument, commemorating victory in the Sino-Japanese War and the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
Surrounding it is a bustling commercial hub, full of upscale shopping malls and street-level food stalls.
Visit after dark to soak up the neon-lit streets, catch lively street performances, and indulge in local favorites like spicy noodle soup and sour-and-spicy rice noodles at the nearby Bayi Road Food Street.
4. Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道)
Known affectionately as the “air bus,” this cableway spans the mighty Yangtze River, offering bird’s-eye views of Chongqing’s tiered skyline.
For the most dramatic lighting, board at sunrise or sunset from the Nan’an (Shangxin Street) station.
Riding during these quieter hours also helps you avoid the midday crowds.
5. Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)
Step back in time on the centuries-old porcelain port town of Ciqikou, with its cobblestone lanes, the wafting aroma of mala spices, and artisan shops lining both sides of the street.
Arrive early to wander mist-shrouded alleys in peace, visit historic sites like the Zhong Family Courtyard and Baolun Temple, and catch a live demonstration of the traditional “long-spout” teapot tea ceremony.
6. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆)
This grand complex is China’s largest guild hall from the Qing Dynasty, mixing Huizhou-style architecture with Sichuan cultural elements.
Explore the ornate Yuwang Palace and the old Opera Stage, admire delicate wood carvings and vibrant murals, and learn about the “Huguang fills Sichuan” migration that shaped modern Chongqing.
7. Chaotianmen Raffles City (朝天门来福士)
At this ultra-modern mixed-use complex, ascend to the 47th-floor “Exploration Deck” for a panoramic view of where the Yangtze meets the Jialing—often likened to a “yin-yang soup” of swirling waters.
Stroll the rooftop “Mountain City Garden” for contemporary art installations, and when night falls, dine at the North Cable Western Restaurant’s 720° riverside terrace.
8. Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dazu carvings rival the great grottoes of Dunhuang with their exquisite Buddhist iconography and narrative reliefs.
Prioritize the Beishan section to marvel at the “Peacock King” cave and the “Infinite Life Sutra” tableau.
Audio guides in English via WeChat help you delve into the religious and historical context behind each sculpture.
9. Huangge Ancient Trail (黄葛古道)
Follow the 800-year-old Tea Horse Road where moss-covered stones wind through lush greenery and centuries-old buildings whisper tales of the Mountain City’s past.
You’ll reach the Tang-era Laojundong (Old Lord’s Cave) and the venerable streets of Huangjueya, shaded by the vast, gnarled roots of the eponymous Huangge trees.
10. Chongqing Hot Pot Experience (重庆火锅文化体验)
No visit to Chongqing is complete without diving into its fiery hot pot—the city’s culinary soul. Thick, spicy broth teeming with dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic spices creates an unforgettable “num-bing, spicy-numbing” sensation.
Gather around the bubbling cauldron, select fresh meats, vegetables, and tofu, and savor each mouthful as the tingling flavors dance on your palate.
