Chongqing

Understand

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities in China, cities that are not part of a province and instead report directly to the central government; it is the only municipality that is not on the east coast (the others are Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin). It was historically a part of Sichuan province, and is culturally and linguistically considered to be part of it. During World War II, Chongqing served as the temporary capital of China after Nanjing fell to the Japanese. Despite being heavily bombed, Chongqing was successfully defended by the Chinese forces and avoided occupation for the duration of the war. In 1949, a massive fire swept through the waterfront, destroying much of the area and killing upwards of 3,000. Chongqing urban area (covered in this article) consists of the following eight districts and areas: Yuzhong, Dadukou, Shapingba, Jiulongpo, Nan'an, Banan, Beibei, and Liangjiang New Area (Jiangbei and Yubei no longer exist, having been merged in 2025 to form Liangjiang New Area).

Getting there

By plane 1 Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG IATA) (about 21 km northeast of Chongqing in Lianglu Town, Yubei District). It is served by international flights from Asia, Middle East, Europe, Oceania and North America. It also serves most main domestic cities. It has two terminals (a third much larger terminal under construction, and a fourth is set for construction shortly after completion of the third). Terminal 1 - Closed for renovation. The re-opening date has not been announced. Terminal 2 - Serves four domestic airlines: China West Air, China Express Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and China Spring Airlines. Metro Line 3 and Line 10 connects this terminal to downtown Chongqing. Bus service is also available from the ground level of the terminal. Taxi to downtown Chongqing costs about ¥80. Terminal 3 - Serves domestic airlines and international airlines, connecting Chongqing to major international cities. Metro Line 10 runs through the transportation hub of T3. There is free airport shuttle service between T3 and T2, which takes approximately 15 minutes for each trip. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city:

Chongqing Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre. The station is accessible from both terminals. The Airport shuttle bus departs from the ground level of Terminal 2 to 2 Shangqisi Lu airport bus stop in central Chongqing. There are two stops, so when you stand in line, look carefully. A taxi to downtown Chongqing would cost about ¥40-80.

By train There are three major train stations in Chongqing:

3 Chongqing East Railway Station (重庆东站), Nan’an District (南岸区) (CRT Line 6 Chongqing East Railway Station Metro Station), ☏ +86 23-67678000. This new station, which is the western terminus of the under-construction Chongqing-Xiamen Railway, opened in June 2025. It mainly serves trains from Hunan Province and the southeastern part of Chongqing Municipality. (updated Jun 2025) 4 Chongqing North Station (Chongqing Bei Zhan 重庆北站), Kunlun Avenue, Yubei District (渝北区昆仑大道) (CRT Line 3 Chongqing North Station South Square Metro Station and CRT Line 10 Chongqing North Station North Square Metro Station. Buses are also available to the North Square Terminal from the Longtousi Metro Station on Line 3), ☏ +86 23-64328162. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.. There are two terminals at the Chongqing North Station. The newer North Square (北广场) terminal handles high-speed services to/from Chengdu. Many long-distance high-speed trains to other cities in China also depart and arrive here. The slower K and T series trains contin

Getting around

The metro and bus systems are advised as the best forms of transportation and are very cheap and efficient. Chongqing is a very hilly city, so be prepared to climb lots of stairs when walking around. That can also make it a confusing city to navigate on foot, as the ground floor of one building can be at the same elevation as the 20th floor of an adjacent building for instance.

By metro The first section of Chongqing's rapid transit system opened in 2005. Since then, major expansions have now linked major railway stations, major shopping districts and the airport, with more extensions under construction. Announcements are made both in Mandarin and English. No smoking is allowed and all services are air-conditioned, which is a reason alone to board one from between April to September! Don't forget your electronic ticket card to get out of the station. If you overshoot your stop, go to the service counter and add value to your card.

1 Chaotianmen to Jiandingpo, east-west heavy rail metro line. Handy for visiting Ciqikou, Jiefangbei, or Chaotianmen. 2 Jiaochangkou to Yudong, monorail line. Convenient for visiting the Zoo, Stilwell Museum, Jiefangbei, Jiulongpo, Peoples Hall and Three Gorges Museum. 3 Yudong to Jiangbei Airport Terminal 2, monorail line running north-south. Convenient for Chongqing North Railway Station, Guanyinxiao, Chongqing Central Railway Station, EXPO Garden Center, NanPing, and airport. 4 Jiazhoulu to shichuan, pass Chongqing North Railway Station North Square. 5 Jiangjin to yuegangdadao,Access to areas outside central Chongqing (Jiangjin District) 6 Beibei to Chayuan, north-south subway line thru Yuzhong district (near Jeifangbei) in central Chongqing. 10 Wangiazhaug to Lanhualu, north-south via airport. Loop line (环线) Through the core area of Chongqing central city,can transfer to all other subway lines at stops on this line. Convenient for visiting the:Chongqingxi Railway Station,South Square of Chongqingbei Railway Station.

By bus Buses are frequent and cheap, but unless you can read Chinese you have to know where they are going and choose the right number bus going in the right direction. If you are going to one of the city centres in Chongqing city, simply ask each bus if they go there. There are four city centres, so be sure you know the name of the place you want to go to:

10 Shapingba bus station (Sandplains) NW part of town and is an academic and university centre 11 Jiangbei (Northplace) which includes Paradise Walk shopping center - There are two bus stations near the pedestrian street (Guanyinxiao). 12

See

Chongqing has the largest population in West China and is the focus of China's "Go West" development strategy. As a result, it is a very lively and rapidly modernizing city, although it does get a bit too hectic most of the time. On the surface, the city appears rough around the edges and a bit gritty and thus there may appear to be not much to do in the daytime, but further investigation will uncover a city with truly its own character and a number of interesting sites actually worth looking into.

Streets and architecture 1 Chaotianmen Square (朝天门广场), 1 Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District (重庆市渝中区长江滨江路1号) (many bus routes terminate here), ☏ +86 23-63712870. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A large public square at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Here you can see the importance of the river trade to Chongqing with nice views across the river to the new Chongqing Grand Theatre. Many river cruise ships terminate nearby and the night lights are spectacular to see. Free. 2 Ciqikou (磁器口 Chongqing Ancient Town), Shapingba District (沙坪坝区) (Metro Line 1, Ciqikou Station). 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meaning "Porcelain Port" as porcelain has long been made & transported from here, in Shapingba, on the banks of the Jialing River. This is a step back in time with several streets of Chongqing as it was, (and still is in some places). It is mostly comprised of small shops selling tourist stuff, but does lead down to the river where it is possible to board a restaurant boat and where the present hostel is located. The temple at the top of the hill is worth a visit. Worth a visit for a couple of hours. Unlike similar places in China, this one is still in its original state and not a reconstruction. Walking uphill away from the river and main tourist area, it is still populated by regular families and homes as it has always been.

3 Great Hall of the People (重庆人民大会堂) (access through pedestrian tunnel from Zengjiayan metro station on line 2). Chongqing's Great Hall of the People (and the People's Square in front of the Hall) is an architectural symbol of Chongqing City. This is where the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress, the legislature Chongqing Municipality, meets. Its construction began in 1951, but its design is traditional and mirrors those of China's ancient classical dynasties. It somewhat resembles an enlarged version of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The People's Square was only completed in 1997 and is decorated with trees and flowers. The ground of the square is paved with smooth marble tiles; there is magic music fountain;

Do

1 Huangguan Escalator (皇冠大扶梯) (next to Chongqing Railway Station & Lianglukou Metro Station), ☏ +86 23 63856688. 07:00-22:00. Claimed to be the second longest single escalator in Asia, it saves travelers having to climb the steep steps, hundreds of metres up or down between the train station & Chang Jiang Yi Road. Curiously it is a paid service in both directions. ¥2. 2 Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道), 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区新华路151号), ☏ +86 23 63834147. 07:30-22:30. This cableway, which is operated by the Chongqing Passenger Cableway Company Ltd (重庆市客运索道有限公司) takes one across the Yangtze River and provides a great view of the city. The trip covers a distance of 1166 meters and takes about 5 minutes. ¥20 one-way, ¥30 return. 3 Shancheng Footpath (山城第三步道). A suspended walkway clinging to the cliffside, this trail connects historical sites like the Kangjian Hall and the Bodhi Vajra Pagoda. It provides a quiet escape and unique angles to view Chongqing's mountainous urban landscape, away from the crowded tourist hotspots. (updated Oct 2025)

Cruises 4 Liangjiang Evening Cruises (重庆两江夜游), Office address: China Youth Travel Service Chongqing, 7-19/97 Zhongshan Yi Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区中山一路97号7-19重庆中国青年旅行社) (all the boats depart from the 5th and 6th piers of the Chaotianmen dock, which is at the northeast extremity of Yuzhong District), ☏ +86 23 63108939, [email protected]. 19:30-22:20. A 1-hour trip on the Yangtse (Chang Jiang) and Jialing rivers gives you a night view of Chongqing's modern skyline. ¥95-118 or more depending on class. Yangtze River cruises. Cruises on the Yangtze River will take you through the cradle of China, while giving you the opportunity to see some spectacular scenery. There are several different companies operating these cruises. ¥700–2500. Liangjing passage boat (两江小渡,), address: Chongqing Hongyadong Wharf (重庆洪崖洞码头). Time: 08:00–18:00. A trip from Chaotianmen to Danzishi which takes about 6 min. Cost of a boat ticket: ¥10.

Hot springs Chongqing is recognised as a renowned area for hot springs. There are dozens of options ranging from large complexes with their own hotels, ornate gardens and spa treatments, to smaller community based hot springs. Northern Hot Springs Park, Tianci Hot Springs and Southern Hot Springs Park are the largest of these facilities. There are special tourist buses available to these sites.

5 Northern Hot Springs Park (北温泉风景区, 北泉风景区, 北温泉公园), State Highway 212, Beibei District (北碚区212国道旁边) (take a train to Beibei Station on Metro Line 6; after exiting the station, head west to Beiqu

Buy

Food Preserved Dried Beef (Niu Rou Gan) Spicy Fine Beef Threads (Deng Ying Niu Rou) Curiously Flavoured Horsebean (Guai Wei Hu Dou) Pulverous Nuby Peach (He chuang Tao Pian) Hot Pot (Chongqing huo guo) Noodle (Chongqing XiaoMian, in addition there's also Dan-Dan Mian) Hemp flowers (Ciqikou Chengchangyin Mahua) Fuling pickle (Fuling Zhacai） Jianghu cuisine（Geleshan Spicy Chicken） Fengdu spicy chicken nuggets Jiangjin rice candy

Other Carpenter Tan (Tan Mu Jiang). This local carpentry shop is worth a visit for its fine wood artwares.

Eat

Local food Chongqing is a harbor city and with this comes what is called dockside culture (matou wenhua). This culture is blamed for a lot of things from cursing profusely to... Hot Pot. While many great restaurants abound in the city, memorable dining is best along Nanbin Lu with incredible night views back across the Yangtze River with the Jeifangbei city skyline lit-up. Here are some examples of the city's many offerings.

Hot pot Hot Pot (火锅 huǒguō, lit.: firepot) is one of Chongqing's claims to fame. In cities across China, one can find hot pot restaurants, but only Chongqing people can really stand a real hot pot, so if you want authenticity, get it while you can in Chongqing. When ordering hot pot you have a choice between three kinds. First, the spicy version called red soup (hong tang). Then there is one without any spices. This is basically a bone soup, and it is tasty. To get this, simply ask for "yuán wèi" or tell them "wǒ bú yào là" which means "I don't want the spicy stuff!" Finally there is a compromise with Yuan Yang Hot Pot (Yuan Yang Huo Guo), which is basically a pot split down the middle with the spicy stuff on one side and the mild on the other. For those who like spicy but do not like it too spicy, it is possible to order red soup without the jolt (wei la hong tang). It is a nice mild experience. For those who can not speak Chinese, it would be best to grab a Chinese friend to take you, though be warned, if your friend is a man you'll have to put up with a lot of drinking, if you're a man too you'll be expected to smoke more than you normally would, and some of the things they go slipping into the pot might not be your cup of tea. You will also have to be aware that you will be fed with a lot of dishes from your Chinese friends because they like to see your bowl is full of food. You might feel a little uncomfortable being fed like a child, but that is the way Chinese people show concern and enthusiasm towards their friends, especially when eating hot pot. Choose reputable hot pot restaurants. In October 2023 and January 2025, some restaurants were found illegally reusing leftover hot pot oil from previous diners, nicknamed "saliva oil". Local social media comments suggest it may still occur.

Suggested dishes at nicer restaurants Twice cooked spicy pork slices 回锅肉 (huiguorou) Fish slices in sour and spicy pickled vegetable soup 酸菜鱼 (suancaiyu) Fried pork fillet slices in sweet and sour sauce 糖醋里脊 (tangculiji) Steamed fatty pork with preserved vegetables (shaobai) Fish flavoured aubergine 鱼香茄子 (yuxiangqiezi) Onions and parsleys

Drink & nightlife

There are many bars in Chongqing, but most are underpopulated. Generally the local bottled beer is ¥10, and the variety includes several local beers and even Guinness (expensive) on occasions. If you go to one of the small restaurants to eat, you can buy bottles of local beer at ¥3 upwards. As a warning, some bars have adopted a less pleasant method to send pretty girls to accompany and entertain you, and then ask for huge additional sums when you leave. Take care.

1 Semi underground entertainment centre (west of Jiefangbei War Memorial, at the same place as the CRT Jiaochangkou Station). (updated Jul 2016) 2 Underground arcade (in Jiangbei (north), the entrance is across from the big hotel near McDonalds). Many bars and restaurants. Outside beer gardens (above the underground arcade). Serve reasonably priced drinks and is always crowded with good atmosphere and live premiership matches on big screens, do not eat here though! Shapingba (west). A young people and university place and have many places for entertainment.

Sleep

There are hundreds of hotels all over the city ranging from dormitory style for ¥30 per night, through three star equivalent hotels for ¥150, up to the numerous top western hotels for ¥600-2000 per night, and many more are being added and are under construction. Most hotels are rarely fully booked. You can always check the room before you commit.

Budget 1 Yangtze River International Youth Hostel (瓦舍玺院国际青年旅舍), 80 Changbin Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区长江滨江路80号), ☏ +86 23 63104208 (English speaking). Possibly the best option for budget accommodation in Chongqing. Centrally located, exceptionally clean and has great and helpful staff. Offers a range of rooms. Also offers a range of budget tours. ¥30-180.

Mid-range 2 Chongqing Grand Hotel (重庆大酒店), 84 Xiaolongkang New Street, Shapingba District (沙坪坝区小龙坎新街84号), ☏ +86 23 86299888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From ¥220. 3 Chongqing Jinjiang Oriental Hotel (重庆欧瑞锦江大酒店), No. 6 Xihu Road, Yubei District (渝北区西湖路6号), ☏ +86 23 67306666. 313 air-conditioned guest rooms. From ¥457.81. 4 DLT Hotel (重庆大礼堂酒店), 173 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区人民路173号) (behind the Great Hall of the People), ☏ +86 23 86527666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Completely renovated in 2007. From about ¥320. 5 Sheng Ming Hotel (重庆圣名大酒店, formerly known as the Chung King Hotel 重庆饭店), 45-47-Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区新华路45-47号) (Metro Lines 1 and 6, Xiaoshizi Station, Exits 2 and 3), ☏ +86 23 63916666, +86 23 63992700. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 14:00. Prices are not overly expensive, rooms are slightly on the small side but on the whole well decorated and furnished. Rooms come with pay-per-view and regular satellite TV. A couple of the channels are in English. Even better, room service will happily provide you with one of the best club sandwiches east of Britain. Somewhere in the hotel is a Western restaurant which will provide you with one of the biggest spaghetti bolognaise you have ever seen. The friendly staff in the lobby can provide you with currency exchange, luggage holding and travel tickets. From ¥279. 6 Somerset JieFangBei Chongqing (重庆盛捷解放碑服务公寓), 9F, Block B Hejing Building, No 108 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区民族路108号重庆合景大厦B栋9楼), ☏ +86 23 8677-6888, fax: +86 23 8677-6999, [email protected]. Each of its studios to two-bedrooms apartments features separate living and dining areas, an ensuite bathroom, a kitchen, home entertainment system, scenic views and Wi-Fi access. Daily rates starts from ¥350. 7 Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing, No. 151 Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, ☏

Go next

Qijiang Dazu Rock Carvings – Three hours' drive west of Chongqing city are these spectacular Buddhist carvings that date from the 9th to the 13th century. They are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. There is also a fascinating temple complex on the grounds. The caves can be reached by bus from the main long distance bus station in Chongqing (Chen Jiaping).