What to do in Chongqing, China?
Welcome to Chongqing, China’s biggest city (and arguably the world’s biggest, depending on how you measure it). If you’re planning a trip to China and wondering whether to add Chongqing to your itinerary, the answer is a definite YES!
I was actually quite sceptical about visiting, especially since online opinions were split: some people absolutely loved it, while others weren’t so convinced. But I decided to go and experience it for myself, and I’m so glad I did.
My mum and I spent 3 weeks travelling across China, starting with 4 days in Beijing, followed by 3 days in Chongqing (the first day was a travel-and-rest day). And honestly, it didn’t disappoint for a second. I might even say it was one of the highlights of our entire mother-daughter trip, and definitely the most memorable.
Chongqing is exactly what it thinks it is: a futuristic, neon-lit, slightly chaotic, and incredibly fun city built across mountains and rivers. Is it busy? Yes, but that’s part of the experience; it’s China. Overrated? Definitely not. I completely fell in love with this unique corner of China.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Chongqing. This includes the best places to stay and things to do, plus a full 2-day itinerary covering all the highlights, including the viral motorbike trend that went a bit crazy on my Instagram. Plus, onward travel from Chongqing. You ready?
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Travel Tips for China/Chongqing
Currency: China uses the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB/CNY), and in cities like Chongqing, you can easily pay digitally using apps like WeChat or Alipay. Cash is still accepted in a few places, but most locals rely almost entirely on mobile payments for everything from food to transport. It’s worth setting up digital payment options before you arrive to make travelling much smoother.
Language & Diversity: Mandarin is the main language in Chongqing, but the local accent can sound quite different from other parts of China. English isn’t widely spoken outside hotels or major tourist areas, so translation apps are very helpful for menus and getting around. China is also incredibly culturally diverse, with each region having its own traditions, cuisine, and way of life.
Getting Around: Travelling around Chongqing is an experience in itself because of its unique, layered geography of hills, bridges, and skyscrapers built on different levels. The metro system is one of its most impressive features, with stations that run through buildings and span dramatic drops in elevation. Taxis are easy to access (via DiDi with Alipay) and usually quite cheap.
Best Duration & Season: For Chongqing, around 2-4 days is usually enough to explore the highlights without rushing. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is less humid. Summers can be extremely hot, but the city still has a great atmosphere year-round thanks to its nightlife and neon-lit streets.
Norms & Values: In Chongqing, like much of China, respect, patience, and politeness are highly valued. Public behaviour is generally more direct and fast-paced than in the UK, especially in busy areas like transport hubs and markets. People also share food at meals, and hospitality often shows up through generosity and group dining.
Relevant Knowledge: Always keep up to date on travel advice via GOV.UK. Chongqing is often called one of China’s most futuristic cities due to its dramatic skyline, neon lighting, and mountain-built infrastructure. It’s famous for its spicy hotpot (too hot for me), but it’s a great food experience. Chongqing can feel overwhelming at first because of its scale, vertical layout, and constant movement, but you’ll get used to it. Getting around often involves stairs, escalators, bridges, and layered metro stations.
Chongqing is a big deal – trust me!
Best Areas & Places To Stay In Chongqing
📍Jiefangbei. Best for: First-Time Visitors & Nightlife
This is the main city centre and the most convenient area for first-time visitors. You’re surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping malls, street food, and easy metro access to almost everywhere in the city. It’s perfect if you want everything on your doorstep, especially nightlife, food spots, and major attractions. For a balance of comfort, location and energy, this is the best place to stay.
🩵 Shouxiang Hotel – A gorgeous stay with pretty modern rooms and a serious view.
📍Jialing River Area/Hongya Cave. Best for: Photography & Atmosphere
Staying near Hongya Cave puts you right in the heart of Chongqing’s iconic night views. The area is famous for its glowing traditional-style buildings stacked into the cliffside overlooking the river. At night, it becomes one of the city’s most photogenic spots, with lights reflecting off the nearby water. It’s an ideal area to stay if you want atmosphere, Insta-worthy shots, and an aesthetically pleasing stay.
🩵 Chongqing Holiday Riverview Hotel – A gorgeous 4-star hotel with amazing rooms and amenities.
📍Guanyinqiao. Best for: Shopping & Street Food
For a more modern, slightly younger district filled with shopping streets, street food, and local nightlife, stay in Guanyinqiao. It feels less touristy than Jiefangbei, but still lively and easy to navigate. It’s a great area to stay if you want to experience everyday Chongqing life with an edge. You can also find great-value hotels here, making it ideal for longer stays or budget-conscious travellers.
🩵 Kaoyu Hotel – A cute, convenient stay in the heart of Guanyinqiao, with great room rates and views.
Hotel Highlights
I used Booking for most hotels throughout China, but Trip also offers a wider selection of great accommodations and is mainly used by international travellers. All the hotels I booked didn’t disappoint, and I was really impressed by the quality for the value of all our stays.
The Mustel Hotel Chongqing Hongyadong
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The Mustel Hotel stood out to me as a convenient spot with modern rooms and handy amenities, including free access to a washing machine and dryer, plus portable chargers. I really liked the staff; they were friendly and very helpful with any enquiries we had. The room was clean and a good size, and the balcony was pretty huge, with the damage wallet costing only £36 a night.
Fun Things To Do: Day 1
A trip to China isn’t complete without a few days’ stop in Chongqing. This awesome spot has plenty to do without feeling rushed. We did not take any guided tours here, and most attractions were easy to explore on our own. Here are the fun things we did on day 1.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
We started our first day in Chongqing at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, one of the city’s most vibrant and energetic areas. Often considered the heart of downtown Chongqing, it’s surrounded by towering skyscrapers, major shopping centres, restaurants, street food vendors, and large crowds.
The area centres on the historic Liberation Monument. Upscale and local shops surround it, and you could easily spend a good few hours exploring. This location gives you an immediate feel for the city’s atmosphere and is a good place to start when exploring Chongqing.
We returned here multiple times throughout our stay, day and night, as the neon lights transformed the district into an entirely different experience. It’s where we had our first hot pot and stumbled upon a local food street where we got cute panda ice cream.
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Baixiangju & The Secret Apartments of Chongqing
One of the most memorable parts of our first day in Chongqing wasn’t planned. After leaving Jiefangbei, we wandered through the maze-like streets around Baixiangju, and before we knew it, we’d somehow ended up inside a huge residential apartment complex.
To be honest, I can’t tell you the exact route we took or the apartment’s name; that’s part of Chongqing’s charm. The city is built on multiple levels, with hidden walkways, staircases and passages that seem to appear out of nowhere. What started as a casual wander quickly turned into one hell of an experience.
In the apartments, we came across local vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and little gifts. A handful of tourists with cameras were there too, which made me think we’d stumbled upon one of Chongqing’s lesser-known hotspots by accident.
The views were amazing too. From up there, we could see the Yangtze River stretching into the distance, with the famous cable cars passing by. It was an incredible viewpoint, honestly. But the best part? When it was time to leave. To reach the main road below, we descended what felt like about thirty flights of stairs. We came across people selling gifts at their front doors or inside their homes. It was so unique and memorable.
Some outrageously great views from a random apartment block in Baixiangju
Raffles City
Our next stop was Raffles City, one of Chongqing’s most recognisable modern landmarks and a contrast to the hidden alleyways and residential staircases we’d just explored. Even from a distance, it’s hard to miss.
Raffles City is a popular shopping and business complex, but also unique. The development consists of several towering skyscrapers connected by a futuristic skybridge that sits high above the city, known as The Crystal. Visitors can take a lift to the observation deck for incredible panoramic views of Chongqing. Walk among the clouds with a SkyWalk Ticket for the world’s highest horizontal skyscraper!
At ground level, it’s just as impressive. You’ll find many food courts, delicious bubble tea shops, and plenty of cool spots to hang out. We found a delicious food shop that we visited on both days (the lamb chops were so good!) and our favourite bubble tea shop, ChaPanda. I wouldn’t say it’s a must for your itinerary (there are so many shopping complexes in China), but it’s worth it if you have the time.
Raffles City is an iconic building in Chongqing
Hongyadong
As evening approached, we made our way to Hongyadong, one of Chongqing’s most iconic and photographed places. If you’ve seen pictures of the city online, you’ve probably seen this incredible riverside complex glowing against the night sky. In reality, it’s even more beautiful. It’s jaw-droppingly unreal; I’ve never seen a skyline like it!
When you’re standing there, you realise it’s actually enormous and multi-level. Filled with shops, restaurants, food stalls, and viewing platforms, I’d recommend visiting Chongqing for this attraction alone. It really is a highlight.
As the sun set and the lights gradually came on, the entire area transformed. Golden lanterns reflected on the river, buildings glowed, and crowds gathered along the waterfront to take selfies and take in the view. It really felt like everyone was there to experience one of Chongqing’s most famous sights.
Heads up: it gets extremely busy there. You’ll also come across people who stop you or follow you, asking if you want professional photos or a boat tour. We eventually said yes to the boat tour/river cruise, and it was WOW.
Hongyadong is an iconic stop to add to your travel itinerary
River Cruise
The River Cruise was actually the perfect way to end our night. Seeing Hongyadong from the boat was magical and somehow even prettier. So many lights; it was a real treat for the eyes. It was really cool to take the boat down the river and see the bridge and buildings lit up. I didn’t book it online originally because I didn’t think it would be worth it just for a different angle- how wrong I was!
The ticket price is a little steep at £67 for 2 people. Once we boarded, we could go to the VIP section, which was less crowded and included drinks and fruit. We opted for that for an additional £11 per person, and it was totally worth the upgrade; we were seated and could admire the view more privately. You can also pre-book a River Cruise at a cheaper rate (£28 pp), but I don’t think it’s the same huge cruise we were on, which is still OK.
Looking back, I realise we had experienced about five different versions of Chongqing. What stood out the most was just how layered and impressive it is. Sure, it can be busy and chaotic at times, but guys, this is China – the second most populous country in the world!
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Fun Things To Do: Day 2
We woke up ready for another packed day in Chongqing, still thinking about how exciting Day 1 had been. Today’s plan mixed iconic sights with chill time, and it delivered. We got up late on Day 2, so if you wanted to fit in more tours beforehand, you definitely could.
Liziba Station
Our first stop on Day 2 in Chongqing was Liziba Station, one of Chongqing’s most famous attractions and somewhere I’d been looking forward to seeing. If you’ve spent any time researching Chongqing, you’ve probably come across this iconic attraction: a train appearing to pass through a residential building. It’s built directly into an apartment complex, making it one of the world’s most unique metro stations.
When we arrived, plenty of visitors were already gathered, cameras and phones ready. Every few minutes, you’ll see a train arrive at or leave the building. Seeing it in person was surprisingly impressive. It’s a quick photo stop, but well worth it. My mum and I had fun creating pictures and videos at this attraction.
While the train itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area also offers great city views, making it well worth adding to your China itinerary. Heads up, it can get busy, but again, welcome to China!
Liziba Station, an iconic attraction in Chongqing, China
Chongqing New World
After Liziba Station, we took a taxi to Chongqing New World, an area known for its colourful, aesthetic displays and photo opportunities. It has a famous pink-themed setup where visitors can create content. Compared with the futuristic skyscrapers and busy streets we’d explored the day before, this felt more playful and creative, making it a fun stop to break up the day.
We actually spent a good hour here playing around with content. If you’re on my Instagram, you’ve seen the moment my mum lost her mind and had a full-blown, spontaneous, solo dance session, showcasing her iconic footwork that had us laughing for days. It had a great vibe and an awesome backdrop.
We didn’t see any tourists, but there were a few locals (and a few more who stopped to watch my mum break it down). It was a nice, quieter spot away from the crowds. It felt youthful, trendy, and full of personality. So, if you have time, it’s a fun addition to a Day 2 itinerary and a great excuse to capture some Insta-worthy shots from your trip.
Chongqing New World was a bit of me. Of course, I love pink – I’m just a girl.
Hualongqiao Riverside
One of my favourite unplanned discoveries in Chongqing was the Hualongqiao Riverside. The riverside felt much more relaxed, giving us a chance to slow down and take in the scenery. Again, we didn’t see any tourists, but we saw lots of locals walking their dogs, running, or just strolling.
The views were beautiful as we looked across the river. Skyscrapers rise from the hills, and bridges stretch across the water. It’s amazing how the city looks completely different depending on where you’re standing.
We spent a good hour strolling, snapping more photos, and soaking up Chongqing’s calmer side. Sometimes the best parts of a trip aren’t the places you spent weeks researching, but the ones you stumble across by accident while exploring! Hualongqiao Riverside was exactly that.
Hualongqiao Riverside was a stunning accidental find!
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (Night)
We went back to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street at night to experience it, and it felt like a completely different place. It was super busy, with people everywhere, but it was really pretty, too. The district lights up in bright colours, with massive LED screens flashing above the streets.
We spent time just walking around, grabbing food, and taking in the skyline from different angles. It’s a great no-plan stop: take photos, grab some food, do some shopping, and let the city pull you in.
It’s not a must-visit spot, I must say, because you’ll find shopping centres all over China. If you don’t have the time or prefer to do something else, do it, especially if you’ve already seen it during the day. I preferred the day visit as it was slightly less busy.
From here, we went back to the hotel to get dressed again for our final few stops of the day. Why? Because I was about to participate in the Viral Motorbike Trend video!
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street at night
Viral Motorbike Trend
There was one thing I knew I couldn’t leave Chongqing without doing: the Viral Motorbike Trend that’s been all over Instagram and TikTok this past year. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about; if not, head to my Instagram where I’ve pinned it to the top of my feed.
So what is it? Simply put, you are a baddie: an awesome motorbike guy sweeps you off your feet, you’re on the motorbike doing rehearsed choreography against an INSANE backdrop of Chongqing’s lit-up skyscrapers, and you just look so bad-ass. It’ll make sense when you watch the video.
I absolutely loved it! It was such a cool experience, and the whole crew were fantastic. When you arrive, someone will teach you the opening scene (very simple), then you’ll practice 5 moves while you’re on the motorbike. Then, when it’s your turn, you’ll film the opening scene, practice the moves on the bike with your driver, and hit the road with another guy on a bike for the shoot.
The whole event took about 45 minutes, from learning the moves to getting back to the original spot. They send you the videos (already edited in a way that impressed me) before sending a final version to your WeChat app a few days later. I loved how professional, smooth, and fun this whole experience was.
So, if you want to be a badass, add this to your itinerary. It’s available to everyone, no matter your age, gender, or size. To book, I messaged @ChongqingMotorbike on Instagram, and they sent me the rates and booked me in. I paid about a £25 deposit, and £45 after the experience. A total of £70, which felt well spent.
The viral motorbike trend was a hit on my Instagram
HERE Xi’er Desert Music Bar
From the motorcycle place, we walked for a few minutes and ended up at HERE Xi’er Bar, a perfect end to our night. They had light entertainment, served delicious food and drinks, and had a really nice setup. It was open, so we had views of Chongqing, could watch people, and admire the river.
We ordered two drinks, a 6-plate fruit platter, popadoms, chicken popcorn, and two cakes for £28, which was pretty good for a boujee stop. The snacks were so delicious, and the fruit was so juicy! Overall, I’d recommend this bar for a nice, chilled evening out.
The only thing is, we had to wait 15 minutes for a taxi, which is really not like China. I think it’s due to the area. So, if you’re in a rush to get somewhere else after, book a little early.
Snacks at HERE Xi’er Desert Music Bar were 10/10
Other Tours From Chongqing
We didn’t take any other guided tours in Chongqing, since the attractions we wanted to see were easy to get to on our own. But if you are after some tours, the Chongqing Wulong Karst National Park is supposed to be amazing. I’m gutted we didn’t have an extra day for this! The Qingyu Banquet: Traditional Bayu Dining Experience also looks stunning. I’ve also put together a collection of the best tours going in Chongqing:
Best Tour Collection!
Onward Travel From Chongqing
One of the best things about visiting Chongqing is how well it connects you to some of China’s most distinctive destinations, whether you’re heading into nature or seeking more urban experiences. From here, you have a few incredible options, depending on the kind of trip you want to plan next. Mum and I took a train from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chengdu South via Trip, where we spent the next few days LOVING the vibe shift and the pandas. There are some other cool alternatives from Chongqing, too.
Zhangjiajie. You can fly to Zhangjiajie in about 2 hours, then take a short transfer into the national park area. This area is all about dramatic natural scenery, with towering sandstone pillars, misty mountains, and landscapes that famously inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. It’s perfect if you want to swap neon skylines for something more nature-focused and adventurous.
Guilin/Yangshuo. Another great option is travelling to Yangshuo (usually via Guilin), which takes about a 2.5-hour flight to Guilin, plus a short transfer. This location has unreal karst mountains, river cruises, and peaceful countryside scenery that feels completely different from China’s big cities. It’s ideal if you want a slower, more scenic next leg, with plenty of outdoor activities and incredible views.
Hong Kong. You can also fly directly to Hong Kong in about 2 hours. Hong Kong blends East and West, with its skyline, harbour views, shopping districts, and hiking trails packed into one compact city. If you’re short on time and looping back to Beijing to fly home, this could be your next best stop.
Chengdu. If you’ve got time, the next best stop is Chengdu, about a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride away, making it one of the easiest and most popular next stops from Chongqing. Chengdu is famous for its giant pandas, yummy food, and relaxed pace of life. This is the route Mum and I took. The train station was incredibly clean and huge, giving airport vibes. It was an iconic, memorable transport experience on our China trip, and it was a nice break from all the flights.
Next stop: Chengdu. Amazing onward destination from Chongqing.
That’s A Wrap!
Chongqing genuinely surprised me in every way. To think I debated whether to go originally- what a stop we would have missed out on! It’s been the most unforgettable part of our entire China trip.
It’s a city that doesn’t really make sense until you’re inside. One minute you’re by the river, the next you’re walking through a residential building, or even watching a train go through one. It’s just iconic, and it feels different to the rest of China.
If you’re thinking about adding Chongqing to your China itinerary, I can’t recommend it enough! It’s bold, it’s busy, but definitely mind-blowing. Honestly, it’s the craziest city I think I’ve ever visited, and it stays with you long after you leave. So, what are you waiting for? This is your sign to say YES to that trip to China; you won’t regret it!
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