Travelling to Chongqing offers a unique blend of ancient culture and futuristic cityscapes, set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and rivers. Known as the ‘cyberpunk’ city of China, here you can find vibrant street life, spicy cuisine and architectural wonders that are like nothing you’ve seen before!
As someone who lived in Shanghai for over three years and has travelled China extensively, here are the best things to do in Chongqing – the ultimate itinerary with popular attractions along with some other hidden gems that a lot of tourists don’t know about!
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table of contents
- Hongyadong
- Luohan Temple
- Liziba Station
- Huangjueping Graffiti Street
- Ciqikou Ancient Town
- Hong’en Temple
- Longmenhao Old Street
- Yangtze River Cableway
- Chaotianmen Square & Raffles City
- Hot Pot
Hongyadong (Hongya Cave)
Probably the most iconic and unmissable attraction in Chongqing is this 11-story building complex. Inside you’ll find a maze of restaurants, shops and bars offering everything from local snacks to homemade crafts. Hongyadong captures the charm and energy of the city perfectly, making it one of the best things to do in Chongqing and is especially stunning when lit up at night.
Luohan Temple
Nestled among the modern city, this Buddhist temple with over a thousand years of history offers a peaceful escape. Luohan Temple is a unique blend of Chongqing’s past and present and a must-see for it’s serene atmosphere and historical significance. I really enjoyed wandering through the temple complex and seeing the skyscrapers towering behind.
Liziba Station
This place has become well known on social media as the ‘train through the building’ station. It’s actually cool to see the monorail running through a residential building. Liziba Station is a quirky spot has become iconic in the city, offering a fun photo opportunity that captures Chongqing’s impressive urban landscape. There’s often a lot of people waiting outside for the perfect shot, but try going on the train for a different perspective.
Huangjueping Graffiti Street
In the creative hub of the city is one of the largest graffiti streets in China, stretching for over a kilometre. In Huangjueping Graffiti Street, you can find incredible murals, as well as lots of vibrant street art and graffiti. It’s one of the best places to visit in Chongqing that’s actually not too busy, and there are some cute cafes and shops in the area too.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Wander through narrow alleys filled with tea houses, street food vendors and artisan shops. Ciqikou feels like stepping back in time whilst in the middle of a very futuristic city. If you’ve visited other ancient towns in China before, then this is similar and you can probably skip it – but if it’s your first time then have fun exploring!
Hong’en Temple
I first came across this temple on an Instagram post with no location and spent so long trying to find out where it was! Hong’en Temple sits on a hill and is often less crowded than other attractions. It has beautiful architecture, lush gardens and panoramic views of the city. This is personally one of my favourite temples I’ve ever visited in the world and is definitely one of the best things to do in Chongqing.
Longmenhao Old Street
I never see this place recommended in guides to Chongqing but it is definitely worth checking out! Longmenhao Old Street is a peaceful spot to stroll and enjoy the historic buildings and scenic river views. There are also many trendy cafes and shops, making it a cool place to hang out with friends. Personally, it’s one of my favourite places to visit in the city.
Yangtze River Cableway
For some of the best views of Chongqing, hop on the cable car going across the river. This popular attraction provides amazing views of the river, skyline and mountains. The lines and wait times can be very long, but gliding down the cable across the river is incredible and absolutely worth the wait.
Chaotianmen Square & Raffles City
Another iconic building in Chongqing is the impressive sail shaped building of the Raffles City mall. It looks similar to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. At the front of the mall is Chaotianmen Square, with great views of the Yangtze and Jialin Rivers. Personally, I think there isn’t much to do here except see the building itself, but others might enjoy shopping in the mall.
Hotpot
Chongqing is the birthplace of the spicy hotpot and trying it here is a must! Personally I don’t like spicy food but I still had to try it out with my friends, as it is an unforgettable local experience. There are specific vegan hotpot restaurants in the city, or in a normal hotpot you can choose your ingredients to make it vegetarian. Hotpot is absolutely one of the best things to do during your visit to the city.
Chongqing is a city that pulses with energy, blending its rich cultural heritage with a dynamic, modern vibe. From exploring its quirky art districts and ancient temples to soaking in the mesmerizing night views along the river, there’s always something to captivate you.
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