China

Chongqing

A mountain city of rivers, hotpot and neon stairways.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
32.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Very cheap
  • Food$$$$$About $15 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $40 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.2 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CKGChongqing Jiangbei International AirportMain hub, about 19 km northeast of the centre.
HowCostTime
Metro Line 3City centre¥5-1040-60 min
Cheapest option; accessible from both terminals.
Metro Line 10City centre¥5-1035-50 min
Runs from the T3 transport hub.
Airport busShangqisi Lu, central Chongqing¥15-2045-70 min
Departs from ground level of Terminal 2.
TaxiDowntown¥40-8030-50 min
Show your hotel name in Chinese.
Ride app (DiDi)Downtown¥40-8030-50 min
Set pickup point by terminal.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Chongqing

Getting around

Metro for most trips; ride apps for hills, stairs and late nights.

  • Metro ★Fast, cheap and air-conditioned, with announcements in Mandarin and English. Lines 3 and 10 link the airport to the city.
  • BusFrequent and cheap, but signs are mostly in Chinese. Useful for short local hops.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis are yellow and metered; few drivers speak English, so show your destination in Chinese. DiDi works well; set up the app before you arrive.
  • Rental carNot advised for visitors: steep, confusing roads and hard parking. Use metro and apps instead.
  • WalkingExpect stairs and hills everywhere. Biking is not advised in the centre. Wear good shoes.
  • FerryA short Liangjiang ferry crosses the river for about ¥10. A cheap way to see the skyline from the water.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers the old town, river views and a hotpot dinner; add a night for a Yangtze side trip.

Best for
  • FoodHotpot, noodles and street snacks all day.
  • CultureOld towns, river views and mountain-city life.
  • NightlifeNeon skylines, river cruises and late-night eats.

Weather by month

11°6°Jan🌧 9d
14°7°Feb🌧 8d
19°11°Mar🌧 14d
23°15°Apr🌧 17d
26°18°May🌧 17d
29°22°Jun🌧 16d
32°25°Jul🌧 15d
34°26°Aug🌧 12d
28°22°Sep🌧 15d
22°16°Oct🌧 16d
17°12°Nov🌧 12d
12°7°Dec🌧 7d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Humid subtropical climate: mild winters, hot sticky summers, and rain in most months. Expect hills, stairs and haze.

  • Best months: October to DecemberHighs of 12–22°C and fewer rainy days. Comfortable for walking the hills and riverfront.
  • Hot, humid summer (June to August)Highs of 29–34°C with high humidity. Move slowly, carry water and rest at midday.
  • Rain in most monthsSpring and autumn are wettest, with 14–17 rain days. Pack a compact umbrella and grippy shoes.
  • Cool, damp winterJanuary highs near 11°C and lows around 6°C. Buildings can feel cold; bring warm layers.
  • Haze and mistRiver mist and haze can hide the skyline. Views are clearest after rain or on cooler days.
  • What to packComfortable walking shoes for stairs and hills, a rain jacket, and light breathable clothes for summer.

Landmarks 9

Must-see · 4

  1. 1

    Hongya Cave

    A multi-storey stilt-house complex glowing with lights at night, it is Chongqing's most photographed sight and a must-see for its dramatic setting above the Jialing River. Go after dark for the full effect, and arrive before 7pm to avoid the worst crowds.

  2. 2

    Ciqikou Ancient Town

    A preserved old town of cobbled lanes, teahouses and snack stalls, perfect for sampling local flavours and picking up crafts. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience; it is easily reached by metro Line 1 to Ciqikou station.

  3. 3

    Dazu Rock Carvings

    A UNESCO World Heritage site of Buddhist cliff carvings dating back centuries, offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring day trip from the city. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between the carvings, and allow at least half a day; buses run from Chongqing's main bus stations.

  4. 4

    Liziba Station

    A metro station where trains pass directly through a residential building, a quirky symbol of Chongqing's mountainous terrain. Ride Line 2 to Liziba and watch from the viewing platform below; it is free and quick to visit.

1Hongya Cave2Ciqikou Ancient Town3Dazu Rock Carvings4Liziba Station

Cultural

Skyscraper 1

Old Town 1

Buddhist 1

Urban Hub 1

Modern Architecture 1

Statue 1

Museum 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Amusement Park 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Plans

    Chongqing rewards visitors with dramatic hills, river views and fiery food. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Food ★ Recommended length

    Three days of hotpot, noodles and street snacks, with short walks between meals.

    Stay: Jiefangbei. The central peninsula: walk to Hongya Cave, the riverfront and the main metro lines. Best for first-timers.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CNY 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CNY 233
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    CNY 500–1,800
    2 nights · Jiefangbei
    Day 1

    Arrive, old-town lanes and first hotpot

    Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 45
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 641 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CNY 9
    2. 1

      15:00–16:00 · Free

      Shancheng Lane old-town walk

      Gentle walk to get your bearings. Wear flat shoes, there are many steps.

      Open Open all day; livelier in the evening

    3. Taxi · 628 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CNY 9
    4. 2

      16:30–17:30 · ≈ CNY 30–80 for several snacks

      Local food street (xiaochi) snack crawl

      Snack crawl. Point at what looks busy; stalls are roughly 11:00–23:00.

      Open Stalls roughly 11:00–23:00

    5. Taxi · 227 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CNY 8
    6. 3

      19:00–20:30 · ≈ CNY 80–150 per person; varies by restaurant

      Chongqing hotpot dinner

      Hotpot dinner. Ask for mild (weilat) if you are new to it. Most places run late.

      Open Most hotpot places roughly 11:00–02:00

    7. Taxi · 655 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CNY 9
    8. 4

      21:00–22:00 · Free to enter the complex; food and drinks extra

      Hongya Cave (Hongyadong) Landmark quest

      Lights come on after dark. Very crowded; go for the view, not the food.

      Open Stalls roughly 10:00–23:00; lights on after dark

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 829 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CNY 9
    Day 2

    Ciqikou morning, river views, snacks

    Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 137
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 17 km · ≈ 57 min · ≈ CNY 39
    2. 1

      09:00–11:00 · Free to walk; snacks and teahouses cost extra

      Ciqikou Ancient Town Landmark quest

      Go early on a weekday to beat the crowds. Shops open around 09:00.

      Open Streets open all day; shops roughly 09:00–21:00

    3. Taxi · 17 km · ≈ 56 min · ≈ CNY 38
    4. 2

      12:30–13:30 · Park free; tea roughly CNY 20–40

      People's Park teahouse

      Teahouse break in the park. Order a pot of tea and sit.

      Open Park roughly 06:00–22:00

    5. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
    6. 3

      14:00–16:00 · Free with ID; some shows extra

      Three Gorges Museum

      Closed Monday. Good for a hot or rainy afternoon.

      Open Closed Monday; roughly 09:00–17:00

    7. Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 31 min · ≈ CNY 24
    8. 4

      18:00–19:00 · Free

      Jialing River waterfront Landmark quest

      Riverside walk at dusk. Paths are open all day.

      Open Riverside paths open all day

    9. Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ CNY 21
    10. 5

      20:00–21:00 · ≈ CNY 30–80 for several snacks

      Local food street (xiaochi) snack crawl

      Late snack crawl near Jiefangbei.

      Open Stalls roughly 11:00–23:00

    Day 3

    Cableway, last bites, depart

    Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 51
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 1240 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 10
    2. 1

      10:00–10:45 · One-way ticket; price varies — check on the day

      Yangtze River Cableway

      Roughly 07:30–22:00. Queues build later; go early.

      Open Roughly 07:30–22:00

    3. Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 15
    4. 2

      12:00–13:30 · Small entry fee at some viewpoints — check on the day

      Nanshan viewpoint (One Tree)

      Viewpoint roughly 09:00–22:00. Best after dark, but fine by day.

      Open Roughly 09:00–22:00

    5. Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17
    6. 3

      14:00–15:30 · ≈ CNY 80–150 per person; varies by restaurant

      Chongqing hotpot dinner

      One more hotpot before you go. Many places open around 11:00.

      Open Most hotpot places roughly 11:00–02:00

    7. Taxi back to your hotel · 236 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CNY 8

    Swap in instead

    • Add a Yangtze River Three Gorges day or overnight trip from the Chaotianmen docks; check schedules and prices on the day.
    • Visit Ciqikou old town for teahouses and snacks, or the Three Gorges Museum for regional history (check opening hours).
    • Take the Yangtze cableway across the river for views, then walk the south bank; queues can be long, so go early.

    Getting around

    • Metro is fast, cheap and air-conditioned; announcements in Mandarin and English.
    • Metro Line 3 and Line 10 link the airport to the city.
    • Buses are frequent and cheap but signs are mostly Chinese.
    • Taxis are yellow and metered; few drivers speak English, so show your destination in Chinese.
    • Ride apps like DiDi work well; have the app set up before you arrive.
    • Walking means stairs and hills; biking is not advised in the centre.
    • A short Liangjiang ferry crosses the river for about ¥10.

    Where to stay

    • Jiefangbei · ≈ CNY 250–900 a night
      The central peninsula: walk to Hongya Cave, the riverfront and the main metro lines. Best for first-timers.
    • Jiangbei · ≈ CNY 200–700 a night
      Across the river from the skyline; good views back at Jiefangbei and easy metro links. Slightly quieter nights.
    • Nanping · ≈ CNY 180–600 a night
      South bank, near the Yangtze and the cableway area. Cheaper rooms and a local feel; a short metro ride to the centre.
    • Shapingba · ≈ CNY 150–500 a night
      University district with cheap eats and a busy station. Good value if you plan day trips by train.

    Food & drink

    • Order Chongqing hotpot: a spicy bubbling broth with beef, tripe and vegetables. Ask for mild (微辣) if unsure; prices are often per dish, roughly ¥60–120 a person.
    • Try Chongqing xiaomian (small noodles) for breakfast or a cheap lunch, about ¥8–15 a bowl.
    • Snack streets and night markets are everywhere; Jiefangbei and the old town lanes are easy starting points. Pay by phone app or cash.
    • River fish and spicy chicken dishes are local favourites. Look for busy places with local diners.
    • Street stalls are cheap and tasty; drink bottled water and pick stalls with high turnover.

    Tips

    1. Bicycles are useless here; rely on the CRT monorail or your own two feet
    2. Prepare for intense spice; Chongqing hotpot is famous for its numbing Sichuan peppercorns
    3. Do not rely strictly on 2D maps, as the city operates on multiple confusing vertical levels
    4. Take the Yangtze River Cableway for incredible views of the dense, cyberpunk-like skyline
    5. Summer is brutally hot; it is known as one of China's 'Three Furnaces'
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Hongya Cave
      People's Liberation Monument
      • Evening city lights and riverside views
      • Walk through the central shopping district
      • 201 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Top ratedSmall group

      CHONGQING

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (201)

      Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

      Liziba Station
      Ciqikou Ancient Town
      Hongya Cave
      • Ride the monorail through Liziba Station
      • Old-town lanes and night views
      • 132 reviews · 4.7 rating
      Full dayHistory and monorails

      Chongqing Classic Full-Day Tour: History, Monorails & Magic

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (132)

      Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

      Hongya Cave
      People's Liberation Monument
      Jialing River
      • Private car across city highlights
      • Riverside and skyline viewpoints
      • 124 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Hotel pickupMeals included

      City Highlights Tour by Car with Pickup & Meals

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (124)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Chongqing International Land-Sea Center
      • Cloud Walk experience at Raffles City
      • Panoramic views over the rivers
      • 32 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Ticket includedSkyline views

      Breathtaking Cloud Walk Ticket at Raffles City

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (32)

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Liziba Station
      Hongya Cave
      • Monorail and culture stops
      • Evening skyline and lights
      • 20 reviews · 4.7 rating
      Join-inNight view

      Chongqing join-in day Tour: Monorail, Culture & Night View

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (20)

      Souvenirs

      Chongqing hot pot base

      CNY 25–602 packs, 200–500g each · estimate

      A spicy broth base used for Chongqing-style hot pot, the city's best-known food. It is sold as a packaged seasoning for home cooking.

      Where: Chongbai food hall or a local large supermarket
      Check the ingredients: some bases contain beef tallow or meat, so look for a plant-based version if you need one.

      Ronchang ramie fan

      CNY 50–1801 small fan · estimate

      A hand fan woven from ramie cloth, a craft tied to Rongchang district near Chongqing. The fine fiber has been woven there for generations.

      Where: Chongqing Gifts shop that sells Rongchang xiabu (ramie cloth)
      Confirm the fabric is xiabu and check where the fan was made before you pay.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

      Search flights · Trip.com

      Hotels

      Search all Chongqing hotelsHotels.com

      Popular hotels

      eSIM

      Get an eSIM for ChongqingStay connected in China from day one · Airalo
      Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

      Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

      Luggage storage

      Store your bags in ChongqingDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce