Hongya Cave
Insta places
The main photo zone and symbol of Chongqing.
architecture
5/10
entertainments
8/10
nature
9/10
restaurants
6/10
tourist popularity
5/10
Top Things to Do in Chongqing
Chongqing is the most surrealistic city in China, with a population of over 32 million people. The city is built on hills, which led to the construction of unique multi-level architecture and infrastructure. Here, the subway can pass through residential buildings, road junctions intertwine on 5 levels, and skyscrapers grow right out of the rocks.
Chongqing is considered the "foggy capital", but with the onset of darkness, the city turns into a dazzling spectacle - each location becomes more Instagrammable than the other. And night cruises on the rivers allow you to see the city from the most impressive angles.
Although at first glance Chongqing gives the impression of an ultra-modern and energetic city, it perfectly combines traditions and a rich history. You can visit ancient temples, palaces and stroll along the old streets of traditional Chinese villages.
In our guide to Chongqing, we have collected more than 50 places that will help you organize a bright and laidback trip around the city and its surroundings. Each location can be opened on the familiar Google Maps, as well as on Chinese Baidu maps. Just open and show the location to taxi drivers.
Metro station in the residential building
Entertainments
A monorail passing through the 8th floor of a 19-storey building.
Videos and photos of this train in Chongqing passing through a residential multi-storey building are going viral all over the world.
Chinese tourists are rushing around in front of the building trying to make a funny video as the train pulls right into their mouths. Of course, we tried it too!
It is worth noting that modern Chinese metro lines are created according to advanced standards. Trains make minimal noise when moving, and special materials absorb vibrations. Therefore, in China, they can afford to build a metro station directly into a building, which does not affect the daily lives of local residents.
Square on the 22nd floor
Sights
A popular place in Chongqing, where the entrance to the square on one side is on the 1st floor, and on the other, the square rests on the 22nd floor of a high—rise building.
When you enter the square, you don't even think that there is anything interesting at the other end. Despite the slight feeling of disorientation, you will be delighted with the view of the concrete jungle from the opposite side, realizing that you are no longer on the 1st floor, but on the 22nd.
For tourists, this is an incredible visual experience, but for locals, it's a great life hack for using every piece of space in a complex landscape.
Wulong
Parks and reserves
Visit to the Three Natural Bridges Park.
A trip to the Three Natural Bridges park in Wulong is one of the most popular destinations, offering a striking contrast to urban Chongqing. We recommend setting aside a whole day to visit the unique karst landscapes of China.
There are a large number of travel agencies in Chongqing that offer tours to Wulong. But you have to take into account that the vast majority of tourists in Chongqing are Chinese. In our opinion, it's better to calmly organize the trip yourself than to be a 'white crow' in a Chinese group. Plus, you'll also save money.
Detailed instruction is in the guide:— how to buy train tickets from Chongqing to Wulong;— which train to take;— how to get to the park of Three Bridges;— how much time to plan for a visit;— where are the entrances / exits to the park.
What else to see in Chongqing
Skyscrapers and shopping malls
Chongqing is among the world's top 10 cities in terms of the number of high-rise buildings.
Parks
In Chongqing and its surroundings, you can visit a UNESCO site, see endangered animals and stroll through authentic parks.
Problems faced by tourists in China
There is no internet access in China
Many of the services we are used to are blocked in China: Google, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, etc. Also, some VPNs may not work there.
Foreign bank cards are not accepted in China
Foreign bank cards are accepted only in tourist areas (chain hotels, premium stores, popular attractions).
Google Maps doesn't work in China
An important difficulty is the incorrect operation of the usual Google maps: many places are displayed inaccurately (geographically in the wrong locations), some places are missing.
Locals don't speak English in China
It is very difficult to find a person who speaks English outside of hotels. In addition, the popular Google Translate often greatly distorts the translation from Chinese.
Trippers23Chongqing amazed us from the first day! But you need to understand that without preparation it is very easy to get lost in Chongqing - the locations on Google maps are confused, it is difficult to navigate in a multi-level city and no one speaks English. It is a little confusing, but this is what makes Chongqing authentic.
Having observed the city and its surroundings, we have not only listed 50+ Chongqing attractions, we have created instructions for visiting them and indicated the necessary entrances so that you do not get lost and do not waste time.
We want this Chongqing guide to help you choose and visit the most interesting places in Chongqing without unnecessary stress and worries.
Literally, it's not a cave, it's an impressive multi-storey complex. It is vertically embedded in a stone rock on wooden piles. And it is considered the main attraction of Chongqing.
You definitely need to visit the place in the evening! As soon as the lights of the city come on, the complex of traditional Chinese buildings will be transformed, shining with hundreds of neon signs and lanterns.
We recommend entering the village from the top to gradually descend the equipped wooden stairs, making your way through small caves and waterfalls. Going down, you can try to find an empty place for dinner with a panoramic view of the bridges and futuristic skyscrapers of Chongqing. There are mainly hotpot and small tea cafes in the complex.