Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing – where two rivers meet

Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头, Cháotiānmén Mǎtóu) is one of Chongqing’s most famous landmarks and serves as a major river port where the Yangtze River and Jialing River meet. It has been a key transportation hub for centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic river cruises, stunning city views, and a mix of modern and historical sights.

The area around Chaotianmen is rapidly developing, with Raffles City Chongqing being one of its most recognizable modern landmarks.

What to see & do at Chaotianmen Dock?

Take a Yangtze River or Jialing River Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Chongqing’s skyline is by taking a cruise from Chaotianmen Dock. There are different options:

• Night Cruise – See the illuminated skyline of Chongqing! (~1 hour)
• Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise– Multi-day cruises to Three Gorges & Three Gorges Dam.
• Jialing River Cruise– A shorter cruise with a view of Hongya Cave and Qiansimen Bridge.

Recommended Cruise Companies:

• Gold Cruises (金碧游轮)
• Century Cruises (世纪游轮)
• President Cruises (总统游轮)

Visit Raffles City Chongqing

A futuristic landmark designed by architect Moshe Safdie, featuring 8 skyscrapers and a skybridge. Recommended to visit The Crystal (水晶连廊) on the 47th floor for panoramic views of the rivers.

Explore luxury shopping, restaurants, and an observation deck inside Raffles City as well.

Watch the meeting of the Two Rivers

Chaotianmen is where the brownish Yangtze River meets the greenish Jialing River. On a clear day, you can see the color contrast between the two rivers.

Enjoy the skyline view at night

The city lights up beautifully, with neon lights reflecting on the water. It is a great spots for photography, especially near Raffles City or on a cruise.

Visit Chaotianmen Square

A large public square where you can relax, take photos, and enjoy river views.

Historically, Chaotianmen was one of Chongqing’s old city gates, but the original structure was demolished.

How to visit Chaotianmen Dock?

Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing (重庆市渝中区朝天门码头)

How to get to Chaotianmen Dock?

By Metro: Take Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站), Exit 5, then walk 10–15 minutes downhill.

By Bus: Take buses 105, 151, 181, 262 to Chaotianmen Stop (朝天门站).

By Taxi: Ask the driver for “朝天门码头” (Cháotiānmén Mǎtóu).

Best time to visit:

• Evening (6:30 PM – 10:00 PM) for night cruises and skyline views.
• Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) for a peaceful visit.

Entrance fee:

• Free to visit Chaotianmen Square.
• Cruises range from 80–300 CNY, depending on type and duration.

Tips for visiting Chaotianmen Dock

Arrive early for cruises – Night cruises can sell out, especially on weekends.
Watch out for steep roads – Walking from Xiaoshizi Metro Station to the dock is a bit steep.
Great for photography – Best shots are taken from the Raffles City skywalk or on a boat.
Wear comfortable shoes – The area is large, and you’ll be walking a lot.
Combine your visit with Jiefangbei & Hongya Cave – Both are nearby and great for a full day itinerary.