Chongqing: places must-to-visit in the largest city

Chongqing is a city filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. There are many places in the city and around it, which you may visit during your trip.

Here are some of the top places to visit in Chongqing:

Contents

Hongya Cave
Ci Qi Kou (Ancient Town)
Three Gorges Museum
Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument)
Chaotianmen Dock
Yangtze River and Three Gorges Cruise
Nanshan Botanical Garden
E’ling Park
Liziba Station
Chongqing Zoo
Huangjueping Graffiti Street
Luohan Temple
Cable Car over the Yangtze River
Raffles City Chongqing
Laozi Cave
Dazu Rock Carvings (Day Trip)
Wulong Karst National Geology Park (Day Trip)
Fengdu Ghost City (Day Trip)

Hongya Cave

A famous tourist spot built along a cliffside, Hongya Cave is a multi-level complex of traditional stilt houses with restaurants, shops, and bars. At night, the area lights up, creating a magical atmosphere with views of the Jialing River and the city skyline.

Highlights: Nighttime views, traditional architecture, local food, and vibrant nightlife.

Name in Chinese: 洪崖洞

Ci Qi Kou (Ancient Town)

An ancient riverside town that dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Ci Qi Kou is known for its narrow streets, traditional buildings, teahouses, and local craft shops. It’s a great place to experience old Chongqing and taste authentic snacks.

Highlights: Historical streets, traditional teahouses, local handicrafts, and food vendors.

Name in Chinese: 磁器口古镇

Three Gorges Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and natural landscape of the Three Gorges region and the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. It also houses exhibits on Chongqing’s wartime history and cultural heritage.

Highlights: Exhibits on the Three Gorges Dam, artifacts from the Yangtze River, and Chongqing’s wartime role.

Name in Chinese: 重庆中国三峡博物馆

Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument)

Jiefangbei or Liberation Monument night light Chongqing

The heart of Chongqing’s commercial district, Jiefangbei is a pedestrian area known for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Liberation Monument, built to commemorate victory in World War II, stands in the center.

Highlights: Shopping malls, restaurants, modern urban architecture, and nightlife.

Name in Chinese: 解放碑

Chaotianmen Dock

Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chaotianmen Dock is where you can board a Yangtze River Cruise. The area offers stunning views of the river, city skyline, and Chongqing’s famous bridges.

Highlights: River views, boat cruises, and a lively atmosphere.

Name in Chinese: 朝天门码头

Yangtze River and Three Gorges Cruise

Yangtze River & Three Gorges Cruise from Chongqing

Chongqing is the starting point for Yangtze River Cruises, which take travelers through the famous Three Gorges. These cruises offer breathtaking views of the river, gorges, and historical sites like the Shibaozhai Pagoda and Fengdu Ghost City.

Highlights: Spectacular scenery, boat rides, and visits to cultural sites along the river.

Nanshan Botanical Garden

Situated on Nanshan Mountain, this botanical garden offers a peaceful escape from the city with its beautiful flowers, lush greenery, and panoramic views of Chongqing. It’s especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring.

Highlights: Scenic mountain views, botanical gardens, and hiking.

Name in Chinese: 南山植物园

E’ling Park

A tranquil park located on a hilltop with great views of the city and the rivers. The park is filled with gardens, pavilions, and winding paths, making it a perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.

Highlights: Panoramic city views, peaceful gardens, and historical sites.

Name in Chinese: 鹅岭公园

Liziba Station

It is famous for the monorail line passing through a building, making it one of the most unique and Instagram-worthy spots in the city. The design of the station and the surrounding infrastructure is a prime example of Chongqing’s creative use of limited space.

Highlights: the monorail train passing through the building, traditional architecture, night views.

Name in Chinese: 李子坝站

Chongqing Zoo

Home to giant pandas, Chongqing Zoo is one of the largest zoos in China. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including red pandas, tigers, and elephants, while enjoying the zoo’s lush, park-like setting.

Highlights: Giant pandas, animal exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

Name in Chinese: 重庆动物园

Huangjueping Graffiti Street

One of the longest graffiti streets in the world, Huangjueping is a vibrant area covered in colorful street art. It’s located near Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and is a great spot for art lovers and photographers.

Highlights: Urban street art, graffiti-covered buildings, and a creative atmosphere.

Name in Chinese: 黄桷坪涂鸦街

Luohan Temple

One of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Chongqing, Luohan Temple is known for its intricate carvings and statues of 500 Arhats (enlightened beings). The temple is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

Highlights: Religious statues, ancient architecture, and a serene atmosphere.

Name in Chinese: 罗汉寺

Cable Car over the Yangtze River

The Yangtze River Cable Car offers a unique way to experience Chongqing’s mountainous landscape. The cable car crosses the river, providing fantastic views of the city’s skyline, river, and mountains.

Highlights: stunning views from above, a unique transportation experience, and photo opportunities.

Name in Chinese: 长江索道

Raffles City Chongqing

A modern architectural marvel, Raffles City is a futuristic complex of skyscrapers located at the tip of Chaotianmen. Its most notable feature is the “Crystal” Skybridge, which offers sweeping views of the Yangtze River and the city below.

Highlights: modern architecture, shopping, and panoramic views from the skybridge.

Name in Chinese: 重庆来福士广场

Laozi Cave

The cave is set in a mountainous area, offering a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. It is a natural rock formation, often associated with spiritual significance and Taoist philosophy. The surrounding mountain views and serene environment create a peaceful atmosphere for visitors looking to enjoy nature and find tranquility.

Highlights: escape from the city, mountain views, spiritual significance.

Name in Chinese: 道教老君洞

Read more: The Legend of Taoism – Laozi Cave

Dazu Rock Carvings (Day Trip)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 2 hours from Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of ancient religious sculptures carved into cliffs. These carvings, created between the 9th and 13th centuries, depict Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian themes.

Highlights: Intricate stone carvings, historical significance, and scenic landscapes.

Name in Chinese: 大足石刻

Wulong Karst National Geology Park (Day Trip)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 2.5 hours from Chongqing, Wulong Karst features stunning limestone formations, caves, and natural bridges. The park was also a filming location for the movie “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”

Highlights: Three Natural Bridges, deep gorges, caves, and scenic hiking trails.

Name in Chinese: 武隆喀斯特旅游区

Fengdu Ghost City (Day Trip)

Located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Fengdu Ghost City is an ancient temple complex dedicated to the afterlife. The site is filled with statues of ghosts, demons, and depictions of Chinese hell, blending folklore with Taoist and Buddhist elements.

Highlights: Eerie temples, mythology, and panoramic views of the Yangtze River.

Name in Chinese: 丰都鬼城

These attractions offer a diverse mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and modern urban experiences, making Chongqing a must-visit city in China.