Are you planning a trip to China and wondering “Is Chongqing worth visiting?” Allow us to make the case for why this city should be on your itinerary.
We spent four nights exploring Chongqing during our month-long China trip, and we can confidently say it’s a destination worth your time.
First off, did you know that Chongqing is the largest city in China by population, with a staggering 32 million residents? That’s right—32 million people in a city you might not have even heard of, and one that often gets overshadowed by more well-known destinations.
Experiencing a city of this scale is nothing short of impressive, and fortunately, Chongqing attractions are as impressive as its size.
Allow us to help you with your Chongqing itinerary and you will not be disappointed.
This Chongqing guide will highlight the best things to do in Chongqing and show you why this vibrant metropolis deserves a spot on your China travel list.
6 Best Things to do in Chongqing
We absolutely loved our visit to Chongqing and are here to share our Chongqing itinerary with you so that you too can make the most out of your China travels.
So, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the best things to do in Chongqing. It’s a place where the fun never sets, and the only thing hotter than the weather is the local chili!
Let’s get straight into the best things to do in Chongqing.
Hongya Cave
First up on our favourite Chongqing attractions is the popular Hongya Cave. Put simply, Hongya Cave is a real gem in Chongqing, and it’s got all the magic you’d expect from a place that’s part ancient charm, part modern marvel.
Situated along the Jialing River, this dazzling spot showcases traditional stilt houses that light up like a festival after dark, offering just incredible views of the river, and of course, that unbeatable city skyline.
By day, it’s a bustling hotspot where you can feast on all the local delights you can imagine and pick up some quirky souvenirs. But, it is after dark that this Chongqing attraction shines (pun intended!)
When the sun goes down, the whole place sparkles with colorful lights, turning it into a fairy tale come to life. You just have to see it to appreciate it.
If you’re after a blend of cultural pizzazz and stunning scenery, Hongya Cave is the place to be!
Yangtze River Cable Way
Next up on our list of best things to do in Chongqing is none other than the ultimate way to experience that famous Chongqing skyline.
Buckle up and take a ride on the Yangtze River Cableway—it’s like floating through a postcard with a splash of thrill!
This cable car adventure sweeps you high above the Yangtze River, offering jaw-dropping views of Chongqing’s bustling streets, sparkling river below, and you guessed it, that epic Chongqing skyline.
As you glide along, you’ll feel like you’ve got the best seat in the house for the famous Chongqing skyline.
So, grab your camera and get ready for a ride that’s both exhilarating and pretty unforgettable.
What is the fee for Yangtze River Cableway: The entrance pricing to the one-way cable car is 20 CNY/ 2.50 Euro per person; the entrance pricing to the round-trip cable car is 30 CNY per person; children under 1.3m tall (1.3m tall not included) are free of charge.
When is the best time to ride Yangtze River Cableway: Opening hours: 07:30 – 22:30 (March – October); 07:30 – 21:30 (November – February)
Whether you opt to ride this cable car during the day or at night, you are guaranteed exceptional views of Chongqing. We opted for a night time visit as we couldn’t get enough of Chongqing’s skyline lit up at night, however, the endless views as far as the eyes can see during the day are just as tempting.
Given its affordable price, and if time allows, why not do both?! You could head over to one side of the city on cable car during the day and venture back once the sun sets and the city lights up.
Libiza Station
Libiza Station is a hidden gem that’s worth adding to your Chongqing itinerary. Did you ever want to witness a train entering a building? No? Well, it wasn’t on our bucket list either, but, “when in Chongqing” and all that!
And actually, this unique train experience was pretty cool! Check out what it looks like in the video below.
Given Chongqing’s challenging and hilly terrain, the city’s railway system adapted in remarkable ways and Libiza station is the perfect example of this.
At Libiza Station, trains actually pass through the building itself, entering and exiting via tunnels that cut straight through the structure. This unique feature creates a striking and unusual sight for those visiting Chongqing.
What is the fee for Liziba station: This unique Chongqing attraction is free to experience. If you are on the train itself, then obviously, you will have to purchase a ticket. The ticket is the same cost as average train tickets in Chongqing, you do not have to pay any extra to visit Libitze station. Consider purchasing a train ticket to the station to experience entering the building from inside the train, then get out and venture outside to view this spectacle from a different perspective. Win, win.
When is the best time to visit Liziba station: Liziba station opens at 06:37-23:17 so try to visit during these operational hours, when you can witness the trains in action.
Trust us, you won’t have to wait long before a train approaches. Join the crowds of others waiting in suspense, and have your camera ready.
3 Gorges Museum
Happy Irish Wanderers are fans of the odd museum and the Three Gorges Museum did not disappoint.
The Three Gorges Museum is home to over 30,000 cultural relics from excavations around the Three Gorges region. However, this is a museum where you can learn so much about China’s history, not just of the Three Gorges Dam.
The museum also offers sections on ancient artefacts dating back thousands of years, China’s culture, traditions and tribes through the ages, Chongqing urban development, and another section on the war with Japan.
See, it really is more than just about the Three Gorges Dam, and a real treat when visiting Chongqing.
What is the fee for the Three Gorges Museum: This wonderful Chongqing attraction is free to visit, just remember you will need your passport.
When is the best time to visit the Three Gorges Museum: The museum’s opening hours are 9:00am until 4:00pm, closed on Mondays. We highly recommend to give yourself plenty of time as there is a lot to see in this museum and you don’t want to feel rushed. We easily spent 3 hours wandering around all the wonderful exhibitions that this museum had to offer.
Like most China attractions you will need to present your passport to enter the Three Gorges Museum.
Eling Park
We have a soft spot for a great city park, and once again, Chongqing didn’t let us down.
Eling Park is an ancient and secluded place that offers breathtaking views of Chongqing both at day and night.
Despite being China’s most populous city, Eling Park is like Chongqing’s little green secret, tucked away from the city’s chaos.
Eling Park is a place where you can take a breather and pretend you’ve magically transported yourself to a tranquil corner of Ireland—minus the rain, of course.
After taking a breather from Chongqing’s epic city views during our museum visit, we are back with a bang with this hidden Chongqing attraction offering more incredible city views.
There is something special about viewing such spectacular city views from such a serene setting as Eling Park.
Wander through the immaculate gardens to watch the locals play games of chess, families enjoying picnics together, and let’s not forget the historical bits—because nothing says ‘relaxing day out’ like a sprinkle of local history.
Originally established during the Qing Dynasty, Eling park was once the site of a villa belonging to a prominent local official. The architecture and layout of the park reflect its past, with remnants of the old villa and traditional design elements contributing to its historical charm.
So, while you’re enjoying the stunning views of Chongqing, you’ll also get a sense of the city’s historical background. Not a bad one for the list of best things to do in Chongqing.
So, if you fancy a break from the crowds, but remember Chongqing is China’s most populated city so expect a few crowds! Eling Park is your ticket to a wee bit of tranquillity in the heart of Chongqing.
What is the fee to visit Eling Park: This lesser known attraction in Chongqing is free to visit.
When is the best time to visit Eling Park: The parks opening hours are between 6:00-22:00. It is also recommend to visit in Spring and Autumn when the gardens are in full bloom.
Treat yourself to a 4-day/3-night Yangtze river cruise from Chongqing and Yichang. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Three Gorges through excursions that explore historic and cultural sites, scenic Yangtze tributaries, and captivating evening performances.
Wulong Karst
If you fancy a day trip from Chongqing, look no further than our favorite Chongqing attraction – Wulong Karst.
Wulong Karst is a spectacular natural wonder that should definitely be on your list of best things to do in Chongqing when visiting China.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of China’s most famous attractions, featuring dramatic karst landscapes, including impressive natural bridges, deep gorges, and expansive caves.
The area is particularly famous for its three stunning natural bridges that arch over the valleys below, creating breathtaking views.
Wulong Karst also features the picturesque Tianlong Cave and the enchanting Furong Cave, both of which showcase intricate rock formations and underground rivers.
The park’s trails and view points points offer incredible opportunities for hiking and photography, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts (and instagram’ers!)
Whether you’re exploring the surreal rock formations or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Wulong Karst is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience China’s natural landscapes.
Find all the information you will need about getting from Chongqing to Wulong Karst.
What is the fee to visit Wulong Karst: The entrance fee is 125 yuan/ 16 Euro per person from March to October and 95 yuan/ 12 Euro from November to February.
What is the best time to visit Wulong Karst: Spring, autumn and winter are the best time to visit Wulong. The weather in spring and autumn is pleasant and the coloring trees are beautiful. In winter, tourists can appreciate the stunning snow scenery in Fairy Mountain. So this pretty much covers most of the year!
We visited Wulong Karst in April and it bucketed down rain all day – it was still stunning though!
So, Is Chongqing Worth Visiting?!
So there you have it, our best things to do in Chongqing. Does this help to answer your question “Is Chongqing worth visiting?”
We honestly loved our visit to Chongqing, and in fact, it was one of our China highlights. We truly hope that our list of Chongqing attractions convince you to add this amazing city to your China travel itinerary. We can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
Have you visited Chongqing before or do you plan on visiting this megacity? Let us know what you think of our Chongqing attractions and more importantly, if you think Chongqing is worth visiting.
If you have any questions then leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials for our latest adventures.
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