🇨🇳 Chongqing Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Do (First-Timer Friendly)
- Tarry Laurensia
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hey there! Ready to explore one of the most mind-blowing cities in China?
If you’ve seen videos of trains going through buildings or cities that look straight out of a cyberpunk movie… that’s Chongqing.
But beyond the viral spots, this city is intense—in the best way possible. Think mountains, endless stairs, spicy food, neon lights, and a layout that will confuse you (yes, even with maps 😅).
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Chongqing—from what to do, what to eat, and tips I wish I knew earlier.
Chongqing Travel Guide: Before You Go - Essentials
Flights to Chongqing
Chongqing is well connected from major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and even internationally.
👉 Check flights from your country or train if you travel from another city in China here:
Stay Connected (Important!)
Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp don’t work normally in China without a workaround.
👉 Get your China eSIM before arrival
💡 Tip: Activate it before landing—you’ll thank yourself.
Where to Stay in Chongqing
Best area for first-timers? Jiefangbei.It’s central, walkable (well… as much as Chongqing allows 😄), and close to major attractions.
👉 Browse hotels in Jiefangbei here!
What Makes Chongqing So Unique?
Chongqing is often called a “3D city”—and it’s not an exaggeration.
Roads are layered on top of each other
Buildings connect to bridges
You might enter on the 1st floor and exit on the 10th
It honestly feels like you’re inside a real-life version of cyberpunk China.
📍 Top Things to Do in Chongqing
1. Watch the Train Go Through a Building (Liziba Station)
Yes, it’s real.
The train literally passes through a residential building—and it’s even cooler in person.
💡 Go early or late afternoon to avoid heavy crowds.
2. Explore Hongyadong at Night
This is Chongqing’s most iconic spot.
At night, it lights up like something straight out of a fantasy movie—many people say it looks like scenes from Spirited Away.
💡 Expect crowds, but it’s still worth it.
3. Walk Around Jiefangbei
The heart of the city.
Shopping streets
Street food
Night vibes
Perfect base area if it’s your first time here.
4. Catch the Night Views
Chongqing at night hits differently.
Best spots:
Raffles City viewpoint
Bridges across the Yangtze River
Skyline views near Hongyadong
5. Just Wander (and Get Lost 😄)
Honestly… one of the best things to do.
You’ll find:
hidden stairs
random viewpoints
local neighborhoods
Chongqing Travel Guide isn’t a “strict itinerary” kind of city—it’s more about the experience.
What to Eat in Chongqing
🥘 Chongqing Hotpot
Spicy. Oily. Numbing. Addictive.
If you can handle spice, this is a MUST.
👉 Book a local hotpot experience (great for first-timers)[Insert Affiliate Link – Food Experience]
🍜 Chongqing Xiaomian (Noodles)
Simple but packed with flavor.
Perfect quick meal between exploring.
🥟 Street Food
You’ll find snacks everywhere—just follow the crowd.
💡 Be ready for spice levels you didn’t expect.
Book Experiences & Attractions
If you prefer things planned (or want deeper local insight):
⚠️ Things That Might Surprise You
Stairs. Everywhere. This is not a “flat city”
Maps can be confusing (because of multi-level roads)
Didi > taxis for easier transport
Cashless city – Alipay / WeChat Pay is key
It’s humid—especially in warmer months
Is Chongqing Worth Visiting?
Honestly? Yes—but it depends on your travel style.
You’ll love Chongqing if you: ✔ enjoy unique city landscapes ✔ love food (especially spicy) ✔ don’t mind a bit of chaos
You might struggle if you: ✖ prefer relaxed, easy-to-navigate cities ✖ don’t like stairs or humidity
Chongqing also best visit for Spring or summer.
Tarry's Thoughts
Chongqing isn’t the easiest city—but that’s exactly what makes it memorable. You can check out my Chongqing Itinerary here.
It’s bold, overwhelming, and completely different from anywhere else I’ve been in China.
If you’re looking for something beyond the typical “pretty city”… this is it.
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