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Looking for the best things to do in Chongqing? This vibrant city in southwest China is a unique blend of ancient culture, modern architecture, spicy cuisine, and breathtaking river views.Whether you’re wandering through historical towns, tasting fiery hotpot, or cruising down the Yangtze River, Chongqing offers something for every kind of traveller. In this blog, we’ll take you through the best things to do in Chongqing, including famous landmarks, cultural experiences, and scenic attractions. Get ready to explore one of China’s most dynamic and underrated cities!
Things To Do In Chongqing: Explore The Best Of The City
Here are the top 10 things to see in Chongqing, carefully curated to help you make the most of your time in this stunning metropolis.
1. Explore Hongya Cave
Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons
Hongya Cave is a must-see landmark in Chongqing. Workers constructed this 11-floor building into a cliff above the Jialing River. It mixes traditional architecture with modern shops, restaurants, and bars. At night, the building lights up beautifully, making it perfect for photos. Inside, you can try local snacks, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy the view from a café. It’s a popular place for both locals and tourists. If you want to see Chongqing’s charm, start here.
Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
2. Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town
Photo: rheins / Wikimedia Commons
Ciqikou is a well-preserved old town that shows the spirit of ancient Chongqing. Its stone streets, wooden houses, and colourful flags bring the past to life. The town is full of street food, small shops, and local crafts. You can taste spicy noodles, drink herbal tea, or buy handmade items. Performers sometimes play traditional music or act in local shows. If you love history and culture, this is one of the top things to see in Chongqing.
Location: Shapingba District, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
3. Gobble up Chongqing Hotpot
Photo: Zhou Guanhuai / Wikimedia Commons
Trying hotpot in Chongqing is a must-do activity. This famous meal comes with a big pot of spicy broth full of chili and peppercorns. You cook raw meats, vegetables, and noodles in the pot at your table. Many restaurants also offer a “half-spicy” version for beginners. Hotpot isn’t just food—it’s a social event shared with friends and family. It’s one of the best things to do in Chongqing and a great way to experience local culture and flavour.
Location: Found citywide; try Dezhuang or Xiaotian’e
Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
4. Take The Yangtze River Cruise
Photo: Photnart / Wikimedia Commons
The Yangtze River Cruise lets you enjoy Chongqing from the water. Boats glide through beautiful gorges, cliffs, and green hills. Some cruises are short and focus on city views, while others take you on a journey through the famous Three Gorges. Along the way, you’ll see small villages and learn about river life. Evening cruises are especially stunning with sunset and skyline views. For those who enjoy relaxing and sightseeing, it’s one of the most scenic things to do in Chongqing.
Location: Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day or overnight trips
5. Glimpse Into The Past At Three Gorges Museum
Photo: Jpbowen / Wikimedia Commons
The Three Gorges Museum is the best place to learn about Chongqing’s rich history. Inside, you’ll find displays about the Three Gorges Dam, ancient Ba-Yu culture, and wartime Chongqing. The exhibits include fossils, old coins, traditional art, and even a 360-degree movie. The museum is clean, quiet, and full of interesting facts. It’s a great stop for families and anyone interested in history. If you’re looking for what to do in Chongqing on a rainy day, this is the perfect choice.
Location: Yuzhong District, near People’s Square
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
6. Walk Around Jiefangbei Square
Photo: Baycrest / Wikimedia Commons
Jiefangbei is Chongqing’s lively city centre. At its heart stands the Liberation Monument, a famous symbol of the city. Around it are tall buildings, shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. Day or night, the square is full of people. In the evening, neon signs light up the streets. You can shop for local fashion, try spicy skewers, or relax in a modern café. This area combines tradition with modern life, making it one of the busiest things to do in Chongqing.
Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
7. Stroll Through Shibadi Ancient Town
Photo: chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
Shibadi Ancient Town is a quiet, less touristy place with a lot of history. It has narrow stone alleys, old-style houses, and peaceful courtyards. Once a busy residential area, it’s now a cultural site that reflects Chongqing’s past. People have turned many houses into small museums or cafés. The area is perfect for slow walks, photography, and soaking in a calm atmosphere. For travellers who want to avoid crowds and explore something authentic, it’s one of the top things to see in Chongqing.
Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
8. Marvel At The Dazu Rock Carvings
Photo: Truthven / Wikimedia Commons
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art and religion. These carvings date back to the 9th century and cover rock walls with thousands of figures and symbols. They show stories from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The detail is amazing; some figures are large, and others are very small. It’s peaceful, spiritual, and deeply moving. A visit here takes you back in time. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the most important things to see in Chongqing.
Location: Dazu District, 2 hours from Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day trip
9. Walk In Eling Park
Photo: Chen Huang / Wikimedia Commons
Eling Park is a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. It sits on a hill and offers stunning views of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The park was once a private garden and now has traditional pavilions, shady paths, and flowerbeds. You can sit and relax, take photos, or enjoy the fresh air. At the top, Liangjiang Pavilion gives the best view. For nature lovers and photographers, visiting Eling Park is one of the calmest things to do in Chongqing.
Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
10. Ride The Chongqing Cable Car Ride
Photo: Zekai Zhu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Chongqing Cable Car crosses over the Yangtze River and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city. The ride is short but exciting. You’ll see boats below, skyscrapers on both sides, and the river stretching far. It’s still used by locals, but tourists love it for the photos and views. Try to ride it at sunset or after dark when the city lights shine. For a quick, fun, and scenic trip, this is a must-do among things to do in Chongqing.
Location: Connects Yuzhong and Nan’an Districts
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
From river cruises and ancient carvings to spicy hotpot and bustling squares, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chongqing. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, this city offers something unique and memorable for everyone. Plan your itinerary around these top experiences, and you’ll discover why Chongqing is becoming a must-visit destination in China. Now that you know the best things to do in Chongqing, get ready with TripXL for an unforgettable adventure in one of Asia’s most fascinating cities.
Cover Photo: Juukeihc / Wikimedia Commons
