Things to Do in Chongqing

About Chongqing

Where mountains pierce through swirling mists and the mighty Yangtze River carves its ancient path, Chongqing emerges like a dream suspended between earth and sky. This sprawling metropolis defies conventional understanding, its neon-lit towers climbing impossibly steep hillsides while traditional hotpot restaurants nestle in narrow alleyways below. The city pulses with an intoxicating energy—street vendors call out in melodic Sichuanese dialect, the air thick with the numbing fragrance of Sichuan peppercorns, while sleek monorails glide silently through apartment buildings in scenes that blur reality and fantasy. Here, time moves differently; ancient temples stand shoulder-to-shoulder with futuristic architecture, and the rhythm of life flows like the confluence of rivers that defines this remarkable place. Chongqing is China's hidden soul laid bare—raw, authentic, and utterly captivating—where every winding street reveals another layer of a city that has mastered the art of embracing both tradition and transformation in one impressive embrace.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Download the Chongqing Metro app for easy subway navigation. Use Didi (Chinese Uber) for taxis—have your destination written in Chinese characters. The monorail system is efficient but can be confusing; Line 2 connects major tourist areas including Jiefangbei and Ciqikou.

Money: Bring cash (CNY) as many local establishments don't accept cards. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay for mobile payments—essential for street food and local shops. Exchange money at Bank of China branches for better rates than hotels or airports.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional tea houses. Don't point with chopsticks or stick them upright in rice bowls. Learn basic Mandarin greetings—locals appreciate the effort. Dress modestly when visiting temples; avoid shorts and tank tops.

Food Safety: Embrace authentic hotpot but start with mild spice levels—Chongqing's 麻辣 (má là) can be overwhelming. Eat at busy local restaurants with high turnover. Drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables at street stalls. Try 小面 (xiaomian) noodles for an authentic breakfast experience.

When to Visit

Spring (March-May) offers the ideal balance with temperatures ranging 15-25°C (59-77°F) and moderate rainfall around 100-150mm monthly. Cherry blossoms bloom in parks during late March, while comfortable weather makes exploring hillside neighborhoods pleasant. Summer (June-August) brings sweltering heat up to 40°C (104°F) and heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm monthly—locals joke it's one of China's 'furnace cities.' However, this is peak season with 30-40% higher accommodation prices due to domestic tourism. Autumn (September-November) provides excellent conditions with 18-28°C (64-82°F) temperatures, clear skies, and impressive river valley views. October coincides with National Golden Week (October 1-7), creating crowds but spectacular weather. Winter (December-February) sees mild temperatures around 5-15°C (41-59°F) with persistent fog and drizzle, creating atmospheric but limited visibility. Accommodation drops 25-35% during winter months. The Spring Festival (late January/February) brings family reunions but many businesses close. For budget travelers, visit December-February for lowest prices and fewer crowds. Photography enthusiasts should choose October-November for clear mountain vistas, while food lovers will find hotpot most satisfying during cooler months when locals frequent restaurants more regularly.