Discover Chongqing

Perched where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers converge, Chongqing defies conventional city planning with its dizzying vertical landscapes—a metropolis built not across land but up and down mountainsides, where bridges soar at the 20th floor and subway lines plunge through apartment buildings. This fog-shrouded megacity of 30 million pulses with an intensity that feels both ancient and futuristic, its spice-laden air and neon-lit nights creating an atmosphere found nowhere else in China. Here, the impossible becomes architecture, tradition collides with innovation, and every street corner reveals why Chongqing has captivated travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

When to Visit

Chongqing's optimal visiting window is March through May and September through November, when temperatures hover between 15-25°C with manageable humidity, avoiding the city's notorious summer furnace (June-August regularly exceeds 35-40°C with oppressive humidity that locals call "China's oven") and the persistent winter fog and drizzle (December-February sees weeks of gray skies with temperatures around 5-12°C). Spring's March cherry blossoms along Nanshan and the vibrant Chongqing Hot Pot Festival (typically late April) make this season especially appealing, though the May 1st Golden Week (first week of May) brings crushing domestic tourist crowds to hotspots like Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town that can quadruple wait times. Autumn, particularly late September through October, offers the best overall experience with clear skies perfect for photographing the Yangtze-Jialing River confluence, comfortable weather for exploring Dazu Rock Carvings, and the Mid-Autumn Festival when riverside night markets come alive, though you'll pay 20-30% more for hotels during the October National Day holiday (October 1-7). Budget travelers should target late November through early December when hotel prices drop significantly, the fog hasn't fully set in, and you can still enjoy outdoor attractions like Wulong Karst without summer's brutal heat or the winter dampness that penetrates to your bones despite mild temperatures.

Getting Around

Transportation options vary by location. Consider using local taxis, ride-sharing apps, public transit, or renting a vehicle depending on your itinerary and comfort level.

Top Attractions

Explore the experiences and tours listed above to discover the most popular activities and must-see attractions. Book in advance to secure your spots, especially during peak travel seasons.

Travel Tips

• Navigation: Download a Chinese map app like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps, as Chongqing's extreme mountainous terrain with multiple road levels makes Google Maps unreliable, and the "8D city" layout can be confusing even for GPS systems.
• Transportation: Use the efficient metro system as your primary transport method, as Chongqing's hilly terrain and heavy traffic make taxis slow and expensive; the metro connects all major attractions and costs just 2-10 RMB per journey.
• Food Culture: Be prepared for extremely spicy food—Chongqing hotpot is significantly spicier than versions elsewhere in China, so always order the "yuanyang" (half-and-half pot) with one mild side if you're sensitive to heat.
• Climate: Visit between March-May or September-November to avoid the oppressive summer heat and humidity, when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) and the city becomes one of China's notorious "Three Furnaces."

Planning Your Trip

Whether you're here for a quick visit or an extended stay, there's always something new to discover. Browse the curated experiences above to start planning your perfect itinerary.