Massive hilly main city of China with spicy food, lots of nature (near Chengdu/pandas), and very hot weather.
Chongqing, nearby the more popular Chengdu (panda tourist destination), is the biggest city you never heard of. 32 million people (officially China’s largest metropolitan area) when I went in summer 2024. For a foreigner, this city is known for its super hot weather, lots of nature (in the municipality), extremely spicy food (origin of Chinese hot pot), origin of Chinese foot massage, and lots of west China’s history and culture. Locals refer to it as the mountain city, or “hilly city with many layers”.
Most tourists and foreigners much prefer Chengdu over Chongqing. For being more tourist friendly, more unique things to see, also panda stuff, and that it’s far less crowded. There’s a sentiment that whatever tourist value Chongqing has, you could find it elsewhere in China already. And I agree with that. You should only pick Chongqing over Chengdu if you have a specific reason.
3 days is enough to feel the vibe, try spicy food, take mountain photos, and walk main busy tourist areas. 4-6 days if you actually want to visit the nearby nature destinations.
Where to stay:
- Yuzhong district – the most central part of the municipality, feels like a big island sticking out into the water between 2 lands. Busiest area and centrally located (within walking distance) to most tourist things in the city. Sure, the crowds and street traffic can be tiring but you’ll have endless things to see and explore. Great views of the water all around, and endless food options at all hours of the day. Anywhere within 15mins walk of the Hongyadong Cave would be most ideal. I stayed by the Deyi Fashion Mall and loved it.
- Nan’an district – east across the water from Yuzhong. Unless you want to be in a fancy resort looking back at the city across the water, or want absolute peace…I wouldn’t be here. Kinda boring and quiet. Also far from the city.
- Jiangbei district – north across the water from Yuzhong. Boring area with office skyrise buildings. Far from the action, but does have a great view especially look back at the Hongyadong Cave across the water (depending where you stay). But I also wouldn’t recommend staying here either.
In short, you should be in Yuzhong. And there’s really no excuse considering how affordable and how abundant the options are for accommodation.
Hostels & Hotels:
- Jimmy Art Hotel
- Located in the Deyi Fashion Mall in the city center. It’s where I stayed and I found it nice enough and also cheap. I loved that it’s located in the mall so you don’t have to go anywhere (especially when it’s sweltering hot outside). Everything is here, really. Markets, massage places, bars, restaurants, etc.
- And of course, it’s a close walk to many tourist things. Many busy areas all around here. It was great and I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
- You really don’t have to stay here. I’m sure there are plenty of other great places as well. Some more quiet than others.
Neighborhoods, walking areas, public squares:
- Yuzhong district – everything from Deyi Fashion Mall to the tip where Raffles City mall is located. Then you can cross Dongshuimen Changjiang bridge to the east to Na’an district.
- Na’an district – you can cross Dongshuimen Changjiang bridge to take Changjiang cable car here. Know what I know now…I would just walk both ways because it’s faster. Cable car takes longer (more details later). Walking the bridge takes less time, has better photos, and gives you more time to enjoy the sights. From this side of the water, we checked out the Kaibu Relics Park and the Longmenhao Old Street and then walked back across the bridge. This is definitely more of a daytime activity.
- Jiangbei district – go here at night, it’s more beautiful with lights on! Due to the crowds, I would recommend getting a taxi across the Qiansimen Bridge and having it drop you off at the Jiangbeizui Riverbank Park.
Activities to do:
- Viewpoints, landmarks, sunsets, hikes:
- Buildings & architecture:
- Hongyadong Cave & bridge
- guild
- guinnes hot pot
- Parks, gardens, green spaces:
- Chongqing Zoo – has panda bears!
- Beaches, bridges, water-points:
- Arts, museums, culture:
- Markets, shopping:
- Raffles City – big mall with many shopping and food options. Located right on the tip of the water with great views all around.
- Tours:
Restaurants & Cafes:
Bars, clubs, and nightlife:
- There many bars everywhere.
Miscellaneous tips:
- Quick travel tips for ______.
Itinerary:
- DAY 1 –
Nearby towns:
Unfiltered notes: