Chongqing 重庆 — The Mountain City
Chongqing is China's most dramatic-looking city. Built on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the cityscape is a vertical maze of overpasses, bridges, and buildings stacked on top of each other. Nicknamed the "Mountain City" (山城), "Fog City" (雾都), and the "8D City" (for its dizzying multi-level geography), Chongqing became a viral internet sensation for its surreal urban design — subway stations 30 stories underground, buildings where the "ground floor" on one side is the 10th floor on the other. Oh, and it's the birthplace of the most famous style of Chinese hot pot.
Top Attractions
Hongyadong 洪崖洞
A traditional-style stilt building complex (吊脚楼) built into a cliff, with 11 stories cascading down the hillside. At night, illuminated in warm lights, it's one of China's most photographed urban scenes. Each level has restaurants, bars, and shops. The interior feels like a maze — you can enter on the 11th floor from the street above and exit at the 1st floor onto the street below.
Free to explore. Open: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Metro: Jiaochangkou Station (Lines 1, 6). Best: Visit after 7 PM.
Ciqikou Old Town 磁器口
A 1,000-year-old trading town on the Jialing River. Cobbled streets, Ming dynasty buildings, craft shops, and snack vendors. Try the local snacks: mahua (麻花, fried dough twists), qianzhang (千张皮, tofu skin), and hot pot in traditional copper pots.
Free. Metro: Ciqikou Station (Line 1). Can get very crowded on weekends.
Yangtze River Cableway 长江索道
A cable car crossing the Yangtze River — featured in the Wong Kar-wai film "Chungking Express" (actually filmed in Hong Kong, but the association stuck). The ride takes about 5 minutes and offers great views of the city skyline.
Admission: 20 RMB one way, 30 RMB round-trip. Long queues — go early or late.
Three Gorges Museum 三峡博物馆
Excellent free museum showcasing Chongqing's history, the Three Gorges Dam project, and regional culture. Features a replica of a Three Gorges section and exhibits on the Ba people (ancient inhabitants).
Free (ID/passport required). Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). Near People's Assembly Hall (人民大礼堂).
Wulong Karst 武隆喀斯特
UNESCO World Heritage natural wonder 3 hours from Chongqing city. Features the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) — three massive natural stone arches in a forested gorge, plus Furong Cave (芙蓉洞) with spectacular formations. The landscape appeared in the film "Curse of the Golden Flower."
Admission: Three Bridges 125 RMB + 40 RMB shuttle. Furong Cave 115 RMB. Access: High-speed train to Wulong (2 hours), then bus.
Chongqing Hot Pot 重庆火锅
Chongqing hot pot is a defining experience. Unlike Sichuan hot pot (which uses a divided pot), Chongqing style features a single pot of fiery red broth with Sichuan peppercorns (花椒). Everything — meat, vegetables, tofu, offal — is cooked in the bubbling chili oil. Dip in sesame oil with garlic and cilantro to cool it down.
- Must-try: Duck intestine (鸭肠), beef aorta (毛肚), pork brain (猪脑), goose intestine (鹅肠)
- Famous spots: Xiao Tian E (珞璎), Qi Ji (奇火锅), Pei Lao Er (珮姐老火锅)
- Spice level: Even "medium" can be very spicy. Order the mild/yuan-yang (鸳鸯, half-clear half-spicy) pot if unsure.
Three Gorges Cruise 三峡游轮
Chongqing is the starting point for Yangtze River Three Gorges cruises. The 660-km downstream journey from Chongqing to Yichang takes 3-4 nights, passing through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, plus the Three Gorges Dam.
Prices: 1,500-5,000 RMB depending on cabin type. Victoria Cruises and Century Cruises are popular options. Best: October-November (clear weather, post-summer rain).
Practical Information
Airport: Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG) — major hub. Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and many international destinations.
High-speed trains: Chengdu (1.5h), Xi'an (5h), Wuhan (6h), Guiyang (2h).
Navigating: Bring a phone with good GPS. Even locals get lost. The city's vertical geography means streets at the same "level" may be stories apart.
Climate: One of China's "Three Furnaces" — summer temps reach 40°C+ (Jul-Aug). Visit spring or autumn. Winter is mild and foggy.