Book flights to Chongqing (CKG)

Book your visit to Chongqing

One of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, Chongqing is an enthralling city sitting alongside the Yangtze River. Famous for its vibrant arts scene, spicy food, and stunning scenery, the ‘Mountain City’ is a fast-paced, lively city break destination.

Chongqing is often shrouded in an ethereal mist, thanks to the mountainous landscape, giving it a fairytale-like atmosphere. But at street level, you’ll find everything from air-conditioned malls (a welcome escape from the summer heat) to traditional markets, temples and winding alleyways full of tiny shops.

If you love browsing for bargains, Chongqing is an ideal shopping destination. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to roadside cafés, Chongqing is a truly remarkable city that’s well worth adding to your bucket list.

Things to do in Chongqing

Immerse yourself in the character of the city with a visit to the Hongya Cave Cultural Centre. It’s a glimpse into the heart of Chongqing and is beautiful when lit up at night. The riverfront location means you get a spectacular view of the Yangtze as it flows past.

Take a cable car across the river and stroll along Nanbin Road. This is the place to stop and get that perfect picture of the Chongqing skyline in all its splendour. A little further along you’ll find the night food market at Haitang Yanyu Park.

The region is famous for its hot springs, so a tour bus trip out of the city to one of the nearby parks will let you experience them for yourself. It’s a great way to soothe tired muscles, or check into one of the many spas and wellness centres in the city for a traditional massage.

Activities in Chongqing

With the Yangtze right on your doorstep, it’s a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely river tour to see some of China’s most incredible scenery, including the Three Gorges. A visit to the Three Gorges Museum is a chance to learn about the Ba-Yu culture before your cruise.

While Chongqing is full of skyscrapers, some parts are much older. A stroll around Ciqikou Ancient Town gives you a chance to see the original heart of the Mountain City and browse for handmade crafts.

Chongqing embraces its natural beauty, and a visit to one of its many parks and gardens is well worth the time. A short journey out of the centre of the city brings you to the Huayan Tourist Park, one of the city’s most charming and tranquil retreats. Or visit the Jinyun Mountain Natural Reserve for hiking trails.

Food in Chongqing

At the heart of Chongqing cuisine is hot pot - basically a broth that’s simmered with a variety of herbs and spices. This is the city’s most popular dish and falls into three categories – mild, medium or spicy. Beware – the latter can be challenging for those not used to chili!

Diners are given a variety of thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, leafy greens, mushrooms, tofu, and noodles, which are then added to the broth. It’s a perfect way to discover the variety of flavours on offer in Chongqing.

Street food is extremely popular and you’ll find plenty of night markets where you can try noodles and dumplings. Chongqing has several night markets, such as Jiaochangkou,  Guanyinqiao and Nanbin Road.

Shopping in Chongqing

This ultra-modern city has plenty of shopping malls to choose from, with a major mall located in each downtown district. These are filled with high-end stores, designer labels and smaller shops offering clothing, cosmetics and accessories.

You’ll also find plenty of food courts and entertainment options in all of the city’s larger malls.

The region is famous for its delicate Shu embroidery, filled with intricate details and graceful designs. If you’re looking for a distinctive memento of your visit, a piece of Shu embroidery is ideal and you’ll find plenty of craftspeople in the markets selling examples.

The city’s main commercial districts include Jiefangbei and the Shapingba Three Square Walking Street, where you’ll find a wealth of retail outlets, shops and boutiques.