Chongqing · 259 m

Chongqing

A hilly river city where monorails run through buildings, a cable car crosses the Yangtze and the night views are spectacular.

Altitude

259 m

Best time

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Suggested stay

2–3 days

Chongqing

Chongqing is built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. Trains slip through apartment blocks, a cable car swings across the river, and the city is at its best after dark.

Best way to see it

Spend daytime on the Yuzhong peninsula: Jiefangbei, Luohan Temple and the Yangtze River Cableway are close together.
Save evenings for the lights: Hongyadong from Qiansimen Bridge, or the whole skyline from Nanbin Road on the south bank.
Ciqikou and the Chongqing 1949 theatre are both in Shapingba, so they pair well in one outing.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. July and August are long, hot and humid, with highs around 34°C.
Fog is common in spring and autumn, which softens the views but rarely stops sightseeing.

Expect hills and stairs everywhere. At Hongyadong, the 1st and 11th floors open onto two different streets.

Sights

Jiefangbei, the 27.5-metre Liberation Monument first built in 1946, marks the heart of the city's busiest shopping streets. A short walk away, Hongyadong's stilt houses climb a cliff above the Jialing River and glow gold after dark.

Flat pedestrian streets at Jiefangbei; Hongyadong has lifts between levels, but expect crowds and some stairs.

Good to know

Chongqing is called the Mountain City for good reason: steep streets and stairs are everywhere. Wear comfortable shoes and use lifts and escalators where you can.
July and August are among the hottest and most humid in China, with highs around 34°C. Plan outdoor sights for mornings and evenings, and keep water with you.
Hotpot and local dishes are numbing and spicy by default. If you prefer it gentle, ask for 'wei la' (mild) or 'bu la' (not spicy) when ordering.