10 Best Things To Do In Chongqing, China

10 Best Things To Do In Chongqing, China

Wander With Lou
Travelling to Chongqing offers a unique blend of ancient culture and futuristic cityscapes, set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and rivers. Known as the ‘cyberpunk’ city of China, here you can find vibrant street life, spicy cuisine and architectural wonders that are like nothing you’ve seen before! As someone who lived in Shanghai for over three years and has travelled China extensively, here are the best things to do in Chongqing – the ultimate itinerary with popular attractions along with some other hidden gems that a lot of tourists don’t know about!
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1. Hongyadong (Hongya Cave)

Hongyadong
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Inside this unmissable 11-story building complex you’ll find a maze of restaurants, shops and bars offering everything from local snacks to homemade crafts
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Hongyadong captures the charm and energy of the city perfectly, making it one of the best things to do in Chongqing and is especially stunning when lit up at night.

2. Luohan Temple

Luohan Temple
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Nestled among the modern city, this Buddhist temple with over a thousand years of history offers a peaceful escape.
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Luohan Temple is a unique blend of Chongqing’s past and present and a must-see for it’s serene atmosphere and historical significance.

3. Liziba Station

Liziba Station
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A quirky photo spot to see the monorail running through a residential building.
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This place has become well known on social media as the ‘train through the building’ station. Liziba Station has become iconic in Chongqing, offering a fun photo opportunity that captures the city's impressive urban landscape.

4. Huangjueping Graffiti Street

Huangjueping Graffiti Street
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The longest graffiti street in China, stretching for over 1km. There are large murals, cute cafes and shops too.
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 In Huangjueping Graffiti Street, you can find incredible murals, as well as lots of vibrant street art and graffiti. It's one of the best places to visit in Chongqing that's actually not too busy, and there are some cute cafes and shops in the area too.

5. Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town
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Ciqikou feels like stepping back in time as you wander through narrow alleys filled with tea houses, street food vendors and artisan shops.
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Whilst in the middle of a very futuristic city, Ciqikou Ancient Town is a historical escape. Be prepared for bustling streets with strange smells and sights - visiting a Chinese ancient town is a whole new type of adventure.

6. Hong'en Temple

Hong'en Temple
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Sitting at the highest point of Chongqing, with beautiful architecture, lush gardens and panoramic views of the city.
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Hong’en Temple requires a short hike to reach and is often less crowded than other attractions. It comes alive at night when the lights are turned on and truly feels magical. This is personally one of my favourite temples I’ve ever visited in the world.

7. Longmenhao Old Street

Longmenhao Old Street
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A peaceful spot to stroll and enjoy the historic buildings and scenic river views. There are many trendy cafes and shops to enjoy.
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8. Yangtze River Cableway

Yangtze River Cableway
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Hop on the cable car going across the Yangtze River for amazing views of the skyline, river and mountains.
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For some of the best views of Chongqing, the cableway should be at the top of your to-do list. Despite long queues and wait times, it's absolutely worth it when you are gliding across the cableway to the other side of the river.

9. Chaotianmen Square & Raffles City

Chaotianmen Square & Raffles City
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The impressive sail shaped building of the Raffles City mall and the square in front, offering great views of the Yangtze and Jialin Rivers.
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The building itself looks similar to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Personally, I think there isn't much to do here except a cool photo opportunity, but if you love shopping then go have fun!

10. Hotpot

Chongqing is the birthplace of the spicy hotpot and trying it here is a must! Personally I don’t like spicy food but I still had to try it out with my friends, as it is an unforgettable local experience. There are so many hotpot restaurants to choose from, even specific vegan and vegetarian ones.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wander With Lou
Hey, I'm Lou! An English girl living in Shanghai since 2019. 🇨🇳 I've travelled China extensively and love sharing my tips and tricks to getting around this crazy but incredible country. Most places you've probably never even heard of! 🌱 What you can expect from me: ~ less well known destinations along with popular tourist attractions that are actually worth visiting ~ vegan and vegetarian food suggestions ~ solo female backpacking advice 🗺️ I've also travelled a lot of Asia and Europe, and will soon be going to South America for a 6 month backpacking trip. 📷 Follow me on Instagram @lou_fallon and check out my blog wanderwithlou.com for more stories and guides
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