Chongqing, a magical 8D mountain city, boasts the grandeur of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, as well as the warmth of its hilly lanes. A well-planned Chongqing travel route allows you to visit popular spots like Hongyadong and Jiefangbei, while exploring authentic flavors in local alleys. Below is a curated collection of classic and off-the-beaten-path Chongqing travel routes, paired with detailed attraction guides, food recommendations and transport tips, ensuring a fulfilling journey for both first-time visitors and deep travelers to experience the city’s uniqueness.
Classic Chongqing Travel Route: 3-Day Itinerary for Core Landmarks
Focusing on the Yuzhong Peninsula and the area around the two rivers, this Chongqing travel route connects popular attractions and local delicacies with a balanced rhythm. Ideal for first-time visitors eager to explore the mountain city’s charm, it uses public transport for convenience and affordability.
Day 1: Explore Yuzhong’s Magical 3D Landscape
Morning: Start with landmarks and food around Jiefangbei:
- Begin at Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s urban landmark and commercial hub. Wander through nearby lanes to experience the city’s hilly terrain firsthand, and visit the Monument to the Victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to learn about its historical significance.
- Refuel at Bayi Food Street for breakfast. Recommend Huashi Pea Paste Noodles – stir-fried pea paste coats each noodle, offering an authentic Chongqing morning flavor.
Afternoon: Wander old paths to discover history and local life:
- Visit Shibati Path, a carrier of old Chongqing’s memories. With stilted buildings along stone stairs, explore the Mountain City Memory Museum, Bombing Site and hidden spots like Gujing Chunfeng to feel the city’s historical depth.
- Walk 600 meters to Shancheng Lane, a century-old alley with stilted buildings by the Yangtze River. Enjoy a bowl of traditional tea at a street stall and listen to Sichuan opera for an immersive old Chongqing experience.
Evening: Admire Hongyadong night view and enjoy local food:
- Hongyadong’s stilted buildings, lit up at night, resemble a fairy-tale city. For the best photos, walk from side lanes to the riverside viewing platform to capture the panorama with Qiansimen Bridge and Jialing River.
- Experience the Kuixing Building Elevator to feel the 8D magic of “ground floor being the 22nd floor”.
- Dine at Dongma Hot Pot (Riverside Branch), featuring Basin Beef and Beef Tripe Wrapped in Shrimp Paste. Pair with Strawberry Glutinous Rice Balls Hot Pot to ease the spiciness.
Night View of Hongyadong in Chongqing
Day 2: Blend Urban Charm with Natural Scenery by Two Rivers
Morning: Visit Jiangbeizui for panoramic views:
- Jiangbeizui, known as the “360° urban viewing platform”, offers views of Chaotianmen Bridge, Chongqing Grand Theatre and Raffles City. Jiangtan Park, across the river from Hongyadong, is perfect for sunrise and river views.
- Visit adjacent Diamond Plaza, famous for its diamond-cut design. Its mirror fountains and suspended lawns are ideal for photos, creating a “Chongqing Manhattan” vibe.
Noon & Afternoon: Local food and unique transport:
- Lunch in Jiangbei District: Try Yanghe Shaomai Fish Soup Vermicelli – fresh shaomai with juicy filling and creamy fish soup, enhanced by pickled vegetables.
- Take the Yangtze River Cableway from Shangxin Street Station (Nan’an District) to avoid long queues. Enjoy aerial views of the two rivers and the city.
Evening: Night views and local cuisine:
- Head to the 4th-floor viewing platform of Changjiahui Shopping Park for night views and drone shows. As night falls, the lit Yuzhong Peninsula, Qiansimen Bridge and cruise ships create a stunning scene.
- Dine at a local restaurant on Nanbin Road, trying specialties like Sautéed Liver and Kidney and Duck Blood with Pork Intestines to experience Chongqing’s bold flavors.
Day 3: Discover Cultural, Artistic and Family-Friendly Attractions
Morning: Chongqing Zoo for cute animals:
- Home to one of China’s largest giant panda colonies, the zoo features popular pandas like Yukou, Yu’ai and the “Four Happiness Balls”. Over 200 other animal species make it perfect for families and animal lovers.
- Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00, last entry at 16:30.
Afternoon: Art and nostalgia in Huangjueping:
- Explore Huangjueping Graffiti Street, where building walls are covered in vibrant 3D murals, creating an artistic atmosphere.
- Visit Jiaotong Teahouse, preserving 1980s-90s style. Enjoy a bowl of Tuocha (¥8) with peanuts and melon seeds to relax like a local.
- Explore Tielu No.4 Village, with retro railway tracks and river views. Junge Bookstore, converted from an air-raid shelter, houses old maps and posters, ideal for photography.
Evening: Nightlife and panoramic views:
- Visit Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street, trying local snacks like Qianjiang Chicken Gizzards and Wanzhou Grilled Fish with local beer.
- For a panoramic night view, head to Kansheng Tower in Eling Park, overlooking the layered high-rise buildings and winding rivers to end the day.
Huangjueping Graffiti Street
Off-the-Beaten-Path Chongqing Travel Route: Escape Crowds for Local Vibes
This Chongqing travel route avoids popular spots crowded with tourists, leading you to quiet hidden alleys, century-old teahouses and niche cultural spaces brimming with local vibes. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic and unique experiences, it reveals Chongqing’s lesser-known charm—where time slows down and the city’s genuine soul unfolds gently before your eyes.
One-Day Deep Dive into Mountain City Paths: Explore Vertical History
Morning: Old buildings and vertical landscapes:
- Start at Baixiang Street, home to Western-style buildings from Chongqing’s port era. Walk down hidden stairs to Baixiangju, a 24-story elevator-free building (filming location of “Hot Pot Hero”) showcasing the city’s vertical terrain, ideal for urban photography.
- Walk to Huguang Guild Hall, a 300-year-old complex with exquisite carvings. Free dock culture tours are available at 11:00 AM daily to learn about Chongqing’s migration history.
Noon & Afternoon: Local food and Republican-era charm:
- Lunch at Dongshuimen Old Street (fewer tourists, authentic flavors). Recommend Laojie Dandan Noodles (salty-spicy with preserved vegetables and peanuts) and Chaoshou Wang (juicy dumplings in fresh soup).
- Visit Zhongshan No.4 Road, known as Chongqing’s most beautiful street. Shaded by banyan trees, it features Republican-era buildings like Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence and Guiyuan Garden, rich in history.
Evening: Quiet night views and special snacks:
- Admire the Light Rail Through Building at Liziba from a less-crowded viewing platform (near Fotuguan Station), offering a unique perspective for photos.
- Head to Nanbin Road Bell Tower Plaza for a quiet panoramic view of Yuzhong Peninsula. The light show starts at 8:00 PM, paired with river breezes and cruise ships for a romantic vibe.
- Dinner at Kumamon-themed barbecue for special flavors to end the day.
One-Day Cultural & Old Factory Tour: Retro Meets Art
Morning: Art in old factories:
- Visit Eling No.2 Factory Cultural and Creative Park, converted from an old factory. Explore hidden viewing platforms and alleys to avoid crowds. Xiaorizi Rooftop (with ticket) offers stunning river views.
- Browse independent bookstores and handmade workshops to pick up souvenirs and feel Chongqing’s artistic side.
Noon & Afternoon: Local food and quiet culture:
- Lunch near Huangjueping: Try Huji Trotter Soup (tender trotters in creamy soup with chili dip) and Tikang Tofu Pudding (smooth with spicy sauce, great value) – favorites among Sichuan Fine Arts Institute students.
- Visit Beicang Cultural and Creative Park, formerly a textile warehouse. It houses independent bookstores and cafes; Beicang Library, with preserved old architecture, is perfect for reading in the sun.
Evening: Local night market vibes:
- Explore Jiaochangkou Night Market, a local favorite (avoid touristy food streets). Try late-night snacks like Gui Baozi (juicy steamed buns), Grilled Pig Brain (spicy and creamy) and handmade Hot and Sour Noodles.
- Wander nearby old lanes after the market to experience Chongqing’s authentic night life.
Practical Tips for Chongqing Travel Routes
Transportation
Subway first: Lines 1, 2 and 6 cover major attractions. Buy a transport card for free transfers within 1 hour, saving time and money. The card also works for buses and ferries, making it a one-stop solution for all your urban travels.
Navigation tip: Navigation may fail in old lanes. Ask locals for directions – they are friendly and helpful. Most of them are happy to share hidden food stalls or scenic spots that are not on any travel app.
Visit popular spots like Yangtze River Cableway and Hongyadong in the morning or evening. These off-peak hours let you enjoy stunning views without jostling with the daytime tourist throngs.
Accommodation
Yuzhong District: Convenient for attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongyadong, ideal for first-time visitors (some areas are noisy). Its compact layout lets you walk between landmarks, soaking up the city’s iconic mountain-city vibe effortlessly.
Jiangbei District: Modern with quality business hotels, suitable for travelers seeking comfort. It boasts sleek malls, cozy cafes and easy transit links, making daily trips smooth and hassle-free for every guest.
Nan’an District: Cost-effective with quiet river views, perfect for those preferring tranquility. You can savor peaceful sunsets over the Yangtze here, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown crowds.
Food Tips
Hot pot: Choose community old shops like Dongma Hot Pot and Yukuai Old Hot Pot for authentic flavors (avoid touristy spots). These family-run eateries have been serving generations of locals, with rich, simmered bone broths and hand-cut ingredients that capture the city’s bold, numbing-spicy essence, free from the overpriced gimmicks of commercialized chains.
Snacks: Visit local spots like Jiaochangkou Night Market and Dongshuimen Old Street for better taste and value. Skip the glitzy food courts downtown—these bustling neighborhood hubs offer crispy fried twisted dough sticks, savory rice cakes, and sweet fermented rice drinks, all at wallet-friendly prices that let you sample a variety of treats without breaking the bank.
Spiciness adjustment: Ask for mild or non-spicy options. Many shops offer cooling snacks like ice jelly and cold shrimp. Don’t let Chongqing’s fiery reputation intimidate you; most family-style restaurants are happy to tweak the spice level to your liking. The silky ice jelly, topped with brown sugar syrup, and refreshing cold shrimp are the perfect palate cleansers to balance out any lingering heat.
Season & Clothing
Best time to visit: April-May and September-October, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Summer: Hot and humid (“Furnace City”). Wear cool, breathable clothes and bring sun protection.
Winter: Foggy and cold. Pack light coats, scarves and warm clothing.
General tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for climbing hills, a common feature of the mountain city.
Chongqing’s charm lies in its magical urban layout and warm local vibes. Whether following the classic Chongqing travel route for popular spots or exploring off-the-beaten-path areas, you’ll gain unique experiences. This guide helps you efficiently visit core attractions and deeply immerse in local culture, making your Chongqing trip memorable with both ritual sense and daily warmth.
