Planning your trip to Chongqing but not sure where to begin?
Cable cars, skyline views, narrow alleys, night markets…
There’s so much to see — but how do you know which places are truly worth your time?
I’ve been there, too.
Walking the streets, getting lost, asking locals — that’s how I found the spots that truly stay with you.
So I’ve gathered 17 must-see places that will help you experience the real magic of Chongqing.
Take your time, explore at your own pace — and enjoy your journey.
Chongqing Must-See 17
01 Hongyadong 洪崖洞
洪崖洞 Hóngyádòng
- A landmark with 3,000 years of history, Chongqing’s most famous site
- A magical night view often compared to Spirited Away
- Extremely crowded — be careful with your belongings!
Hongyadong(洪崖洞) is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Chongqing, with daily visitor numbers second only to the Forbidden City.
The complex is built along the cliffs where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, rising 75 meters high in a terraced, multi-level structure.
The mix of traditional wooden architecture and modern design creates a truly unique cityscape.
Here, you can experience Chongqing’s riverside culture and mountain-town atmosphere up close — this is where the city’s vibe feels most alive.
Inside Hongyadong, the building is packed with shops and restaurants, making it fun to explore.
Each floor has a different theme, and there are several large sculptures at the rooftop area.
However, the place is highly commercialized, so I recommend focusing on the view rather than shopping.
Because it’s so crowded, keep an eye on your bag, phone, and wallet.
📍 No. 88, Binjiang Road, Jialingjiang Riverside, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区嘉陵江滨江路88号
🚶 Walkable from Jiefangbei
🚇 Line 2 Linjiangmen (临江门) Station – 500m walk
🚇 Line 1 Xiaoshizi (小什字) Station – 500m walk
🚇 Line 6 Grand Theatre (大剧院) Station – cross the bridge, 800m walk
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🌙 Best visited in the evening for the night view
💰 Free admission
02 Jiefangbei 解放碑
解放碑 Jiěfàngbēi
- The most famous landmark and busiest downtown district of Chongqing
- A great area to stay — easy access to transportation and tourist spots
- Enjoy a wide variety of local food at Bayilu Food Street nearby
Jiefangbei (解放碑) is one of Chongqing’s signature landmarks and the heart of its busiest downtown area.
The monument standing among the skyscrapers was built to commemorate victory in the Anti-Japanese War.
If it’s your first time in Chongqing, I highly recommend finding accommodation near Jiefangbei.
It’s close to many major attractions, with multiple subway lines making transportation easy.
This area is filled with restaurants, hotels, department stores, and large shopping malls — everything is within walking distance.
Jiefangbei is especially beautiful at night when the entire cityscape lights up.
While it feels like an ordinary business district during the day, the vibrant neon lights at night offer a completely different experience.
Don’t miss Bayilu Food Street (八一路美食街) near Jiefangbei.
It’s one of the best places to try all kinds of local Chongqing dishes in one place — from spicy noodles to skewers and hotpot.
📍 No. 177, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区民族路177号
🚶 Line 1 Jiaochangkou (较场口) Station – 500m walk
🚇 Line 2 Linjiangmen (临江门) Station – 400m walk
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌙 Best visited in the evening for the night view
💰 Free admission
03 Yangtze River Cable Car 长江索道
长江索道 Chángjiāng Suǒdào
- Cable car crossing the Yangtze River
- Best way to see Chongqing’s skyline and night view
- Opened in 1987, still one of the city’s iconic transport systems and tourist attractions
- Less crowded at the south station (Longmen Road) — highly recommended
The Yangtze River Cable Car(长江索道) offers a breathtaking view of the Yangtze River and Chongqing’s skyline.
Since its opening in 1987, it has served as a daily commuter line for locals for more than 30 years.
Before the subway system was built, this was one of the key ways to cross the river — the one-way fare used to be just 2 RMB, but now it’s become a famous sightseeing ride with the price nearly ten times higher.
The total length is about 1,166 meters, connecting Yuzhong and Nan’an districts across the river.
The entire cabin is glass-walled, giving you an open view of the cityscape while crossing.
During the day, you can enjoy the wide river and city views, but Chongqing’s sky is often cloudy —the night view is especially stunning and highly recommended.
There are two boarding stations:
The north station (Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District) is always packed with tourists.
If you want to avoid long waiting times, use the south station (Longmen Road, Nan’an District) — easily accessible from Line 6 Shangxinjie Station.
📍 No. 4, Shangxin Street, Nan’an District, Chongqing (opposite Longmenhao Subdistrict Office)
重庆市南岸区上新街4号(龙门浩街道办对面)
🚶 Line 6 Shangxinjie (上新街) Station, Exit 2 — 660m walk
⏰ 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
🌙 Best visited in the evening for the night view
💰 20 RMB one way / 30 RMB round trip
🛂 Passport required
04 Mountain City Trail 山城步道
山城步道 Shānchéng Bùdào
- A charming stone-paved walkway following Chongqing’s hilly landscape
- Stone paths, old brick walls, banyan trees, and small local shops — everyday life in Chongqing
- Highly recommended: downhill route for an easier walk
The Mountain City Trail (山城步道) is one of the most iconic walking paths in Chongqing, reflecting the city’s unique topography and local history.
Chongqing is built on hills, and its many narrow step streets connect different layers of the city.
These routes are known as “Tikan (梯坎)”, a local term for stair streets that serve as lifelines for residents.
There’s even a saying: “To truly understand Chongqing, you have to walk through its hillside alleys.”
If you’d like to enjoy the trail without a tiring uphill climb,
there is a recommended downhill route.
Set your map destination to:
No. 8, Ling Shixiang, Jia Shi Nursing Home, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (重庆渝中区佳实养老院领事巷8号)
This will allow you to start from the top and comfortably walk downhill while enjoying the scenery.
📍 No. 8, Ling Shixiang, Jia Shi Nursing Home, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆渝中区佳实养老院领事巷8号
🚇 Jiaochangkou (较场口) Station, Exit 4 or 11 — northern entrance, downhill route starts here
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌞 Best visited during the daytime
💰 Free admission
05 18 Stairs 十八梯
十八梯 Shíbā Tī
- Stone stairways and narrow alleyways where old Chongqing still lives on
- Night views with glowing lights create the most beautiful scenery
- Best photo spot: looking down from the top of the stairs
- Great to pair with Mountain City Trail in the afternoon, and 18 Stairs in the evening
18 Stairs (十八梯) is a historic stairway where the lives of Chongqing’s porters once passed up and down.
The stone steps, wooden houses, and wartime air-raid shelters create a scene full of stories and old-town charm.
Although the area has been redeveloped as a tourist site, much of its original layout and flow remain intact.
Because the path includes many staircases and steep sections, I highly recommend the downhill route —
pair it with Mountain City Trail in the afternoon and finish your walk at 18 Stairs in the evening.
The best time to visit is after sunset, when the lights come on and the whole stairway glows beautifully.
Photos looking down from the top turn out especially well at night.
📍 No. 1 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区中兴路1号
🚇 Jiaochangkou Station (较场口), Line 1 / Line 2 — Exit 4 or 11 (northern entrance recommended for downhill route)
⏰ Open 24 hours (lights on after 6:00 PM daily)
🌙 Best visited in the evening for the night view
💰 Free admission
06 Korean Provisional Government Site 重庆大韩民国临时政府旧址
重庆大韩民国临时政府旧址
Chóngqìng Dàhánmínguó Línshí Zhèngfǔ Jiùzhǐ
- The last base of the Korean government-in-exile during World War II
- Stories of Korea’s independence movement through photos, letters, and personal items
- A small but powerful place to learn about a lesser-known chapter of Asian history
In the middle of busy Chongqing, you’ll find this small but meaningful historical site — the last headquarters of the Korean Provisional Government, which led Korea’s independence movement against Japanese rule.
The government-in-exile was active here between 1940 and 1945, during the final years of the struggle for Korea’s freedom. Today, the restored building displays old photographs, documents, and personal belongings that tell the story of these resistance efforts.
Even if you’re not familiar with Korean history, this is a powerful stop where you can learn about an important chapter of East Asia’s 20th-century past. The exhibitions include English translations, making it easy for international visitors to explore.
📍 No. 38 Lianhuachi, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区莲花池38号
🚶 About 13 minutes on foot from Jiefangbei (850m)
🚇 670m from Jiaochangkou Station (较场口, Line 1)
⏰ Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
🚫 Closed on Mondays
🌈 Suitable to visit at any time of day
💰 Free admission
🛂 Passport required
07 Raffles City 来福士
来福士 Láifúshì
- Enjoy panoramic night views from the Sky Bridge
- Iconic sail-shaped design reflecting Chongqing’s trading history
- Great spot for dining, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place
Raffles City(来福士) is a massive complex where you can experience shopping, dining, sightseeing, and relaxation all in one place.
Inside, you’ll find high-end restaurants, cafés, bars, a swimming pool, sky garden, observation decks, and more.
The building’s striking sail-shaped design symbolizes Chongqing’s past as a major trading hub along the Yangtze River, once bustling with ships and commerce.
The tallest towers, T3N and T4N, reach a height of 354.5 meters, and the Sky Bridge connecting them at 250 meters high offers stunning panoramic views of the city — especially beautiful at night.
📍 No. 8 Jiesheng Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区接圣街8号
🚇 140m from Chaotianmen Station (朝天门, Line 1)
⏰ 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🌙 Best visited in the evening for the night view
💰 Free admission
08 Huguang Guild Hall 湖广会馆
湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn
- The largest traditional guild hall complex in China
- A historic place that preserves 300 years of migration and trading culture
- Take a quiet walk and feel the stories of old Chongqing all around you
Huguang Guild Hall(湖广会馆) is the biggest surviving guild hall complex in China. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, it has been expanded and restored over centuries, keeping the history of Chongqing’s migrant communities and trading culture alive.
Merchants and migrants from different regions came together here to support each other, build networks, and preserve their hometown traditions. The halls tell the story of Chongqing as a key trading hub, where people from across southern China gathered to work and live.
The site includes three main guild halls:
Yuwang Palace (禹王宫), Qian’an Guild Hall (齐安公所), and Guangdong Guild Hall (广东公所).
Each wall and courtyard holds traces of the past, making it a peaceful place to explore at your own pace.
📍 No.1 Bajiaoyuan, Changbin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区长滨路芭蕉园1号
🚇 500m from Xiaoshizi Station (小什字, Line 1)
⏰ 9:00–19:00
🌈 Good to visit any time of day
💰 25 RMB admission
🛂 Passport required for entry
09 Chaotianmen Lunchbox 朝天门盒饭
朝天门盒饭 Cháotiānmén Héfàn
- A real local lunch experience in Chongqing’s wholesale hub
- One of the best bang-for-your-buck meals
- Famous hidden lunchbox spot known among shopkeepers and porters
- Outdoor standing tables only — avoid rainy days!
At Chaotianmen (朝天门), Chongqing’s wholesale and logistics hub, local shopkeepers and porters line up every day at this small, no-frills lunchbox stall tucked beneath an old shopping building. The place is famous for its tasty and super affordable lunch sets — a true locals’ favorite.
The stall has been running for over 20 years and is known for its generous portions and honest flavors. A plate of vegetables costs 10 RMB, and if you add meat, it’s just 13 RMB. The vibe here is down-to-earth and real — the taste of everyday life in Chongqing.
📍 No.12 Caojia Alley, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区曹家巷12号
(outside on the ground floor of Dazheng Building 大正大厦, at the edge of the alley)
🚇 140m from Xiaoshizi Station (小什字, Line 1)
🚇 260m from Chaotianmen Station (朝天门, Exit 1)
(Located under the pedestrian overpass toward Shanxi Road 陕西路)
⏰ Best visited at lunchtime
💰 10 RMB (vegetarian) / 13 RMB (with meat)
10 Gangyu Plaza 港渝广场
港渝广场 Gǎngyú Guǎngchǎng
- The biggest wholesale market in Chongqing
- A place to see real daily life — not tourist crowds
- More about the vibe and raw local energy than shopping itself
Gangyu Plaza (港渝广场) is Chongqing’s largest wholesale district — a sprawling maze of shops, alleys, and street stalls where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s everyday hustle behind the shiny downtown streets. It’s not polished or touristy. Instead, you’ll see the real daily rhythm of shopkeepers, porters, and local buyers going about their business.
Inside the market, I bought a pair of pants for 60 RMB — surprisingly decent quality. The fun here isn’t about finding luxury goods but about soaking up the raw, lively atmosphere.
📍 No. 63 Shanxi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区陕西路63号 港渝广场
🚇 550m from Xiaoshizi Station (小什字, Line 1)
🚇 650m from Chaotianmen Station (朝天门)
⏰ 6:30-17:30
💡 Best visited around lunchtime
💰 Free entry
11 E’ling Second Factory Cultural Park 鹅岭二厂文创公园
鹅岭二厂文创公园
Élíng èr chǎng wénchuàng gōngyuán
- A former printing factory transformed into a lively creative space
- Filming location for the movie I Belonged to You (从你的全世界路过)
- Packed with galleries, cafés, rooftop views, and quirky indie shops
- Don’t miss the Chongqing-style mala-flavored ice cream (花椒冰淇淋)!
E’ling Second Factory (鹅岭二厂) used to be a major printing factory in Southwest China. Today, its old industrial buildings remain, but the space has been reimagined into one of Chongqing’s trendiest creative zones — blending vintage factory vibes with modern design and indie culture.
The narrow alleys between the buildings are lined with charming cafés, galleries, workshops, boutiques, and rooftop viewpoints. One of the most popular snacks here? Chongqing’s signature mala (spicy numbing) ice cream — don’t miss it!
The biggest highlight is the rooftop observation deck, where a famous scene from I Belonged to You was filmed. The rooftop offers a beautiful panoramic view of downtown Chongqing between the two rivers. There’s a small entrance fee (19 RMB) for the deck.
💡 Tip: The rooftop gets crowded in the evening. If you want to enjoy the sunset view without the long lines, go between 4–5 PM before dusk. The stairs up to the rooftop are steep (800+ steps) — so plan accordingly if you’re coming via Liziba Station.
If you’re not planning to visit for the night view, I recommend doing the route E’ling → Liziba, not the other way around.
📍 No.1 E’ling Zheng Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区鹅岭正街1号
🚇 800m (10 min walk) from E’ling Station (鹅岭, Line 1, Exit 2A)
🚇 From Liziba Station (李子坝, Line 2): 30-min uphill walk + 800 steps (not recommended unless you’re up for the climb!)
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌙 Best visited for sunset or evening views
💰 Free entry (Rooftop deck: 19 RMB)
12 Liziba Station 李子坝站
李子坝站 Lǐzǐbà zhàn
- Iconic monorail running straight through an apartment building
- A must-see stop for photographers and curious visitors alike
- Don’t forget the classic shot: pretending the train is going into your mouth
Liziba Station (李子坝站) on Line 2 of the Chongqing Rail Transit is famous for one very special scene: the train here passes directly through the middle of a high-rise building. This was the first time in China that such a design was attempted, combining transportation with building space.
The train runs through the 6th to 8th floors of the building, and the whole track through the structure is about 132 meters long. Every day, visitors gather outside the station to catch a glimpse of the train emerging between the walls — a scene that has become one of Chongqing’s signature sights.
💡 Pro tip: The best photo angle is from the Liziba Viewing Platform (李子坝观景平台) across the street. Other good spots include the 6th-floor library inside the Liziba building or the plaza outside Exit 2 of the station.
📍 No. 62 Liziba Zheng Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
重庆市渝中区李子坝正街62号
🚇 Liziba Station (李子坝, Line 2) — take the escalator down to ground level inside the building → cross the street to the viewing platform
⏰ 6:30-23:00 (monorail operating hours)
💰 Free entry
13 Ciqikou Old Town 磁器口古镇
磁器口古镇 Cíqìkǒu gǔzhèn
- Step into one of Chongqing’s best-known historic towns
- Try local specialties like huangyang (fermented soybeans), mahua (twisted fried dough), and dried chili peppers
- Old alleyways and timeworn shops create a charming, nostalgic vibe
- Best to avoid weekends and lunchtime due to heavy crowds
Ciqikou Old Town (磁器口古镇) offers a glimpse into Chongqing’s past — a traditional riverside village with a history spanning over a thousand years. Located in Shapingba District along the Jialing River, this area has been preserved since the Song Dynasty.
It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Chongqing, so the streets are often crowded, especially on weekends and around lunchtime. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on weekday mornings is highly recommended.
Along the streets, you’ll find vendors selling all kinds of local products and street food, including the famous huangyang, mahua, and dried chilies. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleys filled with old-style storefronts.
📍 No. 1, Cinan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing
重庆市沙坪坝区磁南街1号
🚇 Ciqikou Station (磁器口, Line 1) — about 1 hour from downtown by subway
🕰️ Open 24 hours (most shops open around 9:00 AM)
🌈 Best visited on weekday mornings for fewer crowds
💰 Free entry
14 Guanyinqiao 观音桥
观音桥 Guānyīnqiáo
- One of the top 5 commercial districts in Chongqing, located in Jiangbei District
- A mix of local food spots and shopping streets
- Easy access via Metro Lines 3 and 9
- Known for affordable prices and a lively, everyday atmosphere
Guanyinqiao (观音桥) is one of Chongqing’s five major commercial districts, popular with locals for its great selection of restaurants, snack stalls, and retail shops. While many tourists head to Jiefangbei, locals often prefer Guanyinqiao for a more down-to-earth experience.
The area is well-connected by Metro Lines 3 and 9, making it super easy to get around. Foodies will enjoy the wide range of street food and casual eateries, all at very reasonable prices. If you want to feel the real daily vibe of Chongqing while enjoying good food, Guanyinqiao is the place to go.
📍 LG1, Longhu Xinshidai, Guanyinqiao Intersection, Jiangbei District, Chongqing
重庆市江北区红石路与红锦大道交叉口西南侧观音桥龙湖新壹街LG1
🚇 Guanyinqiao Station (观音桥, Line 3 / Line 9)
🕰️ Open 24 hours
🌈 Good to visit any time of day
💰 Free entry
15 Beichang Cultural Park 北仓文创园
北仓文创园
Běicāng Wénchuàngyuán
- Flea markets, art studios, cafés, and more
- Great for a relaxed walk or photo spot
- Cute murals and a unique local vibe
Hidden away near Guanyinqiao’s shopping district, Beichang Cultural Park(北仓文创园) feels like a little gem waiting to be discovered. The area was once an old neighborhood — now refreshed into a creative street full of murals and indie vibes.
You’ll find flea markets, art studios, bookstores, and small cafés tucked between the colorful walls. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed stroll, taking photos, or simply enjoying a peaceful coffee break away from the busy crowds.
If you’re looking for a place to slow down and feel a bit of local charm and quiet, this is the perfect detour.
📍 No. 55, Guanyinqiao Longhu, Jiangbei District, Chongqing
重庆市江北区观音桥塔坪55号
🚇 6B exit, Guanyinqiao Station (观音桥, Line 9)
🕰️ Open 24 hours
🌈 Good to visit any time of day
💰 Free entry
16 Graffiti Street 黄桷坪涂鸦一条街
黄桷坪涂鸦一条街
Huángjuépíng Túyā Yìtiáojiē
- One of the world’s largest graffiti streets
- Near Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, filled with artistic atmosphere
- A collaborative art project by over 800 artists, students, and creators
- Bright and lively space transformed into an open-air art gallery
Graffiti Street (黄桷坪涂鸦一条街) is known as one of the largest graffiti art streets in the world. Located near the well-known Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (四川美术学院), the entire street is alive with creative energy. Although it’s a bit outside the city center, many visitors make the trip to see this unique space.
About 800 artists, students, and creators participated in bringing this street to life. The project used around 12,500 kg of paint and 30,000 brushes and rollers. Graffiti covers the exterior walls of 37 buildings along a stretch of 1.5 km. The once dark and quiet neighborhood has been completely transformed into a colorful, open-air gallery with wide streets and artistic installations.
📍 No. 4, Huangjueping Zhengjie, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing
重庆市九龙坡区黄桷坪正街4号 四川美术学院黄桷坪校区旁
🚇 4-minute walk from Huangjueping Station (黄桷坪, Line 18), Exit 4
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌞 Best visited during the day
💰 Free entry
17 Luo Zhongli Art Museum 罗中立美术馆
罗中立美术馆
Luó Zhōnglì Měishùguǎn
- The largest modern art exhibition space in Chongqing
- Eye-catching ceramic-covered unique exterior design
- Signature piece: “Father” (《父亲》)
Luo Zhongli Art Museum (罗中立美术馆) is one of the three largest art museums in Chongqing. The building’s bold ceramic-covered facade makes a striking impression even from the outside. The ceramic works were created by professors and students from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (四川美术学院) using waste materials from nearby factories, adding to the museum’s unique and creative vibe.
Inside, the museum showcases large-scale artworks by well-known artists, including the powerful piece “Father” (《父亲》), known for its intense emotional impact. Alongside these are works by emerging artists, including students and faculty from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, offering a glimpse into the contemporary art scene across generations.
The museum is quite far from Chongqing city center — about 40–50 minutes by car or 1.5 hours via public transport. Despite the distance, it’s well worth the visit. Crowds peak after 1 PM, so for the best photo opportunities and a quieter experience, it’s recommended to visit between 11 AM and 12 PM.
📍 No. 56, University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing
重庆市高新区大学城中路56号
🚇 1.1 km from Daxuecheng Station (大学城, Line 1) — about 15 minutes on foot
⏰ Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
🚫 Closed on Mondays
☀️ Best time for photos: 11 AM to 12 PM
💰 Free entry
Looking for a smooth and easy travel plan?
👉 How to Explore Chongqing in 3 Days | Best Food, Views & Hot Places
→ No complicated planning needed — just follow the route and enjoy Chongqing’s must-see spots, local eats, and night views!
