Chongqing Travel Guide & 5‑Day Itinerary: Discover China’s Mountain Megacity

Chongqing is one of China most fascinating cities: a mountainous megacity where neon-lit bridges cross mighty rivers, monorails dive through skyscrapers, and ancient temples hide between glass towers. For many travelers, it’s the most “future‑meets‑tradition” city in the country.

This in‑depth Chongqing travel guide will help you:

• Understand why Chongqing is worth visiting
• Discover the best things to do in Chongqing
• Plan a 5‑day Chongqing itinerary
• Decide when to go, how to get around, and what to eat
• Connect your trip with a curated package like the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour offered by YellowBird Tour (English‑speaking guides, small groups, and all accommodations included)

Throughout the guide, you’ll see natural opportunities to click through and learn more or book the 5‑day tour here.

Why Visit Chongqing?

A “Mountain City” and “8D City” in One

Chongqing is often called the “Mountain City” because the urban core rises on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Streets stack on top of each other, and multi‑level walkways, escalators, and bridges make everyday life feel three‑dimensional.

Local travelers also call it an “8D city”, and places like Hongya Cave show exactly why: you can enter a building on one street at the 11th floor and exit onto a different street at the 1st floor by the river.

Cyberpunk Nightscapes & Rivers of Light

At night, Chongqing transforms. Entire hillsides are covered with glowing high‑rises, LED bridges, and illuminated riverfronts. A Yangtze & Jialing River night cruise is one of the best ways to experience this skyline – you glide between glass towers and historic wharfs lit in gold.

From vantage points like Yangtze River Cableway, 131 Sky Deck (World Trade Center), and Eling Park, you’ll see why Chongqing has become an Instagram favorite for “cyberpunk” city photography.

Deep History and UNESCO Heritage

Beyond the skyscrapers, Chongqing and its surroundings preserve:

• Ciqikou Ancient Town – a maze of old streets, courtyard houses, and traditional shops
• Dazu Rock Carvings – spectacular Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist stone carvings from the 9th–13th centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Three Gorges Museum – a comprehensive museum about the Yangtze River, Three Gorges region, and the Three Gorges Dam.

These sites make Chongqing a perfect base for travelers interested in both culture and modern China.

Top Things to Do in Chongqing

1. Hongya Cave: Real‑Life “Spirited Away” Cliff City

Hongya Cave (洪崖洞 / Hongyadong) is one of Chongqing’s most iconic sights. Built into a steep cliff overlooking the Jialing River, it recreates traditional stilted houses (diaojiaolou) in an 11‑story complex of restaurants, teahouses, bars, and craft shops.

Key reasons to visit:

• “Spirited Away” atmosphere – At night, the golden lights, red lanterns and stacked roofs look like a real‑life Studio Ghibli scene.
• Vertical city experience – Enter from the top at Cangbai Road (11th floor) and walk down to the riverside at Jialing River Binjiang Road (1st floor). Elevators and stairways connect different “worlds”.
• Food and snacks – On the middle floors, especially around the 4th floor, you’ll find Chongqing noodles (小面 xiao mian), sour‑and‑spicy noodles (酸辣粉 suan la fen), hot pot ingredients and local sweets.
• Best viewpoints – The classic postcard view is from Qiansimen Bridge, a short walk away; another excellent angle is from the opposite riverbank near Chongqing Grand Theatre.

Practical tips (verified as of late 2025):

• Opening hours: About 10:00–23:00; lights usually on 18:00–23:00
• Tickets: Entry is free, but on busy days you may need a free time‑slot reservation via a WeChat/Alipay mini‑program (search 洪崖洞)
• Metro: Line 6 to Grand Theatre (大剧院站) then walk over Qiansimen Bridge, or Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi (小什字站) and walk 10–15 minutes to the 11th‑floor entrance
• Time needed: 2–4 hours is ideal

If you prefer everything arranged – including Hongya Cave, river cruise, and other top city highlights – the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour builds this into a structured itinerary with an English‑speaking guide.

2. Ciqikou Ancient Town: Old Chongqing’s Living History

Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) sits along the Jialing River and preserves the atmosphere of old Chongqing with stone alleys, wooden houses, and temple courtyards. It was historically a porcelain and trade port; today it’s a lively mix of:

• Traditional snack stalls (fried dough twists, tofu, local pastries)
• Teahouses with river views
• Small temples and old guild halls
• Local handicrafts and chili products

Ciqikou is a centerpiece of many Chongqing city tours, including the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

3. Dazu Rock Carvings: UNESCO‑Listed Stone Art

About 1.5–2 hours from Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvingsfeature thousands of stone sculptures and reliefs carved between the 9th and 13th centuries. They depict Buddhist cosmology, Confucian ethics, and everyday life with remarkable detail.

Highlights include:

• The Baodingshan and Beishan carving groups
• Giant reclining Buddhas
• Vivid scenes illustrating moral parables

Due to distance and logistics, it’s very convenient to visit Dazu on a guided city‑based tour – again, this is included and fully organized on YellowBird’s 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

4. Three Gorges Museum: Understanding the Yangtze

Located near People’s Square, the Three Gorges Museum explains:

• The natural geography of the Three Gorges
• Archaeological finds from the region
• The history and impact of the Three Gorges Dam project
• Folk culture along the Yangtze

It is an excellent stop for travelers planning or considering a Yangtze River cruise starting/ending in Chongqing, and it’s featured in the 5‑day tour program.

5. Yangtze River Cableway: Classic Chongqing View

The Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道) is a vintage cable car crossing the Yangtze between Yuzhong and Nan’an districts. It offers:

• Classic views of Chongqing’s skyline
• A sense of the city’s scale and topography
• A nostalgic ride used by locals and visitors alike

Night rides are especially atmospheric, and the cableway is another key stop on the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

6. 131 Sky Deck & Eling Park: Sky‑High Vistas

For panoramic views:

• 131 Sky Deck (World Trade Center) – A high‑altitude observation deck with 360‑degree views of Chongqing’s rivers, bridges, and skyscrapers
• Eling Park – The highest point in central Chongqing, with landscaped gardens, traditional pavilions, and open viewpoints across the city

Both are included in YellowBird’s 5‑day itinerary, usually toward the end of the tour to give a “summary panorama” of everywhere you’ve been.

7. Yangtze & Jialing River Night Cruise

A two‑river night cruise is one of Chongqing’s signature experiences. Boats depart from the riverfront (for example near Chaotianmen area) and sail past:

• Hongya Cave glowing on the cliff
• Qiansimen and other illuminated bridges
• Densely packed skyscraper clusters in Yuzhong District

The 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour includes this cruise on day 2, right after your visit to Dazu – a dramatic contrast between ancient stone art and hyper‑modern cityscape.

5‑Day Chongqing Itinerary (City + Culture Highlights)

If you’re asking “How many days do I need in Chongqing?”, five days is an excellent length. It gives you enough time to explore city highlights, UNESCO sites, and viewpoints, without rushing. Below is a 5‑day Chongqing itinerary similar in structure to YellowBird’s 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

For a fully packaged version with hotel, transport, English‑speaking guide and admissions, you can view or book the tour here:

Day 1 – Arrival & First Taste of the Mountain City

• Transfer from Chongqing airport or train station to your hotel.
• Free time to adjust, walk around the neighborhood, and get a feel for the steep streets and river views
• In the evening, try your first Chongqing hot pot, famous for its chili oil and numbing Sichuan peppercorns

With YellowBird, transfers are included and an English‑speaking guide meets you on arrival.

Day 2 – Dazu Rock Carvings & Two‑River Night Cruise

• Morning/afternoon trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings – explore cliff‑side sculptures and learn the stories behind the figures.
• Return to Chongqing in the late afternoon
• Evening Yangtze & Jialing River night cruise to see the full city skyline, illuminated bridges, and Hongya Cave from the water.

This day perfectly combines UNESCO‑listed heritage and Chongqing’s futuristic nightscape.

Day 3 – Ciqikou Ancient Town & Three Gorges Museum

• Morning visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town – wander old streets, sample snacks, visit local temples
• Afternoon at the Three Gorges Museum to understand the wider Yangtze region and the Three Gorges Dam

You’ll see how Chongqing’s history as a river port shaped both its culture and its modern development.

Day 4 – Sky‑High Views: Cableway & 131 Sky Deck

• Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for sweeping views of the mountain city
• Visit the 131 Sky Deck (World Trade Center) for a 360‑degree bird’s‑eye panorama of Chongqing
• Optional evening walk through downtown (for example around Jiefangbei or toward Hongya Cave) to photograph neon lights and riverfront scenes

The 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour organizes these in a logical route so you’re not back‑tracking across districts.

Day 5 – Eling Park & Departure

• Morning stroll through Eling Park, the highest viewpoint in central Chongqing.
• Enjoy traditional pavilions and quiet paths before heading to the airport/train station.

With YellowBird, your departure transfer is included, and your guide makes sure you reach your onward transport on time.

Practical Chongqing Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Chongqing

Chongqing has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters:

• Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant temperatures, good for city walks and day trips
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot and humid – Chongqing is known as one of China’s “furnace cities”
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Often considered the best season: clear views and comfortable weather
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool and damp but fewer tourists

Avoid major Chinese public holidays (especially early May and early October), when crowds and travel prices spike.

Getting Around Chongqing

• Metro (CRT): The easiest way to move between main areas; Hongya Cave is reachable via Grand Theatre or Xiaoshizi stations
• Buses: Widely used by locals; many lines stop near Hongya Cave (stop name: 洪崖洞 / Hongyadong)
• Taxi / Didi: Convenient but expect heavy traffic at night in riverfront areas

Because the city is so vertical, even simple walks can involve lots of stairs and slopes, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Joining a guided tour like the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour can significantly reduce the stress of navigating complex transport and crowds, especially if it’s your first time in China.

How Many Days in Chongqing?

• 1–2 days: Enough for Hongya Cave, one river cruise, and a quick walk around downtown
• 3–4 days: Adds Ciqikou, at least one museum, and more viewpoints
• 5 days: Ideal to combine city sights + Dazu Rock Carvings + multiple viewpoints & cruises, as in the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

If you’re planning a broader China tour, Chongqing pairs well with Chengdu, Shanghai, or Yangtze River cruises.

What to Eat in Chongqing

Chongqing is a paradise for spice lovers. Don’t miss:

• Chongqing hot pot (火锅) – rich chili broth divided into spicy and non‑spicy sections
• Chongqing small noodles (小面) – simple noodles packed with heat and umami
• Sour and spicy noodles (酸辣粉) – chewy sweet potato noodles in tangy, numbing broth
• Street snacks at Ciqikou and Hongya Cave – grilled skewers, fried sweets, and more

You’ll find many of these dishes at Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and everyday local eateries around the city.

Why Choose a 5‑Day Chongqing Tour Package?

Independent travel in Chongqing is absolutely possible, but there are reasons many visitors choose a guided Chongqing tour:

• Language barrier: English is not widely spoken in some areas; a local English‑speaking guide smooths everything
• Complex topography: Multi‑level streets and hills can be confusing on your own
• UNESCO & day trips: Reaching sites like Dazu Rock Carvings is easier and more efficient with arranged transport
• Time optimization: In five days, a well‑planned itinerary ensures you see the best of Chongqing without wasted transfers

YellowBird’s 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour is designed specifically for international travelers, with:

• English‑speaking guide
• Maximum group size of 12
• All accommodations included
• Highlights like Dazu Rock Carvings, Yangtze & Jialing River night cruise, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Yangtze River Cableway, 131 Sky Deck, and Eling Park
• Transparent pricing around $700 (±10% depending on season)

You can check the full day‑by‑day itinerary, photo gallery, inclusions, and booking form here:
5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour – YellowBird Tour.

Final Thoughts: Is Chongqing Worth Visiting?

If you’re drawn to:

• Dramatic river landscapes
• Neon cityscapes that feel straight out of a sci‑fi movie
• UNESCO heritage and living old towns
• Bold, flavorful Sichuan‑style food

…then Chongqing absolutely deserves a place on your China itinerary. With five full days – whether planned independently or via a curated package like the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour – you can experience both the ancient heart and electric modern soul of this unforgettable mountain megacity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chongqing Travel

1. Is Chongqing worth visiting?

Yes. Chongqing is one of China’s most unique cities: a dramatic “mountain city” at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, with a mix of cyberpunk skylines, historic old towns, and nearby UNESCO sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy city photography, night views, and spicy food.

2. How many days do I need in Chongqing?

You can get a quick taste in 1–2 days, but 5 days is ideal to see the main city highlights (Hongya Cave, Ciqikou, Yangtze River Cableway, Eling Park), enjoy a night river cruise, and take a day trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings. That’s why many operators, including YellowBird, offer a 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour.

3. What are the must‑see attractions in Chongqing?

Top attractions include:

• Hongya Cave (Hongyadong) – the famous cliffside complex with “Spirited Away” vibes and night lights.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town – a historic riverside town with old streets, snacks and temples.
• Dazu Rock Carvings – UNESCO‑listed Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist sculptures.
• Yangtze & Jialing River night cruise – for Chongqing’s skyline at night1.
• Yangtze River Cableway, 131 Sky Deck and Eling Park – for panoramic city views.

All of these are included in YellowBird’s 5‑day itinerary

4. What is Hongya Cave and why is it famous?

Hongya Cave is an 11‑story complex built into a cliff above the Jialing River, designed in the style of traditional stilted houses (diaojiaolou). It’s famous because at night its golden lights and stacked roofs resemble the world of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, and because it showcases Chongqing’s multi‑level “8D” city layout.

5. How do I visit Hongya Cave?

• Location: Cangbai Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
• Opening hours: Usually 10:00–23:00; lights ~18:00–23:00.
• Tickets: Entry is free, but during busy times you must reserve a free time slot via a WeChat/Alipay mini‑program (search 洪崖洞) and get a QR code.
• Metro:
  • Line 6 to Grand Theatre Station, walk across Qiansimen Bridge.
  • Or Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station and walk 10–15 minutes to the 11th‑floor entrance.

Plan 2–4 hours to explore, eat and take photos.

6. When is the best time to visit Chongqing?

• Best seasons:
  • Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) – comfortable weather, good visibility.
• Summer: Very hot and humid; Chongqing is known as a “furnace city”.
• Winter: Cool and damp but fewer tourists.

Avoid China’s “Golden Week” holidays (early May and early October) when crowds are extremely heavy.

7. What is the best time of day to visit Hongya Cave?

Late afternoon to evening is best. Arrive around 17:00 to see the architecture in daylight, have dinner, and then watch the lights switch on between roughly 18:00–19:00⁠–[248 . The most atmospheric period is about 18:00–22:00.

8. How can I get the best photos of Hongya Cave and Chongqing’s skyline?

• Walk onto Qiansimen Bridge for the classic full view of Hongya Cave at night.
• Cross to the Chongqing Grand Theatre side for a wider skyline panorama.
• Take a Yangtze & Jialing River night cruise for moving views of the illuminated peninsular skyline.

9. Is Chongqing safe for tourists?

Chongqing is generally safe for visitors, including solo travelers. As in any big city, you should watch your belongings in crowded places like Hongya Cave and Ciqikou, especially at peak hour. Stick to licensed taxis or reputable tour operators.

10. What food should I try in Chongqing?

Don’t miss:

• Chongqing hot pot – intensely spicy broth with numbing Sichuan pepper.
• Chongqing small noodles (xiao mian) and sour & spicy noodles (suan la fen) – especially around Hongya Cave and Ciqikou.
• Local snacks in Ciqikou Ancient Town – fried dough twists, tofu dishes, sweets.

Hongya Cave’s 4th floor and Ciqikou’s streets are great places to sample many dishes in one visit.

11. How do I get around Chongqing?

• Metro (Chongqing Rail Transit): Best for most visitors; covers main areas like downtown, Grand Theatre, and Xiaoshizi.
• Buses: Extensive network; look for stops labelled 洪崖洞 near Hongya Cave.
• Taxi / Didi: Convenient but affected by traffic, especially in the evening around riverfront areas.

Because of steep hills and multi‑level roads, allow extra time for transfers and wear comfortable shoes.

12. Should I join a guided Chongqing tour or travel independently?

You can do both. Independent travel is feasible with some planning, but a guided Chongqing tour is very helpful if:

• You want to visit Dazu Rock Carvings efficiently on a day trip.
• You prefer an English‑speaking guide to handle tickets, reservations and transport.
• You have limited time and want a structured 5‑day Chongqing itinerary including city highlights, river cruise and viewpoints.

For a ready‑made option, you can check the 5 Days Magic Chongqing Tour by YellowBird: it includes Dazu, Ciqikou, Three Gorges Museum, Yangtze River Cableway, 131 Sky Deck, Eling Park, and a two‑river night cruise.