Best Things To Do In Chongqing

Chongqinq is one of the most fascinating cities in China and one of the biggest cities in the world. It’s massive and there are things to do in Chongqing that are worth your time.

The hard working porters down by the docks weaving in and out of the old alleys contrast against the super modern just around the corner.

Personally I spent over a week in Chongqing and although I didn’t get up to much this is what I loved about the city and what it’s like there.

Travel tip: Get a VPN when visiting China as many online services are blocked there.

FIND PLACES TO STAY IN CHONGQING HERE

Things To Do In Chongqing

The Chinese government is pumping loads of money into the place, trying to make it the ‘Shanghai of the East’.

Therefore many of the old buildings are getting knocked down to make way for the new.

To be honest my favourite thing to do in Chongqing was walking around the small alleys and getting lost exploring the city.

A hard working porter carries goods from the city to the docks.

Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing is the starting point of cruises down the Yangtze River and the tourists crowd around the dock areas.

But you hardly any of them see the city itself.

That’s good because it makes the place feel less of an attraction and more of a local thing.

If you’re in this part of China then I highly recommend to do a Yangtze River Cruise as it was one of my favourite things to do in Chongqing (or should I say from Chongqing).

Shopping in Chongqing

Chongqing has loads of shopping options and you can either visit the local markets or the nearby Chongqing ancient town, or head into the centre of modern chongqing and check out all the new shopping areas.

Walk Around Chongqing 

Amongst all the construction works tranquility and culture can still be found, such as in the scattered temple here and there.

The rare glimpse of green can be seen in the small parks here and there, where old men gather too play games and gamble, women come too dance, and the solitary practice tai chi.

Meanwhile back down in an alley heavy goods are transported by what might be some of the toughest porters in China.

Be sure to take the cable car across the Yangtze River as it’s one of the best things to do in Chongqing at night with the city lights (see cover photo).

At night everyone heads to the street stalls and small eateries, where you can sample the famous Chongqing hotpot.

Food in Chongqing

Chongqing is a city often overlooked by travellers, which is a shame as it has it’s own unique charm.

Day Trips From Chongqing

One highly recommended day trip from Chongqing is a tour to the Dazu Rock Carvings (book with that link) which is a Unesco Heritage Site and one of the largest grottos in the world.

I enjoyed it out there.

Visit Chongqing 

And that’s some of Chongqing.

If you’re just passing through to do a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing then think of stopping for a night in Chongqing to get a feel for the place.

At the very least try some Chongqing food such as the Chongqing hotpot!

FIND PLACES TO STAY IN CHONGQING HERE

If you will be visiting Beijing while in China then check out the best things to do in Beijing when there.

Make sure to take travel insurance for your adventures. I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

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