China Trip

Chongqing Attractions

6 must-see attractions — from world-famous landmarks to local gems

Hongyadong
LandmarksBook Ahead

Hongyadong Hongyadong

Chongqing’s most photogenic scene. You must visit at night—during the day, it’s just an ordinary traditional-style building, but once the lights come on at night, that’s when the magic happens. The best spot for photos is in the middle section of the Qiansimen Bridge.

1–1.5 hours (recommended in the evening)Very CrowdedFree (reservation only required on holidays and peak periods)
Liziba Metro Through Building
Landmarks

Liziba Light Rail Passes Through a Building Liziba Metro Through Building

A spectacle unique to Chongqing. Don’t just watch from below—be sure to ride Line 2 through the building yourself.

30 minutesBusyFree
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Shopping & Markets

Ciqikou Ancient Town Ciqikou Ancient Town

Experience the old Chongqing wharf culture. Be sure to visit the Chen Changyin Twisted Dough Sticks flagship store on Back Street (15 yuan per jin, freshly fried); prices on Front Street are twice as high.

1.5–2 hoursBusyFree
Yangtze River Cableway
LandmarksTickets Required

Yangtze River Cable Car Yangtze River Cableway

Crossing the Yangtze River from the air—a unique perspective you can only experience in Chongqing.

30 minutes (including waiting in line)Very CrowdedOne-way: 20 yuan / Round-trip: 30 yuan
Shancheng Trail
Landmarks

Mountain City Trail Shancheng Trail

If you can only visit one place to experience old Chongqing, make it the Mountain City Trail. The river views from the cliffside walkway and the teahouses in the air-raid shelters—this is the most authentic side of Chongqing.

1–2 hoursModerateFree
Two Rivers Ferry
LandmarksTickets Required

Liangjiang Small Ferry Two Rivers Ferry

It’s cheaper than the Yangtze River Cable Car (15 yuan vs. 20 yuan), less crowded, and offers a more complete view—taking in the confluence of the two rivers, Hongyadong, the bridge, and the sunset all at once. Locals say the ferry is a better value than the cable car.

30–40 minutes (including waiting time)Moderate15 yuan per person