Chongqing Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Chongqing tours and things to do in China’s dramatic mountain megacity: marvel at the glittering stilt-house complex of Hongya Cave lit up at night, cruise the mighty Yangtze River through its gorges, wonder at the ancient Buddhist Dazu Rock Carvings, watch the light-rail train run through a skyscraper at Liziba, feast on fiery Sichuan hotpot, and explore the karst wonders of Wulong. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Chongqing by interest
Whatever brings you to Chongqing — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Chongqing
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Hongya Cave
Glowing stilt-houses.
Jiefangbei
City skyline.
Liziba Station
Train in a tower.
Yangtze River
River cruises.
Dazu Carvings
Ancient art.
Sichuan Hotpot
Fiery food.
Wulong Karst
Natural bridges.
Great Hall
Grand landmark.
2 hr awayDazu Carvings
Ancient art.
2.5 hr awayWulong Karst
Natural bridges.
City awayYangtze River
River cruises.
City awayHongya Cave
Glowing houses.
City awayCiqikou
Ancient town.
City awayHotpot
Fiery food.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Chongqing visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and green, with fewer crowds — a good time.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very hot and humid; Chongqing is a Chinese "furnace" city.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Cooler and pleasant — the best time to visit.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild but often misty; atmospheric for the lights.
For night lights
Any evening is magical at Hongya Cave.
Best overall
Spring and autumn are ideal.
One day
The city, Ciqikou and Hongya Cave.
Two days
Add the Dazu carvings and a river cruise.
Three days
Add the Wulong Karst.
For history
The Dazu Rock Carvings.
For nature
The Wulong Karst.
With kids
Liziba and Hongya Cave.
Light rail
The modern light rail, including Liziba, links the sights.
River & cable car
Ferries and the Yangtze cable car cross the rivers.
Tours
Guided tours handle Dazu, Wulong and city highlights.
On foot
Jiefangbei, Ciqikou and Hongya Cave are walkable areas.
Where to stay
Stay near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave for the lights.
Chinese yuan
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is widespread.
Hongya Cave at night
Visit Hongya Cave after dark for the golden lights.
Ride Liziba
Catch the light-rail train running through the skyscraper.
Brave the hotpot
Try Chongqing hotpot — ask for mild if you prefer.
Evening cruise
A night Yangtze cruise shows off the illuminated skyline.
Day trip to Dazu
Set aside a day for the UNESCO rock carvings.
Spring & autumn
Visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat.
Dazu tours
Dazu carving day trips fill up — book ahead.
Wulong tours
Wulong Karst trips have limited spots — reserve early.
Yangtze cruises
Multi-day river cruises sell out — book well ahead.
Food tours
Hotpot food tours fill up — reserve ahead.
Private guides
English-speaking guides book out — reserve early.
Holidays
Chinese holidays are busiest — book everything ahead.
City tour
Around €40–90 for a private city highlights tour.
Dazu carvings
About €60–120 for a Dazu day trip.
Wulong Karst
Roughly €80–150 for a Wulong day trip.
Night cruise
Around €25–50 for an evening Yangtze cruise.
Hotpot tour
About €40–70 for a hotpot food tour.
How to save
Join group tours and combine city sights with the lights.
Chongqing through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Mild & green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- River cruises.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot.
- Best for
- Cool sightseeing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Misty lights.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.