by Ecelan  (format  changed) / CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the Fastest-growing Urban Centers in the World

A. About Chongqing

Nickname: The Mountain City

Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, is renowned for its sprawling metropolitan area, which is the largest directly controlled municipality in the country, encompassing over 82,000 square kilometers and boasting a population exceeding 30 million residents.

Chongqing municipality can claim to be the largest city proper in the world—though it does not have the world's largest urban area. 

Historically significant as the wartime capital of China during World War II, Chongqing has transformed into a modern hub of economic development, showcasing impressive infrastructure projects such as the Three Gorges Dam and the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, which facilitate regional connectivity and global trade.

The city's unique geographical features, characterized by its location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers and its hilly terrain, have earned it the nickname "Mountain City," contributing to its distinct urban landscape and architectural style.


The Good

At the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing's location has made it a key economic hub in southwest China.  The city's hilly terrain and river gorges provide stunning landscapes and influence its unique urban planning.

Chongqing is famous for its bold, spicy cuisine, especially its hotpot, attracting food lovers worldwide.

The advanced transport infrastructure with its innovative monorail system ensures seamless connectivity.

With a population exceeding 30 million, Chongqing's immense size and rapid urbanization have positioned it as a leading economic and cultural powerhouse in China.

➖ Negative Aspects

The often rather bad weather is to be noted on the negative side.


B. Best Things to Do in Chongqing in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty sights in Chongqing. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 5.20/10 in this most important category:

# Three Gorges Museum 6 3.6 out of 5 stars

The Three Gorges Museum stands as a monumental tribute to the rich cultural heritage and intricate history of the Yangtze River Basin, offering an immersive journey through the ancient civilizations that once flourished along its banks.

Museum 

by Baycrest / CC 2.5

# Ciqikou Ancient Town 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Ciqikou Ancient Town, a well-preserved enclave along the Jialing River, invites visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of a traditional Chinese market town, complete with narrow, winding streets and historic architecture.

City District

by Nyx Ning/ CC BY-SA 3.0

# Jiefangbei CBD (Central Business District) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Jiefangbei CBD, anchored by the iconic People's Liberation Monument, is Chongqing's bustling financial heart, characterized by its soaring skyscrapers, luxury shopping centers, and dynamic nightlife.

This central district is not only a shopping paradise but also a cultural hotspot, offering a variety of entertainment options from high-end cinemas to exquisite dining experiences, catering to both locals and tourists..

City District 

by Baycrest / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Yangtze River Cableway 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Yangtze River Cableway, a 1,166-meter-long aerial tramway, offers breathtaking views of Chongqing's skyline and the majestic Yangtze River, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists seeking a unique vantage point of the city's urban landscape.

Cableway 

by 慕尼黑啤酒 / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Chongqing Grand Theatre 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Chongqing Grand Theatre, an architectural marvel located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, boasts a futuristic design with its glass façade and houses multiple performance halls, hosting a diverse array of cultural and artistic events.

Its expansive outdoor plaza and panoramic terraces provide visitors with stunning views of the river and cityscape.

Opera House  

by Nyx Ning / CC BY-SA 3.0

# People's Hall 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The People's Hall Chongqing, inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, is a monumental building with a grandiose dome and a seating capacity of over 4,000, serving as a key venue for political gatherings and cultural performances.

The hall is surrounded by a picturesque park, which includes lush greenery and a tranquil artificial lake, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.

Building

by Iswzo / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Hongya Cave 4 2 out of 5 stars

Hongya Cave, an 11-story stilted house complex clinging to a cliffside in central Chongqing, features a blend of traditional and modern architecture with vibrant shops, restaurants, and bars that light up spectacularly at night.

House Complex 

by Juukeihc / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Chongqing Transportation 4 2 out of 5 stars

Chongqing's transportation network, known for its intricate and varied modes including extensive metro lines, iconic monorails, and bustling bus services, efficiently connects the sprawling city's hilly terrain and dense urban areas. 

The city is also famous for its unique and complex highway interchanges, which have become a point of fascination for both locals and tourists alike.

Transportation Network  

by David290 / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Chongqing Zoo 4 2 out of 5 stars

Chongqing Zoo, sprawling over 45 hectares, is home to an array of wildlife including the beloved giant pandas, providing an educational and recreational haven for both locals and tourists with its lush landscapes and diverse animal exhibits.

Zoo

by Jpbowen / CC BY-SA 4.0

#10 | Guotai Arts Center (Chongqing Art Museum) 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Guotai Arts Center, a modern cultural hub in Chongqing's bustling Yuzhong District, features multiple theaters and exhibition halls, and is celebrated for its striking architectural design and vibrant programming of theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.

Cultural Hub | Art Museum 

by Artyukh Igor / CC BY-SA 2.0

 
 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌏 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Chongqing

#11 | E'ling Park 4 2 out of 5 stars

E'ling Park in Chongqing offers a panoramic view of the city and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, featuring lush gardens, pavilions, and an array of rare plants, making it a serene retreat with historical significance dating back to the late Qing Dynasty.

Park

by Nyx Ning / CC 3.0

    • Chongqing Huguang Assembly Hall 4
 

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Chongqing

Three Gorges 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Three Gorges, comprising Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, form a renowned 193-mile stretch along China's Yangtze River, known for its dramatic scenery and the colossal Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station.

River Landscape Distance from Chongqing: 111 km

by anonimerce / CC 4.0

DAZU ROCK CARVINGS 6 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Chongqing, China, are a remarkable collection of over 50,000 statues and inscriptions dating back to the 9th century.

It is showcasing intricate Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist themes etched into steep cliffs and grottoes.

Rock Carvings  🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1999 | Distance from Chongqing: 100 km

by Truthven / CC 3.0

Ghost City of Fengdu 5

 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Chongqing (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Chongqing for at least three entire days:

Three Gorges Museum 6

Ciqikou Ancient Town 6

Jiefangbei CBD 5

Yangtze River Cableway 5

Chongqing Grand Theatre 5

People's Hall 5

Hongya Cave 4

Chongqing Transportation 4

Chongqing Zoo 4

Guotai Arts Center 4