Discover Chongqing

Your Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for China's Mountain City!

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the heart of China's most viral municipality – Chongqing!

If you've ever dreamt of a city that defies gravity, where buildings touch the clouds, and subways weave through structures, then Chongqing is your next must-visit destination. Often described as mountainous, multi-dimensional, crazy, and gorgeous, this city is an experience unlike any other.

Get ready to be amazed, just like I was!

Having recently explored this incredible urban landscape, I've crafted the perfect 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. From futuristic skylines to ancient alleyways, prepare to dive deep into the unique charm of Chongqing.

River view of Hongyadong among skyscrappers

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Day 1: City Wonders and Historical Charms

Morning

Arrival & First Impressions Upon landing at Chongqing airport, you'll immediately be struck by the city's unique topography.

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of bridges, including the massive Cross River Bridge, and the sight of gardens and even playgrounds on rooftops. The city truly lives up to its reputation of being multi-dimensional.

Keep an eye out for buildings like the Raffles, which was commissioned by the same group that built the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. Despite its height and fame, it even seems dwarfed by all the towering skyscrapers.

Stop 1: Kuixinglou - The Mind-Bending Plaza & Sky Bridge

Our first stop brings you to a plaza that perfectly illustrates Chongqing's quirky architecture. What looks like a normal ground-level plaza is, in fact, incredibly high up! You'll find yourself standing comfortably on what is equivalent to the 22nd or 25th floor of a building, yet it feels like you're on the ground floor. It's a truly disorienting and fascinating experience!

Stop 2: Riverside Park – Panoramic Views & Sunset Magic

Next, head to the serene Riverside Park. Getting here is easy and affordable – you can take a cheap taxi or hop on the subway, which offers gorgeous views as it crosses bridges. From the park, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of Chongqing, with the famous Hongyadong nestled among modern skyscrapers.

[Pro Tip] Aim to arrive at Riverside Park around sunset (7-8 PM, depending on the season). This is when a special turning on of lights begins, transforming the city into a dazzling spectacle.

AI's take on Chongqing

Stop 3: Xiahaolane – An Untouched Historical Gem

After a relaxing siesta at the park, it's time to immerse yourself in history in the midst of the ancient mountainous lanes. This hilly, historical, and commercial area is unique because it's considered the last piece of land in Chongqing that has largely preserved its original historical look, untouched by steel or concrete for over a century.

To explore Xiahaolane effortlessly, I highly recommend taking the subway for its convenience and scenic views.

Once there, make your way to the top of Xiahaolane and walk all the way down. This allows you to effortlessly enjoy all the traditional architecture, tea houses, shops, and coffee shops without battling uphill climbs. Xiahaolane truly embodies the Chongqing lifestyle, encouraging you to slow down and live in the moment. If you stay until night, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous lights and live music.

Stop 4: Longmenhao – Affordable Local Flavors

Conveniently located at the bottom of Xiahaolane, Longmenhao is just a short two-minute walk away. Unlike Xiahaolane, Longmenhao offers a more "down to earth" experience, being an old market that has been around for hundreds of years. This is your go-to spot for affordable local eateries.

Chongqing is renowned for its spicy food, so be prepared for some fiery delights! We indulged in delicious spicy coat noodles and cooled down with a local refreshing icy dessert called "cold shrimp" (made from ice dolls shaped like shrimp with various toppings). Beyond the food, Longmenhao also features gorgeous art, including copper statues and paintings depicting its past.

Evening: Hongyadong – A Dazzling Finale

As night falls and you're well-fed, it's the perfect time to visit Hongyadong. This area is famously busy and touristy. While you can explore its bustling interior, I highly recommend going across the bridge to get a better outside view. From here, you can truly appreciate how Hongyadong is nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers, a sight that perfectly encapsulates Chongqing's blend of ancient and modern. This dazzling view will beautifully round up your first day in Chongqing.

Day 2: Cultural Depths and Panoramic Heights

Morning: Fuel Up & Get Ready to Climb!

Start your day with a hearty Chongqing breakfast – I enjoyed my spicy noodles, an assortment of dim sum, soy milk, and local tea.

For your outfit, given Chongqing's tropical climate (around 32 Celsius or 90°F), think breezy! A flowy short dress, a linen shirt for sun protection, and most importantly, comfy shoes are essential as you'll be doing a lot of climbing and hiking.

Stop 1: Liziba Subway Station – The Subway Through a Building

Your first stop of Day 2 is the viral Liziba Subway Station. Prepare to witness the incredible spectacle of a subway train passing directly through a residential building! It's an engineering marvel and a true Chongqing icon.

Stop 2: Goose Mountain – Factory No. 2

Next, head to Factory Number Two of Goose Mountain. Once a bustling coin factory, this area has been transformed into a vibrant commercial hub filled with various stores, offering a glimpse into Chongqing's adaptive spirit.

Stop 3: Goose Hill Park (Eling Park) – Rivers Merging & City Views

Find some shade and tranquility at Goose Hill Park, also known as Eling Park. This park houses various embassies and, most notably, the Tower Observatory. From this tower, you can witness the breathtaking sight of two rivers merging into one. Be prepared for a bit of a workout – there are six flights of stairs to reach the panoramic view, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

Afterwards, relax in the recreational area or visit the beautiful Lotus Flower Gallery within the park.

Stop 4: 18 Ladders (Shibati) – Living History & Tea House Traditions

Get ready for more climbing as we explore the 18 Ladders, or Shibati. This district offers a deep dive into Chongqing's history. Start by visiting the museum detailing Shibati's past, including what the peninsula looked like before. You'll find yourself in the most traditional area on top of the hill, eventually reaching the well that gave this place its name.

After your climb, seek refuge and relaxation at one of Shibati's traditional tea houses. Enjoy some green tea or herbal tea with snacks. What's truly unique about some of these tea houses is they offer free try-ons of traditional Chinese clothing for their customers – a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Immerse yourself in Southern Chinese traditions

Stop 5: Mountain City Alley – A World War II Relic

A short walk from Shibati brings you to the Mountain City Alley.

Again, prepare for some climbing, but the rewards are plentiful. While it might resemble other historical districts, Mountain City Alley holds significant historical importance from World War II. It was once the center of Mongolia in China and contains an air raid shelter. Though it might be under construction during your visit, it's a powerful relic that tells the story of how Chongqing adapted and brought new life to a tragic part of its history.

Stop 6: Freedom Monument Pedestrian District – A Monumental Moment

To round off your incredible journey through Chongqing's history, visit the Freedom Monument Pedestrian District.

At its heart stands the Freedom Monument, a symbol commemorating the city's past.

This bustling area is perfect for grabbing some final snacks and reflecting on your unforgettable two days in this unique metropolis.

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Chongqing truly is a city that never ceases to amaze, from its gravity-defying architecture to its rich history and vibrant local life. We hope this itinerary helps you discover the magic of Chongqing for yourself!

If you have more time, don't miss my Chongqing vlogs on YouTube!

If you want to explore the natural beauty on the outskirts of Chongqing, stay tuned for more travel adventures!

What's your favorite thing about Chongqing? Let me know in the comments below!