Chongqing

重庆

A sprawling mountain city on the Yangtze River, Chongqing is known for its spicy cuisine, dramatic topography, and as a gateway to the scenic Three Gorges. The city's modern development contrasts with ancient temples and natural attractions.

Things to do

• Hongya Cave — An ancient riverside cave complex carved into the cliff face, now a multi-level shopping and entertainment venue with stunning night views of the Yangtze River.
• Three Gorges Dam — Visit the world's largest hydroelectric dam located 40 km downstream, accessible via organized tours that include the visitor center and ship lift.
• Dazu Rock Carvings — UNESCO-listed ancient Buddhist and Taoist stone sculptures carved into cliffs, dating back over 1,000 years, located about 160 km from the city center.
• Chongqing Cable Car over the Yangtze — The historic aerial tramway spanning the Yangtze River between Jiaochangba and Longmenhao offers panoramic city and river views.
• Panda Base at Bifengxia — A sanctuary about 100 km away dedicated to giant panda conservation and breeding, where visitors can observe and learn about these endangered animals.
• Liberation Monument — An iconic obelisk in the heart of downtown Jiefangbei standing 27.5 meters tall, symbolizing the city's liberation and surrounded by shops and restaurants.
• Eling Park — A historic park perched on a mountain offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

Food to try

• Chongqing Hot Pot — A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a spicy broth infused with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns at the table.
• Xiaolongbao at Dezhuang — Steamed pork dumplings with soup inside, though Chongqing's version often features spicy dipping sauces and bold flavors distinct from Shanghai originals.
• Malatang — A spicy street food where customers select raw vegetables, tofu, and meats on sticks, which are then boiled in a fiery chili and numbing Sichuan peppercorn broth.
• La Zi Ji (Chongqing Chicken) — Diced chicken tossed with whole dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatics, creating a vibrant, intensely spicy and numbing dish.
• Chongqing Xiaomian — A breakfast noodle soup made with thin rice or wheat noodles served in a spicy broth topped with scallions, peanuts, and bean sprouts.
• Jiuyu Fish — Fresh river fish braised with pickled mustard greens and fermented bean paste, a local specialty reflecting the city's Yangtze riverside heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the Spice Culture — Chongqing is renowned for fiery cuisine; most local dishes feature chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, so inquire about spice levels and come prepared for heat.
• Navigating the Mountainous Streets — The city's steep topography means many neighborhoods are connected by stairs and narrow alleys rather than flat streets; wear comfortable walking shoes and expect vertical navigation.
• Respect Local Customs at Hot Pot — When dining at hot pot, never leave the communal serving utensils in the broth for extended periods and return them to their original position to maintain etiquette.
• Learn Basic Chongqing Dialect Phrases — While Mandarin is widely spoken, locals use distinct Chongqing dialect words; learning a few terms like 'chi le mei you' (have you eaten) shows respect for local culture.