Things to Do in Chongqing Besides Eating Hotpot
Things to Do in Chongqing! There’s a lot more than hot pot! Enjoy the city’s unique urban landscape, culture, and natural beauty.
Chongqing, a city of mountains and waters, boasts a night view as poetic and picturesque as a painting, with myriad lights reflecting on the river. Chongqing is also known as the “Hometown of Hot Pot.” Apart from enjoying hot pot, however, there are many other rich tourism experiences here. This article will take you to explore the highlights of Chongqing’s unique terrain, history, night view, and cultural activities, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of this city.
You might also enjoy: The Best Chinatowns Around The World
Dive into Chongqing’s Unique Urban Landscape
Take the Yangtze River Cableway
The Yangtze River Cableway is a calling card of Chongqing. It is the first aerial corridor over the Yangtze River and the “mountain city’s aerial bus”, and a 4A-level national scenic spot. It was the filming location of the Crazy Stone and A Bite of China. Spanning the Yangtze River, it connects the South Bank District and Jiangbei District.
Taking the cableway is one of the top things to do in Chongqing. The cabin is fully transparent on all four sides. By taking the cableway, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River from the air and experience the unique charm of Chongqing as a mountain city. The opening hours of the Yangtze River Cableway are from 7:30 to 22:30. The ride lasts between 4 to 10 minutes.
Visit the “8D Magic” of Hongya Cave and Liziba Station
Hongya Cave is one of the must-visit places in Chongqing! It is famous for its stilt houses on the cliff. At night, it is brightly lit and is a scenic spot of the mountain city, like a real-life version of “Spirited Away”. There are 11 floors from the bottom to the top, with different functions on each floor. The top floor is an exotic balcony where you can enjoy a distant view of the river, with excellent scenery. It is open all day and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to visit. Admission is free.
Liziba is a station on the Light Rail Line 2 and is also a must-see attraction. The light rail passing through the building is a unique urban planning wonder in Chongqing. The light rail train passes through the residential building, which is an astonishing sight. There are also pedestrian streets, shopping and cultural art districts nearby. You can experience the blend of modernity and tradition in Chongqing here.
Discover Chongqing’s Historical and Cultural Sites
Three Gorges Museum
The China Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing, also known as the Chongqing Museum, is one of the first batch of national first-class museums and a national-level museum jointly built by the central and local governments. It is a full-funded public institution at the director-general level.
Located on Renmin Road in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, it is a great place to learn about the Yangtze River civilization, the history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and Ba-Yu culture. The museum houses a large number of precious historical relics and picture materials. They showcase the historical changes and cultural heritage of the Chongqing region.
Great Hall of the People
The People’s Great Hall is located at No. 173, Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing. This group of ancient-style national buildings is one of the top ten cultural symbols of Chongqing. It is a masterpiece that ingeniously combines the traditional Chinese palace architectural style with the large-span structure of Western architecture. It is also one of the landmark buildings in Chongqing.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
The ancient town of Ciqikou is known as a miniature of Chongqing, where many streets and lanes, traditional handicrafts and time-honored shops from the Ming and Qing Dynasties have been preserved. Tourists can taste various traditional snacks here, participate in folk activities such as sugar painting and shadow puppetry, and experience the historical charm of Chongqing. It is recommended to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town in the morning to avoid the peak hours and better enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town.
Enjoy Natural Scenery
Visit Wulong Karst National Geology Park
Wulong Karst is a World Natural Heritage Site. It is renowned for its geological wonders such as the Three Natural Bridges and the Earth Crack. Not only is it a paradise for nature lovers but also the filming location of several movies. Tourists can choose a one-day tour or some short Chongqing tours. They can take a bus from Chongqing Longtousi Bus Station or Siguankilometer Long-Distance Bus Station to Wulong, with a journey of about 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, they can drive from the main urban area of Chongqing via G65 Baomao Expressway to Wulong, a distance of approximately 150 to 180 kilometers, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Relax at Eling Park
Eling Park is a green oasis in Chongqing, combining natural landscapes with the memories of old Chongqing. Here, visitors can not only enjoy a panoramic view of Chongqing but also find a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. It is recommended that tourists take Metro Line 1 to Eling Station, exit from Exit 2A, and walk for about 8 minutes to reach Eling Park. Or, drive and navigate to Eling Park, which takes about 20 minutes from the city center.
Have A Multifaceted Exploration of Chongqing
Chongqing is a city where modernity and tradition intertwine, offering a unique blend of urban excitement and cultural depth. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Chongqing has something special to offer, ensuring a memorable journey for every traveler. By the way, you can also easily combine your journey with Chengdu tours, where the nearby Chengdu tea culture experiences offer a peaceful contrast to Chongqing’s dynamic cityscape.
