Hotpot, hills & neon rivers
Chongqing
Chóngqìng · The cyberpunk mountain city
A vast mountain metropolis of stacked expressways, cliffside stilt houses and rivers of neon. Chongqing is a sensory rush — the birthplace of the fieriest hotpot in China and the gateway to the Yangtze gorges.
Top sightsSights
Hongya Cave
A cliffside warren of stilt houses glowing gold at night — pure Spirited Away energy.
Yangtze River cruise
Set sail through the dramatic Three Gorges downstream toward Yichang.
Ciqikou Old Town
A restored Ming-Qing port town of teahouses, snacks and craft shops.
Liziba light-rail
Watch the metro shoot straight through a residential tower — a viral city icon.
Dazu Rock Carvings
Exquisite cliff Buddhist sculptures, a UNESCO site an easy trip from the city.
What to eatFood
Chongqing hotpot
The original numbing-spicy cauldron, slicked with chili oil.
Xiaomian
Fiery breakfast noodles that locals swear by.
Laziji
Crisp fried chicken buried in a mountain of dried chilies.
Good to know
- The city is built on hills — an exit can leave you 10 floors up or down.
- Summers are famously hot; spring and autumn are kinder.
- Book Yangtze cruises ahead in peak season.
Getting there
Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and high-speed rail to Chengdu (1h), Xi'an (5h) and beyond.
Next city
Guilin