· CN

Chongqing

Chongqing, Chongqing, China

Chongqing, a sprawling metropolis in southwest China, is a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialiang rivers, the city is renowned for its stunning mountainous la…

#City#Urban#Mountainous#Yangtze River#Hotpot Cuisine

1/15

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Chongqing.

Top Hotels in Chongqing

Top Flights to Chongqing

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Chongqing.

Tours

Exploring Jiefangbei Central Business District

Discover the bustling heart of Chongqing's commercial area, with plenty of shopping options and a variety of dining experiences.

Ciqikou Ancient Town Visit

Step back in time with a visit to this old town known for its traditional architecture and craft shops.

Outdoor

Hiking at Nanshan Botanical Gardens

Enjoy nature trails and a wide variety of plants in this serene garden set on Nanshan Mountain.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Chongqing.

Currency

¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan Renminbi

Population

Approximately 30 million.

Languages

Chinese, Chinese

Average weather

Chongqing

Jan

10°5°

Feb

12°7°

Mar

16°10°

Apr

22°15°

May

26°19°

Jun

29°22°

Jul

33°25°

Aug

34°25°

Sep

28°21°

Oct

22°16°

Nov

17°11°

Dec

12°7°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Chongqing.

What people love

Chongqing, located in the southwest of China, offers a unique blend of modernity and history, making it a great destination for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Chongqing include:

Stunning Scenery: Chongqing is known for its beautiful landscapes, with the Yangtze River running through the city and surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop.
Spicy Cuisine: Chongqing is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, particularly hotpot. Foodies will enjoy sampling the local dishes and exploring the vibrant food scene in the city.
Vibrant Culture: Chongqing has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and traditional performances to explore. Visitors can learn about the city's past and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture.
Modern Infrastructure: As one of China's largest cities, Chongqing boasts modern infrastructure, including efficient public transportation, high-speed trains, and a well-developed tourism industry, making it easy for travelers to navigate and explore the city.
Gateway to the Three Gorges: Chongqing serves as a gateway to the famous Three Gorges region along the Yangtze River, offering opportunities for scenic cruises, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, traveling to Chongqing can be a rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, cuisine, and history while enjoying the city's stunning scenery and modern amenities.

What to know

Chongqing, located in southwest China, is a vibrant and bustling city known for its spicy cuisine, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. However, like any destination, there are some cons to consider when traveling to Chongqing:

Air Quality: Chongqing is known for having poor air quality due to industrial pollution and its mountainous topography, which can result in smog and haze. This may affect individuals sensitive to air pollution or those with respiratory conditions.
Weather: Chongqing has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. The city experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which can lead to flooding and transportation disruptions.
Language Barrier: English proficiency among the local population in Chongqing may be limited, especially outside of tourist areas. Travelers who do not speak Mandarin Chinese may encounter difficulties communicating with locals.
Traffic Congestion: Chongqing is a densely populated city with a complex network of roads and highways, leading to traffic congestion during peak hours. Navigating the city by car or public transportation can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors.
Crowds: Chongqing is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Popular attractions and public transportation hubs can become crowded, particularly during peak travel seasons, leading to long wait times and limited personal space.
Hilly Terrain: Chongqing is known as a "mountain city" due to its hilly terrain, which can make walking or cycling around the city physically demanding. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate the steep streets and stairs.
Hygiene Standards: While efforts have been made to improve hygiene standards in Chongqing, some public restrooms and dining establishments may not meet Western cleanliness expectations. Travelers are advised to take precautions and carry hand sanitizer.

Overall, while Chongqing offers a unique and exciting travel experience, visitors should be aware of these potential cons and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers has made it a significant site throughout Chinese history.

Ancient and Imperial Periods

Pre-Qin Era: The area that is now Chongqing was inhabited as early as the Old Stone Age. During the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) and the Warring States period (475–221 BC), it was part of the State of Ba. The Ba people were eventually conquered by the Qin state, which laid the foundation for the unification of China under the Qin dynasty.
Qin and Han Dynasties: During the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), the area became more developed. The city was named Jiangzhou during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), serving as a significant administrative and military center.
Tang and Song Dynasties: The city was renamed Chongqing in 1189 during the Southern Song dynasty, when Prince Zhao Dun was enthroned as Emperor Guangzong. The name "Chongqing" means "double celebration."

Ming and Qing Dynasties

Ming Dynasty: Chongqing served as a military base to resist the Mongol invasions. The city’s fortifications were strengthened, and it became an important regional center.
Qing Dynasty: The city prospered as a trading port, particularly with the development of the salt industry and tea trade. It became a central hub for commerce along the Yangtze River.

Modern Era

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945): Chongqing served as the provisional capital of the Republic of China after the Japanese invasion forced the government to retreat from Nanjing. As a result, the city was heavily bombarded but remained a symbol of Chinese resistance.
Post-1949: After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chongqing was initially part of Sichuan Province. In 1997, it was designated as a direct-controlled municipality, highlighting its growing importance as an economic and political center.

Significant Events

1938 Bombing of Chongqing: During WWII, Chongqing was subject to extensive bombing raids by the Japanese, known as the "Chongqing Bombing," which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
1997 Municipality Status: The elevation to a direct-controlled municipality marked a new era of economic development and modernization for Chongqing.

Notable Figures

Zhang Zhidong: A prominent Qing dynasty official who promoted industrialization and modernization in the region.
Chiang Kai-shek: The leader of the Republic of China during WWII, who relocated the government to Chongqing during the Japanese invasion.

Important Landmarks

Great Hall of the People: An iconic building in Chongqing, resembling the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, used for political meetings and cultural performances.
Dazu Rock Carvings: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Chongqing, featuring thousands of statues and inscriptions dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
Hongya Cave: A popular tourist destination known for its traditional architecture and vibrant nightlife, offering views over the Jialing River.
Three Gorges Museum: This museum documents the history and culture of the Three Gorges region and the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

Chongqing today is a bustling metropolis, known for its unique terrain of mountains and rivers, spicy cuisine, and as an industrial and commercial hub in western China.