Chongqing

Chongqing

Magic mountain city | 8D vertical metropolis, cyberpunk in real life

One of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, Chongqing's dramatic terrain shaped a vertical city like nowhere else. A metro line runs through a residential tower at Liziba; the Yangtze River cableway is the river's famous "air bus"; Hongyadong clings to the cliff and lights up at night—instant "Spirited Away" energy. Steep alley walkways, busy Jiefangbei, and market-life Ciqikou ancient town give the city its surreal, layered vibe. And the world-famous Chongqing hot pot is not to be missed.

Wulong | UNESCO karst

Southeast of Chongqing, Wulong's karst is on a grand scale. The Three Natural Bridges formed over millions of years—among the world's great natural bridge clusters—and drew worldwide attention as a set for Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers: Age of Extinction. The "three bridges, two pits" landscape is unforgettable.

Longshui Gorge | Earth's great cut

Beside the bridges, Longshui Gorge is a rare surface-water–eroded tiankeng complex. Walk the narrow gorge with thousand-foot cliffs and a ribbon of sky overhead—waterfalls, streams, and underground rivers show off the softer side of karst.

Fairy Mountain | Alpine pasture of the south

At about 1900 m, Fairy Mountain National Forest Park mixes huge forests and natural grassland. In humid, mountainous southwest China, its high meadow scenes earn the nickname "pastures of the south." Cool summers make it a getaway; snowy winters turn it into a white wonderland.

A Taste of Chongqing | The Spicy & Savory Culinary Capital

Chongqing is the undisputed birthplace of numbing-spicy hot pot. Trying a "nine-grid" old hot pot is mandatory for every visitor: dipping fresh tripe and duck intestines into boiling beef tallow broth offers an exhilarating culinary rush. Beyond hot pot, Chongqing spicy noodles (Xiaomian), hot and sour rice noodles, Jianghu cuisine, and Chen Mahua from Ciqikou form the passionate and fiery soul of the city. Whether dining in a bustling street-side eatery or a high-end restaurant overlooking the river, there is always a flavor that will make you remember Chongqing.

Travel Tips | Best Time to Visit & Transportation

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November) are the most pleasant times to visit, helping you avoid both the intense summer heat (Chongqing is known as one of China's "furnaces") and the damp winter cold.
• Getting There: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) offers flights to major domestic and international cities. Additionally, China’s extensive high-speed rail network provides easy access to nearby popular tourist hubs like Chengdu and Xi'an.
• City Transport: "Climbing slopes and crossing ridges" is a defining feature here, meaning you won’t find many shared bicycles. Instead, you'll rely on China's most magical metro and monorail network. To avoid getting lost in this "3D labyrinth", booking a private car service or hiring an English-speaking guide for a day tour is the best way to deeply experience the Charm of the Mountain City completely stress-free.