China Trip Guides

Appearance

Exploring Chongqing: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Travel Guide to Chongqing, China ​

1. Introduction to Chongqing ​

Chongqing, a sprawling municipality in southwestern China, is known for its unique mountainous terrain, spicy cuisine, and as a major transportation hub along the Yangtze River. With a population of over 30 million, it’s one of the largest cities in the world, blending modern skyscrapers with ancient history. Visitors can explore its vibrant culture, historical sites, and stunning natural landscapes.

2. Top Attractions ​

Dazu Rock Carvings ​

  • Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dazu Rock Carvings are a collection of more than 50,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures carved into the cliffs of Dazu District.
  • Highlights:
    • Great Buddha of Baoding: The largest and most famous sculpture, standing at 31 meters tall.
    • Nanshan Stone Carvings: Showcasing intricate details of Buddhist teachings and stories.
    • Visiting Tips: Best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking.

Ciqikou Ancient Town ​

  • Overview: A well-preserved ancient town located along the Jialing River, Ciqikou provides a glimpse into traditional Chongqing life.
  • Highlights:
    • Old Streets: Explore cobblestone streets lined with tea houses, shops selling traditional crafts, and food stalls.
    • Local Snacks: Try street foods like “Chongqing dumplings” and “syrup-soaked fruits.”
    • Night View: The town is beautifully lit in the evening, making for a romantic stroll along the riverfront.

Yangtze River Cruise ​

  • Overview: A cruise along the Yangtze River offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, gorges, and the city skyline.
  • Highlights:
    • Three Gorges: Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Lesser Three Gorges and the dramatic cliffs.
    • Cultural Performances: Many cruises feature traditional performances and local folkloric shows.
    • Duration: Cruises can vary from a few hours to several days, with options for luxurious experiences to budget-friendly choices.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Chongqing Hotpot ​

  • Description: A fiery and flavorful dish that Chongqing is famous for, hotpot involves cooking various ingredients in a bubbling pot of spicy broth.
  • Tip: Don't forget to try the dipping sauces, which enhance the flavors of the cooked ingredients.

Spicy Chicken (La Zi Ji) ​

  • Description: This dish features chicken pieces stir-fried with a generous amount of dried red chili peppers, garlic, and ginger.
  • Recommendation: Pair it with a cold beer to balance the heat.

Xiaomian Noodles ​

  • Description: Spicy and flavorful noodle dish typically served with a mix of sesame paste, chili oil, and various toppings.
  • Best Place to Try: Look for street vendors or local noodle shops for an authentic experience.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips Using Ctrip and Booking.com ​

  • Ctrip: Great for booking train tickets, flights, and hotel accommodations. The app provides English support.
  • Booking.com: Excellent for finding hotels and hostels with user reviews. Always check cancellation policies.

Making Payments with Alipay ​

  • Overview: Alipay is widely accepted for payments in restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  • How to Use: Download the app and link it to your bank account; you may need a Chinese bank account for full functionality.

Using Google Translate for Language Assistance ​

  • Functionality: Download the language pack for offline use. It can help with menu translations and basic communication.
  • Tip: Use the camera feature to scan text for instant translation.

Using Didi for Taxi Services ​

  • Overview: Didi is a popular ride-hailing app similar to Uber.
  • Tip: Set your destination in English to avoid confusion, and be sure to download the app beforehand.

Internet Access and VPN Considerations ​

  • Access: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data.
  • VPN: Download a reliable VPN service before arriving, as many sites (including Google) are blocked.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival and Ciqikou Ancient Town ​

  • Morning: Arrive in Chongqing, check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town, sample street food.
  • Evening: Dinner at a local hotpot restaurant.

Day 2: Dazu Rock Carvings ​

  • Morning: Visit Dazu Rock Carvings
Chongqing Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.