HomeAustralia TravelVisit Chongqing China: Best Things to Do, Eat and Explore

Visit Chongqing China: Best Things to Do, Eat and Explore


To the Chinese, Chongqing is the nation’s prime vacation vacation spot, a well-kept secret which is now able to be shared with the world. If you go to Chongqing China, you’re in for an actual deal with as town and surrounding districts are residence to a shocking assortment of sights.

Go panda recognizing on the Chongqing Panda House, see the traditional Dazu Rock Carvings or buy groceries within the rabbit warren of laneways in Ciqikou Ancient Town. Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular Chongqing drone gentle present, unwind within the heat of the new springs and pattern town’s well-known spicy sizzling pot.

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Wendy Wu Tours of China

If you’re visiting China with a desire for firstclass and culturally wealthy experiences, we will extremely suggest Wendy Wu Tours.  

We not too long ago took a full immersion tour of Chongqing China with Wendy Wu Tours and have been in awe of the breathtaking great thing about the locations we visited.

Our eyes have been crammed with surprise on a tour which was jam-packed with thoughts blowing moments from begin to end. Not solely did we uncover a futuristic cyberpunk metropolis, however we additionally walked within the footsteps of a tradition as outdated as time.   

Best of all, Wendy Wu Tours took all of the onerous work out of planning our journey. We normally spend months planning journeys and it was a refreshing change to sit down again, loosen up and revel in each second of our tour with out worrying about sophisticated journey particulars.

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A Wendy Wu Tour is ideal for first time guests and solo travellers desirous to really feel protected, meet new associates and revel in all that China has to supply.

Check right here for particulars on the vary of Wendy Wu China Tours

Wendy Wu Tours that go to Chongqing China

There are quite a lot of Wendy Wu Tours that embody Chongqing of their checklist of locations. These embody the New Horizons of China tour, the Inspiring China tour and the really distinctive Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong Tour.

Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong Tour

For the final word in as soon as in a lifetime moments, Wendy Wu’s Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong tour guarantees to be a memorable vacation extravaganza.

Tour highlights embody Christmas Day cruising the misty gorges of the Yangtze River and New Years Eve celebrating with champagne and fireworks on a Hong Kong Harbour cruise.

Beginning in Chongqing, this unforgettable tour gives a singular style of China’s historical past, tradition and everchanging panorama.

Check right here for particulars of the Christmas on the Yangtze & New Year in Hong Kong tour.

Chongqing China Attractions

Wendy Wu Tours took us to an assortment of vacationer locations throughout Chongqing and its surrounding districts.

A Wendy Wu Tour of Chongqing will possible function the next sights. The Dazu Rock Carvings, a Yangtze and Jialing River Night Cruise & Drone Light Show, the Chongqing Zoo Panda House, Ciqikou Ancient Town and the Ronghui Hot Springs.

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Dazu Rock Carvings

The Dazu Rock Carvings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Dazu District of Chongqing. This huge assortment of 9th to 13th century spiritual idols and symbols are deeply carved into towering rock faces throughout seventy websites.

Buddha statue carved into cliffside at Dazu Rock Carvings, with intricate stone reliefs and figures in Chongqing, ChinaBuddha statue carved into cliffside at Dazu Rock Carvings, with intricate stone reliefs and figures in Chongqing, China
Dazu Rock Carvings

Each wall is sculpted with religion and devotion combining Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist teachings. When you stroll alongside the paths you’ll discover a newfound respect for the magnitude of labor it took to create them.

Together with serene depictions of Buddha are a set of ethical tales which can be a pathway to Nirvana, the supreme spiritual purpose of the Buddhist faith.

Reclining Buddha sculpture surrounded by carved disciples at Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Chongqing, ChinaReclining Buddha sculpture surrounded by carved disciples at Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Chongqing, China
Reclining Buddha Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carving 8k Dome Film

The Dazu Rock Carving theatre screens a totally immersive 8k Dome Film that includes these hanging carvings. The film took us on a journey excessive up into the caves and cliff ledges to get a hen’s eye view of the carvings.

We have been engulfed by the intricate particulars and the sheer scale of the rock carvings, an ideal introduction to this excellent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yangtze and Jialing River Night Cruise

Nothing can put together you for the great thing about Chongqing by night time and among the finest methods to see it’s from a Yangtze and Jialing River Night Cruise.

Watch town skyline flip right into a wonderland of sunshine as you drift previous the glitzy Raffles City Complex to the place these two mighty rivers meet. Pass beneath colourfully lit bridges and admire the glittering golden skyline of Hongya Cave (Hongyadong).

River cruise boat illuminated at night near Hongya Cave, with neon lights and high-rise buildings along the Jialing River in Chongqing, ChinaRiver cruise boat illuminated at night near Hongya Cave, with neon lights and high-rise buildings along the Jialing River in Chongqing, China
Beautiful Chongqing from a Yangtze and Jialing River Night Cruise

Chongqing Drone Light Show

If you’re visiting Chongqing, be sure that to be there on a Saturday night time to see the Chongqing Drone Light Show. The Yangtze and Jialing River Night Cruise supply an uninterrupted view of this spectacular drone gentle present.

Drone light show forming a traditional Sichuan opera mask above illuminated skyline and riverfront buildings in ChongqingDrone light show forming a traditional Sichuan opera mask above illuminated skyline and riverfront buildings in Chongqing
Sichuan opera face-changing performer created by drones

With a distant hum, the sky fills with the twinkle of hundreds of multi colored lights because the drones take to the sky. Suddenly the drones merge to create a picture of a Sichuan opera face-changing performer, a staple of Chongqing tradition.

The drones proceed to separate and rework into an assortment of characters and topics distinctive to Chongqing, our favorite was the panda. You will discover that the present is regularly evolving, altering themes all year long.  

Drone light show forming a panda above Chongqing skyline and Yangtze River, with illuminated skyscrapers and red bridge reflecting on the water at nightDrone light show forming a panda above Chongqing skyline and Yangtze River, with illuminated skyscrapers and red bridge reflecting on the water at night
Giant Panda Chongqing Drone Show

Chongqing Panda House

Giant Pandas are the nationwide treasure of China and a go to to the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo is an absolute should.

In the wild pandas are notoriously choosy on the subject of breeding, typically preferring to eat and sleep over creating the subsequent era of pandas. Thankfully Chongqing Zoo is a panda breeding centre that homes over twenty pandas together with a set of twins.

It is a superb place to look at the antics of those cute animals. Whether enjoying, munching on bamboo or sleeping, seeing the pandas can be an enduring reminiscence of your journey to China.

Giant panda sitting on stone ground eating bamboo at Chongqing Zoo, with wooden platform and enclosure in the backgroundGiant panda sitting on stone ground eating bamboo at Chongqing Zoo, with wooden platform and enclosure in the background
Giant Panda on the Panda House Chongqing Zoo

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Leave Chongqing’s futuristic skyline behind and take a step again in time to Ciqikou Ancient Town. The city was as soon as a thriving porcelain manufacturing centre for the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now one in all Chongqing’s most charming districts.

Ros and Alan exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town during our visit to Chongqing ChinaRos and Alan exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town during our visit to Chongqing China
Exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town

Shopaholics can be squealing with delight as they wander by way of character stuffed laneways lined with conventional timber shophouses. A spot jampacked with memento outlets, avenue meals distributors, jewelry outlets and conventional arts and crafts. 

Visitors walking through Ciqikou Ancient Town in Chongqing, with traditional wooden buildings, red lanterns overhead and street food shops lining the cobbled laneVisitors walking through Ciqikou Ancient Town in Chongqing, with traditional wooden buildings, red lanterns overhead and street food shops lining the cobbled lane
Street scene in Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ronghui Hot Springs

The Ronghui Hot Springs is residence to fifty-five sizzling springs together with an enormous indoor pool and landscaped out of doors swimming pools. The sizzling springs are wealthy in minerals with therapeutic properties that promote wellbeing, rest and household enjoyable.

After a busy day of sightseeing, it was pure heaven to sit back out and soak our aching muscular tissues in these soothing thermal springs.

Timeline wall display at Ronghui Hot Spring in Chongqing, showcasing awards and milestones from 2010 to 2015 with cartoon mascot and Chinese signageTimeline wall display at Ronghui Hot Spring in Chongqing, showcasing awards and milestones from 2010 to 2015 with cartoon mascot and Chinese signage
Entering the Ronghui Hot Springs complicated

Chongqing Foodie Experiences

When you go to Chongqing China, be ready to loosen your belt as you pattern a scrumptious vary of dishes and delicacies. Although the locals like issues on the spicy aspect, you’ll nonetheless totally get pleasure from the wide range of flavours that showcase the recent produce of the area.

We savoured so many unimaginable meals on our Wendy Wu Tour. Eating communally, we have been totally spoiled as dish after dish was introduced to us.

Each eating venue we visited in Chongqing served a mouthwatering collection of meals, however there are two locations that stand out as memorable eating capabilities.

Li Yan Ba Guo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Show

If you’ve gotten ever questioned what it was prefer to feast like an Emperor of the Han, Tang, Song or Ming dynasties, the Chongqing Li Yan Ba Guo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Show offers you an concept.

Waitress in traditional Chinese costume serving guests at themed dining experience in Chongqing, with set tables and stage for live cultural performance in backgroundWaitress in traditional Chinese costume serving guests at themed dining experience in Chongqing, with set tables and stage for live cultural performance in background
Getting able to feast on the Li Yan Ba Guo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Show

The luxurious Ba Kingdom banquet corridor is swathed in deep crimson lighting and a heat darkish wooden décor. Our servers have been wearing conventional costumes, the meals was fantastically introduced, and we actually felt like royalty.

Braised sea cucumber served in rich brown sauce with steamed white rice at a fine dining restaurant in ChongqingBraised sea cucumber served in rich brown sauce with steamed white rice at a fine dining restaurant in Chongqing
One of the various programs served throughout the banquet

Between every course we have been entertained with a lavish musical dance efficiency that advised the historical past and traditions of Chongqing. Everybody on our tour agreed that the Li Yan Ba Guo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Show was a really excellent occasion.

Traditional Chinese dancers performing on stage in Chongqing, wearing Tang dynasty-style costumes with colourful lighting and digital backdrop behind themTraditional Chinese dancers performing on stage in Chongqing, wearing Tang dynasty-style costumes with colourful lighting and digital backdrop behind them
Li Yan Ba Guo Panoramic Immersive Cultural Show efficiency

Baren Hongding Hot Pot

When you go to Chongqing China, you can not go away with out tasting sizzling pot, town’s most iconic dish. Historically sizzling pot started as an affordable and nourishing meal for the hardworking Yangtze River boatmen who spent their days hauling boats upriver.

Today sharing sizzling pot with household and associates is a Chongqing establishment. Nothing beats this relaxed model of eating, sitting round a desk of effervescent red-oil sizzling pot soup, selecting your most popular meats and greens, having amusing and a beer with your pals.

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During our go to to the restaurant our sizzling pot was divided into spicy and non-spicy soup base choices. The desk was set with a medley of meats and greens. There was additionally one other part which had desserts and an extra assortment of meats, seafood and cooked greens resembling corn and candy potato.

Hot pot is a superb strategy to pattern the native produce. Some of my newfound favorite greens embody lotus root, recent seaweed and wooden ear mushroom. Best of all, sizzling pot means that you can be as adventurous as you want, as you select your individual set of substances and soup base.  

Traditional Chongqing hotpot meal with spicy and mild broths in centre, surrounded by sliced meats, vegetables and dipping ingredients on a round tableTraditional Chongqing hotpot meal with spicy and mild broths in centre, surrounded by sliced meats, vegetables and dipping ingredients on a round table
Hot pot meal at Baren Hongding Hot Pot

Other Chongqing China Attractions to go to

During our journey we found many extra outstanding vacationer sights throughout the metropolis of Chongqing.

We additionally left town behind to go to the gorgeous pure surroundings and historic villages of Chongqing’s outer districts and counties, however that may be a story for one more day.

TIP*
When travelling in China many western web sites resembling Facebook, Instagram Google and so on are mechanically blocked. To keep away from being blocked it is strongly recommended that you just pre-purchase an eSim previous to your journey.

This will guarantee you possibly can entry web sites as you’d again residence as quickly as you arrive. We used a Simify eSim throughout our time in China which has a in-built VPN and have been in a position to entry all websites with out restrictions.

Purchase a Simify eSim right here.

Yangtze River Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway opened in 1987 and was initially constructed as a better approach for locals to cross the river earlier than Chongqing turned the “City of Bridges”.

The Yangtze River Cableway drifts slowly throughout the Yangtze River providing a superb view of town’s skyline because it makes its approach between the Yuzhong and Nan’an districts of Chongqing.

Yangtze River view from Chongqing Cableway, with city skyline, high-rise buildings and boats along the waterfront under a cloudy afternoon skyYangtze River view from Chongqing Cableway, with city skyline, high-rise buildings and boats along the waterfront under a cloudy afternoon sky
Views of Chongqing from the Yangtze River Cableway station

Chongqing Eye of the Cloud Observation Deck

For the perfect views in Chongqing be sure that to go to the Eye of the Cloud commentary deck. Here you’ve gotten the selection of staying in air-conditioned consolation on the 67th flooring or head as much as the 68th flooring to the open-air platform.

From the 68th flooring you’ll get a 360-degree uninterrupted view of Chongqing, the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The Eye of the Cloud is the perfect place to take panoramic skyline images of Chongqing.

Aerial view of Chongqing city with high-rise buildings, the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, and Raffles City skyscrapers dominating the skyline on a clear dayAerial view of Chongqing city with high-rise buildings, the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, and Raffles City skyscrapers dominating the skyline on a clear day
Views from Eye of the Cloud commentary deck

Chongqing Performances & Museums

When you go to Chongqing China, you’ll discover a wide variety of museums and performances that seize the essence of the area.

Sichuan Opera Performance

Sichuan opera is an thrilling mixture of music, singing, acrobatics and hearth respiratory. Performers exhibit their skills wearing dazzling costumes, daring make-up and elaborate headdresses.  

A spotlight of Sichuan Opera is the Bian Lian face altering efficiency. In the blink of an eye fixed the face masks change, revealing a brand new color and character. I used to be fascinated by this efficiency and regardless of how onerous I attempted, I couldn’t determine how they modified the masks with such velocity.

Actors performing traditional Chinese opera in Chongqing, wearing ornate costumes and headdresses with colourful stage backdrop and dramatic facial makeupActors performing traditional Chinese opera in Chongqing, wearing ornate costumes and headdresses with colourful stage backdrop and dramatic facial makeup
Sichuan Opera Performance

Chongqing 1949

Chongqing 1949 is a robust stage musical set in opposition to the historic backdrop of the Chinese Civil War.

During the play each stage and viewers rotate 360 levels, drawing you into the motion and making you’re feeling like you’re contained in the story and never simply watching from the viewers.

Stage performance of Chongqing 1949with actors in prison cell set pieces, dramatic lighting and wartime costumes highlighting historical themeStage performance of Chongqing 1949with actors in prison cell set pieces, dramatic lighting and wartime costumes highlighting historical theme
Chongqing 1949 Musical Play

Zhou Junji Hot Pot Seasoning History and Culture Museum

Long earlier than trendy transport the Yangtze River was Chongqing’s lifeline to the world. Enter a courageous bunch of boatmen who risked their lives dragging cargo laden boats alongside the turbulent waters of this mighty river.

Painting of traditional Chinese trackers hauling boats along the Yangtze River, with men in headbands pulling ropes against strong currents and rocky riverbankPainting of traditional Chinese trackers hauling boats along the Yangtze River, with men in headbands pulling ropes against strong currents and rocky riverbank
Picture of the Yangtze River Boatmen contained in the museum

Needing one thing low-cost, filling and quick, the new pot was a fast and nourishing meal that glad the stomach and gave them the much-needed power to proceed their backbreaking work.

At the Zhou Junji Hot Pot Seasoning History and Culture Museum, we learnt the historical past of the new pot, found the spices that flavour this scrumptious dish and sampled a variety of merchandise throughout the reward store.

Bowls of spicy Chongqing hot pot sauces displayed for tasting, with sample cups, packaged seasonings and vendor preparing ingredients at Zhou Junji Hot Pot Seasoning History and Culture MuseumBowls of spicy Chongqing hot pot sauces displayed for tasting, with sample cups, packaged seasonings and vendor preparing ingredients at Zhou Junji Hot Pot Seasoning History and Culture Museum
Sampling the new pot seasonings

Where is Chongqing China?

Bordered by scenic mountains, Chongqing sits on the assembly level of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, a touchdown port for Yangtze River Cruises. The metropolis is residence to round 32 million individuals, but surprisingly it has a much less crowded, extra laid-back really feel than different cities of its dimension.

As nicely as being a serious metropolis, Chongqing can be a municipality which covers twenty-six districts and eight counties.

Sitting within the southwest of China, Chongqing is 1,694 km west of Shanghai and 1,761 km southwest of Beijing. When you go to Chongqing China, you’ll discover that each Shanghai and Beijing are nicely linked to town by air and prepare.

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Where to Stay in Chongqing China

We stayed in two separate resorts throughout our journey to Chongqing, the Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel and Jiayu Emperor Hotel.

Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel

Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel room in Chongqing with twin beds, desk, armchairs and floor-to-ceiling window overlooking greenery through sheer curtainsChongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel room in Chongqing with twin beds, desk, armchairs and floor-to-ceiling window overlooking greenery through sheer curtains
Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel

The Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel is a clear and comfy 4-star resort. The rooms are spacious and have a desk and sitting space. The toilet is roomy with separate bathe, tub and bathroom areas.

The resort has a alternative of eating places, a spa and wellness centre, health centre and an indoor swimming pool.

The resort is a brief stroll from the much-loved Ronghui Hot Springs, the right place to loosen up and recharge after an extended flight or busy day of sightseeing.

Click right here for critiques and pricing of the Chongqing Ronghui Grand Hotel

Jiayu Emperor Hotel

Jiayu Emperor Hotel lobby in Chongqing with marble floors, modern chandelier, mirrored sculpture centrepiece and guests relaxing in lounge seating near reception deskJiayu Emperor Hotel lobby in Chongqing with marble floors, modern chandelier, mirrored sculpture centrepiece and guests relaxing in lounge seating near reception desk
Jiayu Emperor Hotel foyer

The Jiayu Emperor Hotel sits on the banks of the Yangtze River and gives clear trendy rooms with river views. Our room was massive with a captivating Chinese model sitting space that missed the Yangtze River.

The restaurant has gorgeous views of the Yangtze River and served a big collection of scrumptious Asian dishes.

Click right here for critiques and pricing of the Jiayu Emperor Hotel

Flying to China with China Eastern Airlines

We flew with China Eastern Airlines from Sydney Australia to Shanghai and Chongqing. This was our first time flying with China Eastern Airlines and I’ve to say that I used to be impressed with their service and would fly with them once more.

We have been on an in a single day flight, and the meal service turnaround was fast. This is one thing I respect as a result of having a meal tray in entrance of me for lengthy durations of time is a private bugbear.

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The economic system seats have been surprisingly roomy, a long way between the leisure system and seat. When the seat in entrance of me went again I didn’t really feel like I used to be in a coffin, not like some airways I’ve flown.

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Last Words on Visit Chongqing China: Best Things to Do, Eat and Explore

We fell in love with Chongqing China and Wendy Wu Tours. We have been to Shanghai and Beijing on earlier journeys and cherished our time on the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China.

Although Beijing is an absolute should on a visit to China, the sights of Chongqing shouldn’t be missed. At each flip we have been in awe of what we noticed and encountered. In reality, we noticed a lot that that is solely the primary instalment of our Chongqing story.

Wendy Wu Tours nicely and really sorted us, we didn’t have to consider something, we simply loved our tour. Wendy Wu Tours consideration to element can’t be beat, we have been immersed in so many experiences that we have been totally thoughts blown by what we noticed on our journey.

If you’ve gotten ever considered taking a Wendy Wu Tour, whether or not it’s China, Japan, Africa or South America, simply do it, you’ll have the time of your life and be left with reminiscences that can final a lifetime.

Disclaimer:
We have been visitors of Wendy Wu Tours on the Chongqing and Wuling tour. All opinions are our personal.

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