How to Explore Chongqing, China: A Guide for Filipinos

If you're planning your next big trip to China and want a destination that serves natural wonders, rich culture, mouthwatering food, and surreal cityscapes, this travel guide to Chongqing, China, is made for you.

Tucked in the southwest and often overlooked by first-time tourists, Chongqing holds its own with nicknames like “Mountain City”, “Little Hong Kong”, and the “8D Magic City”. With steep hills, neon-lit nights, and spicy street eats offers a raw, unfiltered charm that’s perfect for Filipino travellers who love both nature and city vibes. Plus, it’s the top starting point for the iconic Yangtze River Cruise, offering easy access to the breathtaking Three Gorges.

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Top Attractions in Chongqing

Chongqing is packed with sights that hit the sweet spot between culture, adventure, and jaw-dropping visuals. Here are some top attractions to include in your itinerary:

Yangtze River Cruise

Image credit: Yangtze Gold Cruises Official Website

Kick off your Chongqing adventure with a classic Yangtze River cruise, a must-do for nature lovers and first-timers. Cruise past the legendary Three Gorges, explore riverside temples and soak in the incredible views.

Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings | Yangtze Gold Cruises Official Website

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 50,000 intricately carved Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian figures. Located about 100 km from the city, it’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town | China Discovery Official Website

Step into old China with a stroll through Ciqikou Ancient Town. With Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, teahouses, local snacks, and folk art performances, this riverside spot is like walking through a living museum.

Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave | Jonashtand via Wikimedia Commons

A photogenic favourite, Hongya Cave is a multi-level, stilted structure lit up like a fairytale at night. Located near the Jialing River, it’s one of the best places to enjoy Chongqing’s iconic night views.

Yangtze River Cableway

Yangtze River Cableway | 慕尼黑啤酒 via Wikimedia Commons

This engineering marvel connects the Yuzhong and Nan’an districts, giving riders panoramic views of the Yangtze River. Ideal for photo ops and cityscape lovers.

Liziba Monorail Station

Liziba Monorail Station | David290 via Wikimedia Commons

This viral wonder is known for its light rail track that runs through an apartment building. Hop on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 to see why this “8D City” nickname makes perfect sense.

Wulong Karst Landscape and Three Natural Bridges

Three Natural Bridges | 中国新闻社 (China News Service) via Wikimedia Commons

Around three hours from Chongqing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for hiking and nature photography. Think limestone caves, dramatic gorges, and film-worthy scenery.

Three Gorges Museum

Three Gorges Museum | Jpbowen via Wikimedia Commons

Located near the People’s Assembly Hall, this museum dives deep into Chongqing’s history, the Three Gorges Dam, and the culture of the Bayu people.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street | Baycrest via Wikimedia Commons

Shop, dine, or just people-watch in this buzzing city centre. Street food lovers can enjoy hot and sour noodles, fried dough twists, and other local bites here.

Best time to visit

Chongqing has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit Chongqing is between March to May and September to November when the weather is comfortable for walking around and sightseeing.

Avoid July and August if you can, they’re scorching and crowded with local tourists. For Yangtze River cruises, spring and autumn also offer the best visibility, plus the chance to see the Three Gorges red leaves in late autumn.

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Why Chongqing deserves a spot on your China bucket list

Filipino travellers looking for a unique mix of city life, ancient culture, and natural beauty will find Chongqing a refreshing change from the usual tourist trails. From spicy hotpot to soaring monorails and mystical stone carvings, this city offers more than just sightseeing. It gives you stories.

This guide to travelling to Chongqing in China is just the beginning. Whether you're hopping on a river cruise, marvelling at illuminated cliffside buildings, or riding a train through an apartment complex, every corner of Chongqing will make you pause and snap a photo.