As the top tourist attraction in Chongqing, Ciqikou attracts countless visitors every day. Why choose Ciqikou as the first stop? Because in the morning, Ciqikou has the fewest people, allowing you to experience the authentic old Chongqing atmosphere. After 12 o'clock, it becomes a bustling tourist spot. Recommended Mahua (fried dough twist): Xia Mahua, the first old Mahua shop in Ciqikou. Recommended teahouse: Baoshan Palace, a relatively large teahouse with Sichuan opera performances at 11:00 AM every day. The teahouse has a nice environment. Crowd avoidance plan: Enter from Jinbi Street, walk along the stilted buildings and cobblestone roads characteristic of the mountain city, and go to Baoshan Palace for tea to avoid the noisy crowds.
Liziba
Have you heard about the viral TikTok video of the light rail passing through a building? To fully experience the magical city of Chongqing from all angles, taking the ride and looking up to take photos is the most comprehensive way. At the light rail station, you can see the light rail coming from outside the building at eye level, while looking up from Liziba Station gives you the popular internet view. Both places are worth experiencing as they offer completely different feelings. Recommended light rail route: [Fotuguan-Liziba-Niujiaotuo-Zengjiayan]. The Fotuguan to Liziba section runs on an elevated bridge over the river, giving a feeling similar to riding a seaside train in Sri Lanka; the Niujiaotuo to Zengjiayan section offers a roller coaster-like light rail experience.
Nanshan
Chongqing people describe Nanshan like this: 'Even if you are an old Chongqing resident and have been to Nanshan many times, you cannot say that you have fully explored Nanshan.' What kind of mystery does Nanshan hold? It hides countless treasures, offering fresh literary vibes, ancient religious styles, and of course, panoramic views that are not limited to the Yikeshu Scenic Area. It is recommended to find a high ground with a good view and fewer people to overlook the scenery, or find a quiet and comfortable homestay or teahouse to take a break. This is the most local way to enjoy Nanshan. Recommended viewing spots: Laojundong Pagoda Top. Recommended tea break spots: Literary style: or homestay; Local style: Tushan Temple. Opening hours: Nanshan Scenic Area 08:30-18:30; Laojundong: 08:00-18:00, no entry for tourists after 17:00; the only place to view the night scene is the Yikeshu Viewing Platform.
Yangtze River Cableway
Crowd avoidance tip: There are two stations for the cableway. It is recommended to board at the Shangxin Street Station in Nan'an District, as the queue time is five times shorter based on personal experience! It is suggested to take a one-way trip only, as a round trip requires queuing twice. The queue time at Xiaoshizi Station in Yuzhong District (near Jiefangbei) is relatively long, usually over an hour even during the off-season.
WFC
Many cities in China have tall buildings for night views, and the experience at WFC is quite good! The 73rd floor is an indoor observation deck, and going further up leads to the highest rooftop. All are large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which do not obstruct the view or photography. The wings on the observation deck and the 'I love CQ' decorations have also become popular photo spots.
For this top internet-famous spot in Chongqing, there are only two suggestions. First, it is best to visit after dark when the lights are on; during the day without the lights, it is just an ordinary stilt house with average scenery. Second, do not take the elevator inside Hongya Cave or use the stairs, as ordinary tourists can easily get lost. Instead, take the elevator from the nearby Kuixing Building down to the 1st floor to Binjiang Road and look up at the full view of Hongya Cave. To avoid the crowds at Hongya Cave: take the elevator from the nearby Kuixing Building down to the 1st floor to Binjiang Road, look up at the full view of Hongya Cave, then walk up to Qiansimen Bridge for a panoramic view, walk across Qiansimen Bridge, and then take a car. To avoid the crowds at Qiansimen Bridge: after 21:30, take the route from Jiangbei Grand Theater to Hongya Cave, which will have significantly fewer people. Tips: The lighting time depends on the season and the time it gets dark, usually between 19:30-20:00.
From a tourist's perspective, Hongya Cave is a representative of Chongqing, but in the eyes of old Chongqing residents, Nanbin Road is the true emblem of the city. For tourists, this road offers a view of Chongqing's nightscape, which is renowned as 'Little Hong Kong'; for locals, it is the best place for an after-dinner walk and to enjoy the river breeze. Recommended route: Nanbin Park to Danzishi, where you can appreciate the splendid scenery on both sides of the river and the confluence of the two rivers at Chaotianmen Wharf.
Railway Fourth Village
Recommended activities: Follow the Railway Fourth Village, where there is a completely abandoned railway section perfect for photography. Another section still has a few green trains. Crossing the railway, you will find a nostalgic spot. In the afternoon, you can sit by the river, read a book if you feel like it, and enjoy a bottle of beer. It's very relaxing.
In this teahouse, everyone seems to be doing completely unrelated things, but no matter what your purpose for coming here is, it doesn't feel out of place. Photographers with their long and short lenses capture the elderly seriously playing chess and drinking tea, while locals leisurely play their own games of Go. Tourists sip tea and munch on sunflower seeds, soaking in the light and shadow of the old teahouse. The young workers busy themselves cheerfully making tea, occasionally showing off their skills with long-spouted teapots, drawing a crowd of onlookers. The teahouse is a microcosm of Sichuan and Chongqing society; it was before, and it still is now. Recommended activity: Spend half an hour sitting quietly, observing the hundred different states of people in this old teahouse, and you'll have the best experience. Tea costs about 8 yuan per cup, and sunflower seeds about 10 yuan per bag.
Sichuan Fine Arts Institute
Recommended activities: Most tourists now go to the new Sichuan Fine Arts Institute for a visit. Although the old Sichuan Fine Arts Institute will be demolished, it still retains an artistic atmosphere and a taste of local life, making it worth a stroll. There are still students on campus, and occasionally some solo exhibitions are held. If you happen to come across one, it's worth spending a few bucks to experience the artistic ambiance.
Dazu Rock Carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings Museum, themed 'Dazu Treasures', combines modern technology to vividly showcase the richness and exquisiteness of the Dazu Rock Carvings. It also features numerous national key cultural relics, allowing visitors to appreciate national treasures up close. The museum's 360-degree panoramic cinema is currently the largest in Asia, offering a full-view display of the grotto art film 'Millennium Buddha Foot', making it easier for the audience to vividly understand the charm of the grottoes.
