Chongqing holidays

How to reach Chongqing

Flight time: Direct flights to Chongqing from London take 11–12 hours. Other routes from London and flights from other UK airports typically include a stopover in cities like Hong Kong or Beijing.

Transfer time:

• From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, the metro (Line 3) takes about 50 minutes to reach the city centre.

• Alternatively, taxis or airport shuttle buses typically take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price:

• A one-way journey on the metro is ¥7 (£0.75).

• A taxi will cost you around ¥80 (£8.60), depending on the exact destination.

• Airport shuttle buses are about ¥15 (£1.60) per person.

Best time to visit Chongqing

Chongqing is known for short cold winters, long hot summers and high rainfall year-round. To make the most of your holidays to Chongqing, here’s a breakdown of what to expect in all seasons.

March to May is the ideal time to visit, with mild temperatures ranging from 11 to 27°C. Springtime brings blooming flowers, clear skies and light rainfall, making it a great time for sightseeing.

June to August is Chongqing’s summer, known for its intense heat and high humidity. Temperatures generally peak at 30–35°C but can sometimes soar to 40°C. Rain is common during this time, and the heat can be overwhelming, so it’s a good time to enjoy indoor attractions or boat cruises along the Yangtze River.

September to November is another lovely time to explore the city. Temperatures drop from around 28°C towards a comfortable 16°C, and the rain becomes less frequent. This period offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

December to February sees temperatures ranging from 3 to 13°C, but nights can be well below freezing. While there’s little to no snow, the misty atmosphere creates a charming, almost cinematic backdrop for the city’s skyscrapers and rivers.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Mandarin is China’s official language, but locals here speak a distinctive Chongqing dialect. While English isn’t widely spoken, you’ll find it in tourist areas and hotels. Using a translation app or carrying a phrasebook and learning a few key questions is a good way to help communication.

• Local habits and customs: In Chongqing, people are friendly and welcoming, though directness is valued in conversation. Sharing meals with friends or strangers is a common practice, and hotpots are a very social affair. When invited to someone's home, it’s polite to bring a small gift.

• Currency: The currency is the yuan (¥), or renminbi. ATMs are widely available, and most major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, although smaller shops and markets may prefer cash.

• Getting around: Chongqing has an extensive metro system, with fares ranging from ¥2–¥10 (£0.20–£1.10), depending on distance. Buses are also available, though navigating them might be tricky without speaking Chinese. Taxis are affordable, with a starting fare of about ¥10 (£1.10), but be sure to have your destination written in Chinese.

• Electricity and plug types: China uses 220V, and sockets take two-pin plugs (Type A, C and I). UK travellers should take a multi-adaptor.

• Time zone: Despite China's size, the whole country operates on China Standard Time (CST), 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Chongqing

Chongqing is an industrial powerhouse in southwest China, well known as a starting point for river trips down the Yangzi through the Three Gorges. All around the city is dramatic mountain scenery and rich history, while the vibrant centre is a buzzing mix of business and entertainment. Its burgeoning skyline almost feels like an inland Hong Kong.

The best districts

• Jiefangbei: Centred around the Victory Monument, this bustling district is Chongqing's commercial and social heart. Filled with high-end shops, restaurants and vibrant nightlife, it’s a great place to experience the city’s modern side.

• Ciqi Kou: For a glimpse of old Chongqing, explore the stony streets of this ancient port town. The traditional wooden buildings are now home to teahouses, shops selling local handicrafts and street food vendors, making it a lovely place for a leisurely stroll. Busy at weekends, try to visit mid-week.

Historical monuments

• Liberation Monument: Situated in the centre of Jiefangbei, this iconic clock tower is a memorial to the city's resilience and celebrates China’s defeat of Japan in 1945. It’s free to enter, and you can climb up inside for views, although since it was built, it has been dwarfed by the modern buildings surrounding it.

• Three Gorges Museum: Located in central Chongqing, this museum provides fascinating insights into the cultural and natural history of the city, the Yangtze River and the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. You’ll also find exhibits on local art and culture.

Day trips in the area

• The Three Gorges: A boat trip along the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges is one of the best day trips from Chongqing. You’ll cruise past towering cliffs, dramatic landscapes and serene waters, with opportunities to visit ancient towns along the way.

• Wulong Karst National Geology Park: About a 2-hour drive from Chongqing, Wulong is famous for its natural rock bridges, caves and limestone formations. The area’s stunning scenery has even been featured in films like Transformers: Age of Extinction.

• Dazu Rock Carvings: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient rock carvings are about a 2-hour drive from Chongqing. The intricate Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian sculptures date back to the 9th century, and their quality and state of preservation make them a must-see.

Activities for families in Chongqing

From outdoor adventures to interactive museums, Chongqing offers plenty for families, ensuring visitors of all ages can find something to enjoy.

• Museums: For an educational and interactive day out, the Chongqing Science and Technology Museum is packed with hands-on exhibits covering everything from robotics to space exploration. The Three Gorges Museum is one of the best places to learn about the city’s history and culture.

• Yangtze River Cableway: The cable car ride over the river is a fun way to cross and see the city. Kids will love the ride and the views from above. There can be long queues at busy times, so it’s worth timing your trip for when it’s quieter.

Free things to do in Chongqing

For those travelling on a budget, plenty of free activities and events in Chongqing allow you to soak up the local culture without breaking the bank.

• Events: The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is one of the biggest celebrations in China, with colourful parades, fireworks and dragon dances taking place across the country. The Mid-Autumn Festival is another great time to visit, with lantern displays and mooncake tastings.

• Hongya Dong: Built into a cliffside right next to the Jialing River, this is an 11-storey entertainment complex made up of traditionally styled wooden buildings. It looks particularly striking at night when all lit up from vantage points like the Qiasimen Bridge. Once inside, check out the vast array of food stalls and souvenir shops.

Local dishes in Chongqing

Southwestern Chinese cuisine is dominated by Sichuan’s fiery cooking style, which uses masses of chillies and other spices, including the famous hotpot that originated in Chongqing. A foodie paradise with plenty of dishes you should try on your Chongqing holidays, here are some of the highlights:

Some typical dishes

• Chongqing hotpot: This fiery, bubbling huoguo (hotpot) of spicy broth is the city’s signature dish. Diners dip various meats, vegetables and boiled eggs into the pot and cook them at the table. The intense heat comes from a generous amount of chillies and huajiao (pepper), and it’s one of the spiciest things you can eat in Sichuan.

• Malatang: A street-food version of huoguo, this dish features skewers of meat, vegetables and tofu in a spicy hotpot. It’s fast, cheap and incredibly popular with locals.

• Mapo tofu: A classic mala dish with tofu and minced meat (beef or pork) cooked in spicy oil and fermented bean paste with vegetables such as black beans, spring onions and water chestnuts.

Meat dishes

• Laziji: Fried chicken pieces cooked with dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorns, this dish is packed with heat and flavour, making it a favourite with spice lovers.

• Pork belly in garlic sauce: This cold dish features thinly sliced pork belly, served with a fragrant garlic and chilli sauce that perfectly complements the meat's richness.

Street food

• Xiao mian: A simple yet addictive dish, xiao mian is made with thin noodles in a spicy broth flavoured with garlic, chilli and a splash of vinegar. It’s a popular breakfast or snack.

• Dandan mian: Another classic noodle dish – named “carry-pole” noodles after the way street vendors carried them around – served with a spicy minced pork sauce and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture.

Local drinks

• Suanmeitang: A refreshing sour plum drink perfect for cooling off after a spicy meal. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavour and is popular in Chongqing’s hot climate.

• Tea: Famously drunk throughout China, tea is served with meals to counter the spiciness of the food or is enjoyed in teahouses. The most common varieties are red and green or flavours such as jasmine, and it’s always drunk without sugar and milk.