travel from chengdu to chongqing

Your Points

Chengdu to Chongqing High-Speed Trains

The 302km high-speed railway links two major cities in China, Chengdu and Chongqing. 85 high-speed trains and bullet trains run from Chengdu to Chongqing between 06:43AM and 10:12PM every day. The duration is around 1.5 hours - 2 hours and the ticket prices are USD24 to USD73. The fastest train G2883 with a maximum speed of 300 km/h finishs the journey in 3h12m.

There are three major railway stations in Chengdu: Chengdu East , Chengdu South , Chengdu Railway Station, and two railway stations in Chongqing: Chongqing North , Chongqing West Railway Station . Most high speed trains and bullet trains depart from Chengdu East and arrive at Chongqing West and North Railway Station.

Book bullet trains and high speed trains from Chengdu to Chongqing for your holiday or business travel in China. You can check live train timetables, schedules, distance, ticket costs, seat's availability and make the booking online.

Ticket Cost & Train Timetable

Ticket prices, timetable of 85 high-speed trains.

Bullet Train Booking Guide

• How to book train tickets
• Train e-tickets and paper tickets
• How to collect train paper tickets
• How to check in & find your seat
• Luggage allowance
• Facilities on bullet train
• Foods & Meals on bullet train

High-Speed Train Types

Railway Station Map

• Chengdu East Railway Station Map
• Chongqing North Railway Station Map
• Chongqing West Railway Station Map

High-speed Train Seats

Second Class Seats

First Class Seats

Business Class Seats

Bullet Train Routes from Chengdu

• Trains Chengdu to Beijing
• Trains Chengdu to Guilin
• Trains Chengdu to Leshan
• Trains Chengdu to Chongqing
• Trains Chengdu to Kunming
• Trains Chengdu to Shuangliu Airport
• Trains Chengdu to Guiyang
• Trains Chengdu to Mianyang
• Trains Chengdu to Emeishan
• Trains Chengdu to Dujiangyan
• Trains Chengdu to Yinchuan
• Trains Chengdu to Zhangjiajie

Popular China Bullet Train Routes

• Trains Shanghai to Beijing
• Trains Shanghai to Hangzhou
• Trains Shanghai to Nanjing
• Trains Shanghai to Taizhou
• Trains Shanghai to Wenzhou
• Trains Shanghai to Changzhou
• Trains Guangzhou to Hong Kong
• Trains Shenzhen to Hong Kong
• Trains Xian to Chengdu
• Trains Nanjing to Shanghai
• Trains Hangzhou to Shanghai
• Trains Beijing to Shanghai
• Trains Beijing to Tianjin
• Trains Shanghai to Tianjin
• Trains Tianjin to Shanghai
• Trains Hong Kong to Xiamen
• Trains Guangzhou to Shenzhen
• Trains Guangzhou to Changsha
• Trains Shenzhen to Guangzhou
• Trains Shenzhen to Zhuhai
• Trains Beijing to Qingdao
• Trains Hong Kong to Guilin
• Trains Xiamen to Shenzhen
• Trains Haikou to Sanya
• Trains Beijing to Xian
• Trains Chengdu to Xian
• Trains Guangzhou to Zhuhai
• Trains Shanghai to Xuzhou
• Trains Beijing to Jinan
• Trains Kunming to Dali
• Trains Kunming to Lijiang
• Trains Shanghai to Jinan
• Terms & Conditions

Customer Service

• Guest's Reviews
• Rewards Programme
• Train Ticket Policy

Chongqing 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to the Top 21 Activities

Chongqing, where you’ll find the most authentic and mouthwatering Chongqing hot pot, the most intriguing landscapes, and the friendliest locals. Your trip here is bound to be one for the books, unforgettable and all!

Just returned from a fantastic 7-day trip to Chongqing with my buddies, and let me tell you, it didn’t break the bank. I’ve explored many cities, but when it comes to a blend of fun, delicious eats, and budget-friendliness, Chongqing takes the cake!

In this blog, I’ve listed 21 fun activities, accommodation options, and all the lip-smacking food I devoured in Chongqing, with the hope that it’ll be super useful for future travelers checking out this awesome city!

You might also be interested in: ⭐ Top 22 Local Chongqing Hot Pot Restaurants for 2023

Table of Contents

🌟chongqing travel planning guide, 🌏 where is chongqing located, 👑 top must-visit places in chongqing, 🌼 top must-visit places around chongqing, 😋 what to eat in chongqing, 🚖 how to get around chongqing, ☀️ best time to visit chongqing, 🏨 where to stay in chongqing, 🌸final tips on traveling to chongqing, china travel planning guide&faq.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.

Considering a last-minute trip to Chongqing? 🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Chongqing: 1. Chongqing Wulong National Park Private Tour 2. Dazu Ancient Rock Carvings Private Tour Extension 3. All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour 4. Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in 4 Days 3 Nights 🏨 Top Hotels in Chongqing: Niccolo Chongqing (⭐️ 4.8 luxury) Regent Chongqing (⭐️ 4.8 luxury) InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City (⭐️ 4.8 luxury) Qianhe Zhixuan Gaokong Hotel (⭐️ 4.8 budget-friendly) 🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

Chongqing is a major city located in the southwestern part of China. It is situated in the Sichuan Basin at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River. Known for its unique geography, Chongqing is surrounded by hills and mountains, making it a city with dramatic landscapes. It serves as a gateway to the Three Gorges region and is an important economic and transportation hub in western China.

1. Hongya Cave (洪崖洞)

Hongya Cave stands as Chongqing’s most acclaimed attraction, earning its place as the top “must-see” spot due to its distinctive architecture and breathtaking nighttime scenery . Nighttime at Hongya Cave is especially enchanting, with vibrant lights adorning the 11-story edifice and offering a prime destination for savoring Chongqing’s cuisine and exploring its nightlife.

Despite its name, “Hongya Cave” is far from an actual cave; rather, it is an extensive stilted housing complex perched on the steep cliff along the Jialing River. This ancient structure, with a history spanning over two millennia, bears a striking resemblance to the bathhouse featured in the film “Spirited Away.”

Notably, Hongya Cave spans 11 floors, and what’s intriguing is that it features substantial walkways connecting the first and eleventh floors, adding to its sense of wonder. Serving as a shopping mall, Hongya Cave not only provides access to Chongqing’s local cuisine and souvenirs but also serves as an excellent place to immerse oneself in Chongqing’s Old Street ambiance and relish the picturesque views of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River.

📌 Exploring the 11th Level of Hongya Cave

1st Floor : You’ll find this spot on Binjiang Road, offering a panoramic view of Hongya Cave that’s perfect for photography.

2nd Floor : Here, you can explore antique calligraphy and paintings for sale. It’s a quieter spot, but a hidden gem for collectors and literature enthusiasts.

3rd Floor : Stroll through an old-style street selling souvenirs and various interesting items.

4th Floor : Your taste buds are in for a treat. This floor houses a food court with a variety of local snacks, including the famous hot pot base. Prices might be a tad higher than elsewhere, though.

5th-8th Floors : The four floors are dedicated to restaurants. You’ll find options ranging from hot pot to international cuisine and Chongqing’s unique culinary offerings.

9th-10th Floors : If you’re into a lively atmosphere or prefer a quiet escape, head to the bar and coffee street. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery.

11th Floor : The Hongyadong Hotel , a top spot for capturing panoramic views of Hongya Cave from above.

📷 Best Spots for Viewing Hongya Cave

A fantastic spot for viewing Hongya Cave is situated just across the road from the first floor of the cave. This location offers a broad perspective and easy mobility. From here, you can capture Hongya Cave in great detail under the bright lights while exploring various angles.

Adjacent to Hongya Cave stands the Qiansimen Bridge, which provides the ideal position for taking a panoramic view of the cave. This perspective involves capturing Hongya Cave from an elevated diagonal angle, showcasing the brilliance of the building lights against the lively cityscape in the background.

By crossing the Jialing River from the Qiansimen Bridge and positioning yourself on the opposite side of Hongya Cave , you can include the brightly illuminated Hongya Cave, the bustling core of Chongqing in the background, the stunning Qianjiamen Bridge, and the Jialing River in the foreground. Even though Hongya Cave only occupies a small portion of the frame from this angle, its illuminated silhouette forms a striking contrast with the modern buildings behind it.

💡 Tips for Visiting Hongya Cave

• The nightscape is typically from 18:00 to 22:00, but please note that the timing may vary occasionally.
• Hongya Cave is conveniently located near the Jiefangbei CBD and is easily accessible on foot.
• Keep in mind that Hongya Cave tends to get quite crowded at night, so be prepared for the crowds.

🚗How to get there: Take metro line 1 or line 6 and get off at Xiaoshizi Station; use Exit 6 and walk about 700 meters to arrive.

2. Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)

In every city, you’ll find a commercial street that showcases local flavors – like Wangfujing Street in Beijing, Broad and Narrow Alley in Chengdu, Hubu Alley in Wuhan, and, of course, Chongqing’s very own Ciqikou.

Ciqikou is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, and you’ll sense it as soon as you step off the subway. The place is always bustling, with both out-of-towners and locals eager to explore.

The sidewalks at the town’s entrance are remarkably narrow. Don’t assume that entering the ancient town will grant you solitude; it’s a constant flow of people.

Upon entering, you’ll spot a popular Chen Mahua shop . As you delve deeper, you’ll encounter various snack vendors and stores selling handmade silver jewelry and paper-cutting crafts. Some alleys feature art studios and teahouses.

Food options are abundant, ranging from Chinese doughnuts and roasted glutinous rice cakes to roasted pork knuckles and even roti canai. Don’t forget the famous Ancient Town Chicken Offal Shop. If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in these delightful snacks.

You’ll also find numerous quaint teahouses with similar pricing. If you come across one that suits your taste and offers a pleasant atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to rest.

The labyrinthine streets reveal charming surprises at every turn. Perhaps you’ll stumble upon a hidden ancient courtyard or a street-side music bar where singers strum guitars and sing their hearts out. Countless unique treasures quietly await discovery on various shop counters.

🚗How to get there: Take metro line 1 and get off at Ciqikou Station.

3. Jiefangbei CBD (解放碑)

Jiefangbei CBD, also known as Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street or Jiefangbei Square, stands as one of Chongqing’s most renowned landmarks. It’s widely recognized as the city’s most bustling area, truly earning its status as a thriving commercial hub.

Jiefangbei Square is consistently teeming with people, attracting countless tourists daily who flock here to capture the essence of this place through photographs. During the day, Jiefangbei Square is characterized by its modern high-rise buildings, imparting a contemporary vibe. By nightfall, it transforms into the epicenter of nightlife for both Chongqing residents and tourists.

Here’s why it’s a top choice:

Accommodation : For first-time visitors to Chongqing, we recommend staying in Jiefangbei CBD. It offers a diverse range of lodging options, from five-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Transportation : Jiefangbei CBD enjoys close proximity to multiple subway stations, such as Linjiangmen, Jiaochangkou, and Xiaoshizi. These stations are just a short walk from Jiefangbei CBD, ensuring convenient access.

Shopping : The area is replete with shopping centers like Zhongbai Building, Chongqing Times Square, and New World Department Store. You’ll find a comprehensive selection of brand-name stores for your shopping needs.

Dining : Bayilu Road Food Street and Jiaochangkou Night Market are situated a brief stroll away from Jiefangbei CBD. These culinary hubs bring together an extensive array of Chongqing’s iconic dishes, including hot and sour rice noodles, hot pot, iced powder, and more.

🚗How to get there: Take the metro line 1 and get off at Jiaochangkou Station and get out from Exit 3.

4. Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform (南山一棵树)

The Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform, situated around an ancient ficus virens in Chongqing, takes its name from this very tree. This deck provides the finest vantage point for admiring the city’s nighttime panorama, offering sweeping views of Chongqing’s mountains, waters, the river weaving amidst towering structures, and the bustling bridge scenes.

When compared to other nocturnal cityscapes in Chongqing, the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform boasts a broader, unobstructed perspective. From a distance, the city, encircled by the river, resembles a glittering treasure island in the heart of the night, presenting a truly stunning sight.

Within the scenic area, you have the option to enjoy the nighttime view either on the open-air platform or inside the observation hall, both offering exceptional views.

💡Tips for Visiting Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform

🚗Getting to the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform can be somewhat challenging due to the winding mountain roads. Taking a taxi is the recommended mode of transportation.

It’s advisable to visit in the evening, although this is when it tends to be crowded with tourists.

Keep in mind that foggy weather can diminish the scenic views, so it’s best to plan your visit on clear days.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 30 📍Location: Longhuang Road, Nan’an District

5. Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道)

If you’re looking for a cool way to experience Chongqing, make sure to put the Yangtze River Cableway on your to-do list. This cable car, which spans the Yangtze River running through the city, is pretty unique.

Local Chongqing folks see it as just another mode of transportation, no different from buses or trains. But for many visitors from outside the city, hopping on this ropeway is like a crash course in Chongqing culture.

It’s like getting into a giant flying box that can fit loads of people. You’re soaring over the Yangtze River, taking in the clear views of the scenery on either side, and as you move along, the scenery changes, like you’re on a magical time-traveling adventure.

Now, there are two entrances to the cableway, one in the north and one in the south. Here’s the deal with each:

🔴 North Entrance :

• Pros: It’s right next to Jiefangbei CBD and Hongya Cave, so you won’t have trouble finding it. Plus, getting there is a breeze.
• Cons: Be ready for longer lines compared to the south entrance.

🚗How to get there: Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station, leave through Exit 5B, and follow the path to Xinhua Road to reach the Cableway North Entrance.

🔴 South Entrance :

• Pros: Fewer folks in line here, which is nice.
• Cons: It’s not as convenient when it comes to traffic, and finding it might be a bit tricky.

🚗How to get there: Take metro line 6 to Shangxinjie Station, use Exit 2, and head down Shangxin Street to arrive at the Cableway South Station.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY20 for one way, CNY 30 for round trip ⏰Opening hours: 7:30-22:30 (3.1-10.31) / 7:30-21:30 (11.1-2.28)

6. Mountain City Footpath (山城步道)

When I first set foot on the Mountain City Footpath, it took me by surprise in the best way. It had that authentic old Chongqing charm I’d been searching for.

As for the third path, it’s pretty much deserted these days, except for the occasional visitor. There’s this cool elevated boardwalk clinging to a steep cliff – the only one of its kind in Chongqing. On the other side, you’ve got the Yangtze River, making it a sweet spot for river-gazing.

Most of the buildings along the route used to be homes, but they’ve been mostly torn down, and only a handful of families still reside there. Even though it’s pretty quiet with not many tourists around, you can almost transport yourself back to the lively vibes of this trail from decades ago.

As you walk along Chongqing’s ancient city wall, snaking up the mountainside, and glance back, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the Yangtze River’s southern bank. It’s all so stunning, a feast for the eyes. And below, there’s this precipice with a road, where you can watch the world go by – it’s just a different kind of relaxation.

🚗How to get there: Take Line 1 or Line 2 to Jiaochangkou Station, use exit 4. Take a right and walk about 400 meters to get there.

7. Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆)

Step back in time and explore Huguang Guild Hall, a historical gem from the Qing Dynasty, with a rich past of over 300 years. Nestled within the bustling city of Chongqing, this place is like a poetic escape. The entire complex is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. Most of the buildings here follow the courtyard layout typical of that era, making it a real architectural and artistic treasure.

Now, for the must-see places:

Yuwang Temple : This is Huguang Guild Hall’s grand old structure, where you’ll find a colossal 5-meter-high bronze statue of King Yu, weighing a whopping 2 tons. It’s a vivid showcase of the Qing Dynasty architectural style.

Huguang Repopulation of Sichuan Migration Movement Museum : It’s China’s pioneering immigration-themed museum, housing a treasure trove of daily items from the migration era. If you’re curious about the Huguang Migration Movement and its legendary tales, don’t skip this museum.

Guangdong House : This is where you’ll discover the largest theater in the guild hall. It’s a wooden beauty with a light green and yellow glazed tile roof. The stage railings are meticulously carved with traditional Chinese opera stories like “Journey to the West” and “Romance of the Western Chamber.”

Qi’an House : Built by folks from Hubei Province during the Qing Dynasty, this is the best-preserved building in the Chongqing Huguang Guild Hall complex. Among the intricate wood carvings surrounding the theater, “Xinghua Village” is a standout and definitely worth a visit.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 25 ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-18:30 🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station, use exit 8.

8. Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街)

Longmenhao Old Street used to be the original embassy hotspot in Chongqing, home to the Italian and American embassies, plus a bunch of foreign companies. That mix gives the place a cool, exotic vibe. It’s like part old-school courtyard style, part European town chic. Most cities keep these styles in separate zip codes, but not Chongqing – it’s got that special magic!

There’s this awesome viewing platform where you can catch the best view in town – the stunning Dongshuimen Bridge and the whole city panorama.

When hunger strikes, the snack street in Old Street has all the Chongqing goodies you could want. And if you’re into stylish joints, the restaurants, tea houses, cafes, and bookstores here have got it going on. They even flipped the old US Embassy into a café, a prime spot to kick back and soak in the vibes.

Here’s a tip from the locals: the Old Street’s got two totally different vibes during the day and at night. Generally, once the sun goes down, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, it lights up and becomes the perfect spot to snap some killer night shots.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 6 to Shangxinjie Station.

9. Eling No. 2 Factory ( 鹅岭二厂 )

In China, nearly every major city boasts its own cultural and creative industrial art zone, like Beijing’s 798 Art Zone, Guangzhou’s Redtory, and Chongqing’s Eling No. 2 Factory. They each have a distinctive artistic flair.

Eling No. 2 Factory, once the central banknote printing machine factory during the Republic of China era, and later transformed into the Chongqing printing factory, was responsible for Chongqing’s color printing from the 1950s to the 1970s. As time marched on, the factory closed its doors. But a few years back, it underwent a remarkable transformation while preserving its nostalgic factory charm, morphing into a vibrant hub for young artists.

Today, it’s a bustling amalgamation of art spaces, featuring not only a myriad of quaint shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants but also regularly hosting various exhibitions and events.

Eling No. 2 Factory proudly retains its industrial roots. These old factory buildings keep the authentic look of single-family old structures while incorporating a touch of modern design and artistic style. This fusion of the old and the new gives the place a unique character.

Whether you’re browsing a designer’s boutique, sipping tea in an artist’s teahouse, or indulging in Chongqing’s special snacks, each place here offers its own charm, making it a magnet for tourists.

🎫Admission ticket: Free 🚗How to get there: Take No. 829/3201 bus to Yinshua Erchuang Station and walk about 36 meters to get there.

10. Jiaotong Teahouse (交通茶馆)

The teahouse is incredibly rustic. Stepping inside, it’s a world apart from the exterior. You’ll find weathered beams, aged tables, floors of uneven concrete, and even tea leaves and melon peels left uncleared for some time. In the center of this cozy chaos are the teahouse’s local artists, animatedly sharing amusing Chongqing dialect jokes with guests who may not fully grasp the punchlines.

By all accounts, the place might seem a bit run-down, but that’s the charm of this authentic old teahouse. It’s not trying to be some overly polished antique or a mishmash of styles. Instead, it exudes a robust vibe of everyday life.

For a mere CNY 10, you can order some Pu’er tea, and it’s refillable for as long as you like. The teahouse’s patrons are mostly regulars, a mix of folks at different stages of life. Some are engrossed in newspapers, some are locked in intense card games, some are deep into mahjong battles, and you’ll also spot curious tourists. It’s a genuinely fascinating spot to soak in local culture and atmosphere.

⏰Opening hours: 07:00-19:00 🚗How to get there: Take bus line 223/233 and get off at Huangjueping Zhengjie Station.

11. Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (四川美术学院)

The Sichuan Fine Arts Institute boasts two campuses, and the old one, located in Huangjueping, a place brimming with art in every nook and cranny. As you wander around the campus, you’ll come across a myriad of vibrant sculptures, many of them crafted by the students themselves, leaving no doubt that you’re in an art school.

Don’t miss out on the Chongqing Art Museum and the Tank Loft Arts Center, right there on campus. Apart from the rich artistic ambiance, you’ll frequently find a diverse range of exhibitions happening.

Outside the school, there’s a graffiti street that’s hard to overlook. This short stretch is like one massive 3D graffiti masterpiece, with buildings, walls, and shops all covered in colorful graffiti.

You’ll also find an abundance of snacks in the area, and the prices are budget-friendly. Most of the patrons are students, so it’s definitely worth trying some of the local treats.

🚗How to get there: Take bus 223/233/441 to Huangjueping Station and walk about 300 meters to get there.

12. Liziba Station (李子坝)

Liziba? It’s this cool monorail stop on Line 2 of Chongqing Rail Transit. You won’t believe it, but this station isn’t your typical stop – it’s actually inside a 19-story residential building, nestled between the sixth and eighth floors, with stores below and homes above.

It all started back in 2014, Liziba was just a regular stop back then, but because Chongqing has some seriously crazy terrain – like, big ups and downs – it gave birth to this wild cityscape. Especially for folks from flat areas, watching the light rail zoom through a building is like, “Whoa, that’s insane!”

Chongqing locals were already used to this daily spectacle, but in 2018, it blew up on Chinese TikTok. Suddenly, tourists started flooding in, and the locals had an idea – let’s give ’em a spot to snap photos of this mind-blowing sight. So they put together a cool viewing platform for all the visitors to capture this amazing scene.

🚗How to get there: Take bus 829/3201 to Fotuguan Park Bus Stop and walk about 200 meters to get there.

13. Zhongshan Fourth Road (中山四路)

Zhongshan Fourth Road is often hailed as Chongqing’s most picturesque street, a historical gem steeped in culture. It’s a treasure trove of historical sites, such as Guiyuan Garden, Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence, and the Democratic Parties History Museum of China, making it Chongqing’s ultimate cultural hub.

All these attractions are free for you to explore and capture in photos, letting you soak up a unique historical vibe. Unlike the bustling Hongya Cave and Jiefangbei CBD, this street offers a more authentic taste of Chongqing’s culture, despite its mere 800-meter length.

The road isn’t crowded, and it’s adorned with lush ficus virens trees, creating a tranquil, green oasis. You can easily complete your visit in about half an hour. P.S. This is the only road in Chongqing that doesn’t have bus access 🚌.

🚗How to get there: Take Bus No. 114, 118, 124, and 138 and get off at Shangqingsi Station.

14. Chaotianmen (朝天门)

Chaotianmen is situated at the confluence of the Jialing River and the Yangtze River, representing one of Chongqing’s seventeen ancient city gates. It bears the weight of Chongqing’s extensive and profound historical culture. Today, Chaotianmen has been complemented by Raffles Square, featuring a 250-meter-high aerial observation deck, making it one of Chongqing’s new iconic structures.

As a crucial water transport dock, Chaotianmen has played a significant role both in the past and present. Today, it remains a bustling departure point for river cruises. Visitors often choose to commence their journeys from this historical site.

Chongqing locals have a penchant for shopping, and while various commercial districts are appealing, Chaotianmen hold a distinctive status. Along Shaanxi Road leading to Chaotianmen, numerous wholesalers are scattered, offering nearly every imaginable product. Wholesale market prices are more budget-friendly, attracting many vendors for supplies and simultaneously drawing a substantial number of ordinary individuals to browse and select their preferred items.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Chaotianmen Station.

15. Chongqing Yangtze River Night Cruise Tour

If you’re running short on time and want a convenient way to experience Chongqing, a Night Cruise Tour remains the top pick.

Just grab a night ticket, take a seat on the cruise with a cold beer in hand, and witness Chongqing’s vibrant night scene unfolding before your eyes.

Typically, the cruise journey begins by heading upstream along the Jialing River. It passes landmarks like the Qianjiamen Bridge and the Huanghuayuan Bridge, then circles back to the Chaotianmen Wharf. From there, it sails along the Yangtze River, crosses the Chongqing Yangtze River Bridge, and returns to the wharf. This entire route skirts the liveliest parts of Chongqing, offering a glimpse of nearly all of the city’s iconic night vistas in just an hour.

Whether you’re taking in Chongqing’s night view from the water or land, it’s the bridges that steal the spotlight. These bridges boast sleek, elegant designs and exude a radiant charm under the evening lights. For those aboard the cruise, these glittering bridges fill the night panorama, becoming the most brilliant streaks of light against the dark backdrop.

And don’t miss out on Hongya Cave, a definite must-see. While modern construction techniques no longer necessitate stilt buildings like these, it’s great to see our city’s builders saving and reviving a few of these structures that capture Chongqing’s traditional style amid our modern city.

👉 Book Your Yangtze River Night Cruise Tour on VIATOR

16. Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)

Dazu Rock Carvings, the sole World Cultural Heritage site in Chongqing and a prominent member of the world’s eight major grottoes, exude a rich historical and cultural allure.

The term “Dazu Rock Carvings” encompasses a cluster of rock carvings across five distinct mountains: Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shimenshan, and Shizhuanshan . Of this collection, Baodingshan Rock Carving takes the spotlight as the most renowned and frequently visited . This is thanks to its impressive scale and its role as the quintessential embodiment of Dazu Rock Carvings.

Baodingshan Rock Carving

Baoding Mountain’s stone carvings are primarily focused on Buddha statues, and you’ll find nearly ten thousand Buddha statues etched onto a cliff wall that stretches over 500 meters. What’s remarkable is that no two of these carvings are the same. This extensive display essentially unfolds like a colossal comic strip, narrating almost all the tales documented in Buddhist scriptures.

Among these, you’ll discover the rock carvings of The Eighteenth Hell, where vivid depictions of people enduring harrowing trials in the depths of hell serve as a stark reminder to maintain good intentions.

Other highlights include a stone carving portraying Sakyamuni’s transition into a Buddha, a striking depiction of a reclining Buddha .

Yet, the true gem of Baoding Mountain is the Thousand-Hand Kwan-yin , considered the ultimate national treasure. This statue is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends sculpture, colorful painting, and gilded art. Every hand and the objects they hold are meticulously detailed. To truly appreciate it, it’s recommended to view the statue from both the front and the side.

Beishan Rock Carving

Beishan Rock Carving spotlights Bodhisattva statues, boasting the longest history and preserving a more authentic stone carving art. The statues themselves exhibit distinct personalities, graceful postures, and stunning attire.

According to our tour guide, regular folks carved these Beishan Rock Carvings to express their needs and wishes during their prayers to Buddha. Wealthy individuals carved larger statues, while those with fewer means created smaller ones. These carvings may appear fragmented and unplanned, but they break free from the constraints of traditional Buddhism.

However, these rock carvings are older than those at Baoding Mountain, some have suffered significant damage, and consequently, the site attracts fewer tourists. It’s a relatively small attraction, and you can comfortably explore it in just half an hour.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 115 for Baodingshan / CNY 70 for Beishan ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-18:00

👉 Book Dazu Rock Carvings Full Day Tour on VIATOR

17. Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)

The Three Natural Bridges are situated approximately 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive away from Chongqing’s city center, specifically in the Wulong district. This area is renowned for its three stunning natural stone arch bridges, which go by the names of Tianlong (Sky Dragon) Bridge, Qinglong (Green Dragon) Bridge, and Heilong (Black Dragon) Bridge . It’s an ideal destination for appreciating the breathtaking natural scenery and the characteristic karst landforms.

Tianlong Bridge

The Tianlong Bridge stands out among the three bridges, and it boasts the widest span. Legend has it that these bridges were once malevolent dragons that, with time, melded into the surrounding mountains.

This bridge is distinctive as it’s the sole double-arch bridge among the trio, characterized by one pier and two bridge openings. It appears almost man-made, which showcases nature’s incredible ability to shape itself through the persistent force of flowing water.

There is a labyrinthine cave, rumored to be a hideout for bandits. The main cavern stretches over 400 meters, surrounded by numerous interconnected passages, creating an intricate network of caves within caves.

Tianlong Bridge stands tall, broad, and majestic, set within a complex terrain. It’s conveniently located closest to the scenic area’s entrance, making it a popular spot for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Qinglong Bridge

Climb those wet rock stairs and step into the Qinglong Bridge. When you gaze at the bridge hole in the distance, it appears like a massive knife. This place, where the sky often brings light drizzles, is teeming with thick greenery. The landscape opens up much more, and water gradually collects from the mountaintop, streaming down the rocks to create a small river. This river gently hydrates the surrounding grass and supports the tall trees, presenting a truly enchanting and mesmerizing beauty!

Heilong Bridge

The third bridge, Heilong Bridge, sets itself apart from the first two. It’s not as roomy and well-lit; instead, it’s relatively narrow and long. The bridge’s cave is tall and slender, casting dim lighting inside, giving it the appearance of a black dragon coiled at the cave’s pinnacle, hence its name.

Before this scenic spot was developed, every evening in this area took on a rather gloomy atmosphere. When you add in the peculiar cliffs, eerie mountain silhouettes, and mysterious creatures, it’s no wonder that local villagers would avoid passing through here between 4 and 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

👉 Book Wulong National Park Private Tour on VIATOR

18. Longshui Gorge (龙水峡地缝)

Longshui Gorge is just a ten-minute drive from the Three Natural Bridges Scenic Area. It was formed millions of years ago due to geological movements, showcasing a classic karst landscape.

The gorge features a single road that stretches throughout its length, covering a total of 5 kilometers. Of this, approximately 2 kilometers are open for exploration. To explore, you begin at the entrance, wind your way through, and eventually exit.

The entire adventure takes you along a narrow boardwalk, and as you venture deeper, the rushing water below fills the air with its deafening roar. In the narrowest part of the canyon, only a sliver of sky is visible, making for a truly awe-inspiring and thrilling experience.

Upon completing the trek through the deep gorge and taking an elevator 80 meters above the ground, the doors open to reveal a breathtaking sight: a magnificent waterfall cascading down the cliff wall.

19. Furong Cave (芙蓉洞)

A mere hour’s drive from Wulong County, roughly 190 kilometers away from downtown Chongqing, lies the breathtaking Furong River. Nestled amidst several lush green mountains, you’ll discover the captivating “Furong Cave” perched atop one of these peaks.

This cave, born more than 1.2 million years ago from Cambrian dolomitic limestone, feels like an otherworldly realm, with its peculiar and astounding sights. The primary cave within this scenic wonderland stretches for 2,700 meters, covering a sprawling 37,000 square meters.

Furong Cave showcases an incredible range of sedimentary features, incorporating elements from over 30 cave types found across the globe. From stone stalactites, stalagmites, and rock waterfalls to hydromagnesite, prehnite, aragonite, and more, this subterranean realm transforms into a vibrant underground art gallery.

The cave’s interior landscape left an indelible mark on me. It offers both the delicate charm of an ancient palace and the traces of time’s relentless erosion. In particular, the colossal stone stalactites, each spanning 15 meters in width and rising 21 meters high, appear as smooth as water streaming down. Yet, right in their midst, a striking crack reveals itself, a result of geological forces.

👉 Book Fairy Mountain Private Tour on Trip

20. Fairy Mountain (仙女山)

Fairy Mountain National Forest Park has a rare alpine grassland scenery in the south. Its grassland, rare immense forest, white snow plateau, verdant grass are called the “four unique” of Fairy Mountain by tourists .

The scenic area is surrounded by trees, hills are connected, and many cattle, sheep and horses are raised. The average temperature of Fairy Mountain is 15°C lower than that of the main city of Chongqing, so it enjoys the reputation of “ summer palace of mountain city “.

The boundless forest and grassland form the first pasture in the south, and in the summer, there is a racecourse; in the winter, it is snowy, making it a natural ski resort, and the thick snow hangs on the branches, you can enjoy the wonders of the rime.

And the supporting facilities are enough to standard, we also see that there are four- and five-star hotels, various villa groups and style wooden houses in the scenic area, and many such as horseback riding, skiing, racing, paintball, paragliding, barbecue, camping and other amusement projects are available.

👉 Book Fairy Mountain Private Tour on VIATOR

21. Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang

China’s largest river, the Yangtze River, begins its journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows from west to east through the heart of the country, stretching for over 6,300 kilometers. As it winds its way eastward, it carves through mountains and carves valleys along the eastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, ultimately giving rise to the awe-inspiring and unparalleled natural wonder—the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

The Three Gorges constitute a captivating array of natural and cultural wonders between Chongqing and Yichang in the middle reaches of the Yangtze. This stretch spans 193 kilometers and comprises the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, with both sides adorned by towering mountains, sheer cliffs, and breathtaking landscapes.

With the advent of the Three Gorges Dam, this area has become a renowned global tourist destination. Within the Three Gorges region, you’ll find numerous scenic spots, including well-known attractions like the Fengdu Ghost City, Shibaozhai, White Emperor City, Zhang Fei Temple, Shennong Stream, and more .

Navigating by car or bus is impractical due to the rugged terrain, making a cruise tour the ideal way to explore the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. With this approach, you won’t need to worry about food, lodging, or transportation. Instead, you can savor daily changing scenery from your cabin window and even have onboard guides to provide insightful commentary.

👉 Book Yangtze River Cruise Tour on VIATOR

Chongqing cuisine doesn’t hold back with its spicy hot pot, mala dishes (that tingle your taste buds), zesty Chongqing noodles, and mouthwatering street eats. And of course, you can’t miss out on the scrumptious Chongqing chicken. Check out this list of Chongqing’s must-try delights!

When it comes to Chongqing food, the first thing that comes to mind is hot pot. If you are a visitor, the go-to meal when you step into Chongqing is hitting a hot pot joint and immersing yourself in the aromatic haze of beef tallow hot pot.

Chongqing hot pot is all about that rich, red beef tallow broth, delivering a rich and spicy flavor.

As for the dipping sauce, Chongqing hot pot keeps it simple with just a dash of garlic paste mixed into sesame oil.

You’ll find Chongqing hot pots in two styles – either divided into nine-patch or a single, undivided pot, depending on the restaurant’s vibe.

Now, for the must-try items on my hot pot list, the meaty delights include tripe, cow throat, duck gizzard, duck blood, duck intestines, goose intestines, beef slices, and beef balls. If you’re into plant-based options, go for bamboo shoots, Gong Cai, Batata starch, and more.

Chongqing Noodles

Chongqing locals have a deep affection for Chongqing noodles, which rivals their love for hot pot and, in some cases, surpasses it.

Chongqing noodles, locally known as “xiaomian” or 小面, consist of plain noodles adorned with scallions, garlic sauce, red oil, vinegar, and chili peppers. As you’re served, the noodles are bathed in red oil, delivering an initial burst of spicy pepper aroma with each bite, followed by the soothing savor of the broth when you swallow.

These noodles may come topped with braised beef, braised beans, braised pig’s large intestines, or fried meat sauce.

Much like many Chongqing dishes, Chongqing noodles pack a punch with their robust and spicy flavors. Some may wonder why one would indulge in such a fiery dish for breakfast, but Chongqing locals understand that only a bowl of these noodles can kickstart their day with warmth and excitement.

Hot and Sour Rice Noodles

Chongqing’s Hot and Sour Rice Noodles typically feature handmade sweet potato powder, a mixture of sweet potatoes and pea starch as the key ingredients. Usually priced at around CNY 10 per bowl, these noodles are not only affordable but also offer a unique and delectable experience.

The noodles have a distinct combination of slippery, silky, and crunchy textures, and they are served in a broth that’s a complex interplay of spicy, numbing, sour, and umami flavors.

Boiled Fish

In Chongqing, boiled fish is often referred to as spicy fish, and Chongqing-style boiled fish is renowned for its smooth and tender texture, as well as its deliciously pungent and addictive flavor. This dish has the remarkable ability to eliminate any unwanted fishy odors while maintaining the fish’s tender qualities.

Chongqing boiled fish relies on a special dried red pepper native to Chongqing. These peppers are long, and thick, and possess a fresh, less seedy, spicy-sweet flavor of the highest quality. Even when boiled in high-temperature red oil, they retain their vibrant color and do not become burnt.

Lately, I’ve noticed that many restaurants are serving a variation called “Boiled Fish with Pickled Cabbage and Chili,” which might offer some improvements, including a reduction in oil content.

Fried Chicken Giblets

Chicken giblets consist of the internal organs of chickens, specifically the hearts, gizzards, intestines, and livers. These raw chicken giblets can have an unpleasant odor, but when they are stir-fried with chili peppers, pickled peppers, green onions, ginger, and garlic, not only is the distinct smell eliminated, but they also become tender, fragrant, spicy, and highly appetizing.

Some of the most renowned restaurants specializing in fried chicken giblets can be found in Ciqikou, including places like “古镇鸡杂,” “茂庄第一家古镇鸡杂,” and “胖姐鸡杂,” all known for their unique and delicious preparations of this dish.

Mao Xue Wang

Chongqing-style boiled blood curd (Mao Xue Wang, 毛血旺) is another renowned dish in Ciqikou. Originally, it involved making a soup from pork bones and then adding pig blood, pork lung leaves, and fatty intestines, seasoned with ginger, peppercorns, and chili peppers.

Nowadays, this dish has evolved to include a broader range of ingredients like duck blood, cattle throat, tripe, eel, soybean sprouts, pork luncheon meat, and fungus, among others. The result is a dish that’s spicy and fragrant, bursting with juiciness, rich in flavor, and incredibly appetizing. You can find this delectable dish on the menu of many Chongqing restaurants throughout the area.

Chongqing Mala Chicken

Chongqing Mala Chicken, originating from the Geleshan area in Chongqing, has two different theories surrounding its creation. One suggests that it was invented in the early 20th century by a master and apprentice working in a small restaurant in Geleshan. The other theory claims that it was simultaneously created by an old lady in the same region. Regardless of which theory is accurate, what truly matters is the dish itself.

In its authentic preparation, Sichuan or Guizhou peppers are used for the chili component, and the chicken is sourced locally from Geleshan, which naturally imparts a superior flavor compared to the commonly available large-scale farmed chicken. The chicken pieces are stir-fried until they achieve a charred, crispy exterior and then combined with Sichuan pepper and dried chili pepper. The final dish boasts a vibrant color, a spicy and aromatic flavor, and a delightful crispiness.

To capture the authentic essence of the dish, it’s best to ensure that the chili peppers completely cover the chicken, rather than having only a few peppers and peppercorns sporadically present in the chicken pieces.

Douhua is made using the same recipe as tofu but results in a distinct texture. It has a long-standing popularity in China, and various regions have their unique Douhua cuisine. In Chongqing, Douhua holds a special place as one of the favorite breakfast options. Starting the day with a warm and tender bowl of Douhua is a delightful way to begin.

When noon arrives, Douhua Rice is a common meal option in Chongqing. It’s served as a set, which includes a bowl of Douhua, a bowl of rice, a dipping sauce, and a bowl of meat (often steamed meat or ribs). The dipping sauce can be selected as spicy or non-spicy, making it a simple and delicious meal choice.

Mahua, also known as Fried Dough Twist (麻花), is a type of Chinese snack made by frying dough in peanut oil, giving it a shiny, golden appearance.

When you’re in Ciqikou Ancient Town, you can’t miss the local favorite – the “mahua” snack. You’ll spot Chen-Mahua all over Ciqikou. The top flavors include sweet, pepper salt, spicy, honey, seaweed, black sesame, and more. The spicy Mahua is a real Chongqing specialty.

Two of the most famous Mahua spots are Chen Jianping and Chen Changyin. Chen Jianping’s place usually has a longer line, while you can get your Mahua fix without waiting at Chen Changyin’s. Chen Jianping’s Mahua is a bit cheaper, and Chen Changyin’s seaweed-flavored Mahua is seriously tasty. There’s a bit of a debate about which one is the original Chen Mahua, and prices won’t break the bank; the plain version is as low as CNY 15 to CNY 18.

Spring Water Chicken

Spring Water Chicken, as the name implies, is a chicken dish prepared with spring water. However, don’t expect a light meal here; it’s just as bold and spicy as Laziji, making it a fresh and fiery dish that once enjoyed significant popularity.

The cooking process involves cutting the chicken into small pieces and frying it. Then, a combination of peppercorns, dried peppers, garlic, fermented soybeans, and more is added and stir-fried. Finally, a spoonful of soul mountain spring water is incorporated to create the Spring Water Chicken.

You’ll find most restaurants serving this delectable dish clustered around the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform. As part of your tourist route, you can start by indulging in Spring Water Chicken at one of these establishments and then proceed to the observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the Chongqing night.

🛫 How Do I Travel to Chongqing

Chongqing jiangbei international airport (ckg).

If you’re flying into Chongqing, you’ll touch down at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). From there, you’ve got a few options. You can grab a taxi, hop on an airport shuttle, or ride the Metro Line 3 or 10 to reach downtown Chongqing. The airport sits about 25-30 kilometers (15-18 miles) from the city center.

Chongqing North Railway Station (Chongqingbei)

Chongqing boasts several train stations, but the central hub is Chongqing North Railway Station (Chongqingbei). For the easiest way to navigate, consider taking the metro from Chongqing North Railway Station. It’ll get you to roughly 90% of the top attractions in the primary urban area. Oh, and a word of caution: steer clear of unauthorized transportation near airports and train stations.

Chongqing’s metro system is quite extensive and covers most parts of downtown and the nearby areas. Trains run from 6:30 in the morning until 10:30 at night. During busy hours and holidays, the trains can get pretty crowded, but they’re a great way to reach about 90% of the popular spots in the city.

Chongqing also has a comprehensive bus network that reaches all corners of the city. Buses can take you to places that the metro doesn’t cover directly. The bus routes are easy to follow, and you pay your fare when you get on the bus.

You can easily find a taxi on the street or use a ride-hailing app like Didi for convenience. Just make sure the taxi driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare with you before you start your trip. The starting fare is CNY 10 during the day and CNY 12 at night.

When you’re exploring downtown Chongqing, it’s smart to have a transportation app or a translation app handy, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. Chongqing’s terrain can be a bit tricky, so you might think you’re on a high floor when you’re actually on the ground level. Also, relying solely on a navigation app might lead to confusion.

The best time to visit Chongqing falls between March and June, or from after the Mid-Autumn Festival in September to the end of October🌞. Chongqing enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate during these periods, providing a comfortable atmosphere that’s not too hot or cold, making it the prime time to explore the city.

The second choice would be from November to February. Chongqing transitions into its winter season during this time, which means it’s not scorching hot but quite rainy and chilly. However, this is an ideal time to savor a hot pot meal or relax in hot springs comfortably. Plus, most tourist spots are less crowded.

Lastly, from July to September, Chongqing experiences its hottest summer weather, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C, creating a bit of a “fire city” feel. Yet, during this period, the city’s notorious fog is relatively light, providing crystal clear night views. Many locals and tourists opt for a summer retreat to Wulong during this time.

The data reveals that 48% of tourists visiting Chongqing opt for the Jiefangbei CBD & Hongya Cave area. Here are the area’s key features:

• It serves as both the symbol of Chongqing and its most bustling hub.
• With numerous bus and rail transit stations, it offers convenient transportation.
• It boasts an array of amenities, including dining, lodging, entertainment, shopping, and more. Notable attractions include Jiefangbei Square, Hongya Cave, Chaotianmen Square, and others.

In essence, this area provides everything you need for a great time out.

Niccolo Chongqing

Niccolo Chongqing claimed the city’s highest point the moment it set foot in Chongqing, creating another fantastic spot to soak in the city’s skyline. The hotel spans from the 52nd to the 62nd floor of IFS Chongqing, where you’ll find the lobby on the 62nd floor. After checking in, you’ll make your way down to your room.

The Premier – River-View room, where I stayed, features full-length windows in both the bedroom and shower area. These windows treat you to stunning views of Chaotianmen Wharf, Hongya Cave, and other iconic landmarks, not to mention the confluence of the Yangtze River and Jialing River.

The room’s overall interior style centers around warm earthy tones, making the bedroom cozy and inviting. From the tastefully designed furniture to the top-notch bedding, it ensures a highly comfortable stay.

Additionally, you’ll find the sky swimming pool on the 52nd floor, complete with numerous floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique setup allows you to swim while taking in the surrounding scenery without any hindrances, delivering a delightful surprise.

Regent Chongqing

Regent Chongqing indisputably stands as a front-runner in the luxury hotel scene in Chongqing and even across the entire southwest of China. Luxury hotels can be defined in various ways, but in my book, Regent Chongqing takes the crown as the crème de la crème of luxury hotels in China.

As you step through the hotel’s entrance, you’ll be greeted by a striking expanse of glass tiles, inspired by the Ciqikou and stilted buildings of old Chongqing. The fusion of these elements creates a visually opulent atmosphere. The circular diamond-hole interlocking decor found in the corridors and rooms showcases a blend of classical and modern Chinese aesthetics.

When it comes to room amenities, bedding, and welcome gifts, you’ll be charmed by the attention to detail. What’s most astonishing is the hotel’s offering of three bath options: bubble bath, rose bath, and lemon bath, available with a simple 30-minute advance call to your room’s housekeeper.

And let’s not forget the captivating night view. The River Terrace at Regent Chongqing ranks among the finest vantage points for enjoying the city’s nighttime splendor.

InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City

The architectural design of InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City is truly unique. Have you ever seen a building complex shaped like a sailboat? It is made up of eight skyscrapers, at the top of one of the masts is the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City.

The hotel lobby is located on the 42nd floor of the covered bridge, where there is a hotel symbol landscape – a horizontal frame of high altitude crystal corridor collection of five different styles of restaurants and bars, each style is very distinctive, overlooking the scenery is also excellent.

The 380 rooms and suites, situated on floors 44-65, feature a contemporary and youthful design. Their floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows effortlessly frame picturesque views of Chongqing.

Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei

Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei easily takes the crown as Chongqing’s top hot spring hotel. Nestled amidst lush green surroundings, this place is like a natural oxygen haven, radiating elegance and a touch of antiquity.

In every room, you’ll find a hot spring pool, and some villas even sweeten the deal with a private pool. The room décor follows a traditional Chinese style, exuding a graceful aesthetic.

When you check-in, you’ll discover the hot spring pool already filled, set at the perfect 39 degrees. The generously spacious 2-meter by 2-meter pool ensures that even a family of four can unwind without feeling cramped.

Chongqing Jixiashan SUNYATA Resort Hotel

If you’ve ever had the chance to scale a skyscraper, taking in the entire city from cloud-level heights, then imagine descending to ground level and immersing yourself in the Chongqing Jixiashan SUNYATA Resort Hotel, where you’ll experience the more secluded and humanistic side of this enchanting mountain city.

As you step into the hotel’s interior, you’ll be welcomed by a brilliantly designed space that feels like a serene escape from the bustling modern world outside—a realm that exudes unique tranquility and gentle charm.

The 16 rooms come in various configurations and boast generous expanses of white space. They were crafted by the designer’s instinctive moment, resulting in every detail radiating a distinct sense of refinement.

Westin Chongqing Liberation Square

In contrast to the formal, serious business style found in other Westin hotels across China, The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square stands out with its fashionable decor and distinctive spatial layout.

For instance, the 51st-floor cloud lobby soars to a height of 10 meters, and a unique, hollowed-out log spiral staircase traverses floors 50 through 52. The hotel also boasts a panoramic swimming pool on the 54th floor, framing a backdrop with the Jiefangbei tower complex and the Yangtze River view behind it. These inventive elements and designs have propelled The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square into the ranks of Chongqing’s most sought-after hotels.

On the 53rd floor, JinYaoXuan seafood restaurant is a local favorite, celebrated for its signature seafood hot pot.

Qianhe Zhixuan Gaokong Hotel

The hotel leverages its high-altitude river view to craft rooms in various thematic styles, including New Chinese, refined Japanese, minimalistic Nordic, and more. Each room features its own spacious window viewing area, granting a splendid view of Chongqing’s beautiful river.

• To avoid the crowds at Hongya Cave, go to the other side of the river for a panoramic view.
• For the best Chongqing hot pot experience, opt for local alleys or street restaurants with long queues, as they offer tasty and affordable options.
• Chongqing is known as the “fog city,” experiencing over 100 foggy days each year, which is a distinctive characteristic of the city.
• Beware of anyone promising a shortcut to Hongya Cave. The only way to reach it is via the elevator.
• At Ciqikou Ancient Town, some people dress as cartoon characters and may ask for money if you want a photo. Be cautious.
• If you want to try the Yangtze River Cableway, it’s advisable to book ahead and consider a one-way journey.
• You can find delicious Chongqing small noodle restaurants in any alley throughout the city.
• Experience Chongqing’s metro and iconic yellow taxis for a thrilling ride through buildings, like a road-based roller coaster.
• Chongqing locals love their spicy food, so dishes like hot pot, noodles, spicy chicken, and barbecue often pack a punch. If you can’t handle the heat, inform the waitstaff in advance.
• Wear comfy sneakers and consider renting a car if possible. Bicycles aren’t recommended due to the hilly terrain that can lead to leg cramps.
• Avoid the metro during rush hours, typically from 7-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.
• When navigating Chongqing, rely on road signs and local advice rather than navigation apps.
• Don’t miss Wulong, a must-visit destination with enchanting karst caves and a serene grand canyon.

🎫Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

🤔 Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?

In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.

📲 Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?

Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online .

🔮 Should I buy China travel insurance?

Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.

🚙 Can you rent a car in China?

Unfeasible . Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.

✈️ What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?

I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.

🏡 What is the best way to book hotels in China?

Not only does Trip offer a wider range of flight options, but it also provides a greater selection of hotels to choose from. Moreover, Agoda is a reliable resource for hotels throughout Asia.

🎒What do I pack for China?

Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.   Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.

📚 Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?

Yes . If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.

Enjoy these related articles

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Chengdu vs Chongqing – Which City Should I Visit?

Chengdu or Chongqing, which city is better for visiting? These two big cities in the western region of China are only 270 kilometers or 166 miles apart, so they are quite close and less than 3 hours driving distance from each other and less than 2 hours by high-speed train. Both have interesting places to see, naturally scenic side trips, parks, excellent Sichuan food, and shopping malls, and you can have a great time in both.

With slight differences, they have similar cultures as well. Chongqing was a part of Sichuan Province of which Chengdu is the capital city until 1997 when Chongqing and several surrounding districts were made a government municipality.

Which might be better for you depends on what you are looking for. If you want to go on a Yangtze cruise, then cruise ships dock in Chongqing, but if you want to go to the high mountains of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou or see pandas, then Chengdu is where to go.

Here in this article, we compare Chengdu vs Chongqing in many ways including urban population density, main travel highlights, side trip options, historical sights, ancient/old historical places, skyline and scenic beauty, food and dining experiences, youth interest, kid-friendliness, amusement parks, shopping, malls, comparative prices, weather, nature areas, visas and transportation to help you make a decision about which you'd prefer to visit.

Recommended tours :

• 1-Day Dujiangyan Panda Keeper Program Tour
• 1-Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour
• 4-Day Wolong In-Depth Panda Tour

Quick Facts: Chengdu vs Chongqing

Chengdu is a gateway city for the southwestern area of China including Tibet, the Tibetan highlands, and Yunnan to the south. It is noted for numerous tea houses and Sichuan cuisine. Here is useful information for you to know about this important city: Chengdu Facts

Chongqing, officially China's biggest metropolitan area, has superlative and interesting aspects too: Chongqing Facts - 10 Things You Should Know

• 3-Day Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour
• 5-Day Chengdu, Leshan and Mount. Emei Tour

Contact us for a private tour of Leshan and Mount Emei.

Travel Highlights: Chengdu vs Chongqing

Chengdu's best places: brief description, location, time needed, and tips, chongqing's best travel sites: brief description, location, time needed and tips, side trips: chengdu vs chongqing.

Nearby cities: Both cities have famed sightseeing and natural areas near them.

Chengdu Side Trip Options

From Chengdu, you can travel by bus or private car to several great places for side trips within an hour such as the Jinsha Museum; or you can reach Jiuzhaigou within 8 hours.

• 2-Day Wolong Panda Cub Keeper Program Tour
• 2-Day Wolong Red Panda Keeper Program Tour
• 5-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Highlights Tour - includes the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, Huanglong, and Jiuzhaigou

Chongqing Side Trip Options

Wulong has weathered karst hills, cliffs, rocks, deep gorges and stone arches. It is the best side trip near Chongqing.

• Wulong Karst Region is about 205 kilometers from Chongqing. It has Sichuan's best natural scenery except for the Jiuzhaigou region. You can hike amid strikingly shaped rocks, stone bridges, and limestone caves. The area was seldom traveled by tourists until recently. A day trip is possible but a little busy. Contact China Highlights to tailor make a trip to explore this karst region.
• The Dazu Grottoes are two hours from Chongqing by bus. You can see ancient rock carvings and art.

Conclusion: Winner on side trips is Chengdu

Chengdu wins. Unless you are particularly interested in seeing Wulong, a 2-hour train journey away from Chongqing plus additional travel time, or taking a Yangtze River cruise, then touring Chengdu and its surrounding region is more varied and interesting.

There are popular attractions close to Chengdu such as Dujiangyan, the panda bases, the Jinsha Museum, and the Sanxingdui Museum. Dujiangyan is only 20 minutes away from Chengdu by high-speed train.

History: Chengdu vs Chongqing

Chengdu's historical places are very ancient.

Chengdu has two 3,000 to 4,000-year-old archeological sites, the Jinsha and Sanxingdui sites, that are among China's best for antiquity and amazing artifacts. You can visit them easily. Along with very ancient sites, The Dufu Thatched Cottage is a museum and park area where you can learn about Chengdu's poetry and history about 1,300 years ago.

Along with these historical sites, Chengdu has good general historical museums where you can get an overall view of Sichuan's history, culture, and art. The most popular of these museums is in the center of the city near the large People's Park. It is called the Chengdu Museum New Building with good exhibits in the English language. There is an older Chengdu Museum that tourists like too called the Chengdu Museum where you'll learn the area's history.

The Qin State built the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project more than 2,000 years ago about an hour from Chengdu.

Chengdu has long been a capital city area of empires or the capital of provinces of empires, and it was known during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) for poetry. Later, starting about 400 years ago, it became famed for Sichuan Opera. Sichuan opera is characterized by entertaining acrobatics and " face changing theater " actors and actresses. See our Chengdu History Highlights .

Chongqing Has a Less Significant History in Comparison

Chongqing and surrounding towns have had a shorter history as a major city in comparison. Sometimes, it was the capital of a state or small regional empire. Access to the Yangtze River made it somewhat important for trade since the river allowed for some direct boat navigation to eastern China.

Chongqing was a small city of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). But unlike Chengdu, the city of Chongqing was relatively unimportant until the late 1800s when Europeans established trading concessions. Before that, Chinese junks were pulled slowly up the river by dozens of men with ropes. In 1900, the first foreign merchant steamer reached Chongqing.

The start of WWII swelled Chongqing's population 4 fold to a million people, and suddenly, it became an important city and the wartime capital of the Republic of China. After that, rapid industrialization and modernization, aided by the electrical power and much easier river navigation afforded by the Three Gorges Dam, turned Chongqing into the second biggest industrial area of the Sichuan region. You can learn about the dam and also about Chongqing history and WWII history at the Three Gorges Museum near People's Square.

Some older areas of historical interest remain preserved in Chongqing such as the streets and alleys of Ciqikou that was a port area.

The winner for places of historical interest: Chengdu

The two very ancient Sanxingdui and Jinsha archeological museums in and near Chengdu are among China's most interesting. Including these two museums, Chengdu has several other good museums in and near it.Chongqing was part of Sichuan Province until 1997.

Chengdu vs Chongqing: Comparison of Urban Architecture, Scenic Beauty, and Skylines

Urban architecture and skylines.

For many people, one of the main travel highlights in Chinese cities are very tall buildings and seeing the views from their observation decks. Both cities are in an earthquake region, and you might think that they have no very tall buildings. But Chongqing does!

Chongqing wins out since it has the tallest building in the Sichuan region, the Chongqing World Financial Center, that is 339 meters or 1,112 feet tall and 73 stories high. An even taller one is under construction in Chongqing that will be 468 meters tall. It will be one of the tallest in China upon completion about the year 2023.

Chengdu lies flatter and spreads out on a plain. It does have a 339 meter TV tower and a cluster of buildings downtown that are less than 50 stories tall. It is often smoggy or foggy, so the views are not good overall.

The overall winner for scenic beauty: Chongqing

Basically, Chengdu is a low lying and spread-out city on a plain. The buildings are often white, and from a distance, the city looks sort of grey and bland. On the other hand, Chongqing has a dynamic downtown that looks like tall new buildings are jutting out of the river, and at night, this center is colorfully lit.

It has a more natural green mountain setting. Two rivers, including the large Yangtze River, flow through it, and it is closely surrounded by green mountains with parklands. The white mists nestling on the green mountains look beautiful. The scenery inside of the city is relatively green and verdant too. So Chongqing wins.

Chengdu vs Chongqing: Food & Dining Comparison

Sichuan cuisine has strong flavors, and you can get it in both cities everywhere.

Sichuan's local cuisine is known for being pungent and hot. They love to cook garlic, chili peppers, and Sichuan pepper.

Don't miss to sample hot pot. It is the most famous dish in both cities. But if you've never had Sichuan-style hotpots and are not used to such spicy food, caution is advised. See How to Survive a Chengdu Hotpot .

They put black peppercorn and red pepper in other Sichuanese dishes too such as kung pao chicken and fish fragrance pork. So when you order, you can ask them to use little pepper if you want. Both cities are famed for their street food, but which is better?

Chengdu is better than Chongqing for dining too.

Chongqing has local specialties such as mapo tofu and dandan noodles. But around the world, newspapers and even international organizations such as UNESCO have described Chengdu as one of the world's or China's "gastronomical capitals." People love to eat the snacks in Chengdu including noodles, wontons, dumplings, pastries, tangyuan (sweet rice balls), salads and soups.

See Where to Eat in Chengdu for suggested areas and streets for dining and street food too.

Youth Culture & Night Life: Chengdu vs Chongqing

The winner is Chengdu. Chongqing is more crowded. It is a noisy industrial city. There are more foreigners, educated people, and universities in Chengdu, so young foreign students will feel more at home. Also, Chengdu is more foreign tourist-oriented. More foreign tourists have been visiting for decades, so English is more widely spoken. Chongqing is transforming into an international finance center, but it has not caught up with the entertainment and culture in Chengdu.

If you can afford the higher costs in Chengdu, the more polite, quiet and laid back behavior and the more international ambiance is more pleasant and helps to avoid culture shock.

In Chengdu, as per its reputation, you'll probably feel more comfortable and relaxed. Tea houses are everywhere, and the food is better. You'll be surrounded by people who make it their aim to eat, chat with friends, play mahjong, and enjoy entertainment.

Activities for Kids in Chengdu vs Chongqing

The winner for family fun and kids' activities is Chengdu! Chengdu is more fun and educational.

Chengdu has everything that Chongqing has for kids, but much more. It has better museums and intriguing historical places. Chengdu has a Happy Valley that is a Chinese amusement park (like 6 Flags in the US) with good thrill rides such as a huge roller coaster. The company is more internationally oriented.

Chongqing doesn't have a comparable amusement park. It does, however, have forest and mountain parks. Chengdu's city parks often have historical architecture in them.

The more relaxed, sophisticated, and recreationally oriented city of Chengdu is probably a better environment for fun and enjoyment. See The Best Places for Families in Chengdu .

We recommend Chengdu as a main Family Tour Destination in China and a Top 8 Kids-friendly Destination . Children especially enjoy seeing the pandas, and families enjoy hikes in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.

Shopping and Malls: Chengdu vs Chongqing

Shopping streets and variety of shops: comparison.

Chengdu is much better for shopping in general. Chengdu's Best Shopping Streets combine shopping, food, and entertainment for tourists in a more enjoyable way for middle-budget and luxury shopping.

Chongqing's best shopping is in Jiefangbei around the Chongqing Liberation Monument . Luxury malls are in the basements of the tallest skyscrapers, and you find numerous department stores and malls.

Luxury Mall Comparison: Chengdu Wins Again

The New Century Global Centre can be called the biggest mall in the world because it is the world's largest building in terms of floor space. For many people, seeing the water park inside and the vast size of it is worth a visit. In general, though, the prices and selection are not as good as in Chengdu's other shopping areas. It has ritzy stores and is one of the places in Chengdu for luxury shopping.

The most luxurious shopping malls are downtown. The IFS Mall is reminiscent of Hong Kong shopping malls with the best luxury brands, but due to China's high luxury and import taxes, it isn't a place to go for value shopping. It has a rooftop garden and dining area.

The ritzy factor: Shoppers looking for high fashion and costly luxury can find it in Chengdu's best malls. But be aware that the prices for the same items will be less outside China. As explained below, prices for the same prices are generally less in Chengdu than Chongqing.

Conclusion: The winner for shopping is Chengdu.

Comparative prices: chengdu and chongqing.

How do the two cities stack up on prices?

Meals: Expect that it costs less for the same quality meal in Chengdu.

Hotels: Staying at Chengdu hotels costs a little more in general.

Shopping: Chengdu' prices are usually a little less than Chongqing's.

In general, you'll get more for the same amount of money in Chengdu.

Chengdu vs Chongqing: Which Has Better Weather and Climate?

Both cities are lowlands surrounded by mountains, and they have similar weather. Chongqing is in the Yangtze River valley, and Chengdu is in a big lowland basin. Chongqing has colder winters than Chengdu and hotter summers. In December, weather dips to freezing at night in both cities. When it gets cold, air pollution significantly increases in both cities as well.

Chengdu Weather

The best periods to visit Chengdu are from March to June, and September to November. There is substantial rainfall during the rainy season (July and August).

Chengdu has a foggy, relatively mild, basin climate. The pollution seems worse due to the humidity and fog, and it is worse in the cold late fall and winter months. However many describe the climate of Chengdu as "pleasant" when compared to the harshness of the surrounding mountain areas you might visit such as Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei . See more on Chengdu Weather .

Chongqing Weather

On the other hand, Chongqing's weather is more extreme. It is one of the "three furnaces" of the Yangtze River Delta . The other two are Wuhan and Nanjing. In the summers, the rain, humidity, and high temperatures combine to make the city uncomfortable. It is also a foggy city. Late fall to early spring is the fog season. Travel during the winter is probably too cold and bleak.

So when it is less rainy in April, September, and October, it is probably the best time to visit. For a river cruise, perhaps coming in the summer and fall is the best so that you can bask in the sun. See our Chongqing Tour Packages and choose your time of travel. See more on Chongqing Weather .

Winner for better weather: Chengdu

Basically, Chengdu's weather is better. Chongqing's hot August days average about 34 °C (93 °F), and Chengdu's August highs are a more pleasant 30 °C (86 °F). If you are visiting China during summer, then Chengdu has a better climate.

If your proposed vacation is in winter, Chengdu wins over Chongqing by having more pleasant winter weather too. In Chengdu, the highs in January average about 10 °C (50 °F), and the lows in both cities are generally just above freezing. Chengdu stays dry and hazy, but Chongqing is often cloudy, and it snows or rains often.

Pollution: Be aware that both cities are considered polluted, but the air quality has improved in both cities in the last decade. Chengdu's air quality in 2018 was about the same overall as Beijing's. It is significantly more smoggy than Chongqing. Chengdu is more smoggy than Chongqing in the winter when the AQI reaches 85, but in June, it drops to about 25, about the same as that of Chongqing. So to avoid the pollution, avoid the cold late fall and winter months when the pollution is much greater.

Chengdu vs Chongqing: Nature, Parks, Forests, Mountains

The mountain areas to the north of Chengdu offer breathtaking natural scenery. Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong National Park are well-known for their clean lakes, waterfalls, colorful ponds, snowcapped mountains, and gorges.

The Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou travel route is one of China's most scenic itineraries. However, this trip takes 8 or more hours and generally requires an overnight stay in the mountains. Some might enjoy that.

In a big contrast to Chengdu's nearby mountains, from Chongqing, you can go to large caves and amazing limestone formations and arches at Wulong. It is only about an hour and a half away by private vehicle. Our guides can get you there during a fine day tour and back for dinner in the evening.

Winner for nature and outdoors: Chengdu! Though Chongqing has the Three Gorges Lake, Chengdu is closer to western China's most famed national parks.

Chengdu vs Chongqing: Visa Policies & Transport

Airport comparison.

Chengdu airport: For ease of access internationally, Chengdu's airport is much easier to reach. It is China's 4th busiest airport, and flights to/from Chengdu are easy to schedule. The airport is also set up comfortably. It is quite big, but it is easier to find your way around inside compared to many large airports of its size.

It is easy to travel to Chengdu from the main cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, and Hong Kong.

Chengdu is an international transport hub for the western region including Chongqing. It has many more international flights than Chongqing's airport that is more of a domestic airport. You can use it for your excursion tours to Leshan, Emei Mountain and Jiuzhaigou from overseas.

Chongqing airport: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is a fine airport as well. It is an award-winning airport in the smaller airport category. It has numerous domestic connections, and you can also travel to it from abroad.

• Chongqing Transportation - Flights, Trains, Buses, and City Transport

High-Speed Trains

High-speed trains are the preferred method to travel domestically for moderate distances. Both cities now have a high-speed train service, and you can reach them from numerous other cities. You can go from Shanghai to Chongqing in 10 and a half hours and Shanghai to Chengdu in 11 hours. Guilin to Chongqing takes about 5 hours, and Guilin to Chengdu takes about 6 hours. Chengdu to Mount Emei can take only about an hour.

Chengdu is a Gateway to Tibetan Regions

Chengdu is on the east side of Tibet Plateau. There are many ways to get to Tibetan areas from Chengdu: by flight, train, or car. Chengdu is the most surefire way to get into Tibet (especially for flights with more routes than anywhere else).

Once you step foot in Chengdu, you have already started your journey into the mysterious Tibetan world. Just a short bus ride out of Chengdu will take you to many villages that are mostly inhabited by Tibetan people.

• Visa policies: Chengdu and Chongqing now both have a 6-day visa-free transit policy, and travelers who have flight tickets to a third country/region can stay for 144 hours. Read more about China's  144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies .
• Taxi costs: Flag price for taxis in Chongqing are 10 yuan for the first two kilometers, and for Chengdu, it is about 12 yuan for the first 2 kilometers.
• Airport transportation to the city center: Chengdu's airport is only about 16 kilometers or 10 miles from the city center, and it is connected directly by both high-speed train and by subway. Chongqing's airport is further away. It is 21 kilometers or 13 miles away. See details below.
• Subway: Chongqing is divided by valleys and mountains, and building the metro system has been difficult, but the system is fast and efficient. At present, there are 9 operating lines. Chengdu is flat, and it has 6 lines in operation.

Airport trains: From the Chengdu airport, high-speed trains go the distance to the South Railway Station in 11 minutes and to the East Railway Station in about 17 minutes. From the airport, fast trains also go to Leshan, Emeishan, Meishan East, Qingshen, Deyang, and Mianyang. From Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you can also take line 10 of the metro to the city center for only 4 RMB.

From the Chongqing airport, lines 3 and 10 run into Chongqing.

Winner for transportation: Chengdu

The inner-city transportation situation is easier in Chengdu because of the flat geography, and the regional train and regional bus transportation are equivalent. But Chengdu has the better international airport , and the airport transit to the city is better also. Being able to take a bullet train to common tourist destinations such as Leshan, Mount Emei, and Dujiangyan is a big plus. Chengdu is also useful for going to Tibet and the highlands. So overall Chengdu has better transportation for tourists.

Chengdu vs Chongqing in Conclusion

1. If you want to go to cruise the Yangtze, visit Wulong, enjoy the Sichuan food, and tour the inner city of Chongqing, then three days would be sufficient. Chongqing's 144-hour visa-free policy permits that.

2. If you are more interested in a richer, more diverse experience of history, better shopping, nature, and dining, you might budget four days or five days for the Chengdu region.  Chengdu's 144-hour visa-free policy permits that.

3. In general, though, Chengdu beats Chongqing in most of the points considered on this list except Yangtze cruises and city skylines/scenery, and prices are generally less in Chengdu.

4. An option to consider is to book a private tour to maximize your precious time, and we can arrange a trip to both cities!

Enjoy Chongqing's and/or Chengdu's Highlights with Us

Dumplings, wontons, Sichuan hotpot and hundreds of other dishes you maybe never heard of are waiting for you to try them. So are fine Sichuan restaurants where we can introduce you to your favorite meals as you tour these city areas. We suggest the One-Day Chengdu Food Tour for ideas about food.

If you are planning a trip to Chengdu and/or Chongqing, we can combine going to your favorite kind of restaurants for meals with our recommended regional tours such as:

• 2-Day Panda Keeper and Chengdu Highlights Tour : A classic panda and Chengdu tour.
• 6-Day Essence of Chongqing and Yangtze Cruise Tour : 6-Day Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Dazu Grottoes, and Yangtze Cruise Tour
• 12-Day A Broad Taste of China Tour : We'll take you across China from Beijing to Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong. You'll see the highlights in each region and dine on the best of each regional cuisine.
• 2-Week Private China Tour: Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai
• 12-Day China Silk Road Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

• High Speed Trains
• A Beginner's Guide
• Train Ticket Types
• International Tickets
• How to Buy Tickets
• How to Take Trains
• Railway Map
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Beijing - Xi'an
• Hong Kong - Guangzhou
• Hong Kong - Shenzhen
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Suzhou
• Shanghai - Xi'an
• Guangzhou - Shenzhen

Chongqing to Chengdu Train

Up to now, there are more than 60 high speed trains and about 4 normal speed trains being operated to serve passengers for the purpose of traveling from Chongqing to Chengdu.

These trains are running along this rail line between the two cities to finish the distance of 320 kilometers (200 miles).

A single trip requires around 1 - 2.5 hours by high speed train and about 3 - 3.5 hours by normal speed train. The ticket fare of a second class seat on a high speed train is around CNY 150-160 and that of a hard sleeper is CNY 100.5 on a non-bullet train.  

Chongqing to Chengdu Train Tickets Booking 

High-Speed Trains from Chengdu to Chongqing: Distance, Timetables, and Tickets

• How to Buy a Chinese Train Ticket
• Baggage Allowance & Consignment
• Food & Beverages on Trains
• How To Use E-ticket to Board
• How to Read a Chinese Train Ticket
• How to Board Trains in China
• How to Collect the Online Booking Ticket
• No Direct China Trains? These 3 Solutions Can Help You Out!
• How to Transfer to Another Train Quickly
• China Spring Festival Travel Rush 2019
• China High-Speed Trains
• China Normal-Speed Trains
• China High-Speed Rail Guide
• Hong Kong - Mainland China High-Speed Trains
• Hong Kong - Mainland China Normal-Speed Trains
• Hong Kong - Guangzhou High/Normal-Speed Trains
• Kunming - Dali High-Speed Trains
• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
• Beijing South Railway Station
• Guangzhou South Railway Station
• Guilin North Railway Station
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Hangzhou East Railway Station
• Lhasa Railway Station
• Xi'an North Railway Station
• Zhangjiajie Railway Station
• Changsha South Railway Station

City View of Chongqing

The journey from Chengdu to Chongqing takes about 1 - 3.5 hours on a high speed train.

At a distance of 504 kilometers (313 miles), there are more than 80 bullet trains operating from Chengdu to Chongqing daily.

All the trains are from Chengdu East (Dong) Railway Station . Thirty-four trains are arriving at Chongqing North (Bei) Railway Station , thirty-seven are at Chongqing West (Xi) Railway Station , and thirteen are at Shapingba Railway Station .

I will explain to you which train station should be chose as your arrival station as below.

High-Speed Train Timetable for Chengdu to Chongqing

There are 3 types of bullet trains are operating between Chengdu and Chongqing, including G-train, D-train and C-train. C-train has the slowest speed.

The fastest train from Chengdu to Chongqing is train G8549 , taking only 1 hours 13 minutes to travel from Chengdu East (Dong) Railway Station to Shapingba Railway Station.

Please check the timetable below.

To book your train tickets, please download China Train Booking app .

Train Ticket Price for Chengdu to Chongqing

Trains that arrive at Chongqing North (Bei) Railway Station, Chongqing West (Xi) Railway Station, and Shapingba Railway Station have slightly different price. Ticket to Shapingba Railway Station cost less.

Maps of Your Departure and Arrival Railway Station

Chengdu east (dong) railway station.

Chengdu East Railway Station

Chengdu East Railway Station is one of the six biggest transportation hubs in China. It is also the terminus of Shanghai–Wuhan–Chengdu, Chengdu–Chongqing, Xi’an–Chengdu, and Chengdu–Guiyang high-speed lines.

• Chinese name : 成都东火车站站
• Address : Qingyijiang Road, Chenghua District (成都市成华区青衣江路)
• Transportation : Bus, taxi, subway line 2 & 7
• Nearby hotels : The Longemont Chengdu, Rezen Select Chengdu Jiuyanqiao, Hampton by Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
• E-ticket : support to use e-ticket

Check the online map >>>

Chongqing North (Bei) Railway Station

Chongqing Bei Railway Station

Chongqing North (Bei) Railway Station has two squares, north square and south square. The south square is under renovation and won’t be open until 2021.

If you take a taxi or a subway to Chongqing North (Bei) Railway Station, please make sure you take off at the north square.

• Chinese name: 重庆北站
• Address: No.51 Kunlun Road, Yubei Area, Chongqing (重庆市渝北区昆仑大道51号附8号)
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, high-speed fast line , Chongqing Rail Transit Loop Line
• Nearby hotels: Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Huayu Chongqing, REN'AN CAMELLIA HOTEL

Chongqing West (Xi) Railway Station

Chongqing Xi Railway Station

Chongqing West (Xi) Railway Station is a largest new station in the city. It’s suggested to arrive at the station 1.5h earlier before departure time to look for your check-in gate.

• Chinese name : 重庆西站
• Address: No.168, Fengzhong Road, Shapingba area, Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区凤中路168号)
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, high-speed fast line
• Nearby hotels: Sport Hotel (Chongqing West Railway Station), Banshanziyu Hotel (Chongqing Shapingba West Railway Station)
• E-ticket: support to use e-ticket

Shapingba Railway Station

Shapingba Railway Station is a small station that only serves 10,000 passengers on average daily.

• Chinese name: 沙坪坝站
• Address: No.19, Tianchen Road, Yuebeilu Street, Shapingba Area, Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区渝碚路街道天陈路19号)
• Transportation: Bus, taxi, Chongqing Rail Transit Loop Line
• Nearby hotels: Grand Metropark Liyuan Hotel, Chongqing Grand Hotel, Days Hotel By Wyndham Chongqing Keyuan

Book Your Chengdu - Chongqing Train Tickets Online

You are recommended to use our website to book your tickets. Or you can download China Train Booking app below:

Get your free trial now:

• Download on Apple Store
• Download on GooglePlay
• Download Android version

Further reading:

• 3 High Speed Train Types and 6 Seat Types in China
• China High-Speed Train/Rail Guide
• Baggage Rules of China Rail

Cookie Policy

We would like to use cookies that enable us to analyze the use of our website. If you agree to this please click “Accept all”. For more detailed information on what cookies are and how they work, please see our Cookie Policy .

Search, Buy, and Track Your Tickets! Download the App Now >

Please Be Patient and Wait While We Are Searching Real Time Schedule For You

Chengdu to Chongqing Train Timetable & Ticketing

0 trains are available from Chengdu to Chongqing on the date specified.

Trains with black icons are regular-speed trains and trains with red icons are high speed bullet trains. In the TICKETS AVAILABLE column, the number 21 is used to indicate that the train has plenty tickets to sell and the actually remaining number of tickets can be equal to or greater than 21.

Train tickets in China are usually sold maximum 30 days in advance and you can contact us to book tickets.

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Cheap flights from Chengdu to Chongqing

Good to know, popular airports near chengdu.

• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) Chengdu 30 min 11 km
• Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU) Chengdu 1 hr 17 min 47 km
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) Chongqing 3 hr 25 min 264 km
• Mianyang Nanjiao Airport (MIG) Mianyang 1 hr 56 min 114 km

Popular airports near Chongqing

• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) Chongqing 29 min 19 km
• Chengdu Tianfu International (TFU) Chengdu 3 hr 4 min 218 km
• Luzhou YUNLONG (LZO) Luzhou 2 hr 12 min 120 km
• Dazhou Jinya Airport (DZH) Dazhou 2 hr 43 min 185 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Chengdu to Chongqing

Search more flights, more places to fly.

Train from Chengdu to Chongqing

Chengdu east to chongqing west train journey information, chengdu to chongqing train times.

Today 22:21, Tue, Apr 30

Chengdu East

Chongqing West

Chongqing North

Chengdu South

View Later Trains

How much does a train ticket from Chengdu East to Chongqing West cost?

Train fares from   us$13.33.

The price for train tickets from Chengdu East to Chongqing West starts at around US$13.33. Train ticket prices tend to vary based on a few factors, such as the type of the train, the seat class. We recommend using Trip.com to find cheap train tickets for your next journey and booking online in advance.

Train fares from

How much does a high-speed rail ticket from Chengdu East to Chongqing West cost?

High-speed rail fares from   us$13.33.

The price for a high-speed rail ticket from Chengdu East to Chongqing West is US$13.33.

High-speed rail fares from

Is there business class on trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing West?

Business class   not available.

Yes, there is business class on trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing West, but not many seats are available. We recommend booking your ticket in advance on Trip.com.

Business class

Not available

What is the shortest duration for trains from chengdu east to chongqing west, shortest duration   1h 10m.

The shortest train ride from Chengdu East to Chongqing West takes around 1h 10m.

Shortest duration

Is there a direct train from Chengdu East to Chongqing West?

Direct   direct.

Yes, there are trains that go directly from Chengdu East to Chongqing West with no transfers required.

How many trains travel from Chengdu East to Chongqing West per day?

Trains per day   around 10.

On average, around 10 trains travel from Chengdu East to Chongqing West per day between the times of 13:56 and 19:08.

Trains per day

What train stations can be found in Chengdu East and Chongqing West?

No. of train stations   around 10.

Train station(s) in Chengdu East: Chengdu East,Chengdu South. Train station(s) in Chongqing West: Chongqing West,Shapingba,Chongqing North.

No. of Train Stations

Are there sleeper trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing West?

Sleeper trains   not available.

Yes, there are sleeper trains from Chengdu East to Chengdu East. The duration is around Chengdu East hours.

Sleeper trains

Trusted Online Travel Leader

400 million members & 30 million authentic reviews

Service You Can Trust

One-stop multilingual service & hassle-free travel

Easy Cancellations & Changes

Change or cancel your booking in just one step

You might also be interested in...

Popular recommendations, trending searches, selected destinations.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Trip.com Rewards
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

Chengdu-Chongqing: new highlight of opening up in western China

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2024-04-24 22:16:15

CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, and neighboring Chongqing Municipality, both located in southwestern China, are emerging as dynamic regions leading the way in further opening up and development in the country's western regions.

Latest customs data shows that, in the first two months of this year, the combined foreign trade of Chongqing and Sichuan reached 259.13 billion yuan (about 36.5 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.2 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Since the implementation of the development plan for the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone in 2021, the customs departments of the two cities have closely cooperated to help build a highland for reform and opening up in the inland region of China. According to the Chongqing Customs, these efforts have taken effect and accelerated the development of the economic zone.

The recovery of imports and exports is a microcosm of the Chengdu-Chongqing region's coordinated efforts to expand comprehensive and high-level opening up in all aspects.

With a population of over 98 million, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone is another important regional development strategy in China. It follows similar initiatives in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Renowned Chinese poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) once wrote a poem titled Shu Dao Nan, depicting the region's poor transportation. It described how dangerously high and steep the way to Shu (Sichuan Basin) was and more difficult than ascending the blue sky.

However, the hinterland has now been transformed from a once remote and isolated inland area to a crucial locality along the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze Economic Belt, becoming a new highlight of opening up in western China.

In 2023, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone achieved a regional GDP of nearly 8.2 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.1 percent year on year.

In terms of railway development, Chongqing and Chengdu were among the first cities in China to offer China-Europe freight train services. As a significant step in constructing the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, the two cities have cooperated since 2021 to improve the China-Europe freight train service.

In January and February, Chengdu and Chongqing handled over 650 China-Europe freight trains, transporting more than 70,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo.

The China-Europe freight train services handled by the two cities currently reach 110 cities in Europe and Asia. The range of goods transported has expanded from laptops to over ten thousand types of commodities, including vehicles and parts, communications and mechanical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

To facilitate the development of the new land-sea transit routes for the western region, Chongqing and Chengdu have been making joint efforts and playing important roles as a logistics and operation organization center and an important national commercial and trade logistics center, respectively.

Chongqing Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited used to import raw materials from Southeast Asia. It had long been troubled by the lengthy cycle of river-sea transportation. Thanks to the new land-sea transit routes, the company's logistics challenges have been effectively addressed.

"The routes improve the efficiency of the supply chain, reducing transportation time by about 15 days. This has shortened the company's production cycle, significantly increased output, and improved efficiency," said Huang Zhicong, the company's general manager.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of specialty products from western Chinese regions, such as herbs from Gansu Province, nuts from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, wolfberry and red wine from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and tea from Guizhou Province, can now reach the world via the routes, with some becoming new growth points for local foreign trade.

In addition, the two localities are working together to promote the construction of a world-class airport cluster, which will accelerate the opening of more international passenger and cargo air routes.

On Tuesday, a themed meeting was convened in Chongqing, emphasizing the vigorous promotion of the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone as a key task to enhance the development of China's western region.

Today, an increasing number of foreign enterprises have identified the great potential of the western regions and have been attracted to settle down there.

Data shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sichuan and Chongqing accounts for about 50 percent of the total FDI in western China.

In 2023, Chongqing established 321 new foreign-invested enterprises, an increase of 30.49 percent year on year, while the actual foreign investment in Sichuan rose to 24.52 billion yuan.

Last month, the multinational enterprise Danaher, specializing in life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chongqing Liangjiang New Area to jointly establish an innovation center.

"We look forward to the construction of the innovation center, building it into a high-level precision medicine and integrated platform for biopharmaceutical innovation in the Chengdu-Chongqing region," said Peng Yang, global vice president of Danaher and president of Danaher China.

Suez Group, a global expert in the water and waste sectors, has invested over 4 billion yuan in Chongqing. It regards China's carbon-neutrality pledge as a great opportunity for the company's development in the country.

The Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone is one of the main engines of China's future economic growth. The group is very optimistic about the growth prospects of this region, said Sabrina Soussan, chairwoman and CEO of Suez Group.  ■

You may like

To read or to listen? More Chinese embracing audiobooks in age of AI

Third edition of Kung Fu Wushu tournament held in Kenya

Luoyang explores culture related to peony flowers

Massive flooding hits China's Guangdong

Miao's folk Valentine's festival celebrated in China's Guizhou

Ancient book restorers bring broken old books "back to life" in Jilin

More from globalink.

GLOBALink | China to launch Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship

GLOBALink | Schneider says Chinese market remains important

GLOBALink | Chinese-made tunnel-boring machine to facilitate Italian railway project

Follow us on.

Chinese Tourists Fuel Travel Bookings Far and Wide During 2024 May Golden Week

• Skip to content
• Company News
• Businesses & Investments
• All Stories
• Retail & E-Commerce
• Emerging Tech
• Sustainability
• Sports & Entertainment
• Philanthropy & Entrepreneurship
• Trending Topics
• Special Reports

Support Turkey Earthquake Emergency Relief

• Outbound travel bookings during the five-day holiday jump 100% YoY: Fliggy data
• Chinese tourists search for localized and authentic experiences at home and abroad

Chinese tourists pose in a field of canola flowers. Photo credit: Getty Images

Chinese tourists are taking to the road and air this week in droves for the five-day May Golden Week holiday, data from Alibaba Group’s travel platform Fliggy and navigation app Amap reveals.

The vacation period, which starts on China’s Labor Day on 1 May, will see millions of people across the country travel near and far to explore and relax with friends and family.

Outbound travel bookings during the holiday in 2024 doubled year-on-year, according to Fliggy , with cruises, car rentals and independent travel plans driving demand. 

Regional tourism stalwarts like Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Australia accounted for a large portion of outbound bookings, but destinations as far afield as Brazil and Turkey also registered an uptick in interest.

Likewise, domestic travel over the upcoming May Golden Week looks set to smash pre-pandemic records as Chinese tourists explore folk culture across the country.

Stay updated on the digital economy by signing up for our free weekly newsletter

Bookings for tours in China doubled compared with the same period in 2019, according to Fliggy, as domestic tourists plan to visit popular destinations, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan.

Car rentals have also surged five-fold on the platform for the holiday period. Amap predicts traffic peaks on the morning of 1 May and the afternoon of 5 May as travelers depart and return from their adventures.

Go ing Further for Less

Overseas travel is becoming more affordable, making it easier for Chinese travelers to expand their horizons. 

The average price per person for international air tickets dropped by 19% year-on-year for flights during the May Day holiday period, according to Fliggy.

“Air tickets are much cheaper than last year, and there is a wider choice of overseas travel destinations,” said a Beijing-based Fliggy user surnamed Wang, who plans to travel with her family during the upcoming holiday.

Travel by boat is also making waves among Chinese consumers, the platform’s booking data shows. 

The number of outbound cruise packages booked through Fliggy during the upcoming holiday has increased by more than 16 times year-on-year.

Chinese Tourism Over New Year 2024 Takes Off As Prices Drop: Fliggy Report  

Tailor-made travel.

Chinese tourists are increasingly taking to the road solo or in smaller groups to explore destinations at their leisure and immerse themselves in local culture, booking data shows.

Group outbound bookings have declined compared with last year, while independent travel continues to rise, according to Fliggy. The platform ranks first in the outbound independent travel sector with a market share of 39.4%, per market researcher Fastdata.

Within China, consumers’ growing preference for authentic local experiences, often accessed via rental car trips, has stoked interest in heritage tourism.

Many domestic tourists who visit historical sites such as Hangzhou’s UNESCO-listed West Lake or Chongqing’s ancient Shibati neighborhood enjoy dressing up in hanfu, clothing traditionally worn in past centuries by the Han.

Their dress may be old-fashioned, but these tourists will rely on Amap’s high-tech travel planning tools to beat an expected surge in crowds and traffic jams.

The platform predicts West Lake will be the most popular scenic spot for independent travelers during the May Golden Week and has shared alternate routes to avoid highway congestion.

Discover more stories from China’s tourism sector 

Never Miss a Story

Popular stories.

Alibaba’s Dingtalk Launches AI Agent Marketplace, Upgrades AI Assistant

Alibaba News Roundup: Alipay Sees Inbound Payment Surge; Hong Kong Consumers Score Festive Deals at Freshippo; Alibaba Cloud AI Assistant Helps Write Code

Tmall Focuses Resources on Brand Growth in Management Update

Alibaba News Roundup: Cainiao’s Hong Kong Logistics Centre Finishes Construction; Fliggy Expands Rural Tourism Initiative

Sign up for our newsletter.

Stay updated on the digital economy with our free weekly newsletter

• China Daily PDF
• China Daily E-paper
• Cross-Strait
• Cover Story
• Environment
• Chengdu horticultural expo celebrates friendship

The International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu, which kicked off on Friday in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, provides a platform for cities around the world to discuss the future of green development and enhance friendship.

The expo, scheduled to run until Oct 28, showcases a variety of plants and flowers from around the world, as well as gardening styles from 32 countries and regions on five continents.

At the expo, representatives of Chengdu's 19 sister cities and friendly cooperation cities from 18 countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Mozambique and Austria, have shared their experiences in green development and explored how cities around the world can cooperate in areas such as green development, trade and cultural exchanges.

They also celebrated the official opening of the Chengdu International Friendship Pavilion, a core building at the main venue of the expo. It covers an exhibition area of 2,000 square meters and features a permanent exhibition with the theme of international friendship.

Clare Hart, vice-mayor of Montpellier, France, said Chengdu is a city of parks, gardens, pandas and biodiversity, and she is proud that Chengdu, as Montpellier's sister city, is hosting such an exhibition.

Chengdu and Montpellier were the first sister cities from China and France. Montpellier has set up a park with the theme "wine and vine of friendship basking in the sun" at the main venue of the expo, echoing its more than 40 years of friendship with Chengdu.

Hart said this year is particularly significant for the two cities as it marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between France and China.

"So we have come over with all that we do the best, and we will be visiting all that Chengdu does best here," she said. "We look forward to working hand in hand with Chengdu to promote biodiversity and create a cleaner, greener and healthier living environment for our kids and grandkids."

Ernst Woller, first president of the provincial parliament of Vienna, Austria, described the expo as a great journey through the world, featuring many cultures and garden designs from around the globe.

He said the world still faces many problems and challenges, and it is very important for cities to work together and get to know each other.

"The Chengdu expo is a good example that cities should work together," he said.

Woller said he was pleased to have presented the Chengdu International Friendship Pavilion with an inauguration gift — a statue of Johann Strauss the younger, who was known as the "Waltz King". Vienna will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth next year.

Pietro Cannella, vice-mayor of Palermo, Italy, said the friendly exchanges between cities during the expo represent a great opportunity for development.

"We see that urban planning can be combined with ecological greening, which is also significant for promoting the concept of sustainable development in Sicily," he said.

Despite the geographical distance between the two cities, Cannella said he believed the cooperation between Chengdu and Palermo will become even closer, thanks to cooperation agreements between Chinese and Italian universities and the cultural and business ties the two countries are establishing.

Contact the writers at [email protected]

• China's Shenzhou XVII separates from space station combination
• Roads, trains and planes to be crowded during holiday
• Aging population forces rethink on family duties, healthcare
• Xi's Europe visit expected to bolster ties
• Auto leaders optimistic as Anhui emerges as industry hub

Text: A A A Print Ecns wire

New all-rail express freight train debuts in chengdu.

(ECNS) -- China's first all-rail express international freight train carrying LED monitors and NEV cars departed from Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province to Port Klang in Malaysia via China-Laos Railway and passing through Thailand on Tuesday.

The maiden trip will take five days to Thailand and eight days to Malaysia, shortening transportation time 50 percent compared to traditional sea routes.

The China-Laos-Thailand-Malaysia express freight rail helps facilitate direct transport of goods to southeast Asia, and reduce transportation costs, said Wang Weikun, deputy general manager of Chengdu International Railway Service Co., LTD.

The freight train will further promote completion of the central corridor of the trans-Asian railway network and construction of a cross-border trade system between China and Southeast Asian countries.

Chengdu's international train services have reached 112 cities with four newly added stops in Mendeleyevsk in Russia and Port Klang in Malaysia this year, establishing an international land-sea freight distributions system.

These all-rail express routes will meet the increased cross-border logistics and international transit demands between China's western region and ASEAN countries.

First batch of images captured by China's Einstein Probe satellite released

Traditional Yingge folk dance staged in Hong Kong

Azalea flowers bloom in mist-shrouded mountain in C China

In Numbers: China's online literature users exceed 500 million

China's Shenzhou-17 astronauts to return to earth on April 30

Zangke River bridge successfully connected in Guizhou

Themed show showcases costumes unearthed from archaeological sites in Beijing

138-year-old pear tree in full blossom in NE China

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe ready to launch

International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu opens to visitors

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge receives over 10 mln vehicles

Olympic flame handover ceremony marks transition from Greece to Paris 2024

World's first cable-stayed bridge in alpine canyon landscape

China successfully launches Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship

Four swivel bridges rotate into place in Sichuan

Blooming flowers decorate Sayram Lake in Xinjiang

Chinese FM spokesperson refutes western accusation of 'overcapacity'

China's Shenzhou-18 crew members meet press

Zhongguancun Forum to kick off in Beijing

Wisteria flowers enter best viewing season in Beijing

Xi calls on Chongqing to write its chapter in Chinese modernization

China unveils Shenzhou-18 crew for space station mission

China Space Day: Exploring China's Romanticism in Space

China in Diplomat's Eyes: Vibrant Xi'an city in antiquity and modernity

Space Day of China celebrated with exhibitions

Lhasa welcomes peak tourism season

Second phase of the 135th Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou

In Numbers: Reading in the digital age

Qingdao illuminated in celebration of 75th founding anniversary of Chinese PLA navy

Preview of International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu

Rongshan Yangtze River Bridge connected in Sichuan

Chinese PLA navy celebrates 75th founding anniversary

China's first deep-sea multi-functional vessel launched in S China

Light show staged to mark 9th Space Day of China in Wuhan

Pearl River basin in S China braces for flood

Cradle of civilization: The Cangjie Temple

Most popular in 24h, more top news.

• China Southern orders 100 C919 aircraft
• China Coast Guard drives two Philippine vessels off illegally entered waters
• 20th CPC Central Committee to hold 3rd plenary session in July
• Girl in photo held by unknown martyr could be identified
• China-developed human-like dexterous robot hands win top international awards

Closer militarily between U.S. and Taiwan will eventually backfire: spokesperson

Traditional horse race held at 'Third Month Fair' in Yunnan

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

Notice! 2024 available cruise routes include 4~5 days Chongqing-Yichang(most classic) and 11~12 days Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai(limited).

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Make Payment in China
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations

Baggage Allowance

• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide

Chongqing to Chengdu Train, Chongqing to Chengdu Bullet Train

Chengdu Chongqing High Speed Train News: New Fuxing Trains have been firstly introduced on Chengdu-Chongqing High Speed Railway from today. With a flying speed of 350 km/h, it takes just 1 hour to get from Chengdu to Chongqing, around 1 hour shorter than before. Besides, travels can also enjoy special mute carriages, more beautiful look, more spacious seats, more comfortable environment on board. Monthly ticket is also issued for travelers with frequent needs. - Updated on December 24, 2020.

Though known as a mountain city that seems hard to build rails, Chongqing is a vital communication hub of southwest China. Due to its special geological features, the rails for High Speed Trains mostly built above bridges or inside the mountains. Along the High Speed Train trip travels from Chongqing to Chengdu, you can have a fantastic mountain, bridge, and river view , making you a wonderful feeling of what life is like for the Chinese living outside of the city center.

Totally, there are 82 trains that travel from Chongqing to Chengdu every day, including 8 normal trains (K, Z, T trains) and 74 High Speed Trains (G, D trains) . Among the High Speed Trains, most of the G trains (not all) are about half an hour faster than D trains.

Popular Chengdu Chongqing Train Tours:

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Panda Tour by High Speed Train

• Departure / Train Staiton
• Seat Type / USD Price / Availability

Note: Train information is subject to final confirmation due to the delay of data occasionally.

Chongqing Chengdu High Speed Train Route

Traveling from Chongqing to Chengdu is quite an easy thing. With a total length of 319km, the whole Chongqing Chengdu High Speed Train Journey only takes about 2 hours. You can easily find your perfect meet trains for there are more than 70 High Speed Trains for you to choose from every day. The trains can depart from Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站), Chongqing North Railway Station(重庆北站) and Shapingba Railway Station(重庆沙坪坝火车站). Among the High Speed Trains, about 8 of them make stopover at Dazu South Railway Station (大足南站), from where you can get to Dazu Rock Carvings if you are interested in.

Chengdu Chongqing High Speed Rail Map

Chongqing West Railway Station

Location: No.168, Fengzhong Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区凤中路168号-重庆西站)

The newly-built Chongqing West Railway Station is about 17.9km from the famous tourist site Jiefangbei (解放碑), and 20.5km from the Chaotianmen Port (朝天门码头). There are also sightseeing buses traveling from Chongqing West Railway Station to Ciqikou (重庆磁器口古镇). Learn more about Chongqing West Railway Station>

About 30 High Speed Trains depart from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chengdu every day. The first Train departs at 7:40, while the last train departs at 21:17.

Chongqing North Railway Station

Location: No.51, Kunlun Road, Yubei District, Chongqing (重庆市渝北区昆仑大道51号-重庆北站)

Due to its complex arrangement of North Square and South Square, Chongqing North Railway Station is almost consisted of two train stations. The South part of it is available for the normal trains (K, T, Z trains), while High Speed Trains (G & D trains) can only be found at the North part. Learn more about Chongqing North Railway Station>

About 34 High Speed High Speed Trains depart from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chengdu every day. The first Train departs at 7:58, while the last train departs at 21:07.

Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station

Location: No.200, Beizhandong Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区北站东路200号-重庆沙坪坝火车站)

Though Shapingba Railway Station is the smallest railway station in Chongqing, it has meet every basic meet of using, including baby care room, barrier-free washroom, self-helping water dispenser and express buses to airport directly. Learn more about Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station>

About 10 High Speed High Speed Trains (all G Trains) depart from Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station to Chengdu every day. The first Train departs at 10:00, while the last train departs at 20:16.

Chengdu East Railway Station

Location: No.4, Qingyijiang Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan (四川省成都市成华区青衣江路4号-成都东站)

Chengdu East Railway Station is the most frequently used High Speed Train station in Sichuan. Unlike the mountain city Chongqing, Chengdu is definitely a “plain city”. Thus, it is much easier for you to travel around the city. Traveling by metro after arrived at the Chengdu East Railway Station is the best recommended way for you. Check more about Chengdu East Railway Station>

About 10 High Speed High Speed Trains depart from Chongqing West Railway Station to Chengdu every day. The first Train departs at 10:00, while the last train departs at 20:16.

Chengdu Railway Station

Location: No.1 Zhandong Road, Jinniu District, Northern Chengdu (成都市金牛区站东路1号-成都站)

Do not be confused by Chengdu Railway Station and “Huochebeizhan”, they are the same train station. For the locals, they prefer to describe Chengdu Railway Station as “Huochebeizhan”. However, Chengdu Railway Station and Chengdu North Railway Station are not the same station though Bei means North in English. Check more about Chengdu Railway Station>

About 10 High Speed High Speed Trains arrived at Chengdu Railway Station from Chongqing every day. The first Train arrived at 10:00, while the last train departs at 20:16.

High Speed Train Tips

Class of Ticket

Usually, there are three kinds of tickets are provided on high speed trains, Business Class Seat , First Class Seat and Second Class Seat . Second Class Seat is the most budget level you will share a row space with other passengers. And the First Class of Seat is more comfortable and quiet for those who prefer a good rest on the way. If you would like to try the most luxury and superior train travel experience, the Business Class better than the business level on airplane will shock you beyond expectation. Check all types of seats on China high speed trian>

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or ask help from ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport . One thing you should remember is to book the ticket as early as possible, especially in peak tourist seasons. After collecting the tickets, please read carefully about the train number, departure date and station to make sure you won’t miss the train. If you want to cancel, alter your train tickets, you are required to bring your passport to the ticket counter and make the adjustments. Check details about How to Book, Collect, Alter, and Cancel Train Tickets>

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your documents well (valid passport with China Visa); 2) Get to the right train station in advance; 3) Collect train tickets; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. Keep the ticket well, because the ticket will be checked again to leave the station after you get off. Check details about How to Board & Disembark a Train>

China train travel with luggage is much easier than taking flight, for you don’t need to check luggage separately. Each passenger with a train ticket is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. Though there are written regulation and rules about the luggage allowance, in practice, passengers can take as much luggage as you can if only you handled them properly. Check detailed Baggage Allowance & Policy to Take China Train>

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service to make your journey more convenient and comfortable. There are different places you can put your luggage onboard, racks and specialized luggage storage areas. Besides, the air-conditioner train offers you plug under the seats to charge your phone or laptop, sightseeing window to view the outside scenery as well as western-style toilets. There is also available dining area you can get some supplies. Bilingual signs and the broadcast use both Chinese and English so that you don’t need to worry about the communication. Check All Facilities & Service on China Train>

How to Plan a Chongqing Chengdu Trip

If you just want to travel within Chongqing and Chengdu city, 3 days will be sufficient. You can spend one day in Chongqing going to the leisure and food heaven Hongya Cave , taking a light rail that goes through a 11-storey block of flats, visiting Three Gorges Museum , and traveling up to E’ling Park to embrace the impressive panorama of Chongqing City. On the next day, take a high speed train to Chengdu. Then meet the cute pandas in Chengdu Panda Base . Then see some exquisite Buddhist architecture in Wenshu Temple , have a cup of tea in Renmin Park and try some local snacks in Jinli Old Street .

★ Recommended Chengdu Chongqing Tour:

√ 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Panda Tour by High Speed Train

If you plan to spend more days travelling, you can add a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Chongqing or travel to Leshan , Emeishan from Chengdu. Or you can expand your trip to Beijing - capital of China, Shanghai - modern metropolis, Xian - time-honored ancient capital, Zhangjiajie - Avatar World to have a deeper understanding of China.

★ Recommended Tours including Chengdu & Chongqing:

√ 6 Days Chengdu Yangtze River Cruise Relaxing Trip

√ 8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour

If you have more questions about a Chengdu Chongqing trip, please feel free to contact us . We are specialized in customized tours according to your interests, budget, traveling time, etc. Just tell us your needs, and we will provided you with a satisfactory tour.

Extension Readings of High Speed Train Travel in China

• How to Read Your Train Tickets
• How to Collect Your Train Tickets
• Food & Drinks Onboard
• Toilets & Washrooms Onboard
• Most Useful Train Travel Tips & Advice
• Most Useful Chinese Phrases for Taking Trains
• Fuxing Trains
• Ultimate China Train Travel Guide
• Top 10 Advantages of Train Travel in China

Keep Reading of Chongqing & Chengdu

• Chengdu to Chongqing Train Schedule
• Best Chongqing Tours
• Best Chengdu Tours
• Chongqing Travel Guide
• Chengdu Travel Guide
• Top Things to Do in Chongqing
• Top Things to Do in Chengdu
• Chongqing Weather & Seasons
• Best Time to Visit Chengdu
• Chongqing Transportation
• Chengdu Transportation
• Chongqing Maps
• Chengdu Maps
• Hotels in Chongqing
• Hotels in Chengdu

Recommended High Speed Train Tours

Top 3 High Speed Train tours chosen by most customers to explore High Speed Train in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

8 Days Beauty Tour to Jiuzhaigou & Yangtze River

Chengdu / Huanglong / Jiuzhaigou / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang

13 Days China Leisure Tour with Yangtze Cruise & Train Experience

Beijing / Xian / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Panda Tour by High Speed Train

Chongqing / Chengdu

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts or guests

• Your Question:
• Your Email:
• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

China Tours

• Top 10 China Tours
• Classic China Tours
• China Tours from Beijing
• China Tours from Shanghai
• China Tours from Hong Kong
• China Tours from Chengdu
• Short China Trips
• Customize China Tour
• China Panda Tours
• Family Tour with Kids
• High-Speed Train Tour
• Silk Road Travel
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Hiking & Trekking Tours
• Photography Tours
• China Minority Travel
• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Tours
• Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
• Chengdu Lhasa Tours
• Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
• Guilin & Yangshuo
• Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .