Gay Chongqing Guide: LGBTQ+ Culture, Bars, Clubs & Hotels 🇨🇳

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Our TOP recommendations when heading to Chongqing include:

🏨 Hotel: Xuan Xuan and Chen Chen Apartments, Niccolo Chongqing, Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing

📌 Recommended Excursions: Cruise the Yangtze River, explore Hongya Cave, or visit the Dazu Rock Carvings.

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Intro to Gay Chongqing

Chongqing, China’s sprawling mountain, cyberpunk metropolis, is often overshadowed by its neighbor Chengdu when it comes to LGBTQ+ travel (Chengdu is often referred to as the gay capital of China). But don’t be fooled...Chongqing has a vibrant, if more underground, queer scene and is quickly becoming a favorite for adventurous LGBTQ+ travelers. Known for its dramatic skyline, endless staircases and escalators, spicy hotpot, and wild nightlife, Chongqing offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

While the city’s LGBTQ+ scene is definitely smaller than in Chengdu, it’s also more tight-knit. The main gay club, The Loop, is the heart of Chongqing’s queer nightlife, drawing locals and visitors alike for unforgettable nights out. Beyond the club, you’ll find welcoming cafés, surreal and scenic river walks, and a food culture that’s legendary across China.

Whether you’re here for the hotpot, the hot guys, or the hot springs, Chongqing is ready to surprise you.

Two men stand together on a stone terrace in gay Chongqing, their silhouettes framed by the dramatic, cloud-filled sky. Behind them, a striking cable-stayed bridge stretches over the river and the futuristic city skyline glows with vibrant neon lights, creating a cyberpunk atmosphere. — *Just two international gays trying to find the gay life in Chongqing!*

FAQ: Being Gay in Chongqing

What Is It Like To Be LGBTQ+ in Chongqing?

LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in Chongqing mirror much of urban China: homosexuality is legal, but there are no anti-discrimination laws or marriage equality. Social attitudes are conservative, but the city’s youthful energy and rapid growth have fostered a more open-minded environment, especially among younger generations.

Most queer locals are discreet in public but open within trusted circles. Media censorship and traditional values still shape daily life, but you’ll find Chongqing’s LGBTQ+ community to be resilient and welcoming. The city’s nightlife, especially at The Loop, is a safe space to connect and celebrate.

Rows of glowing red fans illuminate the wall behind a well-stocked bar counter in a stylish venue, subtly referencing gay Chongqing and reflecting the city's dynamic neon lights, bustling nightlife, and inclusive atmosphere. — *Scenes from inside Chongqing's largest gay club, The Loop.*

Is Chongqing safe for LGBTQ+ visitors?

Chongqing is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city’s massive size and cosmopolitan vibe mean you’re unlikely to encounter issues, especially in nightlife areas and tourist hotspots. As in most of China, public displays of affection are rare but not dangerous...just keep things low-key in public spaces. You'll probably face more danger with sheer crowds in certain tourist areas and potentially falling down stairs than for being LGBTQ+.

A man in a sleeveless shirt and cap stands near a fountain before tall, curved modern skyscrapers and a striking red abstract sculpture; neon reflections and electric hues create a vibrant cyberpunk city vibe. — *We felt absolutely safe in Chongqing!*

Can same-sex couples show public affection in Chongqing?

As in most of China, holding hands or subtle gestures are generally fine in nightlife areas or progressive cafés, but overt PDA (like kissing) may draw stares, mainly out of curiosity. Most local couples keep things discreet in public and save affection for private or queer-friendly spaces. We didn't really notice any PDA until we went to the club.

How should LGBTQ+ couples book accommodations?

Booking a single bed as a same-sex couple is rarely an issue in Chongqing. International hotels are especially welcoming, and local staff are used to travelers from all backgrounds. Use Trip.com for the best selection. This renovated apartment in particular was our favorite:

Is it safe to use gay dating apps in Chongqing?

Yes, but with the usual caveats. Blued is the most popular app among locals and works without a VPN (although it was blocked from the app store in Nov. 2025, it still works). Grindr and other international apps require a VPN (see our tips below). Always use common sense: meet in public, protect your privacy, and trust your instincts.

Tips as a Gay Traveler to Chongqing

Download a VPN before you arrive. Many Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Grindr) are blocked in China. A VPN is essential for keeping the communication flowing.
Use Blued for local connections. It’s the most popular gay dating app in China and works without a VPN.
Keep PDA low-key in public. Chongqing is relaxed, but discretion is still the norm.
Book hotels confidently. International chains are especially LGBTQ+ friendly.
Respect local discretion. Many locals are open within their circles but not publicly out.
Check out The Loop club. It’s the main gay club in Chongqing and the best place to meet locals.
Stay safe online and offline. Meet in public, don’t overshare, and trust your gut.
Don’t expect rainbow flags everywhere. The scene is there, but subtle.
Enjoy Chongqing’s wild energy. The city’s nightlife, food, and river views are unforgettable.
Ignore the stereotypes and preconceptions. Chongqing’s scene is diverse...come with an open mind and don't listen to the stereotypes locals make about the types of guys in each city.

People walk along a bustling city street at night in a cyberpunk city, illuminated by glowing neon signs and vibrant building lights. The lively scene, with its kaleidoscope of colors and energetic crowds, evokes the dynamic nightlife found in places like gay Chongqing—a testament to the city's thriving social culture.

Where to Stay in Chongqing

Chongqing is huge, so location matters! Here are the best neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ travelers:

Jiefangbei (解放碑): The city’s commercial heart, packed with shopping, dining, and nightlife. Stay here for easy access to The Loop club (just go across the river) and major attractions. This is where we stayed!
Hongya Cave (洪崖洞): Famous for its traditional architecture (resembling the architecture in Spirited Away) and riverside views, this area is lively at night and close to great food and bars. The only downside is it gets extremely crowded.
Nan’an District (南岸区): Across the river to the south, this area offers stunning skyline views and a more relaxed vibe, but is still close to the action.

If you want to be near Chongqing’s quaint gay nightlife, Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave is your best bet.

City skyline at night with brightly lit buildings mirrored in a river, neon signs glowing atop high-rises, and mountains silhouetted in the distance—a cyberpunk cityscape capturing the electric energy of urban nightlife reminiscent of gay Chongqing’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. — *Plus, in Jiefangbei, you are treated to views like this.*

The Most Gay-Friendly Hotels in Chongqing

Booking a single bed as a couple is not an issue in Chongqing. On top of it, a lot of the places are self check-in, so you won't even run into a single soul. For extra peace of mind, you can go with international chains or highly rated local hotels.

Where we stayed:

We stayed in an unassuming and almost run-down building in the south of Jiefangbei right on the river. When we got up to it, we had a moment where we were like "have we been scammed....?" However, once we entered the room, relief kicked in. It was perfect and so much fun. And for a little over €30 a night, it was a steal! The only downside was the elevator was slow AF, but damn, the interior and views across the river made up for it.

Check to see availability!

A person stands at a large window in a cozy hotel room, featuring a soft bed and round bathtub, gazing out across the river at Chongqing’s dazzling cyberpunk skyline. Neon lights and skyscrapers evoke the city’s vibrant energy.

A man lounges in a round green-tiled bathtub near a sunlit window, one leg propped up. The room’s red curtains and ornate patterned walls reflect the lively atmosphere of China’s queer culture; the scene hints at the bold, urban spirit found in places like gay Chongqing.

Here are a few other options:

Niccolo Chongqing: A luxury hotel with panoramic river views, stylish rooms, and a central location in Jiefangbei. Perfect for exploring the city’s nightlife and attractions.
Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing: Modern, comfortable, and close to Hongya Cave and the main shopping streets. Welcoming staff and great amenities.
Chongqing Tianci Hot Spring Resort: For something different, relax in natural hot springs just outside the city—ideal for unwinding after a night out.

Gay Chongqing Nightlife

Chongqing’s gay nightlife is centered around one main club: The Loop. While the scene is smaller than in Chengdu or Guangzhou, The Loop is legendary for its wild parties, friendly crowd, and late-night energy.

THE LOOP (Address: 渝中区民生路235号, Minsheng Road 235, Yuzhong District): The city’s main gay club, with a big dance floor, drag shows, and a mixed, welcoming crowd. Expect pop hits, K-pop, and local DJs. For us, the vibe was energetic but not intimidating...perfect for meeting locals and dancing until sunrise. Just note that there isn't much room (aside from the bouncy dance floor and next to the bar), unless you book a table in advanced, so maybe try to contact them via Instagram or their phone number a few days before coming. Entrance is 100 RMB, but includes two strong drinks.

POSE CLUB (Address: 重庆市江北区观音桥街道建新西路13号): The same owner as POSE CLUB in Chengdu, it has a similar vibe and we think it's easier to meet people than at LOOP! Inexpensive drinks, themed nights, and a social atmosphere. It is a bit further away from the center than THE LOOP, but nothing a DiDi taxi cannot handle!
Miguru Drag Queen Performance Collective: While these are a bit more infrequent, there is a drag queen collective/label holding events sporadically in different venues. Make sure to follow their Xiaohongshu or WeChat Public Account (search in the bar up top for Miguru咪咕噜) for more details on upcoming events.

There are also a handful of smaller bars and cafés with a queer-friendly vibe, but The Loop is the place to be for a true taste of Chongqing’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Revolucion is a staple around the big cities of China and is generally quite queer-friendly.

Two men take a selfie in a dimly lit space, the neon lights and bustling crowd around them showcasing the lively Chongqing nightlife; one man grins playfully while the other gives a soft smile, providing an authentic look into gay Chongqing and how China’s LGBTQ+ community finds joy and self-expression. — *Not the world's most telling photo, but here we are at LOOP!*

Chongqing Gay Nightlife Tips

The Loop gets busiest after midnight, so don’t show up too early!
Dress code is casual but stylish; express yourself.
The crowd is mixed and friendly, expect to meet both locals and expats.
Drinks are affordable, and there are often themed nights or drag shows.
For quieter nights, check out local cafés or riverside bars in Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave.

Chengdu's scene is even bigger than Chongqing's! Make sure to check out our Gay Chengdu Guide!

Or for an alternative scene, check out Guangzhou's!

What to Eat in Chongqing

Chongqing is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its fiery cuisine and bold flavors. If you love spicy food, you’re in the right place!

Must-try Dishes in Chongqing

Chongqing Hot Pot (重庆火锅): The city’s signature dish—spicy, numbing, and addictive. Gather around a bubbling pot of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, and cook meats, tofu, and veggies to your liking. Hotpot here is even spicier than in Chengdu! We did it once and honestly that was enough for us for a lifetime 🤣. If you don't have the strongest stomach, you may be making trips to the toilet the next day quite a few times.
Xiaomian (小面): Simple but delicious noodles in a spicy broth, topped with peanuts, scallions, and chili oil. Perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack.
Laziji (辣子鸡): Crispy fried chicken chunks buried in a mountain of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.
Suanlafen (酸辣粉): Sour and spicy sweet potato noodles, a popular street food.
Grilled Fish (烤鱼): Whole fish grilled and smothered in spicy sauce, served with veggies and tofu.

Don’t miss the city’s street food stalls, especially around Hongya Cave and Jiefangbei. If you’re not a spice lover, just say 不要太辣 (bù yào tài là)...not too spicy and the staff will do their best to accommodate!

For more foodie inspiration, check out this local guide to Chongqing eats.

If you are in town for just a short time and want to try it all, give this food tour a go:

A large black bowl brimming with a vibrant red spicy dish is garnished with dried chili peppers and bay leaves on a sleek marble table. In the background, a person sits, adding to the modern urban ambiance. — *The start of Chongqing hotpot: spicy, numbing, and unforgettable. Although your stomach may never, ever forgive you.*

A bowl of noodles topped with minced meat sauce, chickpeas, peanuts, green onions, and chili oil. — *Simple but perfectly delicious Xiaomian.*

What to Do in Chongqing

We have an entire, jam-packed page devoted to the best things to do in Chongqing, but in case you'd like to stay on this page, here is a little taste of what you can do:

Lose Yourself in Chongqing’s Cyberpunk Wonderland

The city is seriously a cyberpunk dream! The bizarre modern buildings places on all different levels of hills creates one of the most futuristic skylines we have ever come across. Just wander around until you can't walk anymore. We were always in awe by the sheer amount of hills, massive structures and buildings, and neon lights.

If you are completely lost on where to go and what to do, go for this tour, which takes you to all the best Cyber City spots in one day:

View of a dense urban area in China with numerous high-rise buildings, including a striking pink building labeled “China Plaza Square” at the center. Modern glass skyscrapers rise in the background, their neon glow and towering forms evoking the vibrant energy and futuristic feel of a cyberpunk cityscape at dusk.

Cruise the Yangtze River

No trip to Chongqing is complete without a cruise on the mighty Yangtze. River cruises offer stunning views of the city’s skyline, bridges, and illuminated skyscrapers. Choose from short evening cruises or multi-day trips through the Three Gorges.

We took advantage of an evening 50-minute cruise. The boats can hold loads of people (and it is much needed, as there are a lot of tourists wanting to do the same thing). There are beers and snacks on board, so you can enjoy a little snack while you take in the wildly impressive views.

Book a Yangtze River cruise here!

Two men take a selfie at a bustling outdoor restaurant at night, surrounded by glowing city lights and high-rise buildings. Behind them, illuminated traditional architecture adds to the vibrant scene, capturing the energetic nightlife and unique blend of modern and heritage in Chongqing’s lively atmosphere. — *Epic views of Hongya Cave from the cruise.*

Explore Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave is Chongqing’s most iconic spot—a multi-level complex of traditional buildings perched over the river, packed with food stalls, bars, and shops. It’s magical at night when the lights come on. We definitely got ridiculously lost trying to get around here.

Traditional Chinese-style buildings glow with golden lights at night, standing out against sleek modern high-rises in Chongqing’s dazzling skyline, evoking a cyberpunk vibe and reflecting the city’s dynamic nightlife; hints of the gay chongqing scene add to the cultural vibrancy captured in this image. — *The lights are seriously straight out of a Ghibli movie here!*

Check out the Liziba Subway Stop

Liziba Station is one of the few spots in the world where you can witness a subway pierce through a commercial/residential building and come out the other side. For us, this felt a bit overrated due to the crowds there expecting something extremely climatic, but we will let you form your own opinion.

A train glides through a residential building on elevated tracks in a cyberpunk city, surrounded by towering apartments, neon-lit balconies, and a vivid blue sky; the scene captures the unique urban landscape of gay Chongqing's vibrant neighborhoods.

Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dazu Rock Carvings are a must-see for history buffs. These ancient Buddhist sculptures are about 2 hours from Chongqing and make for a fascinating day trip.

Make it easy with this guided tour to Dazu Rock Carvings:

Ride the Chongqing Cable Car

Soar above the Yangtze on the Chongqing Cable Car for panoramic city views, especially stunning at sunset. The south side of the city has some nice shopping spots, viewpoints, and bars and cafés for you to chill before coming back over. You can ride the cable car back or just walk over the big, orange bridge, just like we did!

Relax in a Hot Spring

Chongqing is famous for its natural hot springs. Spend an afternoon soaking at a local resort, like Ronghui Hot Spring, to unwind after a night out or before a flight.

We went to this one right before taking our flight out of Chongqing back to Europe, and it was the ideal way to decompress before a 10-hour flight. There are tons of pools ranging from infused to medicinal, and there is a loaded buffet upstairs.

Book the hot spring now!

TL;DR: Plan Your Chongqing Trip (Logistics)

First things first, which apps should I download when I go to China?

In this video, I explain all the essential apps you should download when going to Chongqing and China:

For gay dating, Blued (no VPN needed) and Grindr (VPN required) are your go-tos.

When is the best time to visit Chongqing?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Chongqing. The weather is mild and pleasant. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are chilly but rarely see snow.

Do I need a visa for China?

China now offers 30-day visa-free entry to many nationalities (including, most-recently, Canada and the UK). Others may be eligible for 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit, or need to apply in advance. Always check the latest requirements.

How to Get to Chongqing

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) has domestic and quite a few direct international flights coming from Europe thanks to Hainan Airlines (i.e. Brussels, Milan, Rome, Berlin to name a few). High-speed trains connect Chongqing with Chengdu, Xi’an, and other major cities.

Check flights to Chongqing or rail within China on Trip.com.

Internet and Data in Chongqing 🛜

Internet is widely available, but Western sites are blocked. Download a VPN before you arrive. eSIMs and local SIM cards are affordable and easy to get. While Fabio went with a local SIM (remember to bring your passport), I went with an eSIM from Trip.com and ran into no problems with it.

Health and Safety in Chongqing

Chongqing is very safe for travelers. Petty theft is rare, but stay alert in crowded areas. Don’t drink tap water. Pharmacies and hospitals are easy to find.

Chongqing is a bit susceptible to air pollution. Although it is much rarer than it was a decade ago, we experienced a few days while we were there. This isn't always the easiest to predict, and it usually isn't very strong, but just something to keep in mind. It is also known as the 'Fog Capital' so it can be a bit confusing sometimes to know when it is foggy or smoggy.

Get travel health insurance from Genki before your trip! For a more in-depth look at why we switched to Genki, check out our review.

A man with a backpack stands near a bustling street fair surrounded by neon-lit stalls and signs, set beneath a towering orange bridge in urban Chongqing. The cloudy skies add an atmospheric touch to the vibrant cyberpunk city scene, capturing both modern energy and everyday life. gay chongqing: A man with a backpack surveys the lively gay Chongqing street fair in a neon-drenched cyberpunk city beneath an immense orange bridge. The urban crowd weaves through colorful booths under overcast skies, showcasing the city's diversity and dynamic spirit. — *You can tell I am not in love with the pollution this day.*

Getting Around Chongqing

The metro is fast and covers most of the city. Taxis and Didi (via Alipay) are convenient. Buses and cable cars offer scenic rides and connect you in places where the metro do not go.

How Do I Pay in China and Chongqing?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are standard. Foreign cards are rarely accepted, but you can now link international cards to Alipay/WeChat Pay. Cash is still accepted, but we never had to use it.

How Much Do I Tip in China?

Tipping is not expected in China.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Chongqing and China?

Language: Mandarin is spoken everywhere; English is rare.
Toilets: Carry tissues and hand sanitizer. Not all have private stalls 🤣.
Electricity: 220V, type A/C/I plugs.
Emergency: Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119.

1. Tall modern skyscrapers with skybridges soar from a low angle, framed by lush tree branches under a blue sky—Chongqing’s futuristic cityscape embodies its cyberpunk reputation. — *再见, you absolutely crazy city!*