The Cyberpunk City of China: 16 Things to Do Chongqing

Intro: Welcome to Chongqing, China’s Mountain Megacity With a Cyberpunk Soul

Arriving here feels like stepping into the future...yet the past is still close enough to touch. The city is wrapped between rivers and mountains, and that geography gives it a raw energy that never stops moving. Ryan said it reminded him of the China he knew years ago, back when he was living in other mega-cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

People often ask if Chongqing is really the biggest city in the world. Well, it depends on how you count. Technically, it’s a municipality of more than 32 million people, spread across mountains, rivers, and satellite towns that all blur into one giant organism. For us as travelers? Forget the technicalities, Chongqing feels like the biggest city in the world, and that’s enough.

What makes it so fascinating is the contrast. One moment you’re surrounded by glowing skyscrapers, the next you’re across the river in a quiet neighborhood where locals grill skewers on the street. And then, of course, there’s the fiery Chongqing hotpot, as intense and unforgettable as they say (we’ll get to that later).

By night, the city really transforms into a sci-fi movie. Towers turn into giant LED screens, whole skylines pulse together in light shows, and just walking after dark is a full-on spectacle. If you stay in Yuzhong District, the heart of it all, you’ll be right by Luohan Temple and the “Spirited Away”-style Hongya Cave.

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Chongqing, this guide will take you through all the must-do experiences,from the sunset river cruise (one of my all-time favorite neon moments) to, yes, surviving the infamous hotpot.

Where to Stay in Chongqing

Chongqing is massive, so picking the right base makes a big difference! Here are some of the most convenient neighborhoods for travelers:

• Jiefangbei (解放碑): The commercial center of the city, full of shopping malls, street food, and nightlife. Staying here means you’re within walking distance of major sights and right in the middle of the action. This is the area we chose!

• Hongya Cave (洪崖洞): Known for its traditional wooden architecture (famous for resembling Spirited Away) and beautiful views over the river. It’s especially lively in the evening, though be ready for crowds.

• Nan’an District (南岸区): Located just across the river, this part of town gives you sweeping views of the skyline and a slightly calmer atmosphere, while still being close to the main attractions.

Where We Stayed in Chongqing

We booked a place in a slightly run-down looking building in the south of Jiefangbei, right on the river. At first glance, we honestly thought we had made a mistake, but once inside, the room was amazing. Spacious, modern, with incredible river views. For just a little over €30 per night, it felt like a hidden gem. The only drawback? A painfully slow elevator. But the interior and views made up for it a hundred times over.

A Few Other Chongqing Accommodation Options

Use Trip.com for the best selection.

• Niccolo Chongqing: A luxury stay offering panoramic river views, chic interiors, and a prime location in Jiefangbei. Great if you want comfort right in the center.

• Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing: Modern and convenient, with friendly staff and solid amenities. Perfectly located near Hongya Cave and major shopping areas.

• Chongqing Tianci Hot Spring Resort: For something a bit different, this retreat outside the city has natural hot springs—ideal if you want to relax after exploring.

Top Things to Do in Chongqing: Must-See Sights & Experiences

Chongqing is one of the most fascinating cities we’ve explored...part futuristic metropolis, part mountain town, and completely unique in China. The mix of neon lights, steep streets, hotpot culture, and misty river views makes it feel like you’re traveling through a sci-fi movie. Here are our favorite things to see and do in Chongqing:

1. Take a Cruise on the Yangtze

One of the absolute highlights of Chongqing is seeing the city from the river. You’ll find plenty of agencies in the city center where you can book a spot on a Yangtze River cruise, but booking online is the most straight-forward way (and sometimes even cheaper). Some boats even offer dinner service, which makes the ride even more magical.

Once you get on board, expect a little chaos as everyone rushes to grab the best spots along the sides, but don’t stress, there’s no bad view here. The skyline lit up at night is breathtaking, with bright towers, glowing bridges, and sometimes even drone light shows with thousands of drones dancing in the sky. Honestly, it felt like stepping straight into the movie Tron, a futuristic world where you’re the main character.

For us, it was a 10/10 experience. If we return to Chongqing, we’d definitely do it again.

2. Try Spicy Hotpot at Pipa Yuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant

If there’s one dish that defines Chongqing, it’s Hot Pot (重庆火锅). You’ll spot it everywhere...on street corners, in fancy restaurants, and yes, even for breakfast (locals seriously eat it any time of day). For the ultimate experience, head to Pipa Yuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant, which holds a Guinness World Record with a mind-blowing 5,851 seats.

Be warned though, this is not for the faint of heart (or stomach). The bubbling broth is packed with chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, so get ready to sweat. In fact, don’t be surprised if the men around you take their shirts off while eating, as it’s considered totally normal here because of the heat. We tried hotpot on our very first night in Chongqing, just to make sure we wouldn’t suffer any “after-effects” right before our flight out. Honestly? It was worth every bite.

3. Hongya Cave: The “Spirited Away” City

If there’s one photo spot you must see in Chongqing, it’s Hongya Cave (洪崖洞). This 11-story complex looks like it jumped straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie, especially when the neon lights glow at night. Think “Spirited Away” mixed with cyberpunk vibes.

It’s also where many river cruises dock, so it’s easy to combine a visit with your night cruise. Expect crowds (everyone wants the same photo), but the atmosphere is worth it. Just wander through, grab a street snack, and let the lights work their magic.

4. Ride the Yangtze River Cableway to Longmenhao Old Street

The Chongqing Cable Car or Yangtze River Cableway is one of the city’s icons. It connects downtown with the village of Longmenhao over the Yangtze, and while it’s mainly a form of public transport, it feels like an attraction because of the views.

Be aware: tickets are timed, and it’s almost always busy if you go directly there to buy tickets, so do yourself a favor and get them online. Once across, explore Longmenhao Old Street, a charming riverside neighborhood where you’ll find small cafés like Post Café—perfect for a coffee with a view.

5. Liziba Station: Train Through a Building

Liziba Station is peak cyberpunk Chongqing: a monorail line that literally runs through a residential tower. The soundproofing is so good that locals living inside barely notice the trains. For tourists, though, it’s a jaw-dropping scene that feels like a live-action sci-fi movie. This is funnily one of the most popular sights in Chongqing, so expect a lot of others.

6. Take a Giant Outdoor Lift: Kaixuan Road Elevator

Because Chongqing is built on steep hills and cliffs, sometimes you’ll have no idea if you’re at “ground level” or 20 floors up. The city solves this with giant vertical lifts like the Kaixuan Road Elevetor, that transport you between different levels of the urban maze. Taking one is not just practical—it’s part of the Chongqing experience.

7. Walk Across the Twin River Bridges

Okay, officially they’re the Qiansimen and Dongshuimen Bridges, but once you walk through their bold red arches, you’ll see why travelers (like us) give them a cheekier nickname. Crossing them on foot is impressive, you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, river views, and the futuristic skyline that gives Chongqing its cyberpunk reputation.

After initially crossing the Yangtze on the Yangtze River Cableway, we walked back across the Dongshuimen Bridge from Longmenhao Old Street.

8. Relax at Ronghui Hot Spring

Need a break from the chaos? The Ronghui Hot Spring is like a peaceful zen garden hidden in the city. Affordable and open year-round, it offers multiple pools with different minerals, colors, and supposed health benefits.

Snacks (fresh fruit) are included in the price, and there’s even a buffet restaurant if you want a full meal. If you buy the ticket with the buffet online, you get a nice discount. We recommend timing this before your flight, as nothing beats floating in warm water before heading to the airport.

9. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is Chongqing’s beating commercial heart. Packed with shops, malls, and food stalls, it’s also home to the Monument of Liberation, built after WWII. At night, the street glows with neon lights and feels like a festival...you’ll definitely want to join the crowds and maybe snack on some street skewers while shopping.

We came here on a Friday night to do some karaoke and ended up getting lost among all the lights and floors for a good 20 minutes.

10. Raffles City & Chaotianmen Square

The Raffles City complex, nicknamed “The City Shield,” is an architectural marvel with multiple skyscrapers connected by futuristic sky bridges. Right in front is Chaotianmen Square, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. It's an epic sight, especially at sunset.

Inside the mall beneath Raffles, you’ll find endless shops, including some selling rare anime figures and collectibles. It reminded us of the New Century Global Center in Chengdu, another massive mall in the country.

11. Chongqing Shibati (十八梯 – Eighteen Steps)

This is the very first thing I saw in Chongqing, and I loved it. Shibati is a historic core in the middle of the skyscrapers, bustling yet surprisingly clean and well organized. Walking through its steps and alleys feels like stepping back into old Chongqing, but with a fresh, beautiful vibe.

12. Try Chongqing Xiaomian (小面)

Forget fancy meals, Xiaomian noodles are the true taste of Chongqing. Simple yet spicy, numbing, cheap, and addictive, they’re eaten at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight snack. Mix them well before eating to get the full flavor. We’re warning you now: once you start, you might find yourself eating them three times a day (yes, guilty as charged).

Other must-try dishes while in Chongqing (that aren't noodles or hot-pot):

• Laziji (辣子鸡): Golden-fried chicken pieces cleverly hidden beneath an abundance of dried red chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Dangerously delicious and intensely spicy.

• Suanlafen (酸辣粉): Tangy and spicy glass noodles made from sweet potato starch – the quintessential Chongqing street food experience.

• Grilled Fish (烤鱼): A whole fish, expertly grilled and then drowned in a vibrant chili-infused sauce, often slow-cooked with tender tofu and various fresh vegetables.

13. Experience the (Queer) Chongqing Nightlife

Chongqing has one of the biggest LGBTQ+ nightlife scenes in China, so if you have energy after the ridiculous amount of steps you'll be taking and hills you'll be ascending/descending in a day, then head out to check out the nightlife. We made an entire guide devoted to gay nightlife in Chongqing, so feel free to check it out.

14. Get Spiritual at Luohan Temple (罗汉寺)

One of Chongqing’s oldest Buddhist temples, Luohan Temple sits right in the city center, near Jiefangbei. It’s famous for its hall of 500 life-sized arhat statues, each with a unique expression. Walking among them feels like stepping into another world. This is a great escape if you want a touch of history and quiet in the middle of the skyscrapers.

15. Wander Chongqing's Museums: China Three Gorges Museum & Chongqing Art Museum

If you want to understand the city’s story, visit the Three Gorges Museum, located near People’s Square. It covers everything from the Yangtze River and the massive dam project to ancient Ba culture and wartime history. The museum itself is modern and huge—plan at least a couple of hours.

Right in Jiefangbei, the Chongqing Art Museum (sometimes called Chongqing Art Gallery) is a bold red building shaped like exploding chopsticks. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions of modern and traditional Chinese art. Even if you don’t go inside, the architecture is worth admiring.

16. Shop for Panda Souvenirs

Couldn’t make it to Chengdu? Don’t worry, as Chongqing has plenty of panda merch too. From keychains to plushies, panda-themed souvenirs are everywhere. While we prefer Chongqing’s vibe over Chengdu’s, the panda obsession is something both cities share.

If you have the capacity to fit in a trip to Chengdu, it is just around 2.5 hours away by high-speed rail.

The Best Excursions (and Day Trips) from Chongqing

If you plan a longer stay in Chongqing, you can explore some incredible natural and cultural wonders outside the city. Many of these spots are a few hours’ drive away, so they’re best for day trips or overnight stays. Thanks to our friend Hao (a local Chonger!) for suggesting these amazing places:

1. Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dazu Rock Carvings are some of the finest examples of Chinese cave art. Dating back to the 9th–13th centuries, they feature over 50,000 statues carved into cliffs, blending Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist themes.

2. Heishangu Scenic Area (黑山谷)

The Heishan Valley is a National 5A Scenic Spot, known as “China’s natural oxygen bar.” With lush subtropical forests, waterfalls, and a dramatic rift valley, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

3. Fengjie Baidicheng & Qutang Gorge (白帝城 & 瞿塘峡)

About 400 km from Chongqing, this site is legendary in Chinese poetry and history. Baidicheng (White Emperor City) sits above the mighty Qutang Gorge, one of the Three Gorges. The views here are breathtaking. Think steep cliffs, misty waters, and a sense of epic scale.

4. Wulong Karst (武隆喀斯特)

Wulong Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its giant natural stone bridges, sinkholes, and caves. The scenery is so dramatic it was used as a filming location in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

5. Wuling Mountain Rift Valley (武陵山大裂谷)

This vast geological park is filled with towering cliffs, caves, and deep valleys. It feels like walking through a natural cathedral carved by time and water.

6. Qianjiang Zhuoshui Ancient Town (濯水古镇)

About 280 km from Chongqing, this riverside town is known for its stilted wooden houses and bridges. It feels like stepping back in time, with charming architecture and traditional street life.

7. Simian Mountain (四面山)

Located in Jiangjin District, Simian Mountain is famous for its waterfalls, over 150 of them! The landscape is green and wild, with beautiful hiking routes.

8. Ayi River Scenic Spot (阿依河景区)

Ayi River Scenic Spot is a gorgeous river valley where you can take bamboo rafts or small boats down emerald waters, surrounded by lush karst cliffs. It’s often called one of the most romantic landscapes near Chongqing.

9. Mount Jinfo (金佛山)

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Jinfo combines karst formations with rich biodiversity. Its forests are home to rare plants, and in winter, the mountain turns into a snowy wonderland.

10. The Three Gorges (三峡)

Perhaps the most famous excursion of all, the legendary Yangtze River Three Gorges. Most travelers experience them on a Yangtze cruise from Chongqing, passing through steep cliffs, misty peaks, and the massive Three Gorges Dam.

Conclusion

Chongqing is a city where the future meets tradition—neon-lit nights, spicy hotpot, and hidden temples all packed into one colorful megacity. Whether you’re cruising the Yangtze or exploring ancient streets, Chongqing offers endless surprises.

For more Southwest China adventures, check out our guides to Chengdu and Kunming.

This city isn’t just a stopover, it’s an unforgettable chapter in your China journey.