The best time for tourism is from March to May and from September to November each year, when the climate is comfortable and there are relatively few tourists. July and August are extremely hot and humid. Pay attention to heatstroke prevention. From December to February, the mountain city is damp and cold. There is no heating indoors. Please bring warm clothes. Chongqing has a terrain with many slopes and steps. It is recommended to wear anti-slip and comfortable shoes. Chongqing, together with Nanjing and Wuhan, are the “Three Furnace Cities” in China. It is hot and humid in summer. While taking a relaxing cruise on the cool Yangtze River is the best way to escape the hot summer.

Chongqing is famous for its spicy hot pot, small noodles and skewers. Jiefangbei Delicious Street is perfect for newcomers to try something new. Around Guanyinqiao Grand Mall, there are many authentic restaurants. Recommended hot pot: Pei Jie Old Hot Pot (Queue required, online reservation available); Xiaomian: Huashi Broad Bean and Pea Noodles Chuan Chuan: Sign the mouthpiece. Although the scenery around Nanbin Road and Hongya Cave is beautiful, it is mainly visited by tourists and the prices are a bit high.

Chongqing is a big city and often overlooked as a tourist destination. There are some interesting places to see within Chongqing itself. The highlights of Chongqing include Ciqikou Ancient Town, Eling Park, and Three Gorges Museum etc. Outside the urban area, you will find many other places worth visiting. They are mostly featured historical sites or parks of natural landscapes and landforms like Dazu Rock Carvings, Wulong Karst Landscape etc. As for the day trips, please check our top Chongqing tours.

To reach Chaotianmen Port conveniently from Jiangbei Airport or Chongqing North Railway Station, here’s a detailed guide:
From Jiangbei Airport (Terminal 3):
Take Chongqing Metro Line 10 to Hongtudi Station, then transfer to Line 6 toward Chayuan and get off at Xiaoshizi Station. Use Exit 5 and walk about 10 minutes to Chaotianmen Port. Travel time: around 60 minutes.
Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:30–7:00 PM) for a more comfortable ride.
From Chongqing North Railway Station (North Square):
Take Line 10 to Hongtudi Station, transfer to Line 6 toward Chayuan, get off at Xiaoshizi Station. Exit 5 leads to a 10-minute walk to Chaotianmen. Travel time: approximately 45 minutes.
Tip: North Railway Station has both North and South Squares. Make sure to enter the metro station from the correct side.
Expert suggestion:
Plan to arrive at Chaotianmen Port at least 40 minutes before your cruise departure. If carrying luggage, consider using a ride-hailing app like DiDi for direct transfer during peak hours. All metro stations require ID check for ticketing; foreign visitors should carry passport and translation if needed.

When shopping in Chongqing, it is recommended to choose local specialties first, such as chili sauce, hot pot base, dried slices of water chestnut, Chongqing small noodle seasonings, Chen twisted dough sticks from Ciqikou, handcrafted bamboo weaving, Shu embroidery, etc. These are popular souvenirs for giving to friends and relatives. In terms of shopping locations, the Jiefangbei business district gathers all kinds of trendy brands and local brands, making it suitable for fashion buyers. The ancient town of Ciqikou focuses on traditional handicrafts and snacks, making it an ideal place to purchase authentic souvenirs. Hongya Cave gathers goods in the style of Ba and Yu, making it a must-visit shopping spot for tourists. Nanping Wanda and Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street are suitable for daily shopping and shopping for popular brands. Exclusive tip: It is recommended to visit Ciqikou and Hongyadong before 10 a.m. or after dusk to avoid the crowds. When purchasing local specialties, be sure to distinguish between handmade and industrial products. It is advisable to give priority to stalls with intangible cultural heritage labels. In case of summer vacation or holidays, compare prices in advance and consume rationally.

Chongqing, as an important port city in southwest China, is the starting point of many cruise routes along the Yangtze River, especially represented by the "Golden Cruise", "Century Cruise" and "President Series", which offer luxurious itineraries ranging from 2 to 7 days. The recommended classic routes are Chongqing to Yichang (3 nights and 4 days in Shangshui) or Yichang to Chongqing (4 nights and 5 days in Shangshui). Along the way, it passes by the essence scenic spots of the Three Gorges such as White Emperor City, the Three Gorges Dam, the Goddess Stream and the Qutang Gorge. It is recommended to board the ship at night to enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave and the Jialing River, and avoid the morning rush hour. Professional recommended itinerary: Day1: Board the ship in Chongqing + Night tour of the Two Rivers; Day2: Fengdu Ghost City or Baidicheng (depending on the cruise company); Day3: Cross the Qutang Gorge and the Goddess Stream to visit the shore. After visiting the Three Gorges Dam on Day4, we arrived in Yichang. It is recommended to make a reservation one month in advance during the peak season. During the off-season, there is a chance to enjoy a "buy one get one free" offer. An ID card is required for registration on board the ship.

At present, cruise ships on the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are mainly divided into two categories: high-end foreign-related cruise ships and comfortable inland river cruise ships. The recommended high-end foreign-related cruise ships include Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises and President Cruises. They are relatively new in condition, have high service standards, are mostly equipped with viewing balconies and rich on-board activities. Comfortable inland cruise ships such as the Golden Series and the Yangtze River Explorer also offer good value for money. Professional itinerary recommendation: It is recommended to choose the 4-day and 3-night water route from Chongqing to Yichang. During the journey, visit the essential scenic spots such as White Emperor City, Goddess Stream, and the Three Gorges Dam. The best experience is to choose Century Legend or President No.8. Exclusive Tip: During the peak season (April to October), the number of passengers on Fridays is the highest. It is recommended to choose Mondays or Wednesdays to board the ship during off-peak hours. When boarding the ship, Chinese tourists need to bring their ID cards and foreign tourists need to bring their passports.

At present, the most popular cruise ships on the Yangtze River are as follows. Each of them has its unique highlights and is suitable for tourists with different needs:
? Three Gorges Golden Series (such as Golden 7) : Luxurious configuration, featuring an aerial garden, a heated swimming pool, and a parent-child activity area, suitable for families and high-end tourists. It is recommended to book a balcony room with a view in advance. The view is excellent.
? Century Series cruise ships (such as the Century Honor) : Brand-new ship types, with a strong modern design sense, emphasizing environmental protection and comfortable experience. They are recommended for young and mid-to-high-end passengers who value service and facilities.
? Yangtze River Exploration: A luxurious and premium route, it only accommodates a small number of high-end tourists. It focuses on privacy and in-depth cultural explanations, making it suitable for tourists with a strong interest in history and culture.
? Victoria Series (such as the Victoria Virgin) : A well-established brand with a good reputation and mature operation, it is suitable for tourists experiencing a cruise on the Yangtze River for the first time and offers relatively high cost performance.
Professional advice:
The 3-night 4-day (Chongqing - Yichang) route is the most classic one and is suitable for first-time visitors. It is recommended to travel in spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), when the climate is pleasant. Prepare your ID card and health code before boarding the ship. Exclusive tip: Choosing a cabin on the right side can offer a better view of the Three Gorges. It is recommended to book the front floor in advance to avoid interference from machine noise.

The ideal time to take a Yangtze River cruise is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild, skies are clear, and visibility of the scenic Three Gorges is at its best. Avoid national holidays such as the Labor Day (May 1–5) and National Day (October 1–7) to steer clear of large tourist crowds.

Ideal plan: Spend 2–3 days exploring Chongqing, then join a 4D3N Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang.
Suggested flow:
Day 1–2: Explore urban Chongqing
Day 3 evening: Board the cruise ship at Chaotianmen Dock
Days 4–6: Cruise highlights include Fengdu Ghost City, Three Gorges, and Three Gorges Dam
Pro tip: Downstream cruises (Chongqing ? Yichang) are faster and more scenic. Arrive in Chongqing at least one day before departure.

Key cultural highlights include:
Sichuan Opera with “face-changing” performances (check shows at Hongya Cave or Huguang Guild Hall)
Tea culture in E’ling Park or Ciqikou Ancient Town teahouses
Traditional hotpot dining with locals to experience authentic social dining
Insider tip: Visit local markets early morning to see Chongqing residents’ daily life.

Top neighborhoods for tourists include:
Jiefangbei CBD: Central business district with shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife, very convenient for first-time visitors.
Nan’an District: Riverside views and close to Hongya Cave and Chaotianmen Dock for Yangtze cruises.
Shapingba: More budget-friendly with local vibe and easy metro access.
Professional tip: Book hotels near metro stations to save transit time. For a unique experience, consider riverfront hotels overlooking the Yangtze or Jialing River.

Chongqing is family-friendly with plenty of activities for all ages:
Visit Chongqing Zoo to see the giant pandas and other wildlife.
Explore Chongqing Science & Technology Museum, great for kids with interactive exhibits.
Take a ride on the Yangtze River Cableway for a fun experience and city views.
Spend time at Ciqikou Ancient Town, where kids can enjoy traditional snacks and crafts.

Chongqing’s nightlife is lively and diverse:
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street offers bars, clubs, and night markets.
Hongya Cave provides stunning illuminated views with riverside bars and restaurants.
Head to Nanbin Road for stylish riverside lounges and great night views of the city skyline.
Insider tip: Try a hotpot dinner combined with a night cruise on the Yangtze for a memorable evening.