u/ComputerFine960

Hey guys. I live in Chongqing and see a lot of tourists getting confused by the internet hype. I want to share my real opinions so you do not waste your time or money.

Hongyadong

Please do not go during the day. It is just a regular building then. The lights only turn on from 8 PM to 11 PM. Also ignore anyone offering a fast track pass because they are scammers. Just walk down the Daijia Alley cliffside path right next to it. It is free and has great photo angles. You also avoid the crazy elevator lines.

Jiefangbei Monument

It is right in the city center but honestly it is just a monument surrounded by luxury malls. Take a quick photo and move on. Also please do not buy those bright pink or green candied fruits sold here. They are artificially dyed and taste terrible.

Chongqing Zoo

If you want to see pandas then this is a must. It has one of the largest panda populations in the world.

Mountain City Walkway

This is where you feel the real history of Chongqing. Walking along the cliffside stairs by the river and drinking traditional tea is incredibly relaxing. I give this place an 8.5 out of 10.

The Great Hall of the People

It is a stunning traditional building but there is no need to go inside. Just admire it from the square outside.

Baixiangju Residence

This building went viral online but the locals living there are exhausted. They have put up no photography signs everywhere. If you go then please be quiet and respect their privacy. The architecture is cool but the vibe has been ruined by overcrowding.

Longmenhao Old Street

Such a beautiful spot. The sunlight on the bluestone paths and the stilt houses against the river view make for amazing photos. It is also full of hidden gem cafes and the night lights are gorgeous.

Testbed 2 (Eling Er Chang)

A trendy arts district in an old factory. The rooftop offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. However it has become quite commercialized and crowded lately.

Yangtze River Cable Car

It is basically an aerial bus across the river. Just do a one way trip. The round trip views are identical and you will have to queue all over again for the return. Grab a window seat for the best view.

Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street

This is where the locals actually hang out. It is a massive shopping and food hub. There is a famous neon screen here. It is packed so expect to wait in line for photos but the cyberpunk vibe is totally worth it.

Shiba Ti (Eighteen Steps)

Historically significant but now it is heavily commercialized. It is basically just a long staircase lined with souvenir shops.

Sanxia Museum

Located right across from the Great Hall. The Three Gorges exhibit is excellent. The AC is great inside so if you are tired from walking then head to the second floor terrace for a perfect view of the Great Hall.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

A thousand year old town with beautiful traditional architecture. Definitely check out Baolun Temple. Do not forget to try the famous Chen Mahua twisted dough twists.

Huguang Guild Hall

A massive complex with striking bright yellow walls that are perfect for vintage photos. Note that it requires an entry ticket. You can also listen to traditional opera inside but that costs extra.

Huangge Ancient Trail

Want the real mountain city experience? Hike this. Start from the Shangxinjie roundabout. The path is shaded by centuries old banyan trees. If you make it to Laojun Cave you get a breathtaking view of the South Bank district.

Liziba Light Rail Station

The famous train passing through a building. Honestly the viewing platform is always packed with people. You will probably find that photos taken by others online are clearer than what you can get there. You can check this off your list in about five minutes.

Raffles City

The exterior has an amazing cyberpunk aesthetic. The best free photo spot is on the street right outside Metro Exit four at Chaotianmen. Unless you are shopping there is no need to go inside because it is just like any other massive mall.

Hope this helps you guys plan a better trip. Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions about arriving here.

Hey guys. I live in Chongqing and see a lot of tourists getting confused by the internet hype. I want to share my real opinions so you do not waste your time or money.

Hongyadong

Please do not go during the day. It is just a regular building then. The lights only turn on from 8 PM to 11 PM. Also ignore anyone offering a fast track pass because they are scammers. Just walk down the Daijia Alley cliffside path right next to it. It is free and has great photo angles. You also avoid the crazy elevator lines.

Jiefangbei Monument

It is right in the city center but honestly it is just a monument surrounded by luxury malls. Take a quick photo and move on. Also please do not buy those bright pink or green candied fruits sold here. They are artificially dyed and taste terrible.

Chongqing Zoo

If you want to see pandas then this is a must. It has one of the largest panda populations in the world.

Mountain City Walkway

This is where you feel the real history of Chongqing. Walking along the cliffside stairs by the river and drinking traditional tea is incredibly relaxing. I give this place an 8.5 out of 10.

The Great Hall of the People

It is a stunning traditional building but there is no need to go inside. Just admire it from the square outside.

Baixiangju Residence

This building went viral online but the locals living there are exhausted. They have put up no photography signs everywhere. If you go then please be quiet and respect their privacy. The architecture is cool but the vibe has been ruined by overcrowding.

Longmenhao Old Street

Such a beautiful spot. The sunlight on the bluestone paths and the stilt houses against the river view make for amazing photos. It is also full of hidden gem cafes and the night lights are gorgeous.

Testbed 2 (Eling Er Chang)

A trendy arts district in an old factory. The rooftop offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. However it has become quite commercialized and crowded lately.

Yangtze River Cable Car

It is basically an aerial bus across the river. Just do a one way trip. The round trip views are identical and you will have to queue all over again for the return. Grab a window seat for the best view.

Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street

This is where the locals actually hang out. It is a massive shopping and food hub. There is a famous neon screen here. It is packed so expect to wait in line for photos but the cyberpunk vibe is totally worth it.

Shiba Ti (Eighteen Steps)

Historically significant but now it is heavily commercialized. It is basically just a long staircase lined with souvenir shops.

Sanxia Museum

Located right across from the Great Hall. The Three Gorges exhibit is excellent. The AC is great inside so if you are tired from walking then head to the second floor terrace for a perfect view of the Great Hall.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

A thousand year old town with beautiful traditional architecture. Definitely check out Baolun Temple. Do not forget to try the famous Chen Mahua twisted dough twists.

Huguang Guild Hall

A massive complex with striking bright yellow walls that are perfect for vintage photos. Note that it requires an entry ticket. You can also listen to traditional opera inside but that costs extra.

Huangge Ancient Trail

Want the real mountain city experience? Hike this. Start from the Shangxinjie roundabout. The path is shaded by centuries old banyan trees. If you make it to Laojun Cave you get a breathtaking view of the South Bank district.

Liziba Light Rail Station

The famous train passing through a building. Honestly the viewing platform is always packed with people. You will probably find that photos taken by others online are clearer than what you can get there. You can check this off your list in about five minutes.

Raffles City

The exterior has an amazing cyberpunk aesthetic. The best free photo spot is on the street right outside Metro Exit four at Chaotianmen. Unless you are shopping there is no need to go inside because it is just like any other massive mall.

Hope this helps you guys plan a better trip. Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions about arriving here.

Hey guys, I live in Chongqing and often drive foreigners from Jiangbei Airport to the city. I just want to share some real things I’ve noticed lately to help you avoid trouble.

1. The Metro is cheap, but brutal with luggage.
I picked up a couple last week who tried taking Line 10 with huge suitcases. They told me the stairs and escalators were a nightmare. If you have heavy bags, don't do it.

2. Always insist on the meter.
I often hear about tourists being offered a flat rate of 100+ RMB to Jiefangbei. It should be around 40-60 RMB. If a driver refuses to use the meter, just walk away.

3. Hotel check-in can be a headache.
Many small hotels don't speak English. I usually end up helping my guests translate at the front desk just so they can get their room keys smoothly.

Chongqing is an 8D city and GPS can be confusing. If anyone has specific questions about arriving here, feel free to ask!

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