2 days in Chongqing

Question

Hello everyone,

next month I will spend 3 nights in Chongqing.

We will arrive later afternoon from Yangshou and then spending 2 full days there.

1 full day will be dedicated to a day trip to Wulong Karst park and we have then a full day to explore the city.

How would you organize it to enjoy it at best? I know it is not enough to enjoy the city but that's what we have!

At least during our 3 nights there we will be have to enjoy the Hongya cave, Qiansimen bridge and all the night views! Would you recommend anything else in particular? Raffles city?

Thanks!

Answer

With only 3 nights and 2 full days in Chongqing, prioritizing your itinerary is key. Since you already plan a full day for Wulong Karst National Geology Park, the other day can be spent exploring the city and enjoying its famous night views.

Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Arrival day (late afternoon): Depending on your arrival time, check into your hotel and take a short evening stroll around the city. You can start with the nearby riverside areas or relax at a café before dinner.
Evening highlights: Head to Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), which is a must-see for its traditional stilted architecture and lively night market. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥) for illuminated river views. This is also a great spot for photos and enjoying the lights along the Jialing and Yangtze rivers.

For your full city day:

Morning: Explore Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town, a preserved old town with teahouses, small shops, and traditional architecture. It gives a nice contrast to the modern cityscape.
Lunch: Try local specialties such as hot pot or Xiao Mian (spicy noodles) at a reputable restaurant. Popular areas for authentic food include downtown near Jiefangbei or Ci Qi Kou.
Afternoon: Visit Raffles City Chongqing (来福士广场) to see its iconic “horizontal skyscraper” and enjoy some shopping or just admire the architecture. Another option is People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei) for the central shopping and cultural vibe.
Evening: Take a night cruise along the Yangtze River or Jialing River for spectacular city lights. If a cruise is not feasible, you can walk along the riverside promenades or find rooftop bars for a panoramic night view of Chongqing’s skyline.

Other optional experiences if time permits:

Visit Three Gorges Museum to get a sense of local history and the Yangtze River region.
Check out People’s Hall (人民大礼堂) and nearby modern plazas.
If you enjoy cable cars, consider the Yangtze River Cable Car to see the city from above.

In summary, focus your city exploration on a combination of:

Traditional areas: Hongya Cave, Ci Qi Kou
Modern landmarks: Qiansimen Bridge, Raffles City, Jiefangbei
Scenic viewpoints: Riverfront walks, night cruise, cable car

This plan balances Chongqing’s unique mix of history, local culture, and dramatic urban landscape, while leaving enough energy to enjoy your Wulong Karst day trip fully.

2 days in Chongqing

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