Magical 8D Mountain City! Stay in a Riverside Guesthouse, Walk through Hongya Cave, Climb Shibati, Eat Hot Pot, Watch the Light Rail Pass Through Buildings

Chongqing 3-Person 4-Day Travel Guide｜Spend 5000 RMB Per Person to Explore the Magical 8D Mountain City! Stay in a Riverside Guesthouse, Walk through Hongya Cave, Climb Shibati, Eat Hot Pot, Watch the Light Rail Pass Through Buildings

The three of us just returned from Chongqing after a 4-day, 3-night trip with a total cost of 14,800 RMB, less than 5,000 RMB per person. We stayed in a Yangtze River view room, visited all the popular landmarks during the day, and enjoyed authentic old hot pot at night while walking and climbing slopes. This guide is based entirely on firsthand experience—follow it to avoid detours and pitfalls.

Itinerary Overview: 4 Days 3 Nights
Theme: Deep exploration of the magical mountain city, sightseeing by day, savoring local life by night

Day 1: Arrive in Chongqing and check into a riverside guesthouse on Nanbin Road
At 3 PM, all arrived and checked into [Nanbin Impression Riverside Apartment], three rooms for 1,800 RMB per night
Open the window to see the dazzling night view of the Yangtze River Cableway
Drop off luggage, change shoes, and head to the [Yangtze River Cableway], one-way 20 RMB per person, 60 RMB for three
Recommended to take it from Shangxinjie Station to Xinhua Road to experience crossing the river in the air
After exiting, walk to [Huguang Guild Hall], tickets 25 RMB per person, 75 RMB for three
A Qing Dynasty ancient building complex with red walls and yellow tiles hidden on the hillside
At dusk, climb to [One Tree Viewing Platform], tickets 30 RMB per person, 90 RMB for three
Overlook the entire Yuzhong Peninsula and the confluence of two rivers, the lights just coming on—truly stunning
Dinner at [Qinma Hot Pot] on Nanbin Road, first hot pot meal costing 680 RMB for three
Freshly sliced tripe, duck intestines, and beef aorta served with Weiyi soy milk to ease the spice
After dinner, return to the guesthouse to enjoy the riverside night view; someone said on the spot that this city looks like a sci-fi movie

Day 2: Full day at Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave
Check out at 8 AM, but stayed to have breakfast at the guesthouse, 180 RMB for three
Noodles, fried dough sticks, and soy milk to fill up before setting off
At 9:30 AM, walk into [Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street], free entry
Check in at the landmark monument, take photos, and shoot panoramic views outside Raffles City
Then stroll through [Bayi Food Street], eating as you go
Recommended: Haoyoulai sour and spicy noodles, mountain city rice balls, Chen Mahua fried dough twists
Spent 240 RMB for three eating while walking and buying snacks
Lunch at [Shouqi Beef] for creative Sichuan cuisine, 420 RMB for three
Dishes like Shouqi beef, iced jelly, and cold shrimp with authentic local flavors
After lunch, climb [Kuixing Tower] to experience the magical feeling of stepping across floors
The 14th floor opens to the street, the 1st floor down leads to the Jialing River
In the afternoon, walk to [Hongya Cave], free but requires advance reservation
Focus on exploring the city wall gate on the 1st floor and the cliff walkway on the 11th floor
The stilted buildings stacked layer upon layer look like something out of Spirited Away when lit up at night
Best photo time is from 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Dinner at [Gaojiu Road Old Hot Pot], second hot pot meal costing 720 RMB for three
Rich beef tallow spicy soup paired with crispy meat and iced jelly for a perfect finish
After dinner, stroll along the riverside promenade to watch the light show at Jiangbeizui across the river

Day 3: Red-themed day tour of Ciqikou, Baigongguan, and Zhazidong
At 7 AM, depart by private car to [Ciqikou Ancient Town], free entry
A thousand-year-old town with stone slab roads lined with teahouses and snacks
Check in at Baolun Temple and buy Chen Mahua fried dough twists as souvenirs, 300 RMB for three
Recommended: freshly baked salted and pepper flavor, very crispy
Then take a taxi to [Baigongguan], free but requires reservation
Former Kuomintang prison with guided tours to learn revolutionary history
Walk 10 minutes to [Zhazidong], also free with reservation
Well-preserved site with a strong sense of presence, the whole visit is solemn
Lunch at [Changle Food Shop] in the ancient town, 360 RMB for three
Spicy dishes like Mao Xue Wang and chicken giblets rice bowl, very satisfying
After lunch, return to the city for a two-hour rest to avoid the afternoon heat
Dinner at [Li Rice Noodles], specialty rice noodles costing 180 RMB for three
Pea and minced meat rice noodles with fried egg, generous portions and authentic taste
After dinner, return to the guesthouse for free time to recharge for the next day

Day 4: Liziba Light Rail Passing Through Building + E'ling Second Factory Art Tour
Depart at 9 AM to [Liziba Station], free entry
Wait downstairs to capture the classic moment of the light rail passing through the building
You can shoot from the upstairs viewing platform or from under the bridge looking up—three angles all great for photos
Then walk 15 minutes to [E'ling Park], tickets 10 RMB per person, 30 RMB for three
Climb the Kan Sheng Tower to overlook the confluence of two rivers with a wide view
The park is lush with vegetation, perfect for a slow walk and breathing in the city’s green lungs
Next, walk 10 minutes to [E'ling Second Factory Cultural and Creative Park], free entry
An old printing factory transformed into an artistic space
Check in at the rooftop bookstore, graffiti walls, and stair corridors—every shot looks like a masterpiece
Recommended shop: Wild Theater for American coffee, 150 RMB for three
Read books and chat about dreams
Lunch at [Mountain City Canteen] in the park, last meal costing 400 RMB for three
Twice-cooked pork with rice to fill you up
After lunch, buy souvenirs on the way—recommended: hot pot base and Jiangjin rice flower candy
Check out at 2 PM, private car to Jiangbei Airport or Chongqing North Station
Arrive before 3 PM to end the trip

Total Expenses Breakdown
Accommodation: 5,400 RMB
Food & Drink: 2,950 RMB
Transportation: 800 RMB
Tickets & Experiences: 345 RMB
Other Miscellaneous: 5,305 RMB
Total: 14,800 RMB

Local Insider Tips
Chongqing is rainy—bring an umbrella and non-slip shoes
When navigation fails, asking locals is more reliable than using your phone
Choose old hot pot restaurants in residential areas to avoid overpriced tourist traps
For the light rail passing through buildings, morning visits are best for good light and fewer crowds
Hongya Cave lighting times: winter 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, summer 7:30 PM–10:30 PM
For noodles, go early—6 AM is the best time for breakfast

Why This Trip Was Worth It
All-inclusive for about 5,000 RMB per person covering food, lodging, transportation, and activities
No rushing—only one main activity planned per day
Scenic views of river, mountains, and city all included
Cultural highlights like Ciqikou, Red Rock Spirit, and E'ling Gardens fully covered
Authentic flavors with hot pot, noodles, and rice noodles representing true Bayu cuisine

In a nutshell
Chongqing isn’t as leisurely as Chengdu nor as cool as Guiyang, but it hides the magic of a three-dimensional city, the bold spirit of its people, and the fiery life of the streets all in a bubbling pot of beef tallow hot pot
A trip here will inspire you to write a fiery, passionate anthem of life

Need a high-definition map of photo spots or a restaurant collection? Leave a comment in the reviews, and I’ll send you the Chongqing guide!