Chongqing, hailed as the “Cyberpunk City,” is a magical 3D metropolis that captivates travelers with its unique topography, dazzling nightscapes, and rich Bayu culture. Here, tradition meets modernity, ancient charm coexists with technology, and every corner radiates distinctive allure.
🗓️ Day 1: Jiefangbei Business District → Hongya Cave Night Spectacle
Morning: Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street Stroll
Begin your journey at the heart of Chongqing! Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, as Chongqing’s most bustling commercial center, brings together fashion trends and historical culture. In this “trendy and lively commercial street where fashionistas gather,” you can feel the pulse of Chongqing’s modern urban life.
Recommended Experiences:
- 📸 Take photos with the iconic Liberation Monument
- 🛍️ Taste authentic Chongqing snacks on Bayi Road Food Street
- ☕ Rest at cafes in the business district while observing the mountain city’s urban atmosphere
Afternoon: Yangtze River Cableway Aerial Experience
Take Chongqing’s “aerial bus” – the Yangtze River Cableway – to overlook the magnificent scenery where two rivers converge. This cableway connecting Yuzhong District and Nan’an District is known as “the first aerial corridor of the Yangtze River.”
Ticket Price: 30 RMB one-way
Evening: Hongya Cave Cyberpunk Nightscape
When night falls, Hongya Cave Folk Culture Area instantly transforms into a real-world cyberpunk universe! These “beautiful stilted buildings built along the mountain” under neon lights resemble the bathhouse from “Spirited Away” and the futuristic city from “Blade Runner.”
Must-Experience Activities:
- 🌃 Admire the panoramic night view of Hongya Cave from the observation deck
- 🚢 Take a Two Rivers cruise to appreciate the mountain city’s night scenery from the river (78-168 RMB)
- 🍵 Enjoy a pot of Gaiwan tea at the wharf teahouse, experiencing old Chongqing’s atmosphere
🗓️ Day 2: Ciqikou Ancient Town → Liziba Light Rail Through Building
Morning: Exploring Bayu Culture at Ciqikou Ancient Town
Visit the thousand-year-old Ciqikou Ancient Town to experience the unique layout of “one river, two streams, three mountains, four streets.” This place preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles, with bluestone paths extending to the street’s end, each stone telling stories of history.
Must-Experience:
- 🎭 Watch the large-scale performance “Chongqing·1949” (189-599 RMB)
- 🍯 Taste specialty snacks like Chen Mahua and Maoxuewang
- 🏺 Shop for souvenirs at traditional handicraft stores
- 🎪 Enjoy Sichuan Opera performances (58-168 RMB)
Afternoon: Liziba Light Rail Through Building Wonder
Visit Chongqing’s most magical transportation spectacle – Liziba Light Rail Through Building! This is where Line 2 passes through a residential building, dubbed by netizens as the real-life “Spirited Away sea train.”
Photography Tips:
- 📱 Best shooting spot is at the observation platform near Liziba Station
- ⏰ Light rail runs every 3-5 minutes; wait patiently for the perfect moment
Evening: Nanbin Road Riverside Walk
Stroll along Nanbin Road, an excellent location for appreciating Chongqing’s night scenery. When lights come on, the Yuzhong Peninsula across the river is brilliantly illuminated, with shimmering river reflections creating a beautiful mountain city night painting.
🗓️ Day 3: Sky-high Observation → Cultural Check-in Spots
Morning: WFC Observatory/Cloud Eye
Ascend to Chongqing’s highest point at Chongqing Cloud Eye Observatory or WFC Observatory to overlook the entire mountain city. From here, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Chongqing’s magnificent scenery, experiencing the awe of “seeing all mountains small.”
Ticket Prices:
- Cloud Eye: 68 RMB
- WFC Observatory: 118 RMB
Afternoon: Eling Second Factory Creative Park
This creative park transformed from old factories is filled with artistic atmosphere. It houses many creative shops, cafes, and art exhibitions, making it a popular check-in spot for young people.
Recommended Experiences:
- 📚 Browse literary books at independent bookstores
- ☕ Overlook Jialing River scenery from rooftop cafes
- 🎨 Visit contemporary art exhibitions
🏨 Selected Accommodation Recommendations
Luxury Experience
Chongqing Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street City Hotel – From ¥607
- 🏊♀️ Internet-famous pool overlooking mountain city’s two rivers
- 📍 Located in Jiefangbei core area, convenient transportation
- 🌟 Newly opened with modern facilities
Chongqing Four Points by Sheraton – From ¥528
- 🏢 Located on Jiefangbei Zourong Road, landmark view rooms
- 🌆 Overlooks Liberation Monument panorama
- 🍽️ Marriott Group quality assurance
Value Choice
Chongqing Xiyue Pullman Hotel – From ¥525
- 🚄 Chongqing North Station North Square, convenient transportation
- 🏊♀️ 324㎡ indoor heated swimming pool
- 🎨 Train culture themed design
🍜 Chongqing Culinary Journey
Must-Try Specialty Foods
- Chongqing Hotpot – Spicy and aromatic, the soul of Chongqing cuisine
- Chongqing Noodles – Breakfast favorite, one bowl of noodles, one city
- Maoxuewang – Ciqikou Ancient Town specialty dish
- Chen Mahua – Traditional Ciqikou Ancient Town snack
- Sour and Spicy Noodles – Popular street food
- Spicy Chicken – Dry, fragrant, and spicy, perfect with drinks
Recommended Dining Locations
- Hongya Cave – Gathering place for various Chongqing specialty snacks
- Ciqikou Ancient Town – Traditional Bayu cuisine experience
- Jiefangbei Food Street – Concentrated embodiment of night market culture
🚇 Transportation Guide
Urban Transportation
- Light Rail/Subway – Chongqing’s rail transit is well-developed; day passes recommended
- Sightseeing Bus – Chongqing Urban Sightseeing Bus (36-58 RMB/day)
- Yangtze River Cableway – Unique transportation experience (30 RMB one-way)
- Two Rivers Cruise – Appreciate Chongqing night scenery from water (58-168 RMB)
Airport Transportation
- Light Rail Line 3 – Direct to Jiangbei International Airport
- Airport Bus – Multiple routes covering main areas
- Taxi/Ride-hailing – About 30-60 minutes to city center
💡 Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
- Spring (March-May) – Pleasant climate, suitable for outdoor activities
- Autumn (September-November) – Clear skies, best season for night scenery viewing
Outfit Suggestions
- 👟 Comfortable sports shoes (Chongqing has many slopes and stairs)
- 🧥 Light jacket (significant day-night temperature difference in mountain city)
- 📱 Power bank (essential for photography and check-ins)
Important Notes
- 🌶️ Chongqing dishes are spicy; inform in advance if you can’t eat spicy food
- 🚇 Significant temperature difference inside and outside light rail stations
- 📍 Pay attention to floor information when using navigation (Chongqing is a 3D city)
📱 Useful App Recommendations
- Chongqing Rail Transit – Query light rail routes and schedules
- Chongqing Bus – Bus route inquiries
- Dianping – Find food and attractions
- Gaode Maps – Navigation essential (supports 3D maps)
