Chongqing

Chongqing is a direct-administered municipality in Southwestern China. Chongqing is one of the four direct-administered municipalities under the Central People's Government, along with Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. It is the only directly administrated municipality located deep inland. The municipality covers a large geographical area roughly the size of Austria, which includes several disjunct urban areas in addition to Chongqing proper. Due to its classification, the municipality of Chongqing is the largest city proper in the world by population, though Chongqing is not the most populous urban area. The municipality of Chongqing is the only Chinese city with a resident population of over 30 million; however, this number includes its large rural population. In 2020, Chongqing surpassed Shanghai as China's largest municipality by urban population; as of 2023, it had an urban population of 22.87 million. The municipality contains 26 districts, 8 counties, and 4 autonomous counties. The city served as the wartime capital for the Republic of China (ROC) during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). On 14 March 1997, the current municipality was separated from the surrounding province of Sichuan, with the goal of furthering development in the central and western parts of the country. University of Washington professor Kam Wing Chan considers that Chongqing is more like a province than a city. Chongqing is one of China's national central cities. It is a connection in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and a base for the country's Belt and Road Initiative. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the second-busiest airport in China, and is one of the top 50 busiest airports in the world. The city's monorail system is the world's longest and busiest, as well as having the greatest number of stations, with 70. Chongqing is ranked as a Beta (global second-tier) city. It is the headquarters of the Changan Automobile, one of the "Big Four" car manufacturers in China. As of 2023, the city hosts 12 foreign representations, the fifth-most in China behind Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. It is one of the top 40 cities globally by scientific research output; the municipality is home to several notable universities, including Chongqing University, Southwest University, and Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

One-Day Chongqing Tour Itinerary Recommendations

Theme:

8D Magic City Experience | Iconic Spots + Hidden Gems + Foodie Paradise

Suitable for:

Urban explorers/Photography enthusiasts/Foodie adventurers (Transport: Light rail + Walking + Taxi)

Practical Tips

Transport Hacks:

Use "Yu Chang Xing" APP for light rail | Enable 3D navigation

Secret Photo Spots:

Grand Theater riverside for Hongyadong reflections

Kui Xing Plaza's "1st floor is 22nd floor" illusion

Foodie Code:

Order noodles "dry mixed" | "Mild spicy" = local medium

Alternative Options:

Family-friendly: Add Chongqing Zoo (see pandas)

Artsy alternative: Beicang Cultural and Creative District

Option 1:

Classic Must-See Route

Best for:

First-time visitors & photography lovers

Transport:

Light Rail Line 2 + Line 1 + Walking

07:30-09:00 Chaotianmen Square

Witness the "Yin-Yang River" confluence | Visit Raffles City "Exploration Deck" (¥68)

09:30-11:00 Yangtze River Cable Car + Baixiangju

Board at south station (shorter queues) | Capture cable cars threading through buildings

11:30-13:00 Jiefangbei + Bayi Snack Street

Liberation Monument photo op | Must-eats: Spicy noodles, glutinous rice balls, "ghost" buns

14:00-16:00 Liziba + Eling Er Factory

Metro-through-building spectacle | Artsy photos at Cultural and Creative park

17:00-19:00 Hongyadong + Qiansimen Bridge

Best lighting after 19:00 | Full-view shots from bridge

Option 2:

Artsy Hidden Gems Route

Best for:

Culture seekers & coffee lovers

Transport:

Light rail + Walking + Taxi

09:00-11:00 Shancheng Alley + Cliffside Walkways

Old Chongqing vibes | Wild Garden Café

11:30-13:00 Daijia Alley

Riverside cliff cafés | Authentic Chongqing noodles

14:00-16:00 【Huangjueping Graffiti Street + Traffic Teahouse】

Sichuan Art Academy murals | Traditional tea experience

17:00-19:00 Nanbin Road + Danzishi Old Street

Skyline views | Riverside dining

Option 3:

Foodie Special Forces Route

Best for:

Culinary adventurers & night owl

Transport:

Taxi + Walking

09:00-11:00 Ciqi Kou Ancient Town

Try Chen's hemp flowers & blood tofu | Tea with opera

12:00-14:00 Guanyinqiao Snack Street

Viral foods: Grilled sweet potato noodles, ice glutinous balls

15:00-17:00 Cave Hotpot Experience

Recommended: Dongting Hotpot/Pipashan Panda Hotpot

19:00-22:00 Jiujie Nightlife

Bars, night markets & live music