Recently, Chongqing city in China has attracted many tourists from around the world. Located in southwest China, this city is known for its hilly terrain, distinctive spicy cuisine, and stunning views of the Yangtze River.
For those planning to visit Chongqing, understanding the best time to visit, efficient transportation, and must-see tourist spots are important steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Here are practical tips to help you design a memorable and fail-proof journey to the city nicknamed the “Fog City.”
Choose the Best Time to Visit
Picking the right time to visit Chongqing is crucial to enjoy comfortable weather and a pleasant atmosphere. Generally, Chongqing is an attractive destination year-round, but certain periods are recommended as the best times.
Typically, mid-September to mid-June is highly recommended because the temperatures during this period are comfortable for indoor and outdoor activities.
For the most beautiful views of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River, the best time is between April and May, and again from late October to mid-December. You can enjoy cruising the Yangtze River while admiring blooming peach blossoms in spring or the vibrant colors of autumn leaves.
To avoid crowds, it’s advised not to visit during Chinese national holidays or summer school vacations (July to August). Also, for a more budget-friendly trip, consider visiting during the low season between November and January.
Prepare Comfortable Clothing and Non-Slip Shoes
Chongqing is known for its hilly geography and steep streets, so wearing comfortable and safe clothing is very important while exploring the city.
Visitors are advised to wear lightweight, sweat-absorbent, and quick-drying clothes, especially during the humid and hot summer. Meanwhile, in autumn or winter, temperatures can drop sharply, so warm jackets and extra layers are recommended.
Choosing the right footwear is crucial. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for long walks with anti-slip soles. Many tourist spots in Chongqing, such as old streets, small bridges, and steep stairways, can become slippery when it rains or fogs.
Shoes with good grip not only make your trip more comfortable but also reduce the risk of slipping, especially when exploring the hilly areas or riverbanks typical of the city.
Use Public Transportation There
Using public transport in Chongqing is a wise choice, given the city’s hilly terrain and complex urban layout. Chongqing’s public transportation system is advanced and efficient, mainly consisting of the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) metro and monorail network.
CRT connects important districts in Chongqing, including business areas, residential zones, shopping centers, and popular tourist attractions. One unique feature of CRT is its dynamic routes that follow Chongqing’s hilly topography.
The CRT system uses electronic tickets purchasable from vending machines or smart cards like Yikatong, and supports payment through popular apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. For tourists, CRT is the most efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to explore Chongqing.
Try Local Cuisine, But Make Sure Your Spice Tolerance is High!
Chongqing is a culinary paradise, especially for lovers of spicy food. As a major branch of Sichuan cuisine—one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines—Chongqing’s dishes are known for their spicy and pungent flavors.
Most Chongqing specialties use flavorful ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns (which create a numbing sensation on the tongue), chili peppers, garlic, ginger, scallions, and aromatic spices.
The city’s signature dish is Chongqing hotpot—a tempting and satisfying dining experience where a pot of spicy, oily broth boils on the table, ready for cooking meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. This spicy warmth suits Chongqing’s humid climate perfectly.
For those who don’t enjoy spicy food, Chongqing also offers appealing alternatives like tang yuan (glutinous rice balls in sweet soup), ice jelly (a clear herbal dessert), and various refreshing sweet snacks.
Visit Iconic Destinations & Hidden Gems
When visiting Chongqing, don’t miss the blend of iconic spots and hidden gems that make the city special. Start with popular destinations like Hongya Cave (Hongyadong)—a complex of traditional Chinese-style buildings clinging to a cliff and illuminated by colorful lights at night, resembling an animated movie backdrop.
For a cultural experience, visit the Three Gorges Museum, established to preserve the history and culture of the Yangtze River area, especially around the Three Gorges Dam construction. The museum showcases over 180,000 Chinese historical artifacts.
Chongqing also hides many quiet, unique gems. One example is Liziba Station, a monorail station that passes through a hole in the middle of an apartment building—an unusual sight attracting architecture enthusiasts.
Then there’s Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic area with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and small shops selling local snacks and handicrafts. Combining popular attractions with hidden spots like these makes for a valuable travel experience in Chongqing.
Always Prepare Digital Money and Cash as Backup
In a modern city like Chongqing, digital payment systems have become part of everyday life. Most transactions at stores, restaurants, public transport, and even street vendors now rely on digital payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Therefore, tourists are strongly advised to prepare digital wallet accounts compatible with China’s payment systems. Some apps now support international cards, making it easier for foreign travelers to pay without exchanging large amounts of cash.
Still, carrying some local currency (Renminbi or Yuan) in cash is important as a backup in case of technical issues like network problems or app failures. Not all places, especially in remote or traditional areas, accept digital payments from foreign tourists.
Learn Some Basic Mandarin Phrases
Like when visiting any foreign country, learning a few Mandarin phrases before your trip to Chongqing is highly recommended. Although many people in the city center may understand some English, most locals, especially in traditional or market areas, mainly speak Mandarin.
Mastering simple phrases such as “nǐ hǎo” (hello), “xièxiè” (thank you), “duōshǎo qián?” (how much?), and “wǒ bù dǒng” (I don’t understand) shows good intention to respect local culture and helps ease daily communication.
Knowing some Mandarin phrases can be very helpful when ordering food, asking for directions, or interacting with taxi drivers and street vendors. You don’t need to be fluent—small efforts are often warmly received and make interactions more pleasant.
Buy a China eSIM
One important thing to prepare before visiting Chongqing is a stable and hassle-free internet connection. Considering that access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many other foreign platforms is restricted in China, having a local network eSIM is the most practical and efficient solution.
Compared to buying a physical SIM card at the airport or local stores, an eSIM lets travelers connect to the network immediately upon arrival, without swapping cards or worrying about losing their phone number.
For the best internet experience, you can buy a China eSIM through Global Komunika; a trusted international eSIM provider used by thousands of travelers.
Using Global Komunika’s China eSIM guarantees a more comfortable trip to Chongqing. Enjoy fast and stable internet across all of China without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards.
In just minutes, you can connect to the local network with easy and practical activation!
This eSIM service provides:
- Unlimited internet access. Enjoy fast, stable data perfect for sharing stunning Chongqing photos on social media.
- No extra roaming fees. Save money with rates much lower than roaming services.
- Instant activation. Installation and activation only require scanning a QR code, so you’re online as soon as you arrive in China.
- Multi-destination options. Besides China, Global Komunika also offers eSIMs for multiple countries, ideal for travelers hopping between destinations.
Make sure you stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues throughout your trip. Order your Global Komunika eSIM now via this link and enjoy smooth internet connectivity while in and around Chongqing!
