Wait until you see videos of trains running THROUGH buildings, glowing neon lights bouncing off of water, highways stacked on top of each other… chances are you were looking at videos of Chongqing.
I’ll admit it. When I heard about Chongqing my expectations were all over the place.
Sure, I knew Chongqing was called China’s “Cyberpunk City”. Everyone kept telling me that I HAVE to visit.
But then I heard about how it’s not as talked about or seen as other Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai… heck… it’s not even talked about as much as Chengdu (the nearby city).
SOOOOO… here’s the real question: Is Chongqing actually worth visiting or is everyone just exaggerating on TikTok and Instagram?
Well… I spent quite some time running around eating everything in sight and completely getting lost dozens of times. Now it’s time for me to give you my real thoughts.
What Makes Chongqing Special?
Let me start off by saying that Chongqing is definitely not your average city that you visit in China.
Honestly, it barely even feels like a “typical” city anywhere in the world.
For starters… it’s massive and everything is on STEPS.
The city is built on top of mountains so every where you go there are roads crossing over each other, buildings layered on top of buildings, and staircases going EVERYWHERE.
You could get off the metro and think your are on ground level only to find yourself on the 10th floor of some parking garage.
Oh… and did I mention at NIGHT it feels like you are in some futuristic cyberpunk universe?
Ok yeah…there’s that too.
You truly feel like you are in a movie when you are exploring this city at night.
The streets are filled with bright neon lights. Fog. Bridges. Rivers. You name it.
It’s like everything you see in those Sci-Fi movies is real.
My Initial Thoughts (And Why They Were Completely WRONG)
Look…I’ll be honest with you.
When I was about to fly into Chongqing I will admit that I didn’t think it would blow me away.
I kinda thought Chongqing would be super crowded. Polluted. Overheated. And overall just hard to get around.
I even planned on only staying a day or two before continuing my travels elsewhere.
BUT boy was I WRONG.
Sure. It is crowded. Sure it can be chaotic. But that’s what makes exploring this city so cool.
Everywhere you go you feel like your discovering something new.
You turn one corner and stumble upon a hidden street food village. You take an escalator and suddenly find yourself in a place that feels like a different world.
Exploring Chongqing doesn’t feel like checking places off a “ tourist” list. It actually feels like an adventure.
PROS of Visiting Chongqing
Check out these 5 reasons why you should visit Chongqing:
1. It’s One of The Most Unique Cities in the World
Put quite simply, Chongqing is different.
If your feeling tired of visiting city after city that feel the same boring visit Chongqing.
It’s one of those places where you will say WOW.
A gigantic train that runs THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING? !
Suspension bridges with mountains sticking out on BOTH SIDES? !
Roads that sit on 5 different levels stacked on top of eachother? !
You seriously feel like your lost 100% of the time… and I mean that in the BEST way possible.
2. Food Is Out Of This World (literally)
Chongqing is famous for one thing: FOOD.
More specifically? CHONGQING HOT POT.
You have never had real hotpot until you try it here.
Forget that watered down, mild sauce you had back at your local hole in the wall Chinese restaurant. Chongqing flavors will slap your mouth with the spicy, oily, numbing, and puckering sensation you never knew you were missing.
And the great part is that Chongqing isn’t just known for their hotpot. Strolling the streets at night you will find endless options for skewers, noodles, grilled meats, and midnight snacks.
You’ll even find menus with SECTIONS dedicated to various animal parts.
Eating in Chongqing is an experience that you do not want to miss.
3. Night Views Are Second To None
I mentioned this earlier but Chongqing at night is an experience you HAVE to see for yourself.
From Hongya Cave to the riverside areas of Chongqing there are so many places with jaw dropping views.
Don’t believe me? Just take a look at how beautiful the city looks when lit up at night with the Yangtze River shining right beneath it.
Layer after layer of city lights bounce off the water creating a view that will take your breath away.
Trust me. Whether your walking around the streets or visiting one of their hottest night spots you will feel like your in a movie.
4. Cheap When Compared To Other Major Cities
Compared to other big cities in China like Shanghai or Beijing Chongqing is relatively cheap.
You will notice significant discounts when it comes to food prices, transportation, and even accommodations.
5. Less International Tourists
Finally…. ONE. OF. THE. BENEFITS. TO visiting China right now is that there are less international tourists visiting China.
This benefit rings true when visiting Chongqing as well.
You will experience what REAL life is like for the citizens of Chongqing. You are not going to be bombarded by tourists at every corner.
Sure, there are some spots that are popular with visitors but overall you will feel more immersed into their culture.
CONS of Visiting Chongqing
Now don’t get me wrong. Visiting Chongqing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
If your looking for a relaxing, easy-to-get-around walkable city Chongqing is not the place for you.
These are some things to keep in mind before booking your flight:
1. Chaos
Like I said above Chongqing is Chaotic.
It can be difficult to figure out where you are going at times. Roads look the same. Buildings look alike. STAIRCASES EVERYWHERE.
If you plan on spending more than two days in the city you better love getting lost (and I mean that in the best way).
You will also encounter LARGE crowds NO MATTER where you go.
Remember how I said everyone in China is visiting Chongqing these days? Yeah…
2. Language Barrier
As you know by now Chinese dont speak much English. This rule stands true when visiting Chongqing.
You will find it difficult ordering food, asking for directions, and even using certain apps that require some sort of english input (YES I’m looking at you, Uber).
Get ready to download that translation app and USE IT.
3. Weather is Meh
Don’t get me wrong. Chongqing, China is NOT North Dakota where it’s either boiling hot or freezing cold all year round.
However, Chongqing does get VERY hot and humid during the summer months.
Combine that with the hilly landscape and you’ve got yourself one sweaty adventure.
Personally, I visited in June and sweat through EVERYTHING I wore.
Just throw on some sunscreen, bring a hat, and embrace the sweat.
4. Air Quality Isn’t the Best Sometimes
Chongqing used to be super bad for air quality but in the past few years it has become much better.
That being said, there are some days where you’ll look outside and it’s just super foggy and humid.
CHONGQING TRAVEL GUIDE: https://livefromchina.com/travel-guides/chongqing-travel-guide/
For whom is Chongqing suitable?
Should YOU visit Chongqing? Well that depends.
I love that Chongqing is not for everyone.
You will love visiting Chongqing if:
- You like off the beaten path cities
- You’re a foodie who loves STREET FOOD
- You don’t mind getting lost
- You enjoy urban exploring and photography
You will NOT enjoy Chongqing if:
- You like clean cities that are easy to navigate
- You don’t like big crowds
- Your not a fan of spicy food
- You hate sweating…
How Long Should You Visit?
I would recommend coming to Chongqing for 2-4 days.
This will allow you to:
- Check out the major attractions (I recommend Hongya Cave and Liziba Station)
- Sample as much of the food as possible
- Walk around different neighborhoods
- Explore Chongqing during the day and night
If you slow travel or love photography you can defenetly spend more time.
When is the Best Time to Visit Chongqing?
- Spring (March-May)
- Fall (September-November)
I would avoid visiting Chongqing during the peak summer months UNLESS you don’t mind the heat and sweating like I did.
Is Chongqing Safe?
Yes!!! Chongqing is safe for tourists.
Like any other major city in China you will find that crimes rates are relatively low.
As long as you take normal travel precautions you will be fine wandering the city during the day or night.
Final Thoughts: Is Chongqing Worth Visiting?
Alright so is Chongqing worth visiting?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for.
Chongqing isn’t for everyone and I love that.
If your looking for a clean, touristy, postcard worthy destination than Chongqing might not be your cup of tea.
But if your up for something different. Something adventurous. And something that will feel incredibly REAL. Then yes. 1000% YES you should visit Chongqing.
This was defenetly one of my favorite Chinese cities I have ever visited.
Not because it was picture perfect.
But because it was chaotic. Wild. And had so much personality.
And honestly… that’s what makes a destination so worth visiting.
Is Chongqing Worth Visiting? Honest Travel Review (2026 Guide)