Discover the best Chongqing tours and things to do in China’s dramatic mountain megacity: marvel at the glittering stilt-house complex of Hongya Cave lit up at night, cruise the mighty Yangtze River through its gorges, wonder at the ancient Buddhist Dazu Rock Carvings, watch the light-rail train run through a skyscraper at Liziba, feast on fiery Sichuan hotpot, and explore the karst wonders of Wulong. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.


Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Whatever brings you to Chongqing — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.

Glowing stilt-houses.
City skyline.

Train in a tower.

River cruises.

Ancient art.
Fiery food.

Natural bridges.
Grand landmark.
2 hr awayAncient art.
2.5 hr awayNatural bridges.
City awayRiver cruises.
City awayGlowing houses.
City awayAncient town.
City awayFiery food.
Short, straight answers to the questions every Chongqing visitor asks before booking.
Mild and green, with fewer crowds — a good time.
Very hot and humid; Chongqing is a Chinese "furnace" city.
Cooler and pleasant — the best time to visit.
Mild but often misty; atmospheric for the lights.
Any evening is magical at Hongya Cave.
Spring and autumn are ideal.
The city, Ciqikou and Hongya Cave.
Add the Dazu carvings and a river cruise.
Add the Wulong Karst.
The Dazu Rock Carvings.
The Wulong Karst.
Liziba and Hongya Cave.
The modern light rail, including Liziba, links the sights.
Ferries and the Yangtze cable car cross the rivers.
Guided tours handle Dazu, Wulong and city highlights.
Jiefangbei, Ciqikou and Hongya Cave are walkable areas.
Stay near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave for the lights.
China uses the yuan; mobile payment is widespread.
Visit Hongya Cave after dark for the golden lights.
Catch the light-rail train running through the skyscraper.
Try Chongqing hotpot — ask for mild if you prefer.
A night Yangtze cruise shows off the illuminated skyline.
Set aside a day for the UNESCO rock carvings.
Visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat.
Dazu carving day trips fill up — book ahead.
Wulong Karst trips have limited spots — reserve early.
Multi-day river cruises sell out — book well ahead.
Hotpot food tours fill up — reserve ahead.
English-speaking guides book out — reserve early.
Chinese holidays are busiest — book everything ahead.
Around €40–90 for a private city highlights tour.
About €60–120 for a Dazu day trip.
Roughly €80–150 for a Wulong day trip.
Around €25–50 for an evening Yangtze cruise.
About €40–70 for a hotpot food tour.
Join group tours and combine city sights with the lights.
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.