A trip without immersive and colorful experiences can feel a bit dull, but in Chongqing, excitement and wonder are around every corner. Beyond indulging in the city’s famous hotpot and noodle restaurants, Chongqing offers unique activities that showcase its vibrant culture and stunning scenery. From soaring over the Yangtze River on a cableway to walking through the city’s old streets and witnessing its architectural wonders, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into the heart of Chongqing. Here are some must-do experiences in the Mountain City.
Ride the Yangtze River Cableway
One of the iconic experiences in Chongqing is riding the Yangtze River Cableway, a passenger cable car that crosses the mighty Yangtze River. The cableway begins in Yuzhong District at Chang’an Temple and glides over the river, offering stunning views of both the city’s modern skyscrapers and the natural landscape. The ride takes you across to the Shangxin Street in the Nan’an District, providing a bird’s-eye view of the steel jungle on one side and the Yangtze River flowing majestically below.
It’s a must-do for visitors, as it offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and riverscape. If you have enough time, it’s recommended to take the cableway ride both during the day and at night for two very different experiences. During the day, you can admire the bustling life of the city, while at night, the illuminated skyline and reflections in the river create a magical atmosphere.
Explore the Mountain City Footpaths
To truly get a feel for Chongqing’s local life and its unique topography, walking along the mountain city footpaths is a perfect way to dive deep into the city’s character. These footpaths, consisting of steep alleys and stairways that crisscross through the city’s neighborhoods, are a distinctive feature of Chongqing. One of the most popular footpaths is the Third Step Road (第三步道), which links many of the city’s old landmarks, giving you a chance to explore traditional Chongqing.
While walking these paths, you’ll encounter old neighborhoods, hidden corners of the city, and a taste of what life was like in Chongqing before its recent urban expansion. Some of the paths, like the soon-to-disappear Eighteen Ladder (十八梯), are filled with history and charm, making them an important part of the city’s heritage. Along the way, you can see local residents enjoying simple pleasures, like sunbathing on the steps or chatting with neighbors, offering a peaceful contrast to the fast-paced urban life.
Thrilling Mini Three Gorges Rafting
For adventure seekers, the Mini Three Gorges (小小三峡) is the perfect destination for an exciting day of rafting. Located within the winding canyons and deep river valleys, the Mini Three Gorges are smaller and more intimate than the more famous Three Gorges, but they offer equally breathtaking views. With its narrow river channels, towering cliffs, and unusual rock formations, this area is a hidden gem for those who want to experience nature’s beauty up close.
Rafting here comes in two forms: the loop route and the short route. The loop route covers the entire Mini Three Gorges, with a more relaxed, gentle current, and takes about four hours. Although the journey is smooth, the length of the trip challenges both your endurance and spirit. The short route takes you through the final gorge, San Cheng Gorge (三撑峡), which is deeper and features stronger currents and rapids, offering a thrilling ride that can be completed in just half an hour.
Witness the Rail Transit Wonders
One of Chongqing’s most peculiar sights is its rail transit system, particularly the now-famous Liziba station. Located in Yuzhong District, this station is remarkable because a light rail train line passes directly through a residential building. The train doesn’t just run beside it – it goes straight into the building, with the station itself located inside. Every day, hundreds of passengers board and exit the train, while the building’s residents continue their daily lives just a few floors above.
This bizarre yet fascinating engineering feat has become one of Chongqing’s unique landmarks. Visitors often gather on the opposite side of the river to capture the surreal image of a train zooming through the middle of an apartment building. It’s a must-see for anyone intrigued by architecture and urban design.
Marvel at Huangjueping Graffiti Art Street
Chongqing isn’t just about food and nature; it also boasts a vibrant art scene. One of the best places to experience this is at Huangjueping Graffiti Art Street (黄桷坪涂鸦艺术街). Located in Jiulongpo District, this 1.25-kilometer-long street is the largest graffiti art space in China, and perhaps even the world. Starting at the Huangjueping Railway Hospital and stretching all the way to the 501 Art Warehouse (501艺术库), the street is covered with colorful and imaginative graffiti murals that span a total area of about 50,000 square meters.
The street serves as a canvas for local and international artists alike, and walking through it feels like stepping into a vivid dreamscape. The variety of styles and themes – from abstract and surreal to playful and thought-provoking -offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a great photo opportunity, this street is sure to leave a lasting impression.