10 Amazing Things To Do In Chongqing China You’ll Love

This post is all about 10 Things To Do In Chongqing China You’ll Love

Whether it’s your first time going to Chongqing, or you’ve been here before, it can be challenging to figure out what the best things to do in Chongqing are.

I remember my first trip to China, the language was so hard to navigate, Google Maps didn’t work, and I had no idea what is Chonqing famous for!

Well, have no fear. I’ve put together the ultimate guide for the 10 life-changing things to do in Chongqing, including the unique things to do in Chongqing, things to do in Chongqing at night, and the best Chongqing tourist attractions you need to see.

This post is all about 10 Things To Do In Chongqing China You’ll Love

Guanghuan Shopping Park

One of the most underrated things to do in Chongqing is to explore Guanghuan Shopping Park.

This place feels like a futuristic forest, the perfect blend of architecture and nature—and it is actually a shopping mall!

From Sephora to local boutiques and even Chinese luxury car showrooms, you can find almost everything you need here.

We also went to their grocery store and found some of the best souvenirs! Make sure to stock up on the Chongqing hot pot broth. It comes in cubes and is the #1 thing I regret not buying more of.

It’s truly the perfect place to spend an entire day.

See More Here: The Yu Garden in Shanghai: Is It Worth Going To & Everything You Need To Know

2. Hongyadong (Hongya Cave)

This is the most ICONIC thing to do in Chongqing and one you see all over social media!

It’s a stunning shopping complex near the Jialing River with various shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

However, every local we talked to does not recommend eating here!

Come for the views, shops, and eat at other local favorites. Go to Chaotianmen Bridge and walk down to Hongyadong to get the best views.

The lights turn on at 6:00 PM every day and off precisely at 10:00 PM.

3. Chongqing Grand Theater

This is definitely a local secret and hidden gem of things to do in Chongqing, but locals told us to go here instead for the best views of Hongyadong, and it was incredible.

Head to Chongqing Grand Theater for the most epic photos of Hongyadong, which include the beautiful bridge.

If you don’t have a photographer or a camera with a flash - don’t worry!

There are SO many photographers you can hire on the spot here who have amazing props like lanterns and chairs AND a multitude of poses for you to try.

I used my favorite camera that I take on all my trips; it has an incredible flash and will be perfect for taking all of your photos!

4. Go Shopping And Eating At Chongqing Raffles City

This was one of my favorite things to do in Chongqing, and we ate here so many times on our trip! There are amazing hot pot restaurants, local favorites, and an arcade with a ZOO here.

The architecture here is stunning, featuring an eye-catching sky bridge connecting two towers.

From high-end luxury labels to lots of local brands, you’ll get lost here in the best way.

This is the hotel we ended up staying at for our trip as well and it was incredible! The staff was so friendly, there was a great breakfast every morning, and the rooms were SO spacious and affordable. 10/10 recommend staying here

5. Raffles City Sky Garden

At the top of Chongqing Raffles City is one of the coolest observatories in the world and something you HAVE to add to your list of things to do in Chongqing.

The Raffles City Sky Garden features the sky garden, where you can see a glass bottom skywalk and views of the Yangtze, Jialing River, and Chongqing’s futuristic skyline.

But one thing you HAVE to do is the swing at Raffles City Sky Garden, suspended 820 feet above the ground,

I’m not typically one to be afraid of heights, but even I was completely shaking.

Thrill seekers can see incredible views of the city and river as you swing over the edge of the building.

6. Eat At The BIGGEST Hotpot Restaurant In The World

Okay, I lied—this has to be at the top of your list of things to do in Chongqing. Chongqing Aijia Hotpot holds a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest hotpot restaurant in the world, seating over 5,000 diners on the side of a mountain.

It has multiple floors, the size of four football stadiums, and the food is delicious!

We ordered the famous spicy Sichuan broth, and at a table of 5, we ate to our heart’s content and only spent about $20 each.

Take a cab here instead of public transportation as there's a lot of walking if you take the public.

7. See The 23 Pandas At Chongqing Zoo

This was, by far, my mom’s favorite thing to do in Chongqing. The pandas are weirdly located in the city's center, so you can very quickly take the train to see them!

They’re absolutely adorable, but the pandas are only out from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the mornings.

We came at about 8:45 AM, and the pandas had already retreated to their homes after eating to sleep for the day.

We had to come to the zoo TWICE because my mom was so frustrated she didn’t get to see all of the pandas.

Please don’t make the same mistake as us!

8. See The Train That Goes Into An Apartment

Yes, you read that right. One of the craziest things to do in Chongqing is to watch the train that goes THROUGH an apartment building.

It’s so strange yet, it’s a huge tourist attraction! I recommend doing this after the zoo since it’s on the same line.

Here’s how to get there:

Take the Metro Line 2 (the blue line) and get off at Liziba Station.

Once you exit, the most famous spot is the Liziba Light Rail Station, you can watch on the balcony or the viewing area (you’ll know which one it is because of the crowds!).

The train comes roughly every 5-10 minutes so get your cameras ready!

9. Visit The Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore

Located inside of an abandoned shopping mall, this bookstore is every architecture’s dream. Known for its extensive collection of books, this bookstore occupies several floors in the empty mall and is a cool contrast to Chongqing’s urban landscape with an inviting atmosphere.

It’s also located in the city's center, making it easy to do in Chongqing!

10. Get Trippy At Kuixing Building

You’ve definitely seen this on social media, but this is one of those things to do in Chongqing that you have to experience in person.

While it looks like Kuixing is on the first floor, you’re actually on the 22nd floor due to the unique architectural design and mountainous topography of Chongqing.

It truly feels so trippy and cool, you have to experience it for yourself!

And there you have it! 10 life-changing things to do in Chongqing that will definitely make you fall in love.

After this trip, Chongqing became one of my favorite cities and I know you will absolutely love it here too. I hope you have the most amazing trip!