Chongqing Hidden Gem Hotel: Metro Access + Free Parking, Easy Access to All the Hotspots!

I came to Chongqing for a wedding and to meet friends, so I booked the Hilton Garden Inn Chayuan. As I turned off the highway into the Chayuan New District, the navigation announced, "You have arrived at Hilton Garden Inn," and I couldn’t help but wonder, "Already?" The parking entrance was right by the hotel’s side door, and the friendly security guard guided me to an open spot. When I scanned the QR code to register, I was pleasantly surprised—parking was completely free! As soon as I unloaded my luggage, the bellhop took it from me. This level of service was far more comforting than some paid parking lots in the city. Even better, the hotel is right above the Changshengqiao Metro Station. Just steps from the entrance, and you’re at the station—unbelievably convenient! 🅿 Parking Freedom for Road Trippers The underground garage has plenty of spaces, 24/7 surveillance, and feels safe even late at night. The best part? It’s completely free. Compared to downtown parking fees of 50 yuan per night, staying here for two nights saves you enough for a hot pot feast—total win! 🚇 Changshengqiao Metro Station at Your Doorstep The metro station is right outside the hotel—no detours, just step out and hop on. ▫ Take Line 6 for a 30-minute ride straight to Liberation Monument. A short walk from the station lands you on Bayi Food Street, where you can savor authentic Chongqing sweet rice balls—soft, glutinous, and filled with sweet sesame paste, floating in osmanthus syrup. One bite, and the sweetness explodes on your tongue. ▫ Transfer to Line 1 for a direct trip to Ciqikou Ancient Town. The streets are filled with the aroma of Chen’s crispy twists—golden, crunchy, and available in sweet-spicy, original, or five-spice flavors. You won’t be able to stop snacking as you explore. Deep in the town, there’s an old shop serving spicy blood curd stew (maoxuewang), where a secret-recipe chili oil coats tender blood curd, tripe, and eel—a symphony of spicy, numbing, and savory flavors. Don’t feel like squeezing onto the metro? Driving is even more flexible: ▪ 20 minutes to Nanshan Botanical Garden, with a detour to Pipayuan Hot Pot. Find a seat among the hillside hot pot tables, and as the broth boils, the aroma of beef fat fills the air. Dip fresh-cut beef, crispy tripe, and duck intestines for a fiery burst of flavor. ▪ 35 minutes to Liziba to see the light rail pass through a building, then head to Eling 2nd Factory for Instagram-worthy shots. Hungry? Stop by a local eatery for Gele Mountain spicy chicken—crispy outside, tender inside, hidden in a sea of bright red chilies. 🏪 Century Lianhua Supermarket Right Below The metro entrance leads straight to Century Lianhua Supermarket. Craving snacks or drinks at night? Just a two-minute stroll downstairs. The store also sells local Chongqing snacks like strange-flavor broad beans and Hechuan peach slices—perfect as souvenirs. 📸 Insta-Worthy Spots Just a Ride Away ▪ Huangjueping Graffiti Street: 25 minutes by car, or take Line 1 to Yangjiaping and walk 10 minutes for endless photo ops. Afterward, try the nearby pig’s trotter soup—tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat in a rich broth. ▪ Yangtze River Cableway South Station: 40 minutes via Line 6 and the Loop Line. Avoid crowds by going early, then explore Danzishi Old Street. Don’t miss the Rongchang braised goose—firm, flavorful meat with a fragrant marinade, paired with a special dipping sauce. ▪ Mountain City Trail: Drive 20 minutes via Dongshuimen Bridge to the trailhead. Take breaks with a cup of tea and river views. Nearby stalls serve must-try sour-spicy noodles—chewy sweet potato noodles in a tangy, spicy broth. 🛏 Rooms Designed for Lazy Mornings A light gray fabric sofa and small round table create a cozy work nook, with the lamp casting just the right light on the keyboard. But the real star is the bed—linens fluffy as sunlight, and the mattress feels scientifically calibrated: supportive for side sleepers, perfectly aligned for back sleepers. Woken by rain at dawn? Just burrow deeper and drift back to sleep 🌙 🍳 Food So Good You’ll Want to Take It Home The breakfast kitchen buzzes like a market: ▫ At the Chongqing noodles station, the chef’s swift hands toss noodles in chili oil, filling the room with aroma. ▫ Steamed buns are so fluffy they hold fingerprints, with sweet bean paste melting in your mouth. ▫ Plain congee with Fuling pickles tastes just like grandma’s cooking. At night, the lobby snack bar offers strange-flavor broad beans and spicy beef jerky, paired with free sour plum tea—perfect for binge-watching. 💰 Hidden Value in Every Detail Prices are 20% lower than comparable hotels, with free perks: ✔ Free parking savings = extra meals at local eateries. ✔ Self-service laundry with citrus-scented detergent saves dry-cleaning costs. ✔ 24-hour coffee machine with velvety foam—usually a paid extra elsewhere. ✔ A farewell gift (cardholder, etc.) at checkout—so thoughtful! On my last morning, I left early to visit nearby Chayuan Park. Camellias bloomed in the mist, and I finally understood: "Choosing the right place means half the trip is already a success." Next road trip to Chongqing? This spot is locked in! 🔒