Back from Chongqing, here's a local's recommended itinerary.
🌆 Chongqing, this charming 8D magic city, has overlapping buildings, hot and spicy hot pot, and dazzling night views, all of which are fascinating. April in Chongqing offers comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers, making it the perfect time to travel. Follow this guide to start your Chongqing journey!
🎒 Preparation
- Documents: ID card, student ID (if applicable), etc.
- Electronics: Power bank, charging cable, headphones, camera, selfie stick to capture beautiful moments.
- Clothing: The temperature in Chongqing in April ranges from 15-25°C (59-77°F) with a large temperature difference between day and night. Pack short sleeves, light shirts, knitted cardigans or denim jackets, and comfortable sneakers, as the mountain city has many slopes and steps.
- Medicine: Gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids, mosquito repellent, motion sickness medicine, etc., just in case.
- Skincare and makeup: Lotion, facial cleanser, toiletries, cosmetics, makeup remover.
- Other: Masks, hand sanitizer, umbrella.
📍 Must-See Attractions
1. Jiefangbei
- Recommended reason: Chongqing's landmark building, a hub for shopping, food, and entertainment, where you can experience the city's prosperity and vitality.
- Address: No. 177, Minzu Road, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station; or take Subway Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station.
- Tickets: Free.
2. Hongyadong
- Recommended reason: Featuring the traditional Bayu architectural style of "Diaojiaolou" (stilted buildings), it is brilliantly lit at night, resembling a dreamy scene from an anime, perfect for taking photos.
- Address: No. 88, Jialing River Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station; or take Subway Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station.
- Tickets: Free.
3. Yangtze River Cableway
- Recommended reason: Experience the thrill of crossing the Yangtze River in the air, admire the magnificent scenery on both sides of the river, and experience the unique mountain city transportation.
- Address: No. 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District (Yuzhong District Station); No. 4 Shangxin Street, Nan'an District (Nan'an District Station).
- Transportation: For Yuzhong District Station, take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station; for Nan'an District Station, take Subway Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station.
- Tickets: One-way: 20 yuan, round-trip: 30 yuan.
4. Shibati
- Recommended reason: Showcasing the historical features of old Chongqing and the lifestyle of climbing slopes and steps, the antique streets are full of Bayu cultural charm.
- Address: No. 1 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station.
- Tickets: Free.
5. Liziba Light Rail Station
- Recommended reason: Watch the light rail pass through a building, a unique sight that showcases Chongqing's unique terrain and transportation.
- Address: Liziba Zheng Street, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Liziba Station.
- Tickets: Free.
6. Eling Second Factory
- Recommended reason: A must-visit for art lovers, with many creative shops, cafes, and the filming location of "I Belonged to You," full of artistic atmosphere.
- Address: No. 1 Eling Zheng Street, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Eling Station.
- Tickets: Free.
7. Ciqikou Ancient Town
- Recommended reason: A thousand-year-old ancient town with antique streets, various snacks, and traditional handicrafts, offering a taste of old Chongqing's charm.
- Address: No. 1 Cinan Street, Shapingba District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Ciqikou Station.
- Tickets: Free.
8. Mountain City Trail
- Recommended reason: Preserving the architectural features of old Chongqing, you can see ancient city walls and stilted buildings along the way, experiencing the charm of old Chongqing.
- Address: No. 234 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District.
- Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station.
- Tickets: Free.
💖 Must-Do Things in Chongqing
- Have authentic Chongqing hot pot: Enjoy the spicy and flavorful broth with tripe, duck intestines, tender beef, and other ingredients, experiencing Chongqing's unique food culture.
- Take a two-river cruise: Admire the night view of the Yangtze River and Jialing River from the cruise ship, as Chongqing is particularly charming under the bright lights.
- Stroll through Chongqing's old streets: Explore the memories of old Chongqing in places like Longmenhao Old Street and Xiahao Old Street.
- Try various Chongqing snacks: Indulge in delicacies like hot and sour noodles, small glutinous rice balls, sweet jelly noodles, and grilled brain flowers.
🎉 Chongqing's charm goes far beyond these, as every street and every scenic spot has a unique story. I hope this April travel guide can help you have an unforgettable time in Chongqing and enjoy the beauty of this city!