Chongqing — The City of Lights, Mountains, and Spicy Flavors

One of the most mystical, vertical and inspiring metropolises in China.

Chongqing (重庆) is a city that is hard to describe—it simply has to be experienced. Located in the heart of southwest China, the city rises atop countless hills, crossed by the majestic Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Known as the “City of Fog” (雾都) and the “Vertical City of the World,” Chongqing impresses with architectural wonders, unique natural landmarks, mystical staircases, bright night lights, and food that is literally hard to forget.

Top places to visit in Chongqing

🌟 Hongya Cave (洪崖洞)

Hongya Cave is one of the city’s most iconic sights—a traditional-style complex perched on a cliff, lit up with thousands of lights. Reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film, it offers shops, teahouses, street food, and legendary river views.

🚠 Yangtze Cable Car (长江索道)

A short but unforgettable experience: you cross the huge river between skyscrapers. One of the most photographed places in Chongqing.

🚇 Liziba Station – the metro that passes through the building

Line 2 literally cuts through an apartment building. Tourists gather just to take pictures of the train jumping off the sixth floor—a true urban phenomenon.

🏯 Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)

A real journey back in time – old streets, teahouses, craft shops and traditional desserts like 麻花 (mahua) and 豆花 (douhua).

🛤 Chaotianmen (朝天门)

It is here that the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet — a place with immense symbolic significance and a magical view of the skyscrapers.

The Natural Wonders of Chongqing

🌄 Wulong Karst National Park

The Wulong Karst National Park is one of the most amazing places in China:

• The Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)

• deep canyons

• huge caves

• mountain landscapes like from a movie

Transformers 4 was filmed here

🥾 Jinfo Mountain (金佛山)

It offers peaks above the clouds, snowy landscapes in winter and some of the most beautiful mountain hiking routes.

🌊 Heishan Valley (黑山谷)

Eco-trails between crystal clear waters, waterfalls, wooden bridges and fresh air - ideal for nature lovers.

⭐ The deepest subway in the world – Chongqing Hongtudi Station (红土地站)

Chongqing is home to Hongtudi Metro Station, which holds the world record for the deepest metro station in the world — about 116 meters underground .

It's like a 40-story building buried underground . Interesting facts:

• going down the escalators takes 5–7 minutes

• there are 6 huge escalators

• there was no elevator originally

• the temperatures down there are much lower

That's why the locals call it "地心之门" - The Door to the Center of the Earth .

What do tourists like to do in the mountainous parts of Chongqing?

🥾 1. Crossings over the “sea of clouds” (云海)

A dense “sea of clouds” forms on the peaks of Jinfo Mountain and Wulong in the morning. Tourists come even after dark to observe this fabulous sight.

🪂 2. Paragliding over mountains and canyons

Jumps are available at Nanchuan and Wulong – an incredible combination of heights, sheer cliffs and rivers between the mountains.

🚵 3. Mountain biking on karst routes

Steep descents, tunnels through rocks and panoramic roads – Chongqing is a paradise for adventure sports lovers.

🌉 4. Glass bridges and skywalks

In these areas, there are glass bridges over 1000 m high, where visitors literally "walk on air".

🧗 5. Rock climbing

The karst formations in Wulong offer excellent opportunities for climbers — many routes are professional and for experienced people.

♨ 6. Hot mineral springs

The most popular natural baths are in Nanchuan and Beibei — perfect for relaxing after hiking.

📸 7. Panoramic photos of staircases, hanging neighborhoods and multi-storey highways

Chongqing is one of the most photogenic places in China. Three-level streets, six-story highways, trains that run through buildings — all of this creates unique vertical panoramas.

⛩ 8. Visiting ancient mountain villages

The highlands of Chongqing hide small villages with stone houses, teahouses with views, and traditional craft workshops.

What to try in Chongqing – the taste of the region

🔥 Chongqing Hot Pot (重重火锅)

It has become legendary throughout China—spicy, aromatic, and unforgettable. The food is cooked at the table, and the atmosphere is always cheerful and noisy.

🌶 Xiaomian (重重小面)

Spicy noodles that locals eat for breakfast — simple, cheap, and incredibly delicious.

🐟 Grilled Fish (烤鱼)

Baked fish with aromatic spices, often served for dinner.

🍢 Chuan Chuan (串串)

Similar to hot pot, but everything is on skewers — convenient, delicious, and very popular.

🌽 Sticky Rice with Chicken (糯米鸡)

A classic dish from the region.

More interesting facts about Chongqing

• the city has over 8,000 staircases

• some streets start at level 1 and end at level 11

• there are 4–6 level junctions

• Chongqing has over 100 foggy days a year

• It is located among mountains-karst and is full of natural caves.

• the architecture is so unusual that it is often called "a city from a science fiction movie"

Why is Chongqing a destination that must be visited at least once?

• because it is one of the most beautiful night cities in China

• because it's home to the deepest subway in the world

• because it is the home of real Chinese hot pot

• because it offers nature from another dimension – karst bridges, caves, mountain peaks and "seas of clouds"

• because it is a city where the streets are on several levels and every turn leads to a new view

• because it is a combination of ancient neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers and harsh natural forms