Chongqing is a bustling, vibrant city located in southwestern China. Known as the "Mountain City," it is built on hills and surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It is famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan cuisine, particularly hot pot, and its rich history and culture.
The city also boasts a thriving nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Despite its modernity, Chongqing still retains much of its traditional charm, with old temples and traditional architecture scattered throughout the city.
Average Cost of Hotels in Chongqing
There are 1069 hotels in Chongqing on Trip.com, including luxury, boutique, and budget hotels.
- There are 77 five-star hotels in Chongqing at an average price of 75 USD per night.
- There are 193 four-star hotels in Chongqing at an average price of 41 USD per night.
- There are 331 three-star hotels in Chongqing at an average price of 28 USD per night.
- There are 405 two-star hotels in Chongqing at an average price of 17 USD per night.
There are many well-known chain hotels in Chongqing. Hotels under the Ramada brand are a good choice. Hilton Chongqing in Chongqing is a favorite among Trip.com users. If you're still unsure, Trip.com recommends DoubleTree by Hilton Chongqing North.
Popular Attractions for First-Time Visitors
- Chongqing Hongya Cave: This is an 11-storey stilt house complex built along the mountainside, offering a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities. It's also a great place to enjoy the night view of Chongqing.
- Ciqikou Ancient Town: This old town is a must-visit for its traditional Chinese architecture, tea houses, and local snacks. It's like stepping back in time and experiencing the old Chongqing.
- Chongqing Wulong Karst: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features stunning natural landscapes, including karst formations, natural bridges, and caves.
- Yangtze River Cableway: For a panoramic view of the city, take a ride on the cableway. It crosses the Yangtze River, providing a breathtaking view of the city's skyline and the river below.
- Chongqing Zoo: Home to the adorable giant pandas, this zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers.
Transportation in Chongqing
- Public Transportation: Chongqing has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and a metro system. However, the city is built on mountains and the streets can be steep and winding, so be prepared for a bit of a workout if you're walking.
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport: Your air gateway to this dynamic city, well-connected with flights from all over the world. Airport shuttles and taxis make city center access a breeze.
Better to Know Before Visiting Chongqing
- Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but the local dialect is Chongqing dialect, which is a variant of Southwestern Mandarin. English is not widely spoken, so it might be helpful to learn a few basic Chinese phrases or have a translation app handy.
- Spicy Food: Chongqing is famous for its spicy cuisine, particularly hot pot. If you can't handle spicy food, make sure to ask for a less spicy version or choose non-spicy dishes.
- Weather: Chongqing is known as one of China's "Three Furnaces" due to its hot and humid summer. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn.
- Currency: The official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller vendors.
- Safety: Chongqing is generally safe for tourists, but like any big city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
What to Eat in Chongqing
Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and snacks when visiting Chongqing:
- Chongqing Hot Pot (重庆火锅): The most famous dish in Chongqing, hot pot is a spicy, simmering soup base filled with various ingredients, such as meat, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. Diners cook the ingredients at the table and enjoy them with dipping sauces.
- Spicy Numbing Fish (水煮鱼): This dish features tender fish fillets cooked in a spicy broth with Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and various seasonings, creating a numbing and spicy flavor.
- Grilled Skewers (串串): These are popular street food snacks in Chongqing, featuring skewered meat, seafood, vegetables, and tofu grilled over charcoal and seasoned with spices.
- Liangfen (凉粉): A cold, jelly-like dish made from mung bean or sweet potato starch, liangfen is served with a spicy and tangy sauce, often topped with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro.
- Fried Dough Twists (麻花): A popular snack in Chongqing, these twisted dough sticks are deep-fried and coated with sesame seeds, providing a crunchy and slightly sweet treat.
- Xiaomian (小面): Also known as Chongqing noodles, this dish consists of thin wheat noodles served in a spicy and flavorful broth, often topped with minced meat, peanuts, and chopped scallions.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing
The best time to visit Chongqing is in the spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The summer months (July and August) can be very hot and humid, while the winter months (December to February) can be quite cold. However, Chongqing is known as one of the "Three Furnaces" of China, so even in spring and autumn, the weather can be quite warm.
Average Temperature
• January to March: 12.34°C during the day, 9.76°C at night
• April to June: 24.63°C during the day, 20.83°C at night
• July to September: 29.52°C during the day, 25.55°C at night
• October to December: 15.62°C during the day, 13.32°C at night
Average seasonal Rainfall
• Spring: 28.7 cm
• Summer: 145.67 cm
• Autumn: 142.23 cm
• Winter: 52.73 cm
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