Morning (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM): The Iconic Cityscape
Highlight 1: Ciqikou Ancient Town
A preserved “old street” on the banks of the Jialing River. While it can be touristy, it’s a fantastic glimpse into old Chongqing before the skyscrapers took over.
The Experience: Wander through narrow, steep lanes lined with traditional Bayu-style architecture. The air is filled with the smell of spicy oil, tea, and freshly ground chili.
Highlight 2: A Fiery Hot Pot Lunch
What it is: This is non-negotiable. Chongqing is the birthplace of the famous Chongqing Mala Hot Pot.
The Experience: You’ll be presented with a cauldron of bubbling red oil, loaded with Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies. The numbing, spicy (mala) flavor is an unforgettable experience
Highlight 3: E’ling Park & Liziba Ba
What it is: This is where you get the most iconic view of Chongqing’s unique geography.
The Experience: Climb (or take a short taxi) to the viewing platform in E’ling Park. From here, you’ll see the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, a perfect demonstration of why the city is called a “peninsula.”
The Bonus: A short walk away is the now-famous Liziba Station, where you can watch the monorail (Light Rail Line 2) go directly through a residential building! It’s a surreal and perfect
Highlight 4: Hongya Cave
What it is: An 11-story stilted building complex built into the cliffside beside the Jialing River. It’s a shopping and dining complex, but the real draw is its architecture and the view.
The Experience: Explore the labyrinth of shops and stalls inside. As dusk approaches, make your way to the bottom level (the riverside) or the viewing platform on the opposite side of the river.
