Planning a trip to Chongqing soon? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! 🇨🇳 Known as China’s “Mountain City,” Chongqing blends stunning landscapes, vibrant city life, and rich culture. From the glowing skyline along the Yangtze River 🌆 to the spicy aroma of hotpot 🌶️, this city will captivate all your senses.
Whether you’re cruising the Three Gorges, exploring ancient Ciqikou, or relaxing in hot springs, Chongqing promises experiences that are both thrilling and authentic.
That’s why we’ve created this handy travel guide — packed with tips on where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and must-see attractions. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide will help you explore Chongqing with confidence. Get ready to uncover the charm and excitement of one of China’s most dynamic cities! 🏞️✨
Top Areas to Explore in Chongqing
| Area | Recommended Rating | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Jiefangbei (Downtown Chongqing) | ★★★★★ | The heart of the city, filled with shopping malls, modern skyscrapers, and lively nightlife. Don’t miss the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and panoramic views from Chongqing Raffles City. |
Hongya Cave | ★★★★☆ | A must-visit landmark showcasing traditional stilted architecture, vibrant night lights, and countless local eateries offering authentic Chongqing hotpot and street snacks. |
Ciqikou Ancient Town | ★★★★☆ | Step back in time with cobblestone lanes, teahouses, and preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Great for sampling traditional snacks and local crafts. |
Nan’an District (Nanshan Scenic Area) | ★★★★☆ | Known for its mountain views and natural beauty, this area offers scenic spots like Nanshan Botanical Garden and the iconic “One Tree” viewpoint overlooking the city skyline. |
Wulong Karst National Geology Park | ★★★★☆ | A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning limestone formations, natural bridges, and caves. Perfect for day trips and outdoor adventures. |
Top Shopping Spots in Chongqing
🏙️ Place Name | 📍 Location | 🛒 What to Find | ⏰ Best Time to Visit | 💡 Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街) | Yuzhong District | Luxury brands, local boutiques, restaurants, and street snacks | Afternoon to evening | Great for both shopping and sightseeing — visit Hongya Cave nearby for night views |
Guanyinqiao Walking Street (观音桥步行街) | Jiangbei District | Mid-range fashion, skincare, accessories, and local snacks | Daytime or night | Popular with young locals — try local tea shops and snack stalls |
Chongqing Times Square (重庆时代广场) | Jiefangbei area | High-end international brands, cafes, and department stores | Afternoon | Indoor air-conditioned mall — perfect for hot or rainy days |
Paradise Walk (北城天街) | Guanyinqiao, Jiangbei District | Trendy fashion, restaurants, cinemas, and family-friendly stores | Evening | Very lively at night — plenty of halal-friendly international food options |
Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) | Shapingba District | Handicrafts, souvenirs, tea, and traditional snacks | Morning to late afternoon | Best for local gifts and street food — avoid weekends for smaller crowds |
Top Things to do in Chongqing
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🍲 What to Eat in Chongqing
If you’re a Malaysian traveller who loves food, Chongqing will easily win your heart. The city is famous across China for its bold, spicy flavours and lively dining culture. Every meal feels like a mini adventure — whether you’re sitting by the river enjoying hotpot, grabbing noodles at a small shop, or trying snacks from the night market. Here are some must-try local dishes and where to find them:
1. Chongqing Hotpot (重庆火锅)
Source: Food Pocket Guide
Chongqing’s most iconic dish is hotpot — and locals take it seriously. A pot of bubbling red broth filled with dried chillies, peppercorns, and spices sits at the centre of the table, and you dip thin slices of meat, seafood, and vegetables to cook them yourself.
If you’re not used to spicy food, you can request a “yuan yang pot” (half spicy, half mild). Enjoy it with sesame oil dipping sauce and a glass of cold plum juice — it helps balance the heat.
🕐 Best time to eat: Dinner or late-night
📍 Where to go:
- Shancheng Hotpot King (山城火锅王) – Jiefangbei area, Yuzhong District
- Peijia Hotpot (沛家老火锅) – Hongya Cave area
- Qi Hotpot (齐火锅) – Nanbin Road, great river view at night
2. Chongqing Xiaomian (重庆小面)
Source: China Daily - Global Edition
This simple yet addictive noodle dish is a local favourite. It’s made with thin wheat noodles topped with spicy oil, minced meat, crushed peanuts, and scallions. Locals love to grab a bowl on their way to work — quick, cheap, and full of flavour.
🕐 Best time to eat: Breakfast or light lunch
📍 Where to go:
- Xiaomian Street (小面一条街) – Near Guanyinqiao area
- Liuyishou Xiaomian (刘一手小面) – Chain with multiple outlets around Jiefangbei
3. Grilled Fish (烤鱼)
Source: SENTHLUI.com
The fish is marinated, grilled until crispy, then served in a sizzling tray of spicy sauce with vegetables and tofu. You can choose your spice level and favourite flavour — spicy, garlic, black bean, or even tomato broth for something lighter.
🕐 Best time to eat: Dinner
📍 Where to go:
- Jie Fang Bei Kao Yu (解放碑烤鱼) – Near Bayi Food Street
- Old Street Grilled Fish (老街烤鱼) – Ciqikou Ancient Town
4. Suan La Fen (酸辣粉)
Source: chinatripedia
This famous street food features slippery glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, soaked in a hot, sour, and spicy soup. It’s chewy, tangy, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. You can find it in almost every market and food street across Chongqing.
🕐 Best time to eat: Snack or light lunch
📍 Where to go:
- Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) – Many street vendors serve it fresh
- Zhou Ji Suan La Fen (周记酸辣粉) – Near Jiefangbei
5. Chongqing BBQ (烧烤)
Source: The Mala Market Recipes
As night falls, BBQ stalls pop up all over the city. Locals gather to enjoy grilled meats, vegetables, and tofu skewers while chatting over cold drinks. It’s a fun and casual way to experience Chongqing’s social culture.
🕐 Best time to eat: Late-night (after 9 PM)
📍 Where to go:
- Nanbin Road Night Market (南滨路夜市) – Best for riverside BBQ and beer
- Shibati Old Street (十八梯) – Local-style grilled skewers
6. Chongqing Street Snacks (街头小吃)
Source: WestChinaGo
🕐 Best time to eat: Afternoon or evening strolls
📍 Where to go:
- Ciqikou Ancient Town – Best for traditional sweets and snacks
- Bayi Food Street (八一路好吃街) – Near Jiefangbei, famous for local street food
Try local treats like:
- Ma Hua (麻花): Crispy twisted dough with sesame — perfect souvenir snack.
- Dou Hua (豆花): Soft tofu served sweet or savoury.
- Tang You Baba (糖油粑粑): Fried sticky rice balls coated in sugar syrup.
- Nuo Mi Ci (糯米糍): Sticky rice balls with sweet fillings like red bean or peanut.
🍵 Local Tip for Malaysian Travellers
Chongqing food is known for its spice and heat — but it’s not just about being spicy. The dishes balance flavour, aroma, and freshness. If you’re not used to very spicy food, tell the restaurant staff, “Bu yao tai la (不要太辣),” which means “not too spicy.”
Also, avoid eating too fast — locals say it’s best to enjoy hotpot slowly, chatting with friends as you go.
🏨 Top Hotels in Chongqing
1. The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square
A luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Chongqing, offering panoramic city views and direct access to major attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave.
| 📍 Location | 222 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District
| 🍽️ Dining | International buffet and fine dining restaurants
| 🏙️ Nearby Attractions | Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave
| 💡 Best For | Business travellers, luxury seekers, and city explorers
2. Niccolo Chongqing
Located in the iconic Chongqing IFS Tower, this five-star hotel offers elegant rooms with breathtaking skyline views and world-class facilities.
| 📍 Location | Tower 1, IFS, No. 8 Changjiang Road, Jiangbeizui CBD
| 🍽️ Dining | Gourmet Chinese and Western restaurants
| 🏙️ Nearby Attractions | Chongqing Grand Theatre, Chaotianmen Square
| 💡 Best For | Luxury stays, couples, and skyline lovers
3. Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing
A modern serviced apartment perfect for long stays, featuring spacious rooms, a gym, and stunning river views.
| 📍 Location | No. 151 Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District
| 🍽️ Dining | On-site restaurant and nearby local eateries
| 🏙️ Nearby Attractions | Chaotianmen Dock, Raffles City Chongqing
| 💡 Best For | Families, long-term travellers, and business guests
4. Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing
A centrally located hotel offering contemporary comfort, exceptional service, and easy access to the city’s main shopping and entertainment districts.
| 📍 Location | No. 66 Qingnian Road, Yuzhong District
| 🍽️ Dining | Multiple restaurants serving Chinese and international cuisine
| 🏙️ Nearby Attractions | Liberation Monument, People’s Liberation Square
| 💡 Best For | First-time visitors, shoppers, and business travellers
5. Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei
A serene mountain resort surrounded by lush greenery and natural hot springs, perfect for a relaxing escape from the city.
| 📍 Location | No. 101 Hot Spring Road, Beibei District
| 🍽️ Dining | Fine dining with local and international options
| 🏞️ Nearby Attractions | Jinyun Mountain, Beibei Hot Springs Park
| 💡 Best For | Honeymooners, wellness retreats, and nature lovers
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing
- Pergi Balik
- Sehala
- direct cheapest
KUL18:454j 45mTanpa hentiCKG23:30Kuala Lumpur - Chongqing|Sel, 13 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)CKG00:455jTanpa hentiKUL05:45Chongqing - Kuala Lumpur|Isn, 19 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)PKR 57,643PKR 79,08727% off27% offPKR 79,087PKR 57,643 - KUL18:454j 45mTanpa hentiCKG23:30Kuala Lumpur - Chongqing|Ahd, 11 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)CKG00:455jTanpa hentiKUL05:45Chongqing - Kuala Lumpur|Rab, 14 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)PKR 58,280PKR 79,08726% off26% offPKR 79,087PKR 58,280
- KUL20:004j 45mTanpa hentiCKG00:45Kuala Lumpur - Chongqing|Sab, 10 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)CKG02:005jTanpa hentiKUL07:00Chongqing - Kuala Lumpur|Jum, 16 Jan|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)PKR 59,315PKR 79,08725% off25% offPKR 79,087PKR 59,315
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiCKG2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Chongqing|Mon, Dec 29|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)
CKG1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiKUL2:00 PMChongqing - Kuala Lumpur|Mon, Dec 29|AirAsia X Berhad (Malaysia)Cari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
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🚇 Travel Tips for Malaysian Travellers
Chongqing is a large, hilly city with many bridges and winding roads, so getting around can feel like an adventure. Here are some simple tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable:
🚌 Getting Around the City
- By Metro: The Chongqing Metro is the easiest and most affordable way to travel. It covers most tourist areas like Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, and Ciqikou. Buy a one-day pass if you plan to explore multiple stops.
- By Taxi or Ride App: Taxis are convenient, but drivers may not speak English. It’s best to show your destination in Chinese (use Google Translate or Trip.com app). Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are reliable too.
- By Cable Car: Don’t miss the Yangtze River Cableway — it’s both a mode of transport and a tourist attraction with beautiful skyline views.
📱 Internet & Communication
- Get a local SIM card at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport or any convenience store. China Mobile and China Unicom offer affordable short-term plans.
- Public Wi-Fi is common in malls and hotels, but using a VPN is recommended if you need access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram.
💰 Money & Payments
- Most shops and restaurants prefer cashless payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. You can set them up using an international card.
- Always carry some Chinese yuan (RMB) for smaller stalls or older shops that don’t accept digital payments.
- ATMs are easy to find in malls and train stations.
🕐 Best Time to Visit Chongqing
- The best time is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn), when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.
- Summer (June–August) can be very hot and humid, while winter (December–February) is foggy but gives Chongqing its famous “City of Fog” charm.
🧳 Helpful Local Tips
- Always bring an umbrella — Chongqing rains often, especially in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the city has steep streets and many stairs.
- Learn a few basic Mandarin words like “Xièxiè” (thank you) and “Duōshǎo qián?” (how much?) — locals appreciate it when travellers try to speak their language.
- Keep hotel cards with you in case you need help returning — not all taxi drivers can read English.
Recommended Hotels in Chongqing
🎒 Start Your Chongqing Adventure Today
Chongqing is a city full of surprises. Every corner has something new to discover — from glowing cityscapes and hotpot feasts to peaceful mountain views. For Malaysian travellers, it offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and comfort.
So, whether you’re here for a short getaway or a longer holiday, Chongqing promises memories that last a lifetime. Start planning your trip today on Trip.com — find the best flights, hotels, and travel deals all in one place.
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FAQs: Chongqing Travel Guide
Do Malaysians need a visa to visit Chongqing?
Yes. Malaysian travellers need a China tourist visa (L visa) to visit Chongqing. You can apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Kuala Lumpur or Kuching. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.How long is the flight from Malaysia to Chongqing?
A direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chongqing takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Several airlines, including AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, offer regular flights to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG).What’s the best way to get around Chongqing?
The Chongqing Metro is fast, clean, and covers most tourist attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also convenient, but always show your destination in Chinese. For scenic views, try the Yangtze River Cableway.Is it easy to find halal or vegetarian food in Chongqing?
While halal food options are limited, you can still find Muslim-friendly restaurants in areas like Jiefangbei and Shapingba. Vegetarian restaurants are more common, especially around Ciqikou Ancient Town.What is Chongqing famous for?
Chongqing is best known for its spicy hotpot, mountain landscapes, and night views along the Yangtze River. It’s also home to the famous Wulong Karst National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.What is the local language spoken in Chongqing?
The main language is Mandarin Chinese, but locals often speak a local dialect called Chongqinghua. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to use a translation app or learn a few basic Mandarin phrases.