Mountain City Chongqing
Highlights of Chongqing Tourism: Hongyadong captivates with its enchanting nightscape, Jiefangbei offers a shopping and culinary paradise, Ciqikou Ancient Town embodies rich Bayu culture, Wulong Natural Bridges are natural wonders, and Xiannv Mountain serves as a summer resort.
Chongqing’s Main History
Founded as the capital of the Ba State in the 11th century BCE, Chongqing became a prefecture during the Song dynasty and an open treaty port in 1891. It served as China’s wartime capital in WWII and, in 1997, was elevated to China’s fourth direct-controlled municipality and a national central city.
Chongqing’s Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 29°33′ N, 106°34′ E.
Municipal limits: 28°10′ N–32°13′ N, 105°11′ E–110°11′ E.
Chongqing’s Total Area
82,400 km² – the largest municipality by land area in China.
Chongqing’s Permanent Resident Population
≈ 32.13 million (end-2024).
Number & Names of Chongqing Airports
2 civil airports: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and Chongqing Wushan Airport (WSK).
Number & Names of Chongqing’s Main Railway Stations
5 principal stations: Chongqing West, Chongqing North, Chongqing (main), Shapingba, and Chongqing East (opening 2025).
When Chongqing Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
First metro line opened 6 November 2004; as of June 2025 the network comprises 13 lines (subway, loop, and monorail).
Chongqing’s Geographic Position in China
South-west China, upper Yangtze River, eastern edge of the Sichuan Basin; borders Hubei & Hunan to the east, Guizhou to the south, Sichuan to the west, and Shaanxi to the north.
Chongqing’s Geographic Features
Known as the “Mountain City,” the terrain is rugged—high in the north and south, low in the middle. Karst hills dominate, averaging ≈ 400 m. The Yangtze, Jialing and Wu Rivers cut deep gorges and terraces.
Chongqing’s Climate Characteristics
Sub-tropical humid monsoon: hot summers, mild winters, warm springs and autumns; frequent fog and cloud cover, abundant rainfall, occasional summer droughts.
Months of Chongqing’s Four Seasons
Spring: March–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–November
Winter: December–February
Chongqing’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 18.3 °C.
Chongqing’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 1,100 mm.
Best Times to Visit Chongqing
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are pleasant and river fog enhances the skyline.
Chongqing’s Peak Tourist Seasons
Mid-April–late May and late September–late October (National Day “Golden Week” is the busiest).
Major Tourist Attractions
Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei CBD, Yangtze River Cableway, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges, Dazu Rock Carvings, Fairy Mountain, Liziba Light-Rail-through-Building, South Mountain One-Tree Viewing Deck.
Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (Minquan & Minzu Roads, Yuzhong District) and Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street (Jianxin North Road, Jiangbei District).
Signature Chongqing Snacks
Chongqing hot pot, xiao-mian (noodles in chili sauce), hot-and-sour sweet-potato noodles, mountain-city tangyuan, Chen’s twist-crisp, Jiangjin rice-crisp candy.
Hongyadong
Formerly known as Hongyamen, one of the ancient gates of Chongqing, it is now a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction. At night, its dazzling lights illuminate the stilted buildings, creating a mesmerizing scene. Strolling through the old streets of the mountain city, visitors can savor Bayu culture and indulge in world-class cuisine, making it one of Chongqing's iconic landmarks.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Centered around the Liberation Monument, this bustling commercial pedestrian street is one of Chongqing's most vibrant shopping districts. Integrating shopping, entertainment, and cuisine, it's the perfect spot to experience the city's urban lifestyle. In 2020, it was listed among the first batch of "National Demonstration Pedestrian Streets" by the Ministry of Commerce.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Originally named Longyin Town, its well-preserved core area showcases the profound roots of Bayu culture. Built along the mountainside, the narrow and winding streets are lined with shops, making it an ideal place to taste Chongqing snacks and shop for handicrafts.
Three Gorges Museum
Also known as Chongqing Museum, it is among the first group of national first-class museums. With its rich collections, it showcases the historical culture and natural beauty of the Three Gorges region, providing an important window into the history and culture of Chongqing and the Three Gorges.
Yangtze River Cableway
An aerial cableway spanning the Yangtze River, it is a unique mode of transportation in Chongqing. Riding the cableway offers breathtaking views of the river's banks, immersing visitors in the three-dimensional charm of Chongqing's mountainous cityscape. It is now a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction.
Jiangbei Jiujie
Located in the Guanyinqiao Business District of Jiangbei District, it represents Chongqing's nightlife. Trendy, fashionable, and cool, it attracts young people with its emerging consumer formats centered on stylish dining, themed bars, and cultural entertainment.
Hongen Temple
While the original temple has vanished, the rebuilt Hongenge Pavilion and other structures within the Hongensi Forest Park on the northern bank of Jialing River still exude historical charm. With its lush greenery and serene environment, the park is a popular destination for residents to relax and exercise.
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