Top 18 Things to Do in Chongqing & Best Places to Visit

Written by Veronica | Updated December 24,2025

Located in southeast China and the upstream of Yangtze River, Chongqing is a fantastic city with a history of over 3,000 years. Being the source place of the Bayu culture, Chongqing boasts a great number of historic sites, unique architecture, and stunning views. When planning a trip there, you may wonder what to see and do in this city. Below are the top 10 things to do in Chongqing to explore this “8D Magic City.”

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• 1. Discover Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument
• 2. Marvel at the Stilted Buildings of Hongya Cave
• 3. Embark on a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing
• 4. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings
• 5. Fly over the Yangtze River by the Cableway
• 6. Discover the Enchanting Wonders of Wulong Karst Geology Park
• 7. Visit the Time-honored Ciqikou Ancient Town
• 8. Visit Chongqing Zoo: A Hidden “Panda Paradise”
• 9. Experience Two Rivers Night Cruise
• 10. Experience the Winding Mountain City Trails
• 11. Appreciate the Night View at Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform
• 12. Uncover China Three Gorges Museum
• 13. Admire the Thrilling Raffles City Chongqing
• 14. Take CRT to Experience Chongqing’s Unique Geography
• 15. Sample Hotpot and Other Delicious Foods in Chongqing
• 16. Unveil Eling No. 2 Factory (TESTBED2)
• 17. Experience Distinctive Tea Culture
• 18. Explore the Past in Longmenhao Old Street
• Top Things to Do in Chongqing at a Glance
• FAQs about Things to Do in Chongqing
• Plan Your Chongqing Tour with China Xian Tour

1. Discover Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument

Completed in August 1947, the People’s Liberation Monument is one of the cultural symbols and landmark attractions in Chongqing. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. Visiting there, you will learn more about the history of China and marvel at the architecture of the monument.

The monument has an octagonal structure with 24 meters tall and 4 meters wide, consisting of a pedestal, base, body, and observation deck. It has a circular interior, tourists can climb on the observation deck through the 140-step hanging winding stairs.

• Location: 177 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: All day long
• Time needed: about 1 hour
• How to get there: You can take Subway Line 1 to get off at Jiaochangkou Station and exit from Exit 9; Or take Subway Line 2 and get off at Linjiangmen Station.

2. Marvel at the Stilted Buildings of Hongya Cave

Covering an area of 46,000 square miles, Hongya Cave is also a landmark of Chongqing City, and visiting there is one of the top things to do in Chongqing, China. It mainly features stilted buildings and a commercial street of ancient styles. There are 11 floors in Hongya Cave featuring different themes on each. The most charming views of this attraction can be seen at night when the lights are turned on from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

It is a good place for you to admire the wonderful scenery and experience the Bayu culture. Seated by the riverside, Hongya Cave allows you to see the stunning views of the Jialing River. It presents a lush green forest with streams flowing through, forming a small yet beautiful waterfall. Also, it boasts Bayu Fengqing Street where you can see the green tiles and red eaves, intimating the ancient residences of Chongqing.

• Location: 88 Jialingjiang Binjoang Road, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• How to get there:
  • Take Chongqing Metro Line 1 or Line 6 ‌ and get off at Xiaoshizi Station;Time needed: 3-4 hours
  • Take Subway Line 2 ‌ and get off at Imgangmen Station or Hwangwon Station. It takes about 10-20 minutes to walk to Hongya Cave

3. Embark on a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing

The Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing is the primary starting point for a Yangtze River cruise which offers an efficient and leisure way to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks along the river. The typical route from Chongqing flows downstream, lasting 4 days and 3 nights.

At the start of the journey, you’ll get a chance to enjoy a dazzling night view of Hongya Cave and surrounding illuminated skyline from the deck. In the following days, the cruise will take you past core areas of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River until you reach the impressive Three Gorges Dam in Yichang.

Along the journey, your eyes will be delighted by ever-changing views of majestic gorges, ancient hanging coffins, old plank roads, towering cliffs, misty peaks, ancient pagodas and architecture, etc. Based on the cruise ship, there are 1-2 optional shore excursions each day. There are also few cruises to Wuhan, and Shanghai. >>Top Things to Do on Yangtze

• Boarding time at Chaotianmen Dock: 16:00 to 20:30 (may vary depending on the cruise company)
• Address: At the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
• Best time to go: March to October
• Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights from Chongqing to Yichang, 5 Days and 4 Nights from Yichang to Chongqing

4. Explore the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings

A UNESCO World Heritage site in Chongqing, the Dazu Rock Carvings boasts a huge collection of Buddhist grottoes carved during the Tang and Song Dynasties (7th -13th centuries). These carvings are centered around five mountain sites, including Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain (two most popular), with over 50,000 statues scattered across 75 cliff faces.

The cliff faces span 300 to 500 meters in length and rise 7 to 25 meters in height, with sculptures ranging from a 31-meter-long reclining Buddha to smaller 1-3 meters tall figures of everyday people.

Titled as “The Millennium Epic on Cliff Walls”, the carvings vividly portray ancient life scenes and religious philosophies, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cultures. Notable sculptures include the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and Reclining Buddha of Shakyamuni at Baoding Mountain and the “Wheel of Dharma Cave” at Beishan Mountain.

Recommended Tour

1 DAY

Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Tour

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• • Location: The main site is at Baoding Town, Dazu District, Chongqing
  • Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 from March 1 to November 30; 09:00 – 18:00 from December 1 to February 28.
  • Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
  • Recommended visiting time: 4-5 hours to explore 80% of the major sites
  • Combined ticket: 170 CNY from March 1 – November 30; 120 CNY from December 1 – February 28
  • How to get there: Not in city center, take Chongqing-Dazu bus from Caijiaping or Chenjiaoping Bus Station (about 2 hours); Or take direct buses from Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave to Baoding Mountain.

5. Fly over the Yangtze River by the Cableway

Taking the Yangtze River Cableway to fly over the river is also on the list of things to do in Chongqing. This cableway is said to be the “No. 1 Cableway along the Yangtze River and the first stop of a Chongqing tour.” It connects the Yuzhong District with the Nanan District, stretching 1,166 meters. With a running speed of 6 meters per second, it takes 5 minutes for a single route.

The cableway allows you to travel from the vibrant area of the city to a tranquil part of it. Along the way, you will see the beautiful skyline of Chongqing with the running river under your feet and high-rise buildings by the riversides. You’ll be immersed in the romance of this city when the night falls and the lights of the buildings are on.

• Location: 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: CNY 20 for a single way, CNY 30 for a round trip
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Time needed: 5 minutes for the cableway, more time may needed for a queue

Recommended China Tours including the Yangtze River

• 7 Days Best Chengdu and Chongqing Tour with Excursion to Yangtze River
• 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour

6. Discover the Enchanting Wonders of Wulong Karst Geology Park

Wulong Karst Geological Park in Chongqing is a breathtaking segment of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed South China Karst. It boasts a variety of geological wonders, including caves, sinkholes, natural bridge clusters, vertical shafts, gorges, fissures, stone forests, and underground rivers, which were featured in the film Transformers: Age of Extinction.

• Location: No. 32, Yinxing Avenue, Wulong District, Chongqing, China.
• Opening hours: Three Natural Bridges/Longshuixia Fissure Gorge: (March – November): 08:00 – 17:00; (December – February): 09:00 – 16:30; Furong Cave: 08:30 – 16:30 (year-round)
• Combined ticket: ¥280 for the three core areas.
• Best time to visit: Year-round
• Recommended visiting time: 1-2 days

1 Day

One Day Chongqing Tour to Wulong Karst Geological Park

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7. Visit the Time-honored Ciqikou Ancient Town

If you consider free things to do in Chongqing, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. Built in the Song Dynasty, Ciqikou has a long history with one third of it well-preserved. Used to be the North Gate of Chongqing and a bustling water transport terminal of the Jialing River, Ciqikou Ancient Town is built along the Ma’an Mountain. Standing by the Jialing Riverside, you will find Ciqikou is like a castle, which is majestic and magnificent, especially under the sunlight.

This old town houses many tourist attractions, including the Stilted Building Square with a charming night view, the ancient Baolun Temple, Yinglong Gate for viewing the river scenery, and the Mahua Museum which is themed on Mahua, fried dough twists. Besides, the architecture there is also impressive. With black tiles, brown eaves, white windows, and blue stone walls, residences in Ciqikou Ancient Town present distinctive colors.

• Location: 1 Cinan Street, Shapingba District
• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: All day long
• Time needed: 3-4 hours
• How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 in Chongqing city, get off at Ciqikou Station, take Exit 1 and walk about 400 meters and you will find it.

Best Chongqing Tours with Ciqikou Old Town

• 1 Day Chongqing City Tour
• 2 Days Chongqing Tour with Wulong Karst Geological Park
• 4 Days Chengdu & Chongqing Highlights Tour

8. Visit Chongqing Zoo: A Hidden “Panda Paradise”

If you are planning a China family tour to Chongqing with your children, don’t miss the Chongqing Zoo. This is a large urban zoo that integrates various functions, including science popularization, animal protection, scientific research, and leisure entertainment.

Built on the hillside, Chongqing Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Southwest China, and serves as a key base for the protection and research of giant pandas. It is home to over 20 giant pandas, allowing close encounters with these “adorable stars. ” Additionally, you can also expect to see over 200 other species, including golden monkeys, South China tigers, Chinese alligators, Asian elephants, etc.

• Location: No. 1, Xijiao Yicun, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China (about a 30-minute drive from Jiefangbei in the city center ).
• Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
• Tickets: CNY 25 per person
• Best time to visit: All year round, arrive before 10:30 AM when the pandas are more active.
• Recommended visiting time: 2-3hours

9. Experience Two Rivers Night Cruise

Chongqing’s nightscape boasts one of the top three night views in China. And the Two Rivers Night Cruise just offer a perfect way to experience its unparalleled night scene. As the cruise boat gently departs from Chaotianmen Dock, you will enter into a breathtaking world with the glow of neon lights from both banks of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers, the thousands of lanterns at Hongya Cave, the rainbow lights of Qiansimen Bridge, and many other stunning skylines.

Besides night view sightseeing, some luxurious cruise ships also offer local shows onboard, such as Sichuan Opera face-changing and long-spout teapot tea art.

• Address: At the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in Yuzhong District, Chongqing.
• Operating time: 19:00-21:00
• Duration: about 45 minutes
• Tickets: CNY 100-150 for a round trip

10. Experience the Winding Mountain City Trails

Recognized as a “Mountain City,” Chongqing has a rich mountain resource. Hence, hiking the mountain trails is one of the best things to do in Chongqing to experience the city’s charm on your China tours to Chongqing. The Shancheng Alley is a famous mountain trail of 1,748 meters long with ramps, which can only be accessed by foot, hence its name.

Walking on the alley is like traveling back to the old times, as it takes you to the winding stone ladders and clusters of stilted buildings with unique architectural styles. There are bookstores, coffee shops, and churches along the way, and the hanging plank along the river presents stunning sights of this city.

• Location: 234 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: All day long
• Time needed:2-3 hours

11. Appreciate the Night View at Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform

Chongqing displays a grand light show after sunset, and appreciating the night view of the city is also among the top things to do in Chongqing at night. Undoubtedly, Nanshan Tree View Platform is a great place to see the beautiful night skylines of this city. The lights of the city are like bright pearls, cascading with luminous colors, and the sky-piercing buildings with lights on in the distance intertwined with the brightness of the bustling streets, forming a picturesque landscape.

Besides, it’s also a paradise for photographers, and every shot is a good memory. The Jialing River and Yangtze River join each other, shimmering under the lights, resembling a flowing Milky Way. The bridges crossing the two rivers are like shining light belts, connecting different parts of the city. Standing on the viewing platform, you’ll be immersed in the extraordinary beauty of the night views of this magic city.

• Location: Longhuang Road, Nan’an District
• Ticket: CNY 30 in peak season (March to October), CN 15 in low season (November to February)
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Time needed: 1-2 hours

12. Uncover China Three Gorges Museum

Visiting China Three Gorges Museum is one of the ultimate things to do in Chongqing. Located at the heart of Chongqing City, this magnificent museum is a window into the history of the Three Gorges areas and a great place to explore Bayu culture, so never miss it on your Yangtze Cruise tours.

Built in 1951, this museum has a rich collection and exhibition of historical and cultural relics. As a comprehensive museum, it boasts different exhibition sections with different themes, such as the Three Gorges, archaeological excavations, valuable porcelain, and more. Through these, you’ll better understand this city as well as the Three Gorges.

• Location: 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• How to get there: Take LRT Line 2 to Zengjiayan Station, exit 3 and walk to it.

Popular Chongqing Tours

• 4 Days Chengdu & Chongqing Highlights Tour
• 6 Days Exploration Tour of Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River – Yichang

13. Admire the Thrilling Raffles City Chongqing

Designed by the famous Singapore architect Moshe Safdie based on the old Chaotianmen Gate, Raffles City Chongqing has a unique design that recalls the ancient role of being a city gate. Located in Yuzhong District, it is a complex of eight buildings that combines shopping malls, high-end residential, hotels, and recreational facilities and has become a new symbol of this city.

Featuring the Crystal, a sky bridge above four 250-meter-tall skyscrapers, Raffles City Chongqing allows visitors to take an elevator to the Exploration Deck to marvel at the stunning views of the whole city. Also, it must be a fun thing to do in Chongqing to go on a thrilling hike on the Skywalk and dine in a high-altitude restaurant there.

• Location: 8 Jiesheng Street, Yuzhong District
• Ticket: Free for entrance, CNY 120 for Exploration Deck
• Opening hours:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Time needed: 1-2 hours

14. Take CRT to Experience Chongqing’s Unique Geography

If you want some unusual things to do in Chongqing, go and take the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT). It is not just a mode of transportation but also a way of viewing the stunning Chongqing skyline. Take Rail Transit Line 2 to see the only station in the world that crosses through buildings, which is the Liziba Station. It’s a building of 19 stories, with the first to fifth floors being the business space, the sixth to eighth for CRT transportation, and the ninth and above for residents.

CRT 2 takes you through the streets and lanes as well as residential and bridges, giving an unprecedented visual shock. Every station along this line is specially designed with cultural elements of Sichuan and Chongqing, telling 36 stories in total. These stories together form a cultural corridor, allowing you to learn more about this city on your Chongqing tours.

15. Sample Hotpot and Other Delicious Foods in Chongqing

Since it is a paradise for foodies, one of the top things to do in Chongqing is to sample the delicious Chongqing local food. Famous for its hotpot, this city treats visitors to fresh ingredients with pungent and spicy flavors, and you will find hotpot restaurants everywhere. Chongqing Noodles (Xiaomian) is also a daily food of locals, which is a delightful noodle dish with endless aftertaste. Other than these, the grilled fish and barbecue also appeal to tourists a lot.

Head for a night market in Chongqing to taste delicious food and experience the nightlife of the city. Particularly, South Garden Night Market in Jiulongpo District, Guanyinqiao Night Market in Jiangbei District, and Jiaochangkou Night Market in Yuzhong District are the most popular ones that locals and tourists often visit, they allow you to try the authentic local cuisine and enjoy music performances as well.

Related reading: 15 Things to Do in Chongqing at Night

16. Unveil Eling No. 2 Factory (TESTBED2)

Eling No. 2 Factor used to be the banknote printing factory for the Central Bank of the Republic of China and the Chongqing Second Printing Factory. In 2012, the factory was moved to another site and the buildings were left unused. Later, it was discovered and transformed into a cultural and creative park in 2017. The design of the park preserves the original appearance of the old buildings to a large extent, and integrates modern elements like the viewing platform and glass bridge. It looks like a conversation of the past and present.

The rooftop is the shooting place of a movie, where you can overlook the city landscapes. There are also many graffiti walls inside the park. Try to take some characteristic pictures with the walls as the background. If you are interested in its past, head to the museum to learn about it through old articles like the banknote printing machine. Besides, many special stores are open here.

• Location: No. 1, Eling Main Street, Yuzhong District
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 2 – 3 hours

17. Experience Distinctive Tea Culture

Drinking tea has been a part of the life for most locals. The tea house in Chongqing is mainly divided into three types. The old-style tea house is the best place to experience the authentic tea culture. The decorations inside these tea houses usually have remained unchanged for several years. Baba Tea is a kind of tea house set in the open-air courtyard or outdoor space. The causal atmosphere is enjoyed by the locals. The last one is a new-style artistic tea space, which integrates tradition with innovation. Specially mixed tea beverages and intangible cultural heritage performances are the main features. About tea, Tou Tea and Laoyin Tea are special local teas. Just choose a tea house according to your own likes to enjoy a leisure time.

18. Explore the Past in Longmenhao Old Street

Longmen Old Street is a witness to the modern history of Chongqing. Since Chongqing was opened as a port in 1891, the merchant ships from all over the world gathered in Longmenhao Port and numerous foreign shops stood in rows. In the 1940s, embassies and institutions of over 30 countries were set here. When wandering along the street now, you can still find many former sites. During the repairment of the street in 2017, 1.6 million old bricks and 400,000 old tiles were used to restore its original outlook. An immersive experience is offered to tourists. In the City Memory Hall, the past of the city is displayed through several themed exhibition halls.

• Location: 105, Nanbin Road, Nan ‘an District
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 2 – 3 hours

Top Things to Do in Chongqing at a Glance

The table below is for your quick overview of the 15 best activities in Chongqing:

FAQs about Things to Do in Chongqing

Is 3 days in Chongqing enough? How Many Days Needed?

Generally, 2-3 days are enough to cover main attractions in city area, like Hongya Cave, Chongqing Zoo, Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou, People’s Liberation Monument, etc. If want to add Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong Karst Park in the suburb of Chongqing, you’ll need to plan for about 4-5 days.

Chongqing is also the starting or ending point for the scenic Yangtze River Cruise, which will take 4 days for downstream route and 5 days for upstream route.

Which month is the best to visit Chongqing?

March to May and September to November are are the perfect months to visits the city when the weather are generally pleasant. Try to avoid the scorching summer from June to August as the city is one of China’s “Three Furnaces,”, often see its temperatures exceeding 40°C in summer.

What is the best area to stay in Chongqing?

Below are the top areas to stay in Chongqing to enhance your travel experience:

Jiefangbei CBD, with convenient transportation and easy access to most iconic attractions, is the best choice for first-timers and people who want to enjoy a relaxing city sightseeing.

Choose hotels near Nanbin Road if you want to enjoy the spectacular night scenes.

Ciqikou area is a good choice for those who want an immersive cultural experience in Chongqing.

How do I get around the city?

Traveling between major attractions and areas in Chongqing is easy thanks to its well-developed transportation system. Generally, metros (or light rails) are the most efficient and reliable way to reach most areas. The many bus lines are a great complement. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available in the city.

2 DAYS

2 Days Wulong Karst Park and Chiyou Jiuli City Tour from Chongqing

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Plan Your Chongqing Tour with China Xian Tour

Chongqing’s mix of urban wonders, natural landscapes, and cultural depth together make it an ideal destination for a 3–to 4-day tour. Below are two sample itineraries for your reference. Also, you are welcomed to contact China Xian Tour to customize the personal Chongqing Tour based on your available time and preferences.

3-Day Chongqing & Wulong Karst Adventure

Day 1: Chongqing City Highlights

• Morning:

Capture amazing views of the Liziba Light Rail while passing through residential buildings.

Walk about the Eling Park, which blends historic architecture with panoramic city vistas.

• Afternoon:

Explore Hongya Cave’s neon-lit buildings and riverside charm.

Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for aerial views of the city’s layered skyline.

• Evening:

Try fiery Chongqing hotpot for your dinner.

Day 2: Wulong Karst Wonders

• Morning:

Drive to Wulong Karst National Geological Park (2.5hrs).

Walk beneath Three Natural Bridges:Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong stone arches. These are Asia’s largest natural bridge cluster.

• Afternoon:

Stroll through Longshuixia Fissure Gorge: Marvel at the 5km-long moss-covered cliffs and the “One Line Sky” crack.

Visit Dragon Pool Mirroring the Moon, a serene lake that reflects surrounding peaks.

• Evening:

Optional: Watch Impression Wulong, an outdoor cultural show highlighting local traditions, which is held with a karst backdrop.

Day 3: Alpine Escapes & Departure

• Morning:

Discover Fairy Mountain National Forest Park:

Wander alpine meadows dubbed “Eastern Switzerland.”

Optional activities: Horseback riding, paragliding (extra cost).

• Afternoon:

Tour Furong Cave, a 1.2-million-year-old limestone labyrinth:

Admire colossal stalactites and crystalline “Stone Waterfall” formations.

• Departure:

Return to Chongqing downtown or transfer to airport/station.

Extend your trip with a Yangtze River cruise (ask about boarding at Chaotianmen Dock).

Recommenced Tour:

3 DAYS

Chongqing City Tour with Wulong Karst Geological Park

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4-Day Chongqing Highlights Tour

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

• Guanyin Temple: Visit this grand Buddhist complex which has 11-tiered halls and red-and-gold architecture.
• Halo Shopping Center: Stroll through an eco-friendly mall featuring a 25m indoor waterfall and tropical greenery.

Day 2: Ancient Towns & Urban Marvels

• Ciqikou Ancient Town: Take a walk on the cobblestone streets of this Song Dynasty gem; also explore Yinglong Gate and Baolun Temple.
• Liziba Light Rail: Go watch trains glide through residential buildings—a viral Chongqing icon.
• Great Hall of the People: Don’t miss itspeacock-blue roof blending Chinese and Western styles.
• Hongya Cave: Explore 11 floors of stilted buildings; return at night for dazzling riverside views.

Day 3: Art, Skylines & Nostalgia

• Chopstick Tower: Spend some time to marvel at this UFO-like sculpture adorned with giant red “chopsticks.”
• Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street: Watch people shopping or even join them at Western China’s busiest commercial hub.
• Yangtze River Cableway: Soar above the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
• Xiahaoli Old Street: Step back in time at this 1980s-era alley praised by National Geographic.

Day 4: Departure

• Transfer: Back to the airport/train station.
• Extend Your Trip: Add a Yangtze River cruise or day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings.

Recommenced Tour:

4 DAYS

Chongqing 8D Magic City Tour

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Recommended China Tours including Chongqing

• 6 Days Chengdu – Chongqing Classic Tour
• 11 Days China Private Tour: Beijing-Xian-Yangtze River-Shanghai
• 17 Days Yangtze River Cruise with Panda & Tibet Visit