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Where to Stay in Chongqing: Best Areas & Hotels for Tourists

Written by Veronica |

Chongqing is a famous mountain city in China with about 76% of the city is mountain. So the terrain is highly uneven and some scenic areas require a lot of uphill and downhill walking. Or tourists need to walk to the scenic areas. Besides, the weather is hot and rainy in summer and cold and humid in winter. So where to stay in Chongqing is of high concern among tourists.

To save energy, increase efficiency and improve experience of your Chongqing tour, it is important to choose the right location of your hotel in Chongqing. This article will be a useful guide for tourists to decide where to live.

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1. Jiefangbei CBD – Best for First-Timers & Sightseeing

Located in the center of Chongqing, Jiefangbei CBD is the transportation hub with metro lines 1, 2, and 6 and numerous bus lines. Besides, there are several scenic spots such as Hongya Cave and the People’s Liberation Monument which can be reached in 10 – 15 minutes by foot. With several food streets and high-end restaurants, the night life in this area is also abundant. Tourists can taste various special local snacks and cuisines here.

As for hotels, the economy hotel, mid-end comfortable hotel, high-end waterfront hotel and distinctive guesthouse are all available for you to choose. In some hotels, you may appreciate the scenery of Yangtze River in your room. So for first-timers, the best answer for the question “Where to stay in Chongqing” is Jiefangbei CBD.

Related tours:  4-Day Chongqing Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Yuzhong District, in the downtown area of Chongqing
1. Convenient transportation

2. Concentrated scenic spots

3. Rich snacks and cuisines

4. Diverse hotel types

1. More steps and steep slopes

2. Relatively high hotel price and large price fluctuation

3. Noisy environment  and aging facilities.

1. the People’s Liberation Monument

2. Hongya Cave

3. Yangtze River Cableway

4. Kuixing Tower

Top Recommended Hotels in Chongqing Jiefangbei CBD

TheMoss High-altitude Viewing Hotel – ★★★★ (4★)

  • Address: 35th Floor, Xinhua International Building, No. 27, Minquan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
  • Feature: Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, high privacy, near metro lines and tourists attractions.
  • Price: CNY 280 – 480

SSAW Hotel Chongqing Great World — ★★★★ (4★)

  • Address: No. 118, Zhourong Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
  • Feature: Opened in 2024, this hotel is quite new and well equipped with gym, swimming pool, tea room, bars, etc. At the viewing platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Jiefangbei CBD.
  • Price: CNY 420 – 790

Moxy Hotel — ★★★★ (4★)

Address: First Floor, No. 168, Bayi Road, Jiefangbei Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Feature: Suitable for young tourists. The revolving restaurants in 29th floor is also a bar at night where guests can dine and socialize meanwhile enjoying the scenery of the Jiefangbei CBD.

Price: CNY 320 – 580

2. Nanbin Road, Nan’an District – Suitable for Photographers and Families

Nanbin Road is located beside the Yangtze River and face the urban area in the Yuzhong Peninsula. So living in the hotel in Nanbin Road, tourists can enjoy stunning Yangtze River and Jialing River scenery and night scenes of Hongya Cave, Raffles, light show of Qiansimen Bridge, etc. The viewing platforms are densely distributed in this region.

Besides, surrounded by historical blocks and art spaces, this area is also an ideal place to explore the history of Chongqing as a trading port and its civil culture.

Compared with Jiefangbei CBD, most of the hotels in Nanbin Road are built along the river, so the environment is more quiet. Besides, most hotels are equipped with high-end facilities, such as viewing terrace, gym, bathtub, etc.

For tourists in fond of quiet environment and natural scenery of river, hotels in Nanbin Road in highly recommended in Chongqing.

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Nan’an District, near city center
1. Spectacular river scenery and night scenes

2. Rich in cultural deposits

3. Quiet environment and high-end facilities

1. Relatively  inconvenient public transportation

2. High price fluctuation of hotels, high premium for river-view room

1.Chongqing Port Opening Heritage Park

2.Longmenhao Old Street and Xiahaoli Old Street

3.Danzishi Old Street

Top Recommended Hotels in Nanbin Road, Nan’an District

Sheraton Chongqing Hotel — ★★★★★ (5★)

  • Address: No. 78, Nanbin Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing
  • Feature: Characterized by the appearance design of golden glass twin towers, the hotel itself is a landmark of Chongqing. The suites offer a direct view of the Yangtze River Cableway and the night view of Yuzhong District. The distinct restaurants and executive lounge offer authentic Chinese and Western cuisines.
  • Price: CNY 500 – 920

W PLUS HOTEL

  •  tends to be considered a boutique 4★-style hotel
  • Address: Building 2, No. 109, Nanbin Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing
  • Feature: The French-style hotel features a 180° floor-to-ceiling window with a view of the light show of Raffles City. The hotel is quite close to the Longmenhao Old Street and Xiahaoli Old Street.
  • Price: CNY 500 – 1800

Yolo Private Soup Hot Spring Designer Hotel

  • Address: 4th Floor, Building 1, Nanbin International, No. 25, Nanbin Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing
  • Feature: There is private hot spring in most rooms, so tourists can take a bath meanwhile enjoying a direct view of the river. The subway station is next to the hotel.
  • Price: CNY 350 – 550

3. Guanyingqiao, Jiangbei District – Suitable for Shopaholic, Cost-effective Accommodations

As a business district, Guanyinqiao boasts very convenient transportation with both metro lines 3 and 9 and more than 20 bus lines. The duration to main scenic areas is about 15 minutes and to the airport and Chongqing North Railway Station is about 25 minutes.

In addition, the commercial and living facilities are well-developed in this area. There are three large shopping malls, Guanyinqiao Food Street and Jiujie Night Market, all can be reached by foot. So you can experience the modern life of the city and taste the local Chongqing food.

Among the hotels in Chongqing, the hotels in this region is more cost-effective. The accommodation in this area ranges from youth hotels to high-end suites. So no matter you are a shopaholic, students without enough budget or business travelers, hotels in Guanyinqiao can meet your needs.

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Jiangbei District, about 7 kilometers away from the city center.
1. Transportation hub

2. Well-developed commercial and living facilities

3. Cost-effective accommodations

1. Noisy environment

2. Old facilities in some low-priced hotels

3. More crowded in holidays

1. Guanyinqiao business district

2. Guanyinqiao Food Street

3. Beicang Cultural and Creative Park

Top Recommended Hotels in Guanyingqiao, Jiangbei District

Asiam International Hotel

  • Address: 15th Floor, Building H01, Yulong Tianfeng, No. 290, Beibin 1st Road, Guanyinqiao, Jiangbei District, Chongqing
  • Feature: The river-view rooms directly face the Jialing River and is equipped with an intelligent guest control system. And in some rooms, guests can see the view of the Li Ziba Light Rail passing through the building.
  • Price: CNY 250 – 510

Hyatt Regency Chongqing Hotel — ★★★★★ (5★)

  • Address: No. 11, Beicheng Tianjie Shopping Mall, Jiangbei District, Chongqing
  • Feature: The hotel is adjacent to the Guanyinqiao business circle, at the sky garden bar, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the night scene of Guanyinqiao business circle. The service has an excellent reputation.
  • Price: CNY 510 – 900

Chongqing Empark Grand Hotel — ★★★★★ (5★)

  • Address: No. 1, Jianxin North Road Second Branch Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing
  • Feature: This is a old brand five-star hotel, the circular guest room layout provides excellent sound insulation. When taking the sightseeing elevator, you can see the musical fountain of Guanyinqiao directly, and the family-themed rooms are equipped with children’s facilities.
  • Price: CNY 380 – 620

4. Shapingba, Ciqikou Area – Suitable for Cultural Enthusiasts

Renowned as a living museum of Chongqing culture, Ciqikou Ancient Town is a hot scenic spot in Chongqing with relics of architecture complex of Ming and Qing Dynasties, Bai Mansion,etc. So if you want to experience a deep exploration of the local culture, choose to live there during your Chongqing travel is a nice choice.

The metro line 1 connects Ciqikou area with Jiefangbei CBD and Shapingba High-speed Railway Stations, and the nearby tourists attractions can be reached by foot and Chongqing West Station can be reached in 15 minutes by taxi, so the transportation is also convenient.

The price of hotels with same grade in Ciqikou area are 20% to 30% lower than those in Jiefangbei CBD. And various kinds of hotels are available. So among hotels in Chongqing, the hotels in this area is also recommended.

√ Recommended tour: 1 Day Chongqing City Tour

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Cinan Street, Shapingba District, about 16 kilometers to the city center
1.Deep culture experience

2.Convenient transportation

3.Cost-effective accommodations

1.Dense population and loud noise

2.Old facilities in some hotels

3.Vehicles are not allowed to enter in Ciqikou Ancient Town

1.Ciqikou Ancient Town

2.Bai Mansion

3.Geleshan Forest Park

Top Recommended Hotels in Shapingba, Ciqikou Area

Ciqikou Sail Hotel

  • Address: No. 12, Back Street, Ciqikou Town, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  • Feature: About an area of 2,500 square meters of the hotel is a private courtyard, integrating the design of a painted pleasure boats and China’s legend of the Dragon. There is endless swimming pool offering view of Jialing river, waterfront restaurant, and mountain view gym.
  • Price: CNY 390 – 800

Holiday Inn Express — ★★★★ (4★)

  • Address: Building 7, No. 261, Shijingpo Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  • Feature: As an international chain hotel, it provides in standard hotel service. In some rooms, guests can see the sunrise over the Jialing River.
  • Price: CNY 320 – 560

5. Jiangbei Airport, Yubei District – Suitable for Passengers Catching Early Flights or Arriving Late at Night

For passengers catching early flights or arriving late at night, living nearby the airport is definitely a good choice. Some nearby hotels are in walking distance. Over 90% of the nearby hotels provide free 24-hour airport shuttle service and baggage deposit service. The price is also reasonable. Besides, the Jiefangbei Business Circle can be reached by light rail line 3.

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Airport Road, Lianglu Street, Yubei District
1. Convenient transportation to airport and downtown

2. Free 24-hour  airport shuttle service and baggage deposit service

3. Reasonable price

1. Noise from aircraft take-offs and landings

2. Lack of restaurants around some hotels

1. Bijin Park

2. Chongqing Folk Culture Village

Top Recommended Hotels in Jiangbei Airport, Yubei District

Rezen Hotel Chongqing Sungold

  • Address: No. 315, Changkai Road, Airport Industrial Park, Yubei District, Chongqing
  • Feature: This is a high-end comprehensive hotel with restaurants, guest rooms and meeting rooms renovated in 2023. The hotel is only 10 – 18 minutes drive from airport and offer free shuttle service.
  • Price: CNY 350 – 680

Qin Zhu Hotel

  • Address: C4 Building, No. 309, Lianggang Avenue, Yubei District, Chongqing
  • Feature: This hotel is only 8-minute walk to Terminal 3 of airport. And it offers 24-hour shuttle bus and morning wake-up service. The sky garden on the 8th floor offers stunning views of airport sunsets and aircraft takeoffs and landings.
  • Price: CNY 180 – 360

Related reading: Where to Stay in China: Complete Accommodation Guide for Foreigners

6. Lianglukou Area – Great Central Location & Food Paradise

The district is close to the city center and the Lianglukou subway station. So it’s quite convenient. If you want to easily go to attractions like Jiefangbei, Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Station and other major scenic spots, you might as well choose here. And here you can find a lot of authentic Chongqing restaurants and street snacks. It is simply a paradise for diners who want to experience the daily life of local people in depth.

Location
Pros
Cons
Nearby Attractions
Yuzhong District, near Chongqing city centre
1. Very convenient transport (Metro Line 1 & 3)2. Lots of local restaurants & food options3. Central location with quick access to major sites
1. Not as scenic as riverside areas2. Fewer highend river views compared to Nanbin Road
1. Three Gorges Museum2. Liziba Viewing Platform3. Hongya Cave4. Jiefangbei CBD

Top Recommended Hotels in Lianglukou Area (with Star Ratings)

Ji Hotel Chongqing Lianglukou Chongqing Center – ★★★

  • Address: No. 86, Zhongshan 3rd Road, Yuzhong District
  • Feature: A solid mid-range choice near Lianglukou metro.Clean and comfortable rooms. Good for short stays.
  • Price: CNY ~200–350 (est.)

Atour Hotel (Chongqing Liziba Lianglukou Metro Station) – ★★★★

  • Address: Near Lianglukou Metro & Liziba area, Yuzhong District
  • Feature: Stylish modern hotel with good facilities.With close walkable access to metro and nightlife/food spots.
  • Price: CNY ~450–800 (est.)

City Comfort Inn Chongqing Lianglukou Metro Station – ★★

  • Address: Near Lianglukou Metro Station, Yuzhong District
  • Feature: Budget-friendly and very basic option. Ideal for travellers on a strict budget butstill want central location.
  • Price: CNY ~150–300 (est.)

Avoidance Tips for Chongqing Accommodation

  1. Avoid the core area of Shapingba District (areas except Ciqikou): The distance to the scenic spots is far, so you will spend a long time on the way.
  2. Avoid the low-priced windowless rooms in Jiefangbei CBD: the facilities and ventilation of some old hotels are poor, which will affect your travel experience in Chongqing.

Special Consideration for Your Chongqing Trip

  • Getting around: Besides the metro and bus system covering the whole city, there are also unique transportation like the Yangtze River cable car, ferries and water buses to cross over the Yangtze River. The local drivers are familiar with the local routes, so they can take a shortcut to save time. If you are in urgent, taking a taxi is also a nice choice.
  • Travel Season: The best time to visit Chongqing is spring and autumn, when the climate is moderate with less rain, suitable for outdoor travelling.
  • Booking Tips:
  1. Recommend booking at least 2 -3 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  2. Compare prices of different platforms, and choose the hotels opened in recent 2 years with a score over 4.8, so that you can avoid the old facilities.

FAQs about Choosing Where to Stay in Chongqing

What is the best area for first-time visitors to Chongqing?

For first-time visitors, Yuzhong District in the city center is highly recommended with some must-visit attractions like Hongya Cave, the People’s Liberation Monument and 18 steps traditional scenic area. You can taste the local snacks here, enjoy the night scenes and take the Yangtze River Cableway to overlook the intersection of Yangtze River and Jialing River.

Which areas in Chongqing offer a more local or authentic experience?

If you want to experience the local life, Nan’an District is unmissable. Though through renovation in last decades, there are still bustling scenes of locals playing cards or mahjong under the trees, drying chili peppers in front of a century-old villa, etc. Riding or walking along Nanbin Road in the evening is also a common leisure way for locals.

Which area in Chongqing is best for nightlife and stunning views?

The Hongya Cave is the main area for night life in Chongqing, gathering snack streets and night markets. When the lights are on, the stilt houses and the river view enhance the beauty of each other. So watching the night scenery of Hongya Cave has been one of the top things to do in Chongqing. While the best place to enjoy the night scenes is the Nanbin Road in Nan’an District. With bars, livehouses, theme nightclubs, Guanyinqiao is also famous for abundant night life.

Explore Chongqing with Us

Chongqing is a wonderful city which attracts people with both past and futuristic charm. And many people around the world are now attracted by its unparalleled beauty. If you are planning a Chongqing tour but don’t know where to start, this article about how to choose accommodation in Chongqing should have offered you some inspiration. You can also get more ideas from our recommended Chongqing tours. Or, just contact China Xian Tour to customize your journey for an ultimate hassle-free experience. We offer customize services and itineraries. And we’ll also be there for you 24/7 to take care of everything along the way. As a result, all you need to along the way are just making unforgettable memories and enjoy yourself.

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