3 Days in Chongqing: A Must-Save Itinerary for First-Timers

🚇 How to Get to Downtown Chongqing

✈️ From Jiangbei International Airport

• Metro Line 10 : Fast, affordable, and hassle-free.
• Airport Shuttle Bus K01 : Just 15 RMB to the city center, direct and comfortable.

🚄 From Railway Stations

• Chongqing North Station : Direct access via Metro Line 10.
• Chongqing West Station : Take Metro Line 5 into the city center.

🚕 By Taxi

• Always use official yellow taxis.
• Avoid unlicensed vehicles to ensure safety.

Read Next: Ready to explore more of Chongqing? Our Explore Chongqing guide covers the top 8 attractions, and Chongqing Food Guide has the best hotpot, noodles, and street food.

🚠 Getting Around & Top Highlights

🗓️ Day 1: City Views & Local Streets

• Start at Jiefangbei – the buzzing downtown core.
• Stroll through Bayi Gourmet Street for snacks and street eats.
• Visit Baixiangju , a charming local filming location.
• Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for aerial views.
• End at Raffles City Chongqing – a futuristic architectural wonder.

🗓️ Day 2: Urban Quirks & Old Town Charm

• Liziba Station – watch the train pass through a building!
• Explore E’ling Second Factory (Eling Erchang), a hub of art and creativity.
• Step into history at Ciqikou Ancient Town – full of traditional vibes.
• See Hongyadong lit up at night – like a real-life fairytale.
• Walk across Qiansimen Bridge for skyline views and river scenes.

🗓️ Day 3: Artsy Walks & Nightlife

• Snap photos along Graffiti Street – colorful and cool.
• Shop at Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street – food, fashion, and fun.
• Relax at Beicang Cultural Park – a laid-back urban retreat.
• Wrap up at Jiujie Nightlife District – music, food, and local energy.

🏨 Where to Stay in Chongqing

✔️ Best Areas to Stay

• Jiefangbei : Central, walkable, and full of life.
• Guanyinqiao : Trendy, convenient, and well-connected by metro.

⚠️ What to Avoid

• Don’t stay inside major tourist sites like Hongyadong or Ciqikou – overpriced and noisy.
• Avoid street hawkers offering cheap lodging – often low quality or scams.
• Skip overly staged Instagram homestays – what you see may not be what you get.
• Solo travelers should avoid hostels or 2-star hotels – choose safe, well-reviewed options.

⚠️ Tips & Things to Avoid

• No need for tour groups – most sights are easily reachable by metro.
• Skip the Two Rivers Cruise – it’s often crowded and overrated.
• Try the 10 RMB retro ferry instead – it’s charming, authentic, and local-approved!

🍲 Must-Try Foods in Chongqing

🔥 Chongqing Hotpot

🍜 Chongqing Noodles (Xiaomian)

🥢 Hot & Sour Noodles (Suanlafen)

🧭 Final Thoughts

Related Posts

• Explore Chongqing
• The Ultimate Guangzhou Itinerary
• Chongqing Food Guide