3 Days 2 Nights at Chongqing's Newest Landmark: Raffles City Chongqing – A Complete Guide to Food, Fun, and Stay

When you think of Chongqing, what comes to mind?

Is it Chongqing hotpot, the night view of Hongya Cave? The 8D magical terrain, or the beauties of the mountain city? But after visiting Raffles City at Chaotianmen in Chongqing, I gained a deeper understanding of Chongqing.

I spent three days and two nights leisurely exploring Raffles City, and later realized that three days aren't enough to see it all. During those days, I stayed at the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City, with famous attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave just a stone's throw away.

How popular is Chongqing Raffles City? Since its opening last year, it has become a new must-visit landmark in Chongqing.

This massive building standing in the city's center is most famous for its "Crystal Corridor" – China's first horizontal skyscraper spanning four towers, 250 meters high and 300 meters long, setting many precedents in architectural history.

The entire project embodies the Chongqing spirit of "setting sail," interpreting the magnificent momentum of "Ancient Yuzhou's Grand Pass."

Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, this colossal structure has become a new landmark for Chongqing. It consists of eight towers, facing north toward the water, connected with Chaotianmen Square, like a giant ship setting sail.

Chongqing Raffles City is directly linked to Chaotianmen Square. At the center of the square, there is a "Chongqing Zero Kilometer Starting Point" sign, symbolizing Chongqing's city center.

Chaotianmen Dock is also the starting point for Two Rivers Cruise and Three Gorges Cruise. When night falls, you can board a cruise ship from this dock and experience a different night view of Chongqing.

The shopping center part of Chongqing Raffles City has five floors above ground, with over 400 brand shops. Among these shops, up to 40% are flagship stores, concept stores, or first-to-market stores.

It's worth mentioning that in Chongqing Raffles City, there is a 24-hour passage cultural corridor connecting Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen. This corridor shoulders the mission of promoting city culture as a community, preserving the city's memory.

So, how to make the most of three days and two nights at Chongqing Raffles City? Saving this article is enough.

1. Various New Experiences

01. City Terminal

What surprised me most about Chongqing Raffles City is the Chongqing Airport City Terminal, High-speed Rail City Waiting Hall, and Yuzhong Peninsula Tourist Area Visitor Center.

This is the country's only city terminal with seamless connections for air, rail, and water transport, allowing you to go to the airport or train station in one stop. Convenient transportation and diverse access methods make it a new service card for Yuzhong Peninsula.

The Chongqing Airport City Terminal, High-speed Rail City Waiting Hall, and Yuzhong Peninsula Tourist Area Visitor Center are located on LG floor of Chongqing Raffles City Shopping Center (Gates 13 and 14).

Here you can enjoy the following quality services:

- Boarding pass issuance and luggage check-in

- Shuttle bus service to the airport, truly hands-free

For tourists, it's really convenient!

02. Starbucks Selling Cocktails

Starbucks selling cocktails? That day, tired from shopping, I wanted to find a place to sit. I planned to get a latte at Starbucks, but ended up having a cocktail.

This is Southwest China's first Starbucks flagship store that sells alcohol. The first floor has a round island counter selling Starbucks Reserve coffee, while the second floor is the Starbucks Bar Mixato.

The overall decoration continues the coffee tone from the first floor, with a strong three-dimensional ceiling.

On the wall, geometric blocks spell out "CQ." I didn't immediately realize what CQ stood for. I asked my friend, and she said, "Isn't that Chongqing?" Oh, right!

Life is about experiences. I ordered a cocktail recommended by the server called "Glacier Glimmer," which had a complex flavor and cost 108 yuan.

It tasted great, but for someone like me who doesn't drink alcohol, it went to my head easily.

The powder on top of "Glacier Glimmer" turned out to be Sichuan peppercorn powder.

It comes with a large glass and a small glass. The small glass contains sparkling wine that can be drunk separately, or you can pour it into the large glass halfway through for a different taste.

At the Starbucks Bar Mixato, you can sit at the bar and watch the bartenders mix drinks.

My companions ordered items like "Lemon Maple Falling," "Strawberry Daydream," "Orange Jasmine Mojito"... These names are so poetic.

This was my first time having a cocktail at Starbucks during the day – a very special experience.

03. Having Coffee at a Hair Salon

Having alcohol at Starbucks and coffee at a hair salon – interesting, isn't it?

One afternoon, I went with a local Chongqing friend to get our hair washed. She recommended JIAN & GUY, a five-star hair salon inside Chongqing Raffles City. Let's check it out.

This doesn't look like a hair salon at all; it feels like a café!

Washing and blow-drying cost 100 yuan, which is reasonable. They even do fingertip scalp massage during washing – very attentive service.

When you sit down, there are various snacks and fruits, and the staff asks if you want coffee, a drink, or yogurt.

It was a leisurely afternoon, two women chatting across from each other. The handsome hairstylist understood our needs and started working.

Too bad I don't live in Chongqing – this attentive service almost made me want to get a membership card.

JIAN & GUY also has a nail art area. It's amazing how modern hair salons are innovating and integrating different services with the times.

04. Cinemas with Stunning Aesthetics

This CGV cinema national flagship store will definitely change your concept of what a cinema can be.

CGV was founded in 1996 and is the largest cinema chain in South Korea, operating the largest multiplex cinemas in the country, headquartered in Seoul.

During my trip to Chongqing, who says you can't watch a movie?

Just then, the popular brain-burning blockbuster "Tenet" was showing – a must-watch in IMAX. So I bought a ticket for CGV cinema. Entering the theater, I was amazed by its aesthetics.

Is this a cinema? A bookstore? A museum?

Because it's so beautiful, many people take photos here before watching a movie.

This is a five-star cinema with a brand philosophy of "Beyond Film," delivering enjoyment and fun beyond just watching a movie.

Notably, the restrooms at CGV's Chongqing Raffles City store are super stylish – let me show you.

This is a powder room. It's so beautiful that my friend took selfies in the bathroom.

Gentlemen, let me show you what the ladies' room looks like. This is the first time I've been willing to photograph a restroom.

CGV cinema has a variety of screening halls. Besides regular 2D and 3D halls, it also has IMAX giant screens, 270-degree three-screen projection system ScreenX, 4DX multi-sensory cinema, SWEETBOX couple seats, CINE KIDS family hall, and more.

I watched the latest screening of "Tenet" in the IMAX giant screen hall – a luxury of having the whole place to myself. But honestly, I couldn't understand the movie at all. They say you only truly understand it if you can walk backwards out of the cinema.

05. A Museum You Can Play In

Wandering around Chongqing Raffles City, besides checking out many specialty shops, I also stumbled upon the Cartoonie Paradise. Cartoonie Paradise is a themed amusement park, and each store has its own theme. This one is a "museum you can play in."

There are many animal models at the entrance – how about taking a photo with the majestic African elephant?

The interior decoration also takes you on a time travel, from the Jurassic world to the African savanna. It's a great place for family fun.

Cartoonie Paradise, filled with various animals, made us feel like children again, full of wonder. After all, who doesn't still have a little kid inside?

06. Watch a 270-Degree Romantic Sunset

How long has it been since you quietly watched a sunset?

Life is like a dandelion – seemingly free but often beyond control. Always busy, racing against time. Everyone wants to catch their breath in life. Many times, like most people, I can only enjoy my alone time in the dead of night.

During my trip to Chongqing, the most memorable moment was that evening's sunset. It had been a long time since I stood so quietly, waiting for a sunset.

At a height of 250 meters, a 270-degree sunset, with suspended glass beneath my feet and the Chongqing forest before my eyes. I didn't leave until the last glow of twilight faded.

If you go to Chongqing, be sure to set aside some time to reach Chongqing Raffles City before sunset.

The place I want to take you to see the sunset is at the end of the "Crystal Corridor" – it's the Chongqing Raffles City Exploration Deck·Observation Deck.

The entrance area of the Exploration Deck·Observation Deck is on L1 floor of Raffles City on the Jialing River side, covering about 900 square meters. Buy a ticket for 180 yuan, go through security, and start a journey through time.

This is also a journey tracing Chongqing's origins.

There are six themed exhibition areas: "City Origins," "Discover Chongqing," "Modern Era," "Gateway to the West," "Open Eyes to the World," and "Participate in the Future."

Numerous treasured historical photos and videos, recorded from different eras, recreate the imprint of Chongqing's urban development history. Here, you can feel Chongqing's humanistic charm and understand its urban transformation.

One interesting interactive installation is called "Sichuan Dialect Foreign School," where you can follow along to learn a few Chongqing phrases. It's loads of fun, and our group couldn't stop laughing.

In the "Participate in the Future" exhibition area, there are many suspended three-dimensional modules on the ceiling. From here, we start heading to the future.

Pass through a super cool time tunnel, take a stylish elevator, and within seconds, you arrive at a height of 250 meters, beginning a Mars exploration journey.

The aerial area of the Exploration Deck is on the Jialing River side of the L47 high-altitude Crystal Corridor, covering about 1,500 square meters, consisting of indoor and outdoor platforms.

The indoor part is designed as a Mars exploration observation station, with five 5D somatosensory Mars-themed exhibition areas showing how humans might transform Mars.

Will we be able to travel to space in our lifetime? Set a small goal?

The indoor area is full of technology, with cool scenes perfect for photo ops.

Further ahead, the outdoor area reveals a 270-degree observation deck. I was amazed that at 250 meters high, there can be lush greenery.

Beneath your feet is suspended glass, which acrophobic friends dare not step on. You must wear shoe covers to walk on the glass, but if you're wearing heels like me, you can walk barefoot on the glass.

Through the glass, you can see the docked boats at Chaotianmen Dock and the traffic on the roads below, reduced to the size of ants.

Standing here, you can see the Yangtze River, Jialing River, Hongya Cave, Grand Theatre, Yangtze River Cableway, and more, taking in the entire Yuzhong district.

The most beautiful time at the Exploration Deck·Observation Deck is at sunset, quietly watching the fiery red sun slowly sink between distant mountains.

That evening, at 250 meters high, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Chongqing's two rivers and four banks, letting the evening breeze blow through my hair, it was incredibly romantic.

Every time I watch a sunset, I think of the line from "The Little Prince": "You know, one feels very sad when one loves sunsets."

One day, the little prince watched forty-four sunsets... Maybe everyone has a little prince living in their heart, who has already watched sunset after sunset in some corner of their soul.

As the lights come on, the sky turns deep blue, and the city is lit up.

This is the prime spot to overlook the city and feel the confluence of the two rivers. Because the sediment content of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers differs, you can see the distinct "Yuanyang Hotpot" phenomenon – how amazing.

The Exploration Deck·Observation Deck, with "exploration" as its theme, integrates urban humanities, geography, and science fiction into the future. Here, experience the intertwining of mysterious Mars and magical Chongqing, science fiction and reality, future and past.

At that moment, you'll feel exceptionally small among all living things in this time and space.

Not until darkness fell did I reluctantly take the elevator down from the observation deck. At the elevator exit, there are four suspended black umbrellas, great for a photo – don't miss it.

After leaving the Exploration Deck·Observation Deck, there is a very distinctive official souvenir shop for Chongqing Raffles City, worth browsing. It has many creative products with Chongqing characteristics. Choose one for yourself as a memento.

"Nine opens, eight closes," 3D city, Chongqing map, Chaotianmen Dock... These are nine different themed souvenirs, originally designed by Chongqing Raffles City in collaboration with Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, with strong design aesthetics.

Every girl loves these little trinkets – even just a fridge magnet makes a special keepsake.

After leaving the official souvenir shop, there is a Chongqing souvenir area featuring local specialties.

It has many famous local Chongqing snacks, including traditional time-honored brands like Bafangpin, Yuji Laopuzi, Wanqiantang, and Tanggaozu. You can take home a taste of Chongqing.

The ceiling of the souvenir area is hung with red and yellow lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.

That night, standing at the Mountain City Garden of Chongqing Raffles City, looking at Chaotianmen Dock in the night, the fountain behind me rose and fell, accompanied by the crisp laughter of children playing in the water.

I marveled at this 8D magical city – every visit brings new surprises. Who will be by your side when you watch the next sunset?

2. Top Luxury Hotel

InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City is a new hotel that opened on August 1, 2020. As a world-class luxury hotel brand, I stayed in an Executive King Room on the 46th floor, costing over 2,000 yuan per night. How luxurious is it? Let me show you.

01. Sky Lobby

The elevator reaches the 42nd floor in seconds. Before I could react, I stepped out of the elevator into a jungle – and at 250 meters high, an urban sky forest, quite dreamlike.

This is the sky lobby of InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City, located in the famous "Crystal Corridor" of Raffles City – truly breathtaking.

Perhaps this is the most beautiful and highest sky garden in Chongqing? How were these huge trees planted?

Maintaining the normal growth of these trees at 250 meters high is no easy task – they need sufficient sunlight, the right temperature, and thick, fertile soil.

It is said that every tree here enjoys 24-hour air conditioning, receives nutrient solutions, and has dedicated caretakers – truly VIP treatment.

The space leading to the "Zhonglin" restaurant and the hotel lobby has reflections of the building's structure on the floor. Stand here, and you can capture a beautiful shot effortlessly.

The front desk resembles a giant cruise ship with strong design aesthetics. The hotel has 380 luxurious guest rooms and suites, located on floors 44 to 65, offering panoramic views of the two rivers.

The service is meticulous, living up to the reputation of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)'s top luxury brand.

After passing through the sky lobby, I took the elevator to the 46th floor.

The guest rooms creatively incorporate visual elements of yacht cabins and floor-to-ceiling windows. Pushing open the door, the sunlight streaming onto the carpet felt wonderful.

All room types are equipped with Dyson hairdryers, smart toilets, Tivoli Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging devices, and a smart TV system iStudio, among other user-friendly technological applications.

Overall, the room exudes a sense of understated luxury.

The bathroom has separate wet and dry areas and an independent toilet compartment. At night, you can lie in the bathtub, taking a bath while enjoying the Chongqing night view.

Next to the welcome fruit, there are even spicy beef and spicy twisted dough sticks.

A handwritten welcome letter is on the desk – attention to detail.

I checked the InterContinental Club benefits: 6:30-10:30 light breakfast, perfect for someone like me who likes to sleep in.

Each stay includes free ironing of two garments and late checkout until 4 PM.

The mini bar is fully stocked.

At night, standing at the window looking at the Chongqing night view. This 8D magical city feels different every time.

03. "Zhonglin" Signature Restaurant

I highly recommend this restaurant.

If you are a local Chongqing resident, you don't need to stay at the hotel to dine here – the restaurant is simply too beautiful.

Every day, waking up naturally, I had breakfast at the "Zhong·Lin" buffet restaurant. The sunny restaurant feels very close to nature, putting me in a good mood.

Breakfast was very rich. I had a bottle of freshly squeezed carrot juice. That morning, three women took nearly an hour for breakfast.

The "Zhonglin" restaurant features street-style trucks, Chongqing-themed graffiti, rustic wooden tables and chairs, and numerous green trees – making you completely forget you're 250 meters high.

Dining here at night, overlooking the mountain city scenery, is an experience worth having.

04. "Jing" Chinese Restaurant and Bar

Deriving inspiration from Eastern aesthetics, the high-end Chinese restaurant "Jing" combines restaurant and bar. You can come for afternoon tea here, or for a drink at night.

With a dark-toned atmosphere, bright small patches of color, and a mirror-like black floor, a sense of modernity hits you.

That afternoon, a few friends gathered here, smiling and chatting, time passing slowly. A leisurely afternoon tea is the perfect holiday!

Drinking coffee, watching the boats on the Yangtze River come and go through the window – extremely pleasant.

This afternoon tea set for two costs 398 yuan, including coffee or tea for two, a fruit platter, and a three-tier dessert basket. To be honest, we couldn't finish it all.

Even though I don't usually eat desserts, I tried the durian pastry and osmanthus cake – they tasted great.

Further inside is the Chinese restaurant section, continuing the overall style.

At night, the atmosphere changes completely. You can order a drink, enjoy the night view, and chat over a glass.

05. Gym and Swimming Pool

If you like fitness and swimming, InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City has you covered. The gym entrance is stylish.

Huge floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to exercise while enjoying the view outside.

The swimming pool also has excellent natural light. They say the most beautiful time is at sunrise, sitting on the lounge chair by the window with sunlight streaming in – very picturesque. Unfortunately, as someone who always sleeps in, I can only imagine it.

This IHG landmark ultra-high-rise city hotel, with views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, offers guests an unforgettable experience in every aspect.

3. Eat World Cuisines

The entire shopping center of Chongqing Raffles City covers 235,000 square meters, with five floors above ground. It creates an interactive international social destination integrating diverse tourism resources, historical and cultural heritage, and Sino-Singapore culture and arts.

There are over 400 brand shops, among which up to 40% are flagship stores, concept stores, or first-to-market stores.

But as a foodie, what attracts me most is the food here. During my few days exploring Chongqing Raffles City, I visited several restaurants, including Chongqing hotpot, New Concept Chongqing Cuisine, Japanese cuisine, Vietnamese cuisine, Korean cuisine... and more.

But there are still many interesting restaurants I want to try, such as Nanbin Impression Hotpot, Sansheng Sanwei Secret Sichuan Cuisine, Beisuo·720-Degree River View Western Restaurant, SPACELAB Weightlessness Restaurant, Singaporean Restaurant Collins...

Want to eat your way around the world? Come to Chongqing Raffles City first!

01. Chongqing Hotpot: Pei Jie Old Hotpot

Chongqing is one of the birthplaces of hotpot. How can you come to the "Chinese Hotpot Capital" without eating hotpot? You must eat hotpot in Chongqing at least once in your life; otherwise, you won't know what "Chongqing hotpot" really is.

Located on L2 floor of Raffles City, Pei Jie Old Hotpot has always been at the forefront of Internet-famous hotpot brands. Its location is superb, with a glass window offering a dazzling Chongqing river view.

When visiting Chongqing, ordering a yuanyang (half-spicy, half-mild) pot might get you scorned. The most authentic Chongqing hotpot features a nine-grid pot, with varying spice levels.

Lamb, pork kidney slices, and tripe are essential hotpot items – unforgettable flavors. The dishes at Pei Jie Old Hotpot are excellent, with impeccable freshness.

On such a night, with a few friends, overlooking the Chongqing night scene, dipping hotpot, drinking Tuborg beer, chatting about travel anecdotes. When it gets too spicy, take a spoonful of cold sweet rice balls... Perfect.

02. Japanese Cuisine: Benqi Jia (Honki-ya)

My first impression upon entering Benqi Jia was how impressive the Japanese restaurant's decor was. Lots of black, with red as guiding lines, creating a strong visual impact.

So much so that my companion also took a photo at the restaurant – it felt very atmospheric.

Sashimi platter, seasonal vegetable salad, signature Benqi Jia rolls, salt-grilled prawns, karaage chicken... a whole table beautifully presented.

I only learned to eat sashimi after going to Japan; durian after Malaysia; lamb after Bashang...

Now, there are fewer foods I avoid. Travel really changes a person.

That day, instead of the traditional Japanese sukiyaki pot, we chose a "Black Wagyu Shabu-Shabu" pot – a combination of curry and tom yum, very unique.

This Japanese restaurant is commendable in color, aroma, and taste. The prices are reasonable, and there are various set meals for those with decision fatigue.

03. New Concept Chongqing Cuisine: Xin Taoran

Xin Taoran is the upgraded version of Taoranju, a long-established Chongqing restaurant.

It is said that locals know Taoranju's big meat buns well, often buying them to take away. Mentioning Taoranju brings back many memories for Chongqing locals.

The location of Xin Taoran is also excellent, right next to the river. You can enjoy your meal while watching the boats on the Yangtze.

Later, I realized that throughout Chongqing Raffles City, restaurants are not concentrated on a specific floor but scattered in different locations, almost giving the best views to the dining areas.

The Xin Taoran inside Raffles City is decorated in a modern Chinese style, with details reflecting Chinese classical beauty.

This is a restaurant specializing in New Concept Chongqing Cuisine, with a significant upgrade in decoration and dish sophistication compared to the old Taoranju.

I ordered several specialty dishes and found many variations of ribs. Below are Sichuan peppercorn ribs, sweet and sour ribs, and crispy beef ribs.

Pestle eggplant with century egg, stone-cooked Wushan potato, lotus leaf-wrapped glutinous rice ribs... Both the containers and flavors strive for inheritance and innovation.

You must order the Taoran specialty buns, but order fewer because they are huge – even sharing between two is too much.

Taoran spicy snails are also a must-order for every table. They look very spicy but taste great.

The average cost per person is 60-80 yuan. Worth a visit. I recommend booking a table by the river in advance. There is also a special four-person set meal for only 238 yuan, offering great value for a light lunch.

04. Korean Cuisine: Three Generations BBQ

This Three Generations BBQ amazed me and my companions. It felt like being transported directly to the streets of Korea – very immersive.

During the wait, you can take photos. The retro atmosphere is strong.

The complimentary six side dishes and pumpkin porridge were great. We ordered traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap, cold noodles, and stir-fried rice cakes – generous portions.

Since it's Three Generations BBQ, grilled meat is the highlight. The meat is fresh and creative.

A whole table of meat – a carnivore's paradise. The service is attentive, with the grill pan changed frequently after each batch.

A friend took a candid shot of me – doesn't it look like a scene from a Korean movie?

05. Da Nang Vietnamese Cuisine

The decor of this restaurant is especially artistic and fresh, and so are the dishes. Girls will love it – perfect for a date.

Teal tones, rattan chairs, and greenery create a Southeast Asian tropical rainforest vibe.

Vietnamese rice noodles, South Asian shrimp tom yum soup, coconut pumpkin cake, cold octopus salad... full of Vietnamese flavors.

A Da Nang oven-grilled spicy sea bass earned unanimous praise from my companions. No wonder some say this is a hidden gem in Raffles City – I strongly recommend you try it.

After three days of eating and exploring Chongqing Raffles City, I still felt I hadn't seen enough – it's just too big!

Raffles City on the tip of the tongue: hundreds of world cuisine restaurants here can satisfy almost everyone's different needs. And every restaurant shares an unspoken common trait – incredibly high aesthetics.

Experience the seamless fusion of Chongqing's local culture and international elements. Come to Chongqing Raffles City and eat your way around the world!

Chongqing, one of the most exciting travel destinations, never fails to surprise me.