【GO WITH ME】3 Days 4 Nights, Exploring the 8D Magic City Chongqing
My mother is a travel enthusiast. She has traveled almost every corner of China's magnificent landscapes, but she has never been to Chongqing. Taking advantage of the National Day holiday, my mother graciously decided to invite me on a trip to Chongqing.
The nickname '8D Magic City' is absolutely well-deserved. With over 10,000 elevated bridges, an unexpected turn often takes the shape of love. Light rail trains passing through buildings, cable cars for commuting, and three-tiered roads—in Chongqing, always remind yourself, 'This is not the first floor.' Spicy hotpot is addictive, Chongqing noodles are never enough, and even the locals say, 'There is no such thing as too spicy.' And there are the brilliantly lit streets and the endless drizzling rain… Beautiful, delicious, and photogenic—this is Chongqing!
Travel Time: Three days and four nights (October 2-5)
Cost for two people: About 4,500 yuan
Day 1: Wulong Tiankeng and Difeng (Heavenly Pit and Ground Fissure)
Although Wulong is a district of Chongqing, it is quite far from the city center. We joined a local one-day tour to Wulong. We departed from Jiefangbei at 7 a.m. and after about three hours of bumpy bus ride, we finally arrived at the destination, nearly breaking our backs. It is said that this is without traffic jams; if there were traffic, a round trip might take the whole day.
I have to say, Tiankeng and Difeng are more suitable for young people. Elderly people may find it strenuous. Difeng is okay, but walking through Tiankeng is truly tiring. However, there are people on the mountain carrying bamboo poles (sedan chairs), charging 400 yuan per person from the mountain top to the bottom. This is the only optional transportation inside the scenic area. If you really can't walk, you have no choice but to spend the money!
【Difeng (Ground Fissure)】Visit time: 3 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our first stop was Longshuixia Ground Fissure. It is the most unique landscape I have ever seen among China's great mountains and rivers. Steep cliffs, magical fissures, and waterfalls roaring like bells—beautiful yet magnificent, grand yet splendid. (Suddenly I feel my vocabulary is too limited; let's just look at the pictures!)
We visited during the rainy season, so the water volume was enormous. Even walking on the plank path, there were always some places dripping water. At the closest point to the waterfall, splashing water was like a heavy rain, hitting you from all directions. It was almost impossible to avoid getting wet. So, from someone who's been there, a thick raincoat is very practical—it keeps off both rain and wind. If you didn't prepare one, at least bring an umbrella, or you'll likely end up soaked like a 'drowned rat.'
【Filming location for 'Curse of the Golden Flower'—Tiankeng (Heavenly Pit)】Visit time: 4.5 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you often join group tours, you must have heard: 'Scenery is 30% seeing, 70% imagining.' Honestly, I don't think the 'Three Natural Bridges' in Tiankeng look like bridges at all. They are just rocks connecting two mountains, nothing special. So what is there to see in Tiankeng? Water, mountains, and crevices.
Water: Unknown springs hang somewhere in the mountains, sometimes just a mist, looming like a fairyland.
Mountains: Karst landforms create steep peaks. Some are lush green, others have bare rocks. They satisfy the eyes and you can easily take beautiful photos.
Crevices: Without the sky as a backdrop, the peaks would lose some playfulness. Nature's uncanny workmanship is evident in the gaps between peaks. (Vocabulary shortage again—see pictures!)
Overall, Tiankeng and Difeng are definitely worth a visit.
Day 2: Bai Gongguan (White House) + Liziba Light Rail + Eling Er Factory + Jiefangbei + Hongyadong
【Bai Gongguan】Visit time: 1 hour | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐
One of the must-visit places if you come to Chongqing with elders. Of course, you can also visit Zhazidong and Martyrs' Cemetery, all nearby. (Zhazidong was not open during the National Day holiday, so we missed it unfortunately.)
【Liziba Light Rail + Eling Er Factory】Visit time: 2.5 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want to experience the light rail passing through a building, you can take Light Rail Line 2. Actually, you don't need to board at Liziba station because it's very crowded. You can board two stations before and get off at Liziba, so you can experience both the ride and the spectacle.
From Liziba station, you can walk to Eling Er Factory. I highly recommend walking, because only by walking can you truly experience what Chongqing's three-tiered roads are like.
At the foot of the mountain is a bustling city, while on the mountain, hidden under the shade of trees, lies another city—that's the most magical thing about Chongqing. And Eling Er Factory is hidden at the top of the mountain.
Actually, Eling Er Factory is a former banknote printing factory turned into an art district, very similar to Beijing's 798. Because the movie 'I Belonged to You' filmed here, it quickly became a must-visit spot for artistic youth coming to Chongqing.
We entered a building; the second floor was a place for photo-taking. It costs 12 yuan for a ticket, with many beautiful backdrops where you can take photos freely. If you don't like photography, you don't need to spend the 12 yuan—the free scenery outside is also good.
【Jiefangbei + Chongqing Art Museum + Hongyadong】Visit time: 3 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From Eling Er Factory, we didn't walk down the mountain but took a bus (because we were too tired) to head to Jiefangbei and Hongyadong.
These places are not far apart. Just one bus transfer gets you to Jiefangbei. Then you can walk from Jiefangbei, passing the Chongqing Art Museum, and finally arrive at Hongyadong.
Jiefangbei is the city center, the most bustling area of Chongqing. The monument standing in the middle of the square is the only one of its kind in China. Personally, I think the historical significance of Jiefangbei far outweighs its ornamental value. And actually, it's just a commercial area. If you like shopping, you can spend a whole day here. If you are as poor as me, just grab some food at the snack street and leave.
We arrived at Jiefangbei around 2 p.m., ate some snacks at Bayi Snack Street, and then planned to take the cable car. But due to the huge crowd, we decisively gave up.
At 5 p.m., we walked from Jiefangbei to Hongyadong. On the way, the Chongqing Art Museum is also a distinctive building—nice for a few photos.
Honestly, during the day Hongyadong is not very interesting—just various foods, ear cleaning, etc. But when night falls and the bright yellow lights come on, you suddenly fall into the world of 'Spirited Away.'
Actually, to capture the full view of Hongyadong, the best spot is Qiansimen Bridge. Unfortunately, we were too tired, so we chose the nearer riverside. Still, we got some good shots.
During the National Day holiday, the lights at Hongyadong usually come on around 6:30 p.m. You can go an hour early, wander inside, then go out when the lights are on to take photos. But be careful—it's easy to get lost inside because it's all similar!
Finally, a reminder: don't stay until 7-8 p.m.; the traffic is terribly congested then.
Day 3: Graffiti Street + Ciqikou Ancient Town
On the last day, since we had to catch an 8 p.m. flight, we didn't plan many activities.
Our hotel was near Ciqikou. In the morning we visited Graffiti Street, checked out at noon, stored our luggage at the hotel, and walked to Ciqikou. This route was perfect.
【Graffiti Street】Visit time: 2 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Take bus 823 and get off at 'Huangjueping Station,' and you'll see residential buildings painted with various patterns and colors.
Graffiti Street is a paradise for young people and photography enthusiasts. The whole street is full of youthful energy. Although it's a bit far from the city center, it's worth a visit.
【Ciqikou Ancient Town】Visit time: 3 hours | Recommendation index: ⭐⭐⭐
Actually, Ciqikou Ancient Town used to be a dock, so it is said that whenever Chongqing floods, this place is the first to be submerged.
Now, Ciqikou is very commercialized. The entire street is full of various small shops. Apart from the stilted buildings, it's quite similar to Dayan Ancient Town in Lijiang.
However, on the second floor of the stilted buildings, there are many small bars. Young men and women singing folk songs sit by the window with guitars, which is really attractive (the guys' looks are even more captivating than their voices).
As someone who doesn't eat much spicy food, I don't have much say here. But since we were there, how could we miss a hotpot?
Chongqing is full of hotpot restaurants—upscale trendy ones and simple roadside stalls, each with its own flavor.
We ate at a hotpot restaurant near Ciqikou Ancient Town. It was my first time eating oil dip, and I found it very uncomfortable. It was fragrant indeed, but the greasy feeling was unbearable.
At first, it seemed 'not as spicy as they say,' but the later it got, the spicier it became—so spicy that my brain felt numb and my mouth felt like it was on fire. In the end, I had to give up.
I have to say, it wasn't a great hotpot experience.
【Chongqing Noodles (Xiaomian)】
Before coming to Chongqing, what I looked forward to most was not hotpot but noodles. So after arriving, I had a bowl of noodles every day.
Chongqing noodles are not expensive. 7-8 yuan can fill you up, which is quite rare.
If you tell the owner you want 'mild spicy,' most people can handle it, and the taste is just right. The combination of numbing and spicy creates a fragrant sensation in your mouth. Moreover, there are many varieties, and each shop has a different flavor. So if you're a noodle lover, you can try a different shop every day—each one will be unique.
【Bayi Snack Street】
When it comes to snack streets, the most famous is 'Bayi Snack Street' near Jiefangbei. We ate at several shops and they were all pretty good. Except for the hyped 'One Yogurt Cow' which was very average, the rest were fine.
【Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake (Hongtang Ciba)】
We had a brown sugar glutinous rice cake at Ciqikou Ancient Town, and it was very nice. The shop was easy to find because there was a long queue, and a guy at the entrance was yelling loudly—a veritable 'human suona.' So you shouldn't have trouble finding it.
Among all the hot and sour rice noodles I've eaten, this one was definitely the best and also the thickest, haha!
I have to say, traveling to Chongqing during holidays is burning money. A simple standard room costs nearly 300 yuan, and getting a hotel near Jiefangbei for 400 yuan is unimaginable. So if you go during a holiday, book your hotel in advance, advance, advance.
As for location, it's best to choose near Jiefangbei (or near a light rail station; we stayed near Ciqikou Light Rail Station for convenient transportation). Choosing a well-reviewed homestay is the right way.
Nowadays, homestays are really great—stylishly decorated and well-located. Highly recommended. If you're a small group, choose a one-bedroom; if more people, get a larger one. There's always one that suits you.
Part 4: Travel Tips
💗 Check the weather in advance before traveling. Chongqing is a mountain city with lots of rain and fog. It's best to bring an umbrella and a raincoat. You can also prepare rain boots (if you don't want the hassle, buy a pair locally for 20-30 yuan—worth it).
💗 The mountain city is called a mountain city for a reason. Walking over 20,000 steps a day is normal, including going up and down stairs and slopes. So it's not recommended for those aged 65 and above.
💗 Bring several changes of clothes because once they get wet, they dry very slowly.
💗 In Chongqing, the bus fare is 2 yuan regardless of distance, which may differ from many places. It's advisable to prepare some 1-yuan coins so you won't fumble with scanning codes.
Actually, three days are enough to cover most of Chongqing. If I had one more day, I might queue for the cable car and also visit the Mountain City Trail. Anyway, traveling always leaves some regrets, so that we can keep longing for more!
