Free and Easy Chongqing
Spend 2 days with your kids exploring the charming furnace mountain city
Taste the spiciest hotpot and enjoy the breathtaking night views in this furnace city
Let the 8D magical mountain city become not just a virtual image on TV
But a real city impression that you personally and physically experience
Seek the sizzling hot Chongqing deep in your memory
Transport routes and costs (during epidemic prevention, please take precautions):
1. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport → Jinjiang Inn Pinshang Chongqing Crown Escalator Children's Hospital Riverview Hotel, taxi about 50 minutes, cost about 50 yuan.
2. From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, take Metro Line 3 (Yudong direction) to Lianglukou Station, Exit 3, take the Crown Escalator, then walk 500 meters along South District Road to the hotel.
3. Chongqing North Station → Jinjiang Inn Pinshang Chongqing Crown Escalator Children's Hospital Riverview Hotel, taxi about 25 minutes, cost about 20 yuan.
4. From Chongqing North Station, take Metro Line 10 (Liyuchi direction) → transfer at Chongqing North Station South Square to Line 3 (Yudong direction) → get off at Lianglukou Station, Exit 3, take the Crown Escalator, then walk 500 meters along South District Road to the hotel.
5. Chongqing West Station → Jinjiang Inn Pinshang Chongqing Crown Escalator Children's Hospital Riverview Hotel, taxi about 30 minutes, cost about 30 yuan.
6. From Chongqing West Station, take Metro Line 5 (Shiqiaopu direction) → transfer at Shiqiaopu Station to Line 1 (Chaotianmen direction) → get off at Lianglukou Station, Exit 3, take the Crown Escalator, then walk 500 meters along South District Road to the hotel.
Accommodation: Jinjiang Inn Pinshang Chongqing Crown Escalator Children's Hospital Riverview Hotel. This hotel is an upgraded product of Jinjiang Inn, located in the central area of Yuzhong District, Chongqing, beside the Yangtze River and above Coral Park. Its spacious windows offer a spectacular view of the mighty Yangtze River and the unique charm of the mountain city. From the room, you can enjoy the beautiful night view of the Yangtze River, with dazzling lights. Through a 3-day, 2-night in-depth tour of Chongqing, experience Chongqing.
Hotel package: 488 yuan, including 1 room for 2 nights in a superior twin/double riverview room (riverview room overlooking the entire river and the Yangtze River Bridge, taking in the night scenery of Chongqing) + two buffet breakfasts at the tea restaurant + special souvenir.
Location: No. 122-168 South District Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (next to Jiefang Road Medicinal Materials Wholesale Market).
Itinerary Planning:
Route 1: Red Revolutionary Culture Education. Chongqing is the youngest of the four municipalities and also served as the provisional capital during the War of Resistance against Japan. The eight-year War of Resistance left precious historical and cultural relics for Chongqing, adding more color to the city's red tourism. Retracing the red historical sites has become an indispensable theme in a Chongqing trip. The red tour includes Ciqikou Ancient Town, Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery, Bai Mansion, Zhazidong Prison Site, and Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence Exhibition Hall.
Route 2: 8D Magical Mountain City Tour. This route connects the internet-famous light rail passing through a building, Eling No.2 Factory, Liberation Monument, Hongya Cave, Yangtze River Cableway, and Nanshan Yikeshu, allowing you to slowly tour the internet-famous Chongqing and check in at magical spots.
Route 3: Learning and Exploration Tour. How does your child understand the world? By looking at a world map? Reading history books? Reading world news? Reading reference materials? The exploration itinerary includes China Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Science and Technology Museum, Natural Museum, Jianchuan Museum, and Warship 166. Let children truly, sensibly, and comprehensively understand the essence of the world, learn and pass on knowledge, and promote and inherit culture.
Route 1: Red Revolutionary Culture Education
Ciqikou Ancient Town: A famous historical and cultural street in China, a protected traditional street in Chongqing, one of the new 'Bayu Twelve Scenic Spots', and part of the Bayu Folk Culture Tourism Circle. Come to Ciqikou Ancient Town, walk on the bluestone roads, taste local snacks, find a teahouse, and feel the local customs of Chongqing. From the main entrance, the stone road is narrow, lined with stalls and shops. There are many snacks and specialties, especially Chen Mahua and chicken offal shops, perfect for eating and strolling. If you prefer quiet, walk into the alleys to experience the most authentic life.
Geleshan Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery: Composed of the Bai Mansion Prison Site, Zhazidong Prison Site, the Sino-American Cooperation Office Site, Songlinpo Massacre Pit, and the '11.27' Martyrs' Cemetery. In 1999, the Red Rock Soul Square was built. This was the site of the Kuomintang's Military Statistics Bureau headquarters, radio station, prison, and the Sino-American Special Technical Cooperation Office. The '11.27' political massacre in 1949 also took place here. There are over 800 rooms, and a large area including Zhazidong, Meiyuan, Yangjiaping, Zaoshi Field, Bai Mansion, Wulingguan, Honglu Field, Wangjia Yard, Xiongjia Yard, Xiaoyanggong Bridge, Zhu Mansion, Buyun Bridge, and Lanya was designated a forbidden zone, completely blocked by bunkers, watchtowers, and barbed wire, with no entry allowed. Inside the 'special zone', there were over 20 prisons, including Zhazidong and Bai Mansion. In 1954, the Geleshan Martyrs' Tomb, Martyrs' Monument, and Exhibition Hall were built, and the name was changed to the current one in 1984.
Bai Mansion: Originally called Xiangshan Villa, it was the villa of warlord Bai Ju, later converted into a Kuomintang prison, a two-story building. This is where the story of Little Radish (Song Zhenzhong) took place. It once held Communists and is where many martyrs died. Its historical significance is greater than its scenic value. It has left and right paths requiring climbing stairs. On the left, you visit Xiangshan Villa, which actually held 'political prisoners'; on the right, climb the mountain to visit the site of Yang Hucheng's execution and where Little Radish was killed.
Zhazidong Prison Site: Originally a coal cave on the outskirts of Chongqing, a small coal mine opened in 1920, later turned into a detention center by the Kuomintang's Military Statistics Bureau. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a ditch on one, the terrain is hidden. It was used exclusively to imprison and persecute revolutionaries, most famously 'Sister Jiang'. The site has been restored on the original location, authentically reflecting the scene at that time, with a oppressive atmosphere and terrifying torture instruments on display. The site is not large; you can also visit the Martyrs' Cemetery and Bai Mansion together. A special shuttle bus is available, very convenient.
Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence Exhibition Hall: Displays Soong Ching-ling's experiences in Chongqing from 1940 to 1945 (as a young woman, she had a baby-faced beauty), and it was also the headquarters of the China Defense League. Although the residence is small, it has all the necessities. Behind the house is an air-raid shelter dug during the Japanese bombing of the provisional capital to ensure safety. Inside, there is a documentary about Soong Ching-ling, truly worthy of the 'Mother of the Nation'. Her life was full of hardships, dedicated to fulfilling Dr. Sun Yat-sen's will.
Route 2: 8D Magical Mountain City Tour
Light Rail Passing Through Building: This is known as Chongqing's most magical light rail station, located at Liziba Station on Line 2. When you board Line 2, quickly grab a seat at the front of the train to get a first-person view of the light rail passing through the building.
From Exit A of Liziba Station, go down eight floors, cross the road to reach Liziba Observation Deck. When this light rail passing through a building first became famous, there was no observation deck; tourists could only take photos on crowded sidewalks. To allow everyone to enjoy and check in, this platform was built – truly 'best fan service'!
From Exit B of Liziba Station, turn right and walk along the road. This is a sloped road, easy to walk. After a few steps, you'll see the tall building often photographed. The entire route is about 600 meters, and this road covers most of the popular photo spots.
This is the filming location of the movie 'I Belonged to Your World'. The scenic area is free. There are many exhibitions, artworks, and distinctive storefronts. There are also many internet-famous small shops selling desserts and accessories (prices are a bit high; I don't recommend buying). Recommended for photography lovers – the artistic and industrial style is especially photogenic.
Additionally, although Eling No.2 Factory is free, the rooftop terrace on the main building costs 19 yuan per person, open from 12:00 to 21:00. Some studios also charge around 10 yuan, all suitable for photo check-ins.
If you've visited the light rail passing through a building, you can take the special mini bus Route 3201 directly to Eling No.2 Factory, very convenient. But note that this bus is not a regular bus; it has only 6 seats and is called a lane bus. First-time visitors should pay attention so they don't miss it!
Liberation Monument: Not just a monument, but also the first commercial pedestrian street in China. It is Chongqing's largest commercial area, gathering Chongqing cuisine and famous tourist attractions, gradually becoming a must-visit spot for tourists.
You can choose to get off at Jiaochangkou on Metro Line 1, or Linjiangmen on Metro Line 2. The transportation is well-developed, and you can reach anywhere by metro. Surrounding attractions and food are complete, making it the first choice for shopping and photo check-ins.
But note: there are many fake stores in Chongqing; check the sign carefully before entering. During meal times, Bayi Delicious Street is packed, and queues can be long – each stall takes about 20 minutes. If you want to try famous hotpot restaurants or other food spots, you can reserve online in advance to avoid queuing during peak hours.
The 'real-life' bathhouse from 'Spirited Away', a magical building built on a cliff, with spectacular night views. It has 11 floors from top to bottom, with elevators and roads and entrances at both top and bottom. From here, you can see the stunning Qiansimen Bridge and the river view, and maybe even spot some 'talented' people swimming in the river at night!
To see the night view of Hongya Cave, we asked the driver to take us to Qiansimen Bridge for a panoramic view – this is the best viewing spot. Then we walked to the entrance of Hongya Cave. We thought we could go straight down to the opposite road, but the long queue and the 'rabbits' who offer a shortcut for 10 yuan discouraged us! (Key point: don't fall for the 10-yuan shortcut scam – some even wear uniforms that look like staff to deceive you. If it's crowded, just take a taxi to the road below.) There's not much to see inside Hongya Cave; it's mainly for taking exterior photos.
Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway: This was a means of crossing the river for the older generation of Chongqing people. Now it has become a must-visit internet-famous attraction. It is known as 'the first aerial corridor over the Yangtze River' and 'the mountain city's air bus'. Inside the cable car, you can enjoy a full view of the river from above, taking photos through the glass door, and admire the beauty of the Yangtze River from high altitude. The cableway has north and south stations. Take Metro Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 5b, then walk to the north station; or take Line 6 to Shangxinjie Station, Exit 2, then walk to the south station.
At the scenic spot, you can buy tickets at the manual counter, but it's best to purchase tickets in advance on the 'Chongqing Cableway Company' platform; otherwise, the queue will make you doubt life. Since the north station has more attractions and tourists, it's better to board at the south station. One-way ticket: 20 yuan/person, round-trip: 30 yuan/person.
Nanshan Yikeshu: This is not about looking at a tree, but about admiring the night view. The night view here is so beautiful it doesn't seem like a mortal fairyland. Overlooking the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, all lit up, you can go up to the viewing platform early, find a good spot, and experience the thrill of overlooking the entire city – that's truly breathtaking beauty.
From the south station of the Yangtze River Cableway, take a taxi to Nanshan Yikeshu for about 10-15 yuan, or take a taxi from Shangxinjie Station on Metro Line 6. There is no direct bus to the top; you need to combine bus and walking, or book an online car, have the driver take you up, leave a phone number, and call them when you want to go down – very convenient.
Online tickets need to be reserved in advance, about an hour before, otherwise you won't be allowed in. After entering, there are multiple viewing platforms along the way up. The large open-air platform at the top gets crowded after 6 pm; make sure to secure a spot early.
