Things To Do
in Chongqing

A communal, spicy broth filled with meats, vegetables, tofu and offal; best experienced at a reputable local hotpot restaurant where you can choose levels of spice and oil. Popular places cluster around Jiefangbei and Nanbin Road.

Must-Try!

Chongqing spicy noodles — quick, affordable bowls with chili oil, scallions and minced pork or pickles; perfect for breakfast or a street-food meal. Try neighborhood noodle stalls for authentic versions.

Small, crispy fried chicken cubes stir-fried with a mountain of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns; intensely flavorful and often found in local restaurants.

Hot-and-sour sweet potato or rice noodles in a tangy, spicy broth, popular as a late-night snack from street vendors.

A simple 'nǐ hǎo' (你好) is fine; address elders and officials with respect and avoid overly loud behavior in formal settings.

Hotpot is communal—use serving chopsticks for shared dishes, sample politely and don’t double-dip with personal utensils. Toasting and shared dishes are common at social meals.

Queuing is becoming more common in urban areas but can be inconsistent—be patient. Avoid public arguments and be mindful of personal space in crowded markets or transit.

Avoid political debates or criticism of domestic policies; focus on cultural exchange, food and local history when chatting with locals.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants or taxis in China; service charges may be added at higher-end hotels and some tourist-oriented venues—small tips are appreciated but not expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; many local vendors prefer QR-code payments and some smaller shops may not accept foreign cards. Major hotels, stores and attractions accept international credit cards; carry some cash (RMB) and consider getting a local SIM or mobile wallet if staying longer.

Hot, humid and often called one of China’s 'Three Furnaces' — expect temperatures frequently above 30°C (86°F) with heavy humidity and occasional heavy rain or thunderstorms; plan indoor activities during the hottest hours and stay hydrated.

Generally the most pleasant time: milder temperatures, lower humidity and clearer skies—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor trips to Wulong or Nanshan.

Mild to cool winters with temperatures around 5–10°C (41–50°F); occasional cold snaps and dampness make the air feel colder than the thermometer suggests—hotpot and hot springs are especially appealing.

Variable weather with warming temperatures and occasional rain; spring blossom and clearer days make it suitable for cultural visits and hiking but pack a light rain jacket.

Trails around the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave offer dramatic karst scenery, boardwalks and viewpoint platforms—prepare for uneven terrain and stairs.

A nature reserve with biodiversity, mountain trails and cooler temperatures—suitable for day hikes and wildlife watching.

Closer to the city, accessible trails with tea gardens and scenic overlooks providing panoramic views of the Chongqing skyline.

Hiking around the Dazu Rock Carvings combines cultural exploration with walks through wooded hills and remote temples.

Very popular at amateur and professional levels—pickup games and courts are common in parks and communities.

Local support for the Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic football club and youth participation make soccer a widely followed sport.

Common recreational sports across China, including Chongqing—easy to find community halls and clubs.

Traditional water sport held at festivals and along rivers, reflecting the city’s river culture.