Chongqing is the fastest-growing China destination for Thai travellers, and most visitors see it the same way: queues at Hongyadong, the hottest hotpot they have ever tasted, and Google Maps that does not work. Our team is Chinese. This is how locals do it.
1. Enter Hongyadong from the top, not the bottom
The lifts at the bottom of Hongyadong queue badly in the evening, especially 20:00–21:30. Take the metro to Xiaoshizi (小什字), exit 9, and walk about 450 metres to the top entrance. The lights come on around 18:00–20:00 depending on the season, so arrive 30 minutes before.
2. Photograph Hongyadong from the bridge
The classic photo is not taken at Hongyadong itself. Walk onto Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥) and look back.
3. Order hotpot with two words
Say 微辣 (wēi là) for mild. Still worried? Order a 鸳鸯锅 (yuānyāng guō), a split pot with one spicy and one plain broth. Locals dip in sesame oil with garlic (油碟), which takes the edge off the heat, and finish with 冰粉 (bīngfěn), a cold jelly dessert.
4. Halal hotpot is next to the mosque
Muslim travellers should head to Jiaochangkou (较场口). Chongqing Mosque is at 5 Zhongxing Road, and halal hotpot, noodles and Hui restaurants are on the same street. Jiefangbei is a 10–15 minute walk away.
5. Use the apps Chinese people use
- Alipay (支付宝) to pay for everything, including the metro and taxis
- Amap (高德地图) for maps and walking routes in a steep city
- Dianping (大众点评) to find restaurants locals actually rate
- Trip.com or 12306 for high-speed trains, released 15 days ahead
- WeChat (微信) to message hotels and guides. LINE does not work in China without a roaming eSIM.
6. See Liziba in the morning
The monorail that runs through a building at Liziba (李子坝) is free to watch from the viewing platform outside the station, across the road. Trains pass every few minutes and the light is best from 7:00 to 9:00.
7. Find the "22nd floor" at street level
Chongqing's nickname is the 8D city. At Kuixinglou (魁星楼) near Linjiangmen, the square in front of the building is on the 22nd floor.
8. End the night at Nanshan
The whole city lit up is best from the Yikeshu viewpoint (南山一棵树观景台) on the hills across the river. Take a taxi and allow two hours.
Getting there from Thailand
Direct flights from Bangkok take about three hours, and Thai passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. See our Chongqing city guide for flights, a 4-day plan and where to stay, or build a free Chongqing plan and get the detailed version on LINE.
