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July 25, 2025
1 viewsChongqing 3-Day Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate City Exploration Itinerary
Explore mountain city magic: Hongya Cave, Lizi Ba, Yangtze River views & spicy cuisine
City ExplorationSolo TravelChongqing Guide
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 重庆市
Location: Southwest China
Famous For: Mountainous terrain,3D urban landscape,Spicy cuisine
Daily Cost: $80-$120 USD
Best Season: Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Introduction: Why visit Chongqing?
Chongqing, the 'Mountain City', offers a unique blend of vertical urban landscapes, centuries-old traditions, and mouth-watering cuisine. This 3-day itinerary for solo travelers showcases the best of Chongqing's iconic landmarks, hidden alleyways, and spicy food culture without breaking your budget.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with occasional rain showers. Perfect for exploring without extreme weather.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (30°C+). Plan early morning activities and indoor visits during peak heat.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant 20-25°C weather with clear skies. Autumn foliage in mountain areas creates stunning photo opportunities.
❄️Winter: Cool but dry (7-12°C). Ideal for experiencing winter festivals and enjoying hotpot season.
Arriving and leaving Chongqing
Extensive metro system (lines 1-10), sightseeing buses (¥20/day pass), and ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Yangtze River Cableway serves both transport and tourism purposes.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport [Recommended]
45 minutes from city center via metro line 3 (¥15) or taxi (¥150-200). Modern facilities with international flight connections.
Chongqing North Railway Station
Main high-speed rail hub with direct connections to Beijing (¥930/12h), Shanghai (¥1500/19h), and Chengdu (¥320/1.5h). Metro access available.
Where to stay in Chongqing: Best Neighborhoods
Jiefangbei District
Ideal for first-time travelers. Walkable access to Liberation Monument, Hongya Cave, and Yangtze River waterfront. Mid-range options: Crowne Plaza Chongqing Jiefangbei (¥650/night), Chongqing JW Marriott Hotel (¥800/night)
Hongya Cave Area
Picturesque riverside location with traditional architecture. Best for experiencing Chongqing's unique landscape. Recommended: Crystal Inncollection Hongya Cave (¥580/night)
Top Things to do in Chongqing
Hongya Cave
Multi-level stilted building complex with souvenir shops, tea houses, and night views of the Yangtze River. Free entry, best visited after sunset.
Liziba Station
Iconic 'house穿 through' monorail station where trains pass through residential buildings. Free viewing platform on Building 1 offers perfect photo opportunities.
Yangtze River Cableway
Scenic cable car crossing over the Yangtze River with panoramic views. One-way ticket ¥35, sunset rides recommended.
Tips
Buy combined tickets for multiple attractions at Chongqing China Travel Service to save 20-30%
What to eat: Chongqing food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lao She Te Guan
Traditional teahouse with river views. Try their Dragon Well Tea Ceremony (¥80/person) and Tea-smoked Duck (¥68/dish).
2. Xie Gong Guan
Historic building turned restaurant serving Chongqing-style banquet dishes. Must-order: Bamboo Shoot Fish (¥128) and Chilli Duck (¥98).
3. Bayi Catering Street
Street food paradise open 24/7. Budget ¥50-80/person for multiple tasting experiences.
Signature Dishes
1. Chongqing Hotpot
Signature spicy Sichuan broth with raw meat/vegetable platters (¥80-150/person). Must-try toppings: duck blood, beef tripe, lotus root slices.
2. Xiao Mian
Chongqing-style spicy noodles (¥10-20/bowl). Best variations: Braised pork noodles at Liangyu Alley and Beef tendon noodles at Old Street Noodles.
3. Ma La Tang
DIY spicy soup with skewered ingredients (¥30-60/person). Standout spots: Old Li Spicy Skewers (Jiefangbei) and Xinyang Malatang (Hongya Cave area).
Chongqing itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Jiefangbei:Try local specialties like steamed rice noodles and crispy oil sticks at street vendors
Visit Huguang Guild Hall:Marvel at Qing Dynasty architecture and learn about Chongqing's immigrant history (Entrance ¥25)
🥗Lunch at Lao Cai Yuan Restaurant:Authentic Chongqing dishes with English menu available
Explore Yangtze River Cableway:Panoramic views across the river, connect to Nanbin Road via cable car
Nanshan Park Observation Deck:Iconic cityscape photography spot (Entrance ¥30, 25-minute taxi ride from cableway)
🍽️Dinner at Hongya Cave:Dine at local favorites like Chunmiao Restaurant while enjoying riverside ambiance
Return to hotel:Evening stroll around Jiefangbei's illuminated landmarks
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Liziba:Local style noodle shop near the famous train-through building
Explore Liziba Train Phenomenon:Photograph the iconic train passing through residential complex
🥗Lunch at Eling Second Factory:Creative park cafeteria offering western-Chinese fusion dishes
Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town:Walk through 1,000-year-old porcelain town streets (Free entrance, souvenir prices negotiable)
Tea Ceremony Experience:Participate in traditional Chongqing tea rituals (¥60/session)
🍽️Dinner at Guanyin Bridge:Modern shopping district with diverse culinary options
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Early meal before departure
Depart for WuLong Scenic Area:Join organized tour (¥380/person) including round-trip transportation and entrance fees
🥗Picnic Lunch:Scenic gorge views while enjoying local boxed meal
Explore Furong Cave:World-famous limestone cave system (Entrance ¥120)
Return to Chongqing:Scenic countryside drive back to city
🍽️Farewell Dinner at Bayi Food Street:Last chance to sample any missed local specialties
Chongqing Travel FAQs
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