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July 25, 2025
Chongqing 5-Day Couples Travel Guide: Budget-Friendly City Exploration
Discover the magic of Chongqing with this affordable 5-day itinerary perfect for couples
Couples TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 重庆
Location: Southwest China
Famous For: Staircase Cityscape,Hot Pot Cuisine,3D Transportation
Daily Cost: $30-40 USD
Best Season: Spring/Autumn
Introduction: Why visit Chongqing?
Chongqing combines futuristic architecture with historic charm, offering couples a unique blend of mountainous landscapes, spicy cuisine, and cultural depth. Its vertical city layout creates breathtaking views from Nanshan Yikeshu Observation Deck while Jiefangbei buzzes with modern energy.
Best time to visit Chongqing
Ideal Seasons: March-May & September-November
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with blooming flowers at Eling Park. Perfect for river cruises on the Yangtze River.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C). Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town's shaded alleys or cool off at Longshui Lake Hot Springs.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant autumn views at Wulong Karst with comfortable 20°C weather ideal for hiking.
❄️Winter: Cool (7-12°C) with occasional fog. Warm up with Sichuan Hot Pot at Luohuang Hotpot Museum.
Arriving and leaving Chongqing
Metro (Line 1/2/3/6), Yangtze River Cable Cars ($0.40 USD), and shared e-bikes ($0.20/min). Budget $3-5 USD/day.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Metro Line 3 connects to downtown (45min, $4.50 USD). Taxis cost $20-25 USD.
Chongqing North Railway Station
New high-speed rail hub. Metro Line 10 connects to major areas (30min to Jiefangbei). Taxis cost $10-15 USD.
Where to stay in Chongqing: Best Neighborhood
Jiefangbei
Heart of downtown with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and night views. Budget hotels from $20 USD/night.
Nanan District
Riverside area with panoramic views of the Caiyuanba Yangtze River Bridge. Mid-range options with free shuttle services.
Top Things to do in Chongqing
Hongyadong
Four-tiered stilted building complex with 300+ shops and restaurants offering panoramic views of the Jialing River at night.
Liziba Light Rail
Asia's first 'skytrain' where the rail passes through residential buildings. Best viewed from the 8th-floor viewing platform.
Eling Park
360° panoramic viewing platform offering sunrise views over the convergence of Yangtze River and Jialing River.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for major attractions to save 20-30%.
What to eat: Chongqing food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Chongqing Balajun Hotpot
Local favorite with 50-year history. Signature lamb hot pot with river-view terrace. Meals from $10 USD.
2. Lao Cai Guan
Historic restaurant serving authentic Sichuan dishes including 'Boiled Fish in Chili Oil'. Set meals from $8 USD.
3. Qianxianju Dumpling House
Specializes in Chongqing-style 'Crossing-the-Bridge' noodles. Private rooms available. Meals from $6 USD.
Signature Dishes
1. Chongqing Hot Pot
Signature spicy hot pot with double-chamber pot (ma la vs mild). Try Minhe Hotpot's duck blood special.
2. Xiaomian Noodles
Customizable noodles with 10+ toppings including pickled mustard stems and spicy sesame paste at Li Xingmian.
3. Biángbiáng Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles served with spicy peanut sauce and pickled vegetables at Old Street Noodles.
Chongqing itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Liziba Noodles:Try local Xiaomian noodles with spicy sesame paste
Visit Liziba Light Rail:Photograph train passing through residential building
Explore Eling Park:360° city views and historic printing factory turned creative park
🍽️Dinner at Chongqing Balajun Hotpot:Experience authentic Chongqing hot pot with lamb combo
Night Cruise on Yangtze River:2-hour river cruise with city skyline views
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Old Street Noodles:Enjoy Biángbiáng noodles with pickled vegetables
Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town:Walkthrough 18th-century architecture and teahouses
🥗Lunch at Lao Cai Guan:Traditional Sichuan dishes including boiled fish
Visit Baixiang Street:Preserved Qing-dynasty buildings with photo opportunities
🍽️Dinner at Qianxianju Dumpling House:Sample 'Crossing-the-Bridge' noodles with fresh seafood
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Express Hotel:Buffet breakfast with river views
Travel to Wulong Karst:3-hour scenic drive to World Natural Heritage Site
🥗Lunch at Tiankeng Restaurant:Local Tujia ethnic cuisine with bridge views
Explore Three Natural Bridges:Hike through Asia's largest cluster of natural bridges
Return to Chongqing:Scenic drive back through mountainous terrain
🍽️Dinner at Hotpot Boat Restaurant:Waterfront hotpot with live traditional performances
DAY 4
Visit Chongqing Museum:Free admission with extensive displays on Three Gorges history
🥗Lunch at Minhe Hotpot:Try duck blood special in historic building setting
Explore Guanyin Bridge:Modern commercial area with street performers and shopping
Visit Chongqing Grand Theatre:Contemporary architecture with riverside promenade
🍽️Dinner at 81 Sichuan Restaurant:Modern take on traditional Sichuan cuisine with skyline views
DAY 5
Explore Caiyuan Market:Fresh fruit tasting and local produce shopping
Visit Hongyadong:Explore 11-level stilted building complex with souvenir shops
🥗Lunch at Hongyadong Food Court:Try street foods like grilled skewers and spiced crayfish
Cable Car Ride to Luohanshi:Take scenic cable car to ancient temple complex
🍽️Final Dinner at Jiefangbei:Farewell meal at rooftop restaurant with city views
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