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July 25, 2025
Romantic 3-Day Foodie Adventure in Chongqing | Budget Couples Guide
Discover spicy flavors and scenic views: Perfect Chongqing itinerary for lovebirds on a budget
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Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 重庆市
Location: Southwest China
Famous For: Spicy hot pot cuisine,Mountainous terrain,Night views of Yangtze River
Daily Cost: $30-50 per couple
Best Season: March-May & September-November
Introduction: Why Visit Chongqing?
Chongqing, the 'Mountain City', offers Hongyadong's fairy-tale architecture, Yangtze River Cableway's panoramic views, and Ciqikou Ancient Town's historic charm. This 3-day budget-friendly plan lets couples experience hot pot cooking classes, scenic riverside walks, and secret viewpoint picnics while enjoying affordable local eats at Baizi Lane night market.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing
Ideal Seasons: Spring & Autumn for mild weather
🌱Spring: Perfect 15-22°C temperatures for exploring Eling Park and cherry blossom viewing
☀️Summer: Hot & humid (30°C+), but great for experiencing air-conditioned hot pot restaurants
🍁Autumn: Pleasant 18-25°C with autumn foliage at Wolonghu Scenic Area
❄️Winter: Cool 8-15°C with occasional fog, ideal for cozy hot pot dates
Arriving and Leaving Chongqing
Metro system (Lines 1-6), sightseeing buses ($2.5/day pass), and Yangtze River ferries. Apps like Gaode Map help navigate.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport [Recommended]
25km from city center. Airport Express Line 3 to Jiefangbei takes 40 mins ($12). Taxis cost $30-40 (50 mins)
Chongqing North Railway Station
Main high-speed rail hub with connections to Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kunming. Metro Line 10 to city center takes 30 mins ($6)
Where to Stay in Chongqing: Best Neighborhood
Jiefangbei District
Perfect for first-time visitors with 24-hour hot pot restaurants, night markets, and proximity to Chongqing Grand Theatre river views
Nanan District
Riverfront area with budget hotels near Nanbin Road restaurants and French Concession historic buildings
Top Things to do in Chongqing
Hongyadong
Three-story ancient-style complex with teahouses, folk art stores, and stunning night views of illuminated buildings reflected in the river
CiQiKou Ancient Town
Preserved Ming Dynasty architecture with traditional craft shops, street performances, and local snack alleys
Liziba Light Rail Station
Unique perspective watching trains pass through residential buildings, best photographed from Building 8's rooftop viewing platform
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for hill climbing and carry poncho for sudden mountain rain showers
What to Eat: Chongqing Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Fu Jie Mao Du Hot Pot
Locals' favorite with famous duck intestines and brain slices. Budget $15-20 per person
2. Xi Ya Te Lao Chongqing Restaurant
Riverside dining with classic dishes like spicy boiled fish and preserved egg tofu
3. Lao Shan Cun Noodles
Authentic handmade noodles with 30+ topping options including pickled mustard tuber and pork liver
Signature Dishes
1. Spicy Hot Pot
Try the 'Nine Palace' format with duck blood, pork tripe, and Sichuan peppercorns at Zheyu Hot Pot
2. Xiao Mian
Customizable spicy noodles at Ziyang Alley with options from 1-5 stars of heat intensity
3. Chuan Chuan Xiang
Skewer-based hot pot experience at Zhang Lao Er where you pay by number of sticks used
Chongqing Itinerary 3 Days & 3 Nights
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Lao Shan Cun Noodles:Try handmade noodles with pickled mustard tuber
Visit Chongqing People's Great Hall:Stunning 1950s architecture with guided tours
Afternoon tea at Luohan Temple:Monastery with 452 life-sized arhats statues
🍽️Dinner at Fu Jie Mao Du Hot Pot:Experience Chongqing's signature hot pot
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Baizi Alley night market:Sample local specialties like glutinous rice balls
Walk Nanbin Road:Scenic riverside path with French colonial buildings
🥗Lunch at Xi Ya Te Lao Chongqing Restaurant:Traditional dishes with river views
Visit French Concession:Historic buildings and panoramic city views
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Ciqikou Ancient Town:Street food tasting including spicy rabbit heads
Explore Ba Yian Temple:1200-year-old temple with Ming Dynasty architecture
Tea ceremony at Ancient Tea House:Learn traditional Sichuan tea preparation methods
🍽️Dinner at Zhang Lao Er Chuan Chuan Xiang:Interactive skewer hot pot experience
Chongqing Travel FAQs
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