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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 3-Day Chongqing Family Travel Guide: Food, Budget Tips & Itinerary
Explore Chongqing's spicy cuisine, mountainous landscapes, and family-friendly adventures without breaking the bank
Family TravelFood TravelBudget TravelChongqing
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 重庆
Location: Southwest China, bordering Sichuan, Hubei, and Guizhou
Famous For: Spicy Hot Pot,Staircase Cityscape,Yangtze River Cruises
Daily Cost: $30-50 USD
Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Why Visit Chongqing?
Known as the 'Mountain City' and 'Fog Capital', Chongqing captivates with its vertical architecture, vibrant night markets, and UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Perfect for families seeking cultural immersion, this guide reveals how to enjoy Chongqing's iconic Hongyadong without crowds, savor budget-friendly Chongqing Hot Pot at hidden gems, and navigate the city's unique transportation systems.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) offers mild weather for outdoor activities; Autumn (September-November) provides cool breezes for hiking
🌱Spring: Perfect for exploring Eling Park with children (15°C-22°C). Cherry blossoms bloom in March.
☀️Summer: Humid (30°C+), but ideal for Yangtze River cruises. Visit Longmenhao Old Street at night for cooler temperatures.
🍁Autumn: Festival season! Experience the Chongqing International Beer Festival in August or Mid-Autumn Festival boat rides.
❄️Winter: Foggy (5°C-10°C), but great for hot pot dining experiences. Chongqing People's Great Hall hosts special winter events.
Arriving and Leaving Chongqing
Use the 'Chongqing Rail Transit' metro system (English signs). Single-journey tickets available at stations. River ferries offer scenic crossings ($0.3 USD). Families can use Didi for ride-hailing.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Metro Line 3 connects to Jiefangbei in 45 minutes ($1.5 USD). Taxis cost ~$25 USD (50 minutes)
Chongqing North Railway Station
High-speed trains from Chengdu (1.5 hours, $15 USD). Metro connections to all districts. Taxi to city center: ~$12 USD (30 minutes)
Where to Stay in Chongqing: Best Neighborhoods
Jiefangbei
Ideal for first-time families. Near Chongqing Museum and Eight One Food Street. Budget hotels start at $25 USD/night.
Nanan District
Scenic riverside area with easy access to Eling Second Factory. Mid-range hotels with family rooms available.
Top Things to Do in Chongqing
Hongyadong
Traditional stilted architecture meets modern shopping. Visit at sunset for panoramic views. Free entry (shops open 10:00-22:00)
Chongqing Zoo
Home to 6 giant pandas. Children's petting zoo area. Open 7:30-18:00. Admission: $4 USD
Qiansimen Bridge
Iconic cable-stayed bridge offering free walking paths. Nighttime light shows every 30 minutes after sunset.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 30%.
What to Eat: Chongqing Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Lao She Chuan Xiang
Local favorite with English menu. Try their family hot pot set for $18 USD serving 3-4 people. Open 10:00-23:00.
2. Nanyuan Restaurant
Traditional Sichuan cuisine with children's menu options. Famous for spicy crayfish. Located near Shiba Ladder.
Signature Dishes
1. Chongqing Hot Pot
Order the '鸳鸯锅' (split broth) for family meals. Must-try ingredients: duck blood, beef tendon, and hand-pulled noodles.
2. Xiao Mian
Customize your bowl at Liang Cai Xiao Mian - choose spice level (1-5 stars) and toppings like pork liver or pig's ear.
Chongqing Itinerary 3 Days & 2 Nights
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Lao She Chuan Xiang:Sample local specialties like sesame paste noodles
Visit Jiefangbei:Historical monument and shopping district
🥗Lunch at Eight One Food Street:Try budget-friendly snacks like skewers and pickled fruits
Explore Mountain City Trail:Family-friendly 3km heritage walk with rest stops
🍽️Dinner at Lao Shu Lao Ma Hot Pot:Authentic hot pot experience with child-friendly portions
Night Cruise on Yangtze River:Scenic evening cruise with multilingual commentary
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Baixiang Street:Try traditional soy milk and steamed buns
Visit Chongqing Zoo:Giant panda viewing and interactive exhibits
🥗Lunch at Eling Park Cafe:Artistic district with vegetarian options
Explore Eling Second Factory:Converted factory turned creative arts space
Cable Car Ride at Yangtze River Cableway:Panoramic views (book tickets in advance)
🍽️Dinner at Longmenhao Old Street:Waterfront dining with river views
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Jianbei Xiao Mian:Local favorite for spicy noodle dishes
Visit Laojun Temple:1300-year-old Taoist temple with mountain views
🥗Lunch at Huguang Guild Hall:Courtyard dining with Sichuan opera performances
Shopping at Chongqing 1936:Traditional crafts and souvenirs market
🍽️Final Hot Pot Dinner at Hongdun Hot Pot:Scenic riverside restaurant with adjustable spice levels
Chongqing Travel FAQs
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