Chongqing – The Most Unique and Mind-Blowing City I’ve Ever Seen

Getting There by Bullet Train

We travelled from Beijing to Chongqing by bullet train, which we booked through China Highlights.
Our planning wasn’t perfect — our flight from China to Vietnam departed from Beijing, so we’d need to return after a week in Chongqing — but even with that, the trip was worth every cent.

We paid around €250 per person for the round trip, covering about 2,000 kilometers in only seven hours. It’s almost impossible to wrap your head around how advanced China’s high-speed rail system is. The train arrived exactly on time, was spotless, and even had staff constantly cleaning. The seats were wide, comfortable, and quiet.

Even more impressive, you can pre-order food for pickup along the route — a staff member collects your order at a station and brings it directly to your seat. That’s next-level service.

Traveling at 350 km/h, the train was so smooth you barely noticed the speed. If you ever travel between Chinese cities, this is the way to go.

Arriving at Chongqing West Railway Station was another jaw-drop moment. It’s the largest high-speed rail station in the world and looks more like a futuristic airport — clean, quiet, and immense.

Staying in Chongqing

We stayed at the Chongqing Junsheng Yunduan Riverview Hotel, and it was the perfect base. Clean rooms, beautiful river views, central location, and all at a great price. Nearby, we even found a small outdoor gym, where we worked out under the brutal sun and thick humidity.

If you thought Beijing was hot, Chongqing’s humidity is another level. The city sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, trapping moisture and heat. You sweat just by breathing.
Stay hydrated and pack electrolytes (buy here at Amazon), or grab Pocari Sweat or Aquarius from supermarkets. Those drinks are absolute lifesavers.

The Cyberpunk City of the Future

Chongqing isn’t called the Cyberpunk City for nothing. At night, it turns into a dreamlike world — neon signs glowing through mist, elevated roads twisting between skyscrapers, and reflections of the city lights shimmering on the river.

With a population of around 34 million people, Chongqing is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world. It’s built where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, on impossibly steep terrain. The city doesn’t spread out; it stacks upward.

Highways loop around and above buildings, and you constantly find yourself wondering if you’re underground or 40 meters in the air. It’s chaotic, beautiful, and mesmerizing all at once.

The best place to see the magic at night is the Hongyadong Folk Custom Scene Area, or Hongya Cave. Built into a cliffside and glowing in warm orange light, it’s packed with restaurants, food stalls, and souvenir shops. You’ve probably seen it on social media — it’s that iconic multi-level wooden complex that looks like something from Spirited Away.

It’s busy, but the atmosphere is unbeatable. We found a quieter spot at a rooftop bar on Cangbai Street, near the Chongqing Art Gallery, to enjoy a drink and the light show over the river. The sight of skyscrapers glowing through the fog was pure magic.

Architectural Wonders Everywhere

Everywhere you look in Chongqing, there’s something that makes your jaw drop. The city is filled with wild, futuristic architecture — from the Chongqing Art Gallery’s angular red facade to Raffles City, a group of skyscrapers connected by a massive horizontal “skybridge.”

The Kuixing Tower offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints over the city’s layered landscape — you’ll finally understand why Chongqing is often called a “vertical city.”

We also visited Liziba Station, where a metro train literally goes through an apartment building. Seeing it in real life was surreal — and somehow it just works.

We spent countless hours walking, climbing, and exploring. Half the time we had no idea where we were going — the roads here don’t follow logic — but that’s part of the adventure.

Ciqikou Ancient Town – Old China Charm

To balance all that futuristic madness, we spent a day at Ciqikou Ancient Town, easily reached by Light Rail Line 1. This historic district dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and was once a major porcelain trading port.

Today, it’s a labyrinth of narrow streets, tea houses, temples, and food stalls. It’s lively but peaceful — a place where you can breathe, slow down, and feel old China around you.

We wandered for hours, sampling snacks, browsing souvenirs, and eating beef noodle soup before cooling off with ice cream. Ciqikou is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see the cultural heart behind the neon skyline.

Wulong Karst National Park – Unreal Nature

Another unforgettable experience was our trip to Wulong Karst National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 2.5 hours from Chongqing by train. From Chongqing North Station, we took the train to Wulong, then a short bus ride to the Wulong Coach Station, and finally a minibus to the Wulong Tourist Center. Don’t worry — it’s well-organized, and the staff help guide you every step.

We visited two main areas: the Three Natural Bridges and the Longshuixia Gap.

The Three Natural Bridges are massive limestone arches, so enormous they were featured in Transformers 4. You descend by elevator into the valley and suddenly find yourself standing under these towering stone bridges, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s one of those moments that makes you feel tiny — nature on a grand scale.

The Longshuixia Gap was even more magical. It’s a deep, narrow gorge filled with waterfalls, streams, and forests. The air is crisp and cool, and the sound of water echoes through the cliffs. It’s quite wet in places, so bring waterproof shoes and light clothing.

If you have more time, stay overnight — there’s so much beauty to explore.

Food in Chongqing – Spicy, Soulful, and Addictive

You can’t talk about Chongqing without mentioning hot pot — the city’s culinary crown jewel. Imagine a big pot of bubbling, spicy broth in the center of the table, where you cook slices of meat, vegetables, tofu, and noodles yourself. It’s communal, fiery, and full of flavor.

They say in Chongqing, “The dirtier the restaurant, the better the hot pot.”
And honestly, that turned out to be true. The best one we had was in what looked like a garage — tiny, smoky, and absolutely incredible. The broth was rich, the meat perfectly tender, and the spices just right.

Still, my personal favorite meal in Chongqing was a beef noodle soup from a small restaurant near Times Square.We went back three times, and it never disappointed.The restaurant is in this hotel, you cannot miss their big beef noodle soup, I am telling you it is easily a 10/10!!

Food in China is truly something else — there are hidden gems on every corner.

Liquid Workshop – A Hidden Gem Bar

If you’re looking for nightlife in Chongqing, I can’t recommend Liquid Workshop enough. It’s a converted old factory turned into an atmospheric bar, blending industrial charm with modern design.

We stumbled upon it by chance, and it quickly became one of our favorite places of the trip. There was an amazing live singer performing that night, the home-brewed beers were excellent, and the vibe was electric yet relaxed. It’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the chaos of the city — truly a hidden gem that deserves way more attention.

Final Thoughts – The City That Doesn’t Play by the Rules

Chongqing is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s a city that defies physics, logic, and expectation — and somehow makes it all work. From its vertical design and wild architecture to its spicy cuisine and warm people, it’s a place that constantly surprises you.

If Beijing represents the heart of China, then Chongqing is its pulse — fast, hot, and full of energy.
A city you don’t just visit, but feel.

If you’re building your China travel itinerary, don’t skip Chongqing. It’s not just another big city — it’s a destination that will change the way you see urban life, food, and adventure forever.