Start your time in Chongqing by visiting the thousand-year-old Arhat Temple to view its collection of over 500 unique statues, then take the metro to Longmenhao Old Street along the south bank of the Yangtze River. Head to an elevated city skywalk to watch the famous Line 2 Metro train pass directly through a residential building. For a deeper look at the city's historic urban layout, wander the stone staircases and tea houses of Shibati, visit the public square located on the 22nd floor of a skyscraper at street level, and view the illuminated 11-story cliffside complex of Hongyadong from a river cruise.
Take a day trip out of the city to the UNESCO-listed Wulong Karsts to walk beneath the massive Three Natural Bridges and visit the historic-style Tienfu Post House. From there, take a short shuttle bus to the Longshuixia Fissure Gorge to navigate wooden walkways winding past waterfalls and narrow rock walls. Before traveling to China, make sure to set up an international eSIM so standard navigation and communication apps continue working during your trip.
Spend your final day exploring Test Bed Creative Park, a former industrial site transformed into independent design studios, galleries, and cafes. Visit the Ring Shopping Park to see its unexpected indoor park layout, then sample the local cuisine inside a converted wartime structure at Air Raid Shelter Old Hot Pot, located near the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.
Guide adapted from Lais's video "4 Days in Chongqing, China 2026 - A Guide to the Largest City on Earth."