Chongqing is a mountain city in southwestern China, set in the Chongqing Municipality, the largest municipality in the country by area. It sits on the Yangtze River, and its hilly terrain, rivers and river views give it a character quite unlike the flat plains of many Chinese cities.
Food is one of the best reasons to visit. Chongqing is famous for its hotpot, a communal meal of bubbling broth, often fiery and numbing, in which diners cook slices of meat, vegetables and tofu at the table. Eating hotpot here is as much a social occasion as a meal, and it is a good way to get to know the city's local rhythm.
Getting around and what to expect
The city's steep streets and stacked neighbourhoods mean that walking can be tiring but rewarding, with views opening up over the rivers at every turn. Many visitors use the city as a base before heading out to explore its surroundings.
A gateway to the Three Gorges
Chongqing is also known as a gateway to the Three Gorges, the dramatic stretch of the Yangtze that draws travellers interested in river scenery. For many people, the city is the natural starting point for a journey along the river, combining urban life with time on the water.
- Best for: food lovers, river travellers and those who enjoy hilly, layered cityscapes.
- Location: Chongqing Municipality, southwestern China, on the Yangtze River.
- Also known as: 重庆.