Chongqing Travel Guide 2026: Ultimate Map for Attractions, Metro & Food

Chongqing sits in southwestern China and is one of the country’s direct-controlled municipalities, famed for its dramatic mountain cityscape, hot pot culture, and Yangtze River scenery. Its terrain is mountainous, with buildings layered and interwoven—hence its nicknames the "Mountain City" and the "Foggy City."

Trip.com has carefully curated the latest Chongqing map information to help you effortlessly explore this captivating city, where deep history meets modern urban flair. Whether you’re visiting iconic sights or hunting down authentic local eats, getting the lay of the land with a Chongqing map is absolutely the first step in planning your trip.

Chongqing Metro Route Map

Chongqing’s metro (light rail) system has expanded rapidly, with dense lines connecting many popular attractions, making it easy for travelers to explore every district.

Image source: Chongqing Municipal Transportation Commission

The main subway lines include:

• Line 1: Connects Shapingba, Daping, Jiaochangkou, and other commercial districts.
• Line 2: Runs through Jiefangbei, Linjiangmen, Daping, and the Zoo
• Line 3: Direct to Jiangbei International Airport, Guanyinqiao, and Niujiaotuo
• Line 4: Runs through Jiangbei District and Yubei District
• Line 5: Connects Dashiba, Ranjiaba, and Garden Expo Centre
• Line 6: Covers Shangxin Street, Nanping, Chayuan New Area
• Line 9: Serving the core areas of Shapingba, Jiangbei, and Yubei
• Line 10: Airport Express Line, offering convenient direct access to Jiangbei Airport.
• Loop Line: a circular route connecting multiple key transportation hubs across Chongqing’s main urban area
• Guobo Line: Designed specifically for the International Expo Centre, convenient for expo attendees

Chongqing Transportation Guide

Beyond the metro, Chongqing offers a variety of convenient transportation options that make getting around the city a breeze:

• Buses: Comprehensive network coverage, ideal for short hops between different neighborhoods
• Taxis: You can flag them down anywhere in the city, but be aware that traffic can get heavy during rush hours.
• Light Rail Trains: Lines 2 and 3 are part of the monorail light rail system, ideal for traveling between districts.
• Cable car: The Yangtze River Cableway is a well-known mode of transportation and a popular attraction that carries you across the Yangtze River.
• Bike-sharing: Ideal for short-distance commutes, especially around scenic areas.

Chongqing Trip Essentials

Chongqing Attractions Map: Must-Visit Spots

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is one of Chongqing’s most iconic shopping districts, home to flagship stores of major international brands and authentic local snack stalls—a perfect place to feel the pulse of the city. Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station; from there it’s just a short walk, making it very convenient for travelers to shop and capture those must-have photos.

• Address: Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street / Zourong Road, Yuzhong District
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Hongya Cave

Hongya Cave sits along the Jialing River and is renowned for its stilt-house architecture paired with modern lighting design; once the lights come on each evening, it turns into a fairytale world that travelers adore. Take Metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station and walk about 10 minutes to get there—it's perfect for an evening visit to enjoy the night views and capture beautiful photos.

• Address: No. 88, Jialingjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Ciqikou Ancient Town has preserved a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its bluestone-paved streets and alleys wind and twist, with teahouses lining the way, making it a great place to experience Chongqing’s history and culture. From the city center, take Metro Line 1 directly to Ciqikou Station, and you can reach the ancient town’s entrance on foot—very convenient.

• Address: Cinan Street, Shapingba District
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM

Yangtze River Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway spans both banks of the Yangtze and has been one of Chongqing’s landmarks since it opened. More than just a mode of transport, it’s a popular way for travelers to experience “flying over the Yangtze.” Take Metro Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach the cableway station entrance.

• Address: 151 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–10:30 PM

Nanshan One Tree Viewing Platform

Perched atop the hill in Nan’an District, the Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck is the go-to spot for admiring the night views of Chongqing’s main urban area. From this lofty vantage point, the city, embraced by the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, looks especially spectacular. Getting there is easy: take Metro Line 3 to Nanping Station, then transfer to a dedicated shuttle bus.

• Address: Longhuang Road, Nan'an District
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Chongqing Food Map: Authentic Local Eats

Pei Jie Hot Pot

Pei Jie Hot Pot is known for its signature fresh beef tripe and beef aorta, paired with a special spicy broth. Expect lines every day—this place is seriously popular. Take Metro Line 1 to Daping Station; it’s an easy walk from the exit and super convenient.

• Address: No. 19, Daping Zheng Street, Yuzhong District
• Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Mountain City Mini Tangyuan

Shancheng Xiao Tangyuan is a nostalgic dessert shop cherished by longtime Chongqing locals, known for its handmade glutinous rice dumplings (tangyuan) and authentic Chongqing sweets. It’s an easy few-minute walk from Jiaochangkou Station on Metro Line 1, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

• Address: Jiaochangkou Night Market, Yuzhong District
• Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Hao You Lai Hot and Sour Noodles

Haoyoulai Hot and Sour Noodles is a quintessential Chongqing street snack: springy, chewy noodles with a tangy, spicy broth that whets your appetite, often drawing long lines of visitors. You can take Metro Line 3 to Niujiaotuo Station and walk from there.

• Address: Bayi Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District
• Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Chongqing Food Street

Source: Tripadvisor

Chongqing Haochi Street is a food street that brings together many of Chongqing’s signature snacks—like hot-and-sour glass noodles, mini tangyuan (Shancheng-style sweet glutinous rice dumplings), ice jelly, liangxia (“cold shrimp” rice jelly), and more—to satisfy your taste buds. Always buzzing with energy, it’s a fantastic place to experience Chongqing’s authentic street snack culture. Located on Bayi Road in Yuzhong District, you can take Metro Lines 1, 2, or 3 to Jiaochangkou Station and walk from there.

• Address: Bayi Road, Yuzhong District
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day

Chongqing Places to Stay Map

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