Chongqing 7-Day Itinerary: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Chongqing, China’s sprawling megacity, is famous for its hotpot, mountainous terrain, and the Yangtze River. But beyond the well-trodden paths of Hongya Cave and Ciqikou, there’s a vibrant, lesser-explored side to this city. This 7-day itinerary dives deep into Chongqing’s hidden gems, local flavors, and offbeat adventures—perfect for travelers who want to experience the city like a true local.

Day 1: The Underground Side of Chongqing

Morning: Explore the WWII Bunkers

Few know that Chongqing was China’s wartime capital during WWII. Hidden beneath the city are air-raid shelters and bunkers, some now repurposed as quirky bars and tea houses. Start your day at Fangsuo Commune, a bookstore built inside an old bunker, blending history with modern culture.

Afternoon: Stroll Through Huangjueping Art District

Move away from the crowds at Huangjueping, Chongqing’s answer to Beijing’s 798 Art District. The streets here are lined with murals, indie galleries, and hipster cafés. Don’t miss the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, where local artists showcase avant-garde works.

Evening: Dinner at a Hidden Hotpot Spot

Skip the touristy chains and head to Zhao Er Hotpot, a decades-old joint tucked in an alley. Their secret spice blend is legendary among locals. Pair it with a glass of baijiu for the full Chongqing experience.

Day 2: The Forgotten Villages

Morning: Hike Through Tieshanping Forest Park

Escape the urban jungle with a hike in Tieshanping, a lush forest park with hidden temples and panoramic city views. The trails are quiet, offering a peaceful contrast to Chongqing’s usual hustle.

Afternoon: Visit Longxing Ancient Town

An hour from downtown, Longxing Ancient Town feels frozen in time. Wander its Ming-era streets, sample mala peanuts, and chat with elderly residents who still practice traditional crafts.

Evening: Night Market in Shapingba

For dinner, hit Shapingba Night Market, where vendors serve everything from chuan’r (skewers) to suan la fen (spicy sour noodles). It’s loud, chaotic, and utterly authentic.

Day 3: Industrial Chic & Riverside Secrets

Morning: Chongqing Industrial Museum

Once a steel factory, this museum now showcases Chongqing’s industrial past with interactive exhibits. The rusted machinery and graffiti-covered walls make for great photos.

Afternoon: Picnic at Nanbin Road

While Nanbin Road is known for its skyline views, few visitors explore its quieter stretches. Grab lai tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) from a street vendor and relax by the river.

Evening: Drinks at a Rooftop Speakeasy

End the day at Flavor Lounge, a hidden rooftop bar with craft cocktails inspired by Sichuan flavors. Try their mala margarita—yes, it’s as wild as it sounds.

Day 4: The Spiritual Side

Morning: Arhat Temple

Unlike the crowded Dazu Rock Carvings, Arhat Temple is a serene Buddhist sanctuary in the city center. The 500 lifelike arhat statues are mesmerizing.

Afternoon: Taoist Retreat at Nanshan

Take a taxi to Nanshan, where a quiet Taoist temple offers meditation sessions. The hilltop views of the Yangtze are worth the climb.

Evening: Vegetarian Feast at Pure Lotus

Dine at Pure Lotus, a high-end vegetarian restaurant with dishes that mimic meat using tofu and mushrooms. Their "kung pao chicken" is a must-try.

Day 5: The Local Food Deep Dive

Morning: Breakfast at a Wet Market

Join locals at Jiefangbei Wet Market for dou hua (silken tofu pudding) and you tiao (fried dough sticks). The energy here is electric.

Afternoon: Cooking Class with a Chongqing Grandma

Book a private class to learn homestyle huoguo from a local grandma. She’ll teach you the secrets of balancing numbing Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chilies.

Evening: Underground Music at Nuts Club

Chongqing’s indie music scene thrives at Nuts Club, a gritty venue where bands play everything from punk to folk. Grab a Chongqing Beer and mingle with the creative crowd.

Day 6: The Countryside Escape

Full Day: Wulong Karst National Park

A 2-hour drive brings you to Wulong, where the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave look like something from a fantasy film. Hike the trails and snap photos of the dramatic limestone formations.

Day 7: The Ultimate Chongqing Send-Off

Morning: Sunrise at Jialing River

Rent a bike and ride along the Jialing River at dawn. The foggy skyline is pure magic.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping at Yuzhong District

Pick up Chongqing chili crisp and hand-pulled noodles from local grocers. These make perfect edible souvenirs.

Evening: Farewell at a Jianghu Restaurant

End your trip at Xuanguan Laojiao, a jianghu cai (outlaw cuisine) spot where dishes are served in rustic, oversized bowls. The beer-braised fish is a fitting finale.

Chongqing is more than a checklist of landmarks—it’s a city of layers, waiting to be peeled back by curious travelers. This itinerary skips the obvious and dives into what makes Chongqing truly unforgettable.