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For those with a passion for exploration, Chongqing is a captivating destination. This city is not only a modern metropolis of China but also a place where fantastical layers of space converge, spectacular architecture, and a renowned spicy culinary scene. During her two-day, two-night trip, Khanh Tam – a young travel enthusiast – had unforgettable experiences in Chongqing.
Chongqing - a modern city with skyscrapers interspersed with nostalgic charm.
City of intersection
"My first impression upon arriving at Chongqing's high-speed train station was that everything, from the architecture to the landscape, was both ancient and very modern," Khanh Tam shared. Unlike the opulent Hangzhou, Chongqing has old buildings blended with high-rise architecture, creating a unique character unlike anywhere else.
This city is built on a landscape of towering mountains, making everything even more special. “Is it a city in the middle of mountains, or mountains in the middle of a city? That’s the question I always ask myself when I look at the scenery here,” Tâm expressed.
This is not just a modern city, but also a harmonious blend of majestic nature and the skillful hands of man.
Must-see destinations
With only 48 hours, Khanh Tam carefully planned her trip to avoid missing any important destinations. She began her journey on the Liziba Skytrain, a truly unique architectural marvel. As the train sped through the bustling apartment complex, the rumbling sound and the fast-paced life left her in awe. Next, the female traveler visited Hongya Cave, where bright red lanterns illuminated a corner of the city as night fell, creating an unforgettable, magical scene.
Hongya Cave shines brightly at night.
Strolling along the Shancheng Walking Path, she stopped at the charming little shops along the way, feeling the slow pace of life of the locals. Upon reaching the Eighteen Steps, a colorful old town, she felt as if she had stepped into a space that was both nostalgic and vibrant, with graffiti walls and quaint cafes hidden in narrow alleys. Finally, she didn't forget to check in at the Guanyin Bridge, where the sign "I'm in Chongqing" has become a familiar landmark for tourists.
“I came to Chongqing because I wanted to see the Liziba building with trains running through it. When I stood there, I really had to exclaim 'Wow!' because I was so impressed with the creativity of the Chinese architects,” Khanh Tam shared.
A nostalgic street corner in the heart of Chongqing.
The Liziba tram runs through the building – a unique symbol of Chongqing, where the tram runs right through the apartment complex, leaving visitors in awe.
Multi-story cities - A challenge for getting around.
With its distinctive mountainous terrain, getting around Chongqing is not easy. A female tourist said: “The biggest difficulty is that sometimes you can’t tell which level of the city you’re on. For example, the first floor of the hotel I stayed at was actually the highest floor of Hongya Cave. To get down to the pedestrian street below, I had to climb down dozens of flights of stairs.”
Khánh Tâm suggests that the best way to get around is to use the subway for convenient stops and call DIDI (a Chinese ride-hailing app) to save time. Taxis here are cheaper than Grab, so if you get lost, feel free to book a ride or ask locals for directions.
The best way to get around is to use the subway for convenient stops and call DIDI (a Chinese ride-hailing app) to save time.
Challenge your taste buds with Chongqing hot pot.
Besides its famous architecture, Chongqing is also a culinary paradise, especially for its spicy hot pot. Having tried Chongqing hot pot in its birthplace, Khanh Tam shared: “Looking at the pot, which was full of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, I was a little hesitant. But when I ate it with the accompanying toppings, the flavors were incredibly harmonious. If you can't handle spicy food, you can choose a multi-compartment hot pot to try both spicy and non-spicy versions.”
Besides hot pot, Tâm also tried Sichuan beef noodles, dumplings, steamed fish, and braised offal. She also particularly liked 茶颜悦色 (Cha Yan Yu He) milk tea – a famous brand from Chongqing.
Chongqing-style spicy hot pot – a dish that challenges the taste buds but is also incredibly captivating from this region.
Chongqing cuisine, and Chinese cuisine in general, has always been a major attraction for tourists.
Unforgettable experiences in the heart of the city.
One of Khanh Tam's most enjoyable experiences was riding a motorbike through the city. “It was late that day, and we couldn't get a ride on DIDI, so we decided to ride a motorbike. The super cool driver took us back to the hotel at an incredibly professional speed. When we arrived, he even asked to take a picture with me because he knew I was a tourist from Vietnam,” she recounted.
Furthermore, her most memorable moment was riding the train through the Liziba building: "I was so emotional because my dream of seeing this unique architecture with my own eyes finally came true. I also took so many beautiful photos to bring back, making the most of my time here."
The Guanyin Bridge and the "I'm in Chongqing" sign – A must-see check-in spot when visiting this city.
If you plan to explore Chongqing, choose spring, autumn, or winter to avoid the scorching summer heat that can reach 40 degrees Celsius. For a smoother trip, travelers should prioritize booking hotels near train stations for easy transportation. Language can be a barrier, but Google Translate and images will be invaluable when you need to ask for directions. When traveling within the city, calling a ride through the DIDI app will save you time and money compared to traditional taxis.
Even though she only stayed for two days, Khanh Tam had unforgettable memories of Chongqing. This city is not only a tourist destination but also an inspiring place with its unique architecture, vibrant lifestyle, and captivating cuisine.
