Chengdu vs Chongqing in 3 Days: Which City Should Foreign Travelers Choose in China?
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
You only have 3 days in China.You love spicy food. You’ve heard about Chengdu pandas and Chongqing’s skyline.But you can’t visit both—or can you?
I get this question every week.A German traveler messaged me last month: “I want hotpot, nightlife, and something real. Should I pick Chengdu or Chongqing?”
Here’s the truth: both cities are amazing—but for totally different reasons.（Chengdu vs Chongqing 3-day trip for foreign tourists in China）
This guide cuts through the noise.
It compares food, pace, transport, and nightlife—so you can choose based on your travel style, not Instagram hype.
And yes—I’ll tell you exactly how to do 2 days in Chengdu + 1 day in Chongqing if you’re feeling bold.(Chengdu to Chongqing is just 1 hour by high-speed train.)
Chengdu vs Chongqing in 3 Days: Which City Should Foreign Travelers Choose in China?
Chengdu: Slow, Green, and Full of Soul
Chengdu is calm.People drink tea at People’s Park (Rénmín Gōngyuán, 人民公园) for hours.They bike on the 100km Ring Greenway (Huánchéng Lǜdào, 环城绿道).They hug pandas at Chengdu Research Base (Chéngdū Dàxióngmāo Fányù Jīdì, 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地) before 9 AM—when the cubs are most active.
A Canadian friend spent 3 days here.She said: “It felt like a vacation, not a race.”
Best for: travelers who want relaxation, culture, and food without chaos.Avoid if: you need nonstop action or dramatic cityscapes.
Pro tip: Skip the hotpot near Chunxi Road.Go to Luoma Clay Pot (Luómǎ Gānguō, 罗妈干锅) on Tangba Street (Tāngbà Jiē, 汤坝街) instead.Their dry-braised chicken numbs your lips—in the best way.
Chongqing: Fast, Fiery, and Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Movie
Chongqing is vertical.Buildings climb mountains.Trains run through apartment blocks (try Line 2 at Liziba Station, Lǐzǐbà Zhàn, 李子坝站).At night, the Hongya Cave (Hóngyá Dòng, 洪崖洞) lights up like Blade Runner.
But don’t waste time at Ciqikou Ancient Town (Cíqìkǒu Gǔzhèn, 磁器口古镇).The “ancient street” is only 200 meters long—the rest is fake shops selling ¥50 “handmade” trinkets.
A Brazilian couple tried it.They left after 20 minutes.“It felt like a theme park for hotpot selfies.”
Best for: thrill-seekers, photographers, and hotpot purists.Avoid if: you hate crowds, stairs, or food that makes you sweat.
Hotpot truth: Chongqing hotpot uses more oil, more chili, and zero mercy.Chengdu hotpot is milder, fragrant, with herbal notes.Try both—but know your limit.
The Best 3-Day Plan? Do Both—Smartly
Yes, you can do 2 days in Chengdu + 1 day in Chongqing.
Day 1–2: Chengdu
Morning: Pandas at Chengdu Research Base (arrive by 7:30 AM)
Afternoon: Tea at Heming Teahouse (Hèmíng Cháfàng, 鹤鸣茶社) in People’s Park
Evening: Walk Yulin Road (Yúlín Lù, 玉林路)—real local bars and street food
Day 3: Chongqing
Take 8:00 AM high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Chongqing North (¥96, 1 hour)
Visit Eling Park (È Líng Gōngyuán, 鹅岭公园) for skyline views
Lunch: Hotpot at Zhou’s Family (Zhōu Jiā Lǎo Huǒguō, 周师兄老火锅)—locals’ favorite
Afternoon: Ride Line 2 through Liziba Building
Evening: Hongya Cave lights at 7:30 PM—but view it from across the river (skip the crowds inside)
Where to Drink: Chengdu’s Hidden Bar Scene
Forget Chongqing’s flashy rooftop bars.Chengdu has cozy, creative, and quiet spots.
Nox Bar (Nuòkèsī Jiǔbā, 诺克斯酒吧): Speakeasy behind a fake bookshelf. Order the Sichuan pepper gin.
The Attic (Gélóu Jiǔbā, 阁楼酒吧): Jazz, vinyl records, and craft beer near Tianfu Square (Tiānfǔ Guǎngchǎng, 天府广场).
Bar 69 (Liùshíjiǔ Hào Jiǔbā, 69号酒吧): Tiny, punk, and open till 3 AM in Lanshui Alley (Lánshuǐ Xiàng, 蓝水巷).
A UK backpacker told me: “I came for pandas. I stayed for the bars.”
Chongqing’s nightlife? Loud, late, and all about hotpot + beer.
Not bad—but not for quiet conversations.
Final Verdict: Who Should Go Where?
Choose Chengdu if you want:
✅ Pandas
✅ Slow mornings
✅ Tea culture
✅ Creative bars
✅ Easy walking
Choose Chongqing if you want:
✅ Jaw-dropping city views
✅ The spiciest hotpot on Earth
✅ Sci-fi urban vibes
✅ Night photos that break Instagram
Choose both if you’re okay with one fast-paced day in Chongqing.
Trust me—this combo works.
I’ve sent hundreds of foreign travelers this way.
Zero regrets.
Backed by Real Experience—Not Just Theory
I’m from Chongqing.
I’ve lived in Chengdu for 10 years.
I’ve eaten over 200 hotpots in both cities.
This isn’t a generic blog.It’s tested advice from someone who knows what foreigners actually enjoy—and what wastes their time.
Real Feedback from Travelers
“We did 2 days Chengdu + 1 day Chongqing. Saw pandas, drank craft beer, and ate hotpot that made us cry (in a good way). Perfect balance!”— Sarah, Canada
“Skipped Ciqikou thanks to this guide. Went to Eling Park instead. Best view in Chongqing—and no crowds!”— Marco, Italy
Grab Your Guides—Save Time, Skip the Traps
Want step-by-step plans?
Chengdu Travel Guide – The Ultimate 96-Hour Relaxation Itinerary
✅ 137 pages
✅ 30+ local food spots
✅ Panda base secrets
✅ Bilingual maps + payment hacks
✅ Only $9.99
Chongqing Visa-Free Travel Guide (121 pages)
✅ 144-hour visa rules explained
✅ Hidden hotpot spots
✅ Liziba photo tips
✅ Offline navigation
✅ Also $9.99
Special deal: Buy both guides for $15.98 (less than 3 hotpot meals!).
Don’t guess. Go with confidence.Your taste buds—and your feet—will thank you.
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