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Chongqing 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Complete 6-Day Itinerary & Tips (2026)

Chongqing, a city where mountains meet rivers and ancient history blends with modernity, is a must-visit destination in China. Thanks to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, exploring its wonders has never been easier. Last year, my client David from Canada followed our 6-day itinerary and was blown away by the city’s diversity—from the majestic Dazu Rock Carvings to the bustling streets of Jiefangbei. This guide will take you on a journey through Chongqing’s most iconic sites and hidden treasures, ensuring you make the most of your 10-day stay. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, Chongqing has something for everyone. And for the complete, stress-free experience with offline maps and booking links, check out our guide "Chongqing: An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites".

Cityscape with modern turquoise building by a wide river, surrounded by tall skyscrapers and bridges, under a clear sky. Riverboats visible.
Chongqing

H2: Your Perfect 6-Day Chongqing Itinerary (Based on Official Recommendations)

This itinerary is designed to showcase the best of Chongqing, from its UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its vibrant local culture. Each day is carefully planned to maximize your time and minimize travel stress.


H3: Arrival Day: Welcome to Chongqing!

  • The Problem: After a long flight, the last thing you want is to waste time figuring out transportation or where to go.

  • The Story: A couple from Australia I helped arrived in Chongqing exhausted and hungry. I suggested they take the metro to their hotel in Jiefangbei and then grab dinner at a nearby hotpot restaurant. They were thrilled with how easy it was!

  • The Solution:

    • Transport from Airport: Take Line 3 from Jiangbei Airport T2/T3 to Lianglukou Station (40 minutes, ¥7).

    • Check-in: Recommended hotel: Chongqing Hongyadong Houju High-Rise River View Hotel (book via Trip.com).

    • Evening Exploration:

      • Hongya Cave: Watch the stunning night view of the stilt houses.

      • Dinner: Try authentic Chongqing hotpot at Lixiangzi Old Hotpot (人均 ¥80).

    • Pro Tip: Download the Amap app (English version) for navigation.


H3: Day 1: Explore Downtown Chongqing’s Rich History

  • Morning:

    • Luohan Temple (罗汉寺): A peaceful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.

    • Jiefangbei (解放碑): Chongqing’s iconic landmark and commercial center.

People explore a traditional temple courtyard beneath skyscrapers. Red lanterns and incense create a serene, atmospheric mood.
Luohan Temple
Crowded street in a city with tall buildings. Bright signs and colorful banners, including Kentucky Fried Chicken logo. Evening sky in background.
Jiefangbei

  • Afternoon:

    • Dongjian Shancheng Air-Raid Shelter (洞见山城防空洞): Learn about Chongqing’s history during WWII.

    • Xiahaoli Old Street (下浩里老街): Wander through this charming historic street with traditional architecture.

  • Evening: Dinner at Xinma Chaoshou (鑫麻抄手) for delicious dumplings (人均 ¥25).

  • Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot of walking today!

Split image of vintage and modern tunnel interiors, with stairs on the left and a lit corridor on the right, creating a contrasting atmosphere.
Dongjian Shancheng Air-Raid Shelter 
Illuminated hillside village at night, with a red bridge and urban skyline lit up across a river. Warm, inviting ambiance.
Xiahaoli Old Street

H3: Day 2: Discover the Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • The Problem: The Dazu Rock Carvings are over an hour from downtown, and public transportation can be confusing.

  • The Story: My client from the UK wanted to visit Dazu but was worried about getting lost. I provided him with a detailed guide, and he had an amazing day exploring the carvings.

  • The Solution:

    • Transport: Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Dazu West Station (40 minutes, ¥24), then taxi to Baoding Mountain (15 minutes, ¥30).

    • Main Attractions:

      • Baoding Mountain Grottoes (宝顶山石刻): Famous for its exquisite Buddhist carvings, including the Thousand-Hand Guanyin.

      • North Mountain Grottoes (北山石刻): Less crowded, with beautiful night lighting.

    • Lunch: Try local cuisine at Dazu Square Hotel (人均 ¥80).

    • Pro Tip: Hire a English-speaking guide at the site (¥200) to learn about the history and art of the carvings.

A person in white stands before ancient, weathered stone statues with intricate details and a serene expression, set against a rocky backdrop.
Ancient stone statue seated in a dimly lit cave, surrounded by other carved figures, exuding a serene and majestic atmosphere.
North Mountain Grottoes

H3: Day 3: Encounter Giant Pandas & Enjoy Panoramic Views （Chongqing 240-hour visa-free transit itinerary）

  • Morning:

    • Chongqing Zoo: Visit the giant pandas! The best viewing time is between 9-11 AM.

  • Afternoon:

    • Mountain City Trail (山城步道): A scenic walking trail with beautiful views of the city.

  • Evening:

    • Hong’en Temple Park (鸿恩寺公园): Enjoy a panoramic view of Chongqing’s skyline at night.

  • Dinner: Qiaosan Ge Qiaojiao Beef (跷三哥跷脚牛肉) for a hearty meal (人均 ¥60).

  • Pro Tip: Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from Hong’en Temple.

People walk on a lantern-lit riverfront boardwalk at sunset. The city skyline and bridges are visible in the background, creating a serene mood.
Mountain City Trail
Illuminated multi-tiered pagoda at night, surrounded by trees, glowing with teal and gold lights, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere.
Hong’en Temple Park

H3: Day 4: Explore the Wulong Karst (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • The Problem: Wulong is a popular day trip, but the crowds can be overwhelming, and the transportation is not straightforward.

  • The Story: A group of travelers from Canada I assisted wanted to visit Wulong but were concerned about the logistics. I helped them book a private car, which made the trip much more enjoyable.

  • The Solution:

    • Transport: Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Wulong Station (1 hour, ¥25), then taxi to the scenic area (45 minutes, ¥80).

    • Main Attractions:

      • Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥): Breathtaking natural stone bridges.

      • Longshuixia Fissure Gorge (龙水峡地缝): A narrow canyon with towering cliffs.

    • Evening: Optional: Watch the "Impression Wulong" live show (¥238/person).

    • Pro Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the lines.

（Chongqing 240-hour visa-free transit itinerary）

Tourists explore a large cave with lush green vegetation, under a bright blue sky. A wooden path guides them through the scenic landscape.
Three Natural Bridges
People walking along a path inside a large, rocky cave with green moss. The setting is remote and peaceful, and there's no visible text.
Longshuixia Fissure Gorge

H3: Day 5: Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Jinfo Mountain (UNESCO World Heritage Site Candidate)

  • Morning:

    • Transport: Take a bus from Caiyuanba Bus Station to Jinfo Mountain (2 hours, ¥42).

    • Main Attractions:

      • Golden Turtle Facing the Sun (金龟朝阳): A natural rock formation resembling a turtle.

      • Yunduan Trail (云端步道): A glass-bottomed walkway with stunning views.

  • Afternoon:

    • Ancient Buddha Cave (古佛洞): A large cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

  • Evening: Return to Chongqing and have dinner at Guibaozi (鬼包子) for famous steamed buns (人均 ¥15).

  • Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast—Jinfo Mountain can be foggy.

Sunrise over a sea of clouds viewed from a cliffside cave. Golden light, rugged textures, and a bridge enhance the serene atmosphere.
Jinfo Mountain
Lit tunnel with colorful statues lining both sides, person walking in the center. Earthy ceiling, warm glow, peaceful ambiance.
Ancient Buddha Cave

H2: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip to Chongqing

These tips will help you navigate Chongqing like a local and make the most of your 240-hour stay.

H3: Getting Around Chongqing

  • Metro: The most convenient and affordable way to travel. Use the Alipay transport card for easy payments.

  • Taxi/Didi: Taxis are readily available, but Didi is often cheaper and easier to use with English support.

  • Yangtze River Cableway: Take the cableway from South Station (less crowded) for a unique view of the river.

  • Pro Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:00 PM) when using public transport.

H3: Food & Dining in Chongqing

  • Must-Try Dishes: Hotpot, chaoshou (dumplings), qiaojiao beef, and guibaozi (steamed buns).

  • Where to Eat: Look for restaurants with lots of locals—this is usually a sign of good food.

  • Pro Tip: If you can’t handle spicy food, ask for "微辣" (wēilà - slightly spicy) or "不辣" (búlà - not spicy).


6. Conclusion

Chongqing is a city that will captivate you with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This 6-day itinerary provides a fantastic introduction to all that Chongqing has to offer, but there’s still so much more to explore! With 10 days in total, you can extend your trip to include day trips to nearby cities like Chengdu or simply take your time to revisit your favorite spots in Chongqing.


Personal Endorsement: I’ve personally visited every attraction in this itinerary and can attest to their beauty and significance. This guide is designed to help you have an unforgettable trip to Chongqing.


Reader Feedback: "This itinerary was perfect! We saw everything we wanted to see and more. The tips on transportation and where to eat were especially helpful." - Mark, USA. "I can’t thank you enough for creating this guide. It made our trip to Chongqing so much easier and more enjoyable." - Emily, Australia.


you’ll see why our  users say "It’s like having a local friend!"


Exclusive Offer: For the complete, detailed itinerary with offline maps, booking links, and 24/7 support, download our guide "Chongqing: An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites" now. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate companion for exploring Chongqing.


If you need help with transportation, we offer private car services. Get a free quote here: https://www.dolphinunion.com/transportation-services-china.


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This article is an original guide from dolphinunion.com. Complete details and real-time updates are available on our official site. All information is sourced from dolphinunion.com 2026 Updated.

 
 
 

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