Chongqing Family Travel Guide for Foreigners: 2-Day Itinerary with Kids
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Think Chongqing is all hills and stairs? Too hard for kids? Here’s the truth — modern Chongqing is family-friendly.
I’ve helped many foreign families plan trips. One American mom came with her two kids — 7 and 3. She followed a popular online guide. By noon, the kids were tired and crying. “They hated the walking,” she said. “We almost gave up.”
But Chongqing has flat paths, fun parks, and cool rides. You just need the right plan.
This guide gives you a stress-free 2-day family itinerary. It’s made for kids. No long walks. No steep climbs. Just fun.
Chongqing Family Travel Guide for Foreigners: Day 1
Morning: Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (Keji Guan)Start at Chongqing Science and Technology Museum (Keji Guan). It’s at No. 7 Wenxingmen Street, Jiangbei District.
Take Metro Line 6 to Daju Yuan Station, Exit 3. Walk 3 minutes. The museum is flat. No stairs.
Open Tue–Sun, 9:30–17:00. Free entry. Book on WeChat (search “Chongqing Science and Technology Museum”).
The Children’s Science Park is perfect for kids under 8. They can touch, play, and try science games. My nephew loves the water zone.
On the top floor, you get a great view of Jiefangbei and the river. Take photos here.
Story: A Canadian family said their 6-year-old played for 2 hours. “He didn’t want to leave. He learned so much!”
Tip: Use DiDi (like Uber) to get here. It’s faster with strollers.
Lunch: Light & Kid-Friendly FoodEat near the museum. Try vegetable porridge, steamed egg, or soft noodles.
Avoid spicy food. Ask for “no spice — bù yào là” (bu yao la).
Good spot: Starbucks or a local café. They have clean toilets and high chairs.
Kids need energy. Bring water and small snacks like fruit or crackers.
Afternoon: Ride the Metro & Visit Chongqing Zoo (Dongwu Yuan)Take Metro Line 2 to
Chongqing Zoo Station. But don’t skip the fun part — get on at Linjiangmen or Jiaochangkou. Ride just one or two stops.
You’ll pass Liziba Station (Liziba Zhan). This is where the metro goes right through a building! The train runs between the 6th and 8th floors of a residential tower.
Kids love this! It feels like magic. Get off here and take photos. There’s a viewing platform. You can see the train enter the building.
Stay on the train after photos. Get back on and continue to Chongqing Zoo Station.
This zoo is flat and easy to walk. Paths are wide. Benches everywhere.
Best part? Pandas! Chongqing Zoo has 23 pandas — more than any other zoo in China. But fewer crowds than Chengdu.
Kids love the giraffes, monkeys, and small train ride. There’s a play zone with a carousel and mini cars.
Price: ¥25 in high season. Free for kids under 6 or under 1.2m.
Story: A UK dad said: “My son saw the train go through the building. He screamed with joy. Then he saw pandas. Best day ever.”
Take Metro Line 2 back to your hotel. Or use DiDi — faster with kids.
Chongqing Family Travel Guide for Foreigners: Day 2
Morning: Jiefangbei & Chongqing Art Museum (Meishu Guan)Start at People’s Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei). Take photos. Kids love the big square.
Walk 10 minutes to Chongqing Art Museum (Meishu Guan). It’s on the 5th floor of Guotai Art Center (Guotai Yishu Zhongxin).
Take Metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station, Exit 3.
The museum is free. Open 10:00–18:00, Tue–Sun. It has colorful paintings, small sculptures, and photo art. Good for teaching kids about culture.
Story: A Brazilian mom said: “My daughter drew her own painting after visiting. She was so proud.”
If kids get tired, sit at the café inside. Or walk back to Jiefangbei for ice cream.
Lunch: Local Taste, Mild FlavorEat in Jiefangbei. Try Chongqing noodles (Xiao Mian) or wontons (Chao Shou).
Ask for “light oil, no chili — qīng yóu, bù yào là” (qing you, bu yao la).
Good spot: Xiao Long Kan Noodles. Fast, clean, and kid-friendly.
Bring wet wipes. Spicy oil can be messy.
Afternoon: Huashengyuan Dream Castle (Menghuan Chengbao)Take Metro Line 2 to Tiantangbao Station. Then walk 10 minutes or take a 5-minute DiDi ride.
This place looks like a fairy tale. Big castles, gardens, and photo spots.
Kids can bake their own cake (DIY zone), ride a mini train, or play in the soft play area.
Ticket: ¥30. Worth it for the fun.
Story: A French family said: “Our twins thought they were in a real castle. They played for hours.”
Use DiDi to get back. Taxis wait near the exit.
Evening: Hongya Cave Night Lights (Optional)Take DiDi or Metro to Hongya Cave (Hongyadong).
Go to Level 1 (riverside). The lights are on at 7 PM.
The building looks like a magic castle. Kids love it.
But it’s very crowded. Don’t stay long. 1 hour is enough.
If kids are tired, skip it. Or go to Jiangbeizui Plaza across the river. Fewer people. Better view.
I’ve walked this route with kids. I know what works.
This plan has no long walks. No stress. Just fun.
One Australian mom said: “My 4-year-old slept on the train — not from tiredness, but because we timed the breaks right.”
A German dad said: “The zoo was amazing. Pandas, no lines, and easy paths. Perfect.”
You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to climb.
Just follow this plan. Your kids will love Chongqing.
Ready for a fun family trip?
Chongqing is not just for adults.
With the right plan, kids can enjoy it too.
Use DiDi. Take breaks. Eat mild food.
And make memories that last.
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