Chongqing 6-Day Local Life Itinerary for Foreigners: Blogger’s Guide （Chongqing travel itinerary for foreigners）

Everyone’s talking about Chongqing’s 8D magic—trains through buildings, stairs that go to the 10th floor… but as a local who’s lived here 30 years (and helped over 150 foreign friends plan trips), I can tell you: the real fun is in the spots locals actually use. Most visitors rush to viral spots and miss the cozy alleys, old towns, and night markets that make Chongqing feel like home.​

I’ve seen friends waste time on overpriced tourist restaurants or get lost in tiny lanes because they didn’t have local tips. That’s why I made this 6-day itinerary—it’s all about living like a Chongqing local, with no crowds and no scams. This is how I show my foreign friends the city I love.

Guanyin Bridge

1. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrival (Baicang Tapin, Beicheng Tianjie, Jiujie) (Chongqing travel itinerary for foreigners)​

Start time: 2:00 PM (after checking into your hotel—stay near Jiangbei for easy access to today’s spots).​

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Baicang Tapin Community (Baicang Tapin Shequ)​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Start time: 2:00 PM (15-minute taxi from Jiangbei Airport—¥30; or take Line 9 to Baicang Station—40 minutes).​

• Must-see highlight: This old residential area has 1980s-style buildings with red brick walls. Look for “Grandpa Li’s Tea Stall” (¥3 jasmine tea)—sit on his small wooden bench and watch locals play mahjong. I brought my friend from Italy here last month, and she said it felt “like stepping into a Chinese movie.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t take photos of people’s homes without asking—locals are friendly, but it’s polite to check first.​

• Hidden trick: Walk to the community square—there’s a small food stall selling ¥2 sweet potato soup. It’s warm and perfect for a cool afternoon.​

Evening (4:45 PM – 7:00 PM): Beicheng Tianjie (Beicheng Tianjie)​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM; free to walk around.​

• Start time: 4:45 PM (5-minute walk from Baicang Tapin).​

• Must-see highlight: It’s a shopping area, but skip the big brands. Head to the underground market for cheap, cute souvenirs—like ¥15 Chongqing skyline keychains or ¥10 panda plushies. I always buy a few here for my foreign friends’ kids.​

• Avoid this: Don’t eat at the chain fast-food restaurants—save room for Jiujie’s street food.​

• Pro tip: Go to the 3rd-floor rooftop for views of Jiangbei’s skyline. It’s less crowded than the popular viewpoints downtown.​

Night (7:15 PM – 9:30 PM): Jiujie (Jiujie)​

• Opening hours: Stalls open 6 PM – 2 AM; free entry.​

• Start time: 7:15 PM (10-minute taxi from Beicheng Tianjie—¥12).​

• Must-see highlight: Jiujie is where young locals hang out. Try the ¥8 grilled corn (add cheese for ¥2) from the stall near the entrance—it’s crispy and flavorful. Walk down the lane to see street performers singing Chinese pop songs.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy overpriced cocktails at the fancy bars—opt for ¥6 beer from a convenience store instead.​

• Personal touch: I came here with my cousin every weekend when I was 20. The grilled corn stall owner still remembers my order (extra spicy!).​

Dinner (9:30 PM – 10:30 PM): Late-Night Noodle Shop (Near Jiujie)​

• Location: 2-minute walk from Jiujie’s main exit.​

• Opening hours: 5 PM – 1 AM.​

• What to order: Spicy beef noodles (¥18) + a boiled egg (¥2). The noodles are hand-pulled, and the broth is rich with chili oil.​

• Price: ¥20–25 per person.​

Transition: Day 1 gives you a taste of local life—but Day 2 is when we hit iconic spots like Hongyadong and Jiefangbei, with my secret hacks to skip crowds.

Luohan Temple

2. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 2 – Iconic Spots & Riverside Views​

Start time: 8:30 AM (early to beat tour groups at Jiefangbei).​

Morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei)​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry; shops open 10 AM.​

• Must-see highlight: Stand on the corner of Minquan Road and Bayi Road—this spot frames the monument with the skyline behind it, no random people in your photo. Grab ¥5 osmanthus tea from the old lady’s stall near the exit—I’ve bought from her since I was 15.​

• Avoid this: Skip chain coffee shops—tea is cheaper and more local.​

• Hidden trick: Walk to Lane 8 for a tiny bookstore with English books about Chongqing (¥30 each)—great souvenirs.​

Morning (10:15 AM – 11:15 AM): Luohan Temple (Luohan Si)​

• Start time: 10:15 AM (8-minute walk from Jiefangbei).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM; ¥20 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Watch monks light incense at 10:30 AM. The main hall has 500 Arhat statues—try to find the one that looks like you!​

• Avoid this: Don’t wear shorts—cover your knees (they have free skirts at the entrance).​

• Pro tip: Ask the monk at the gate for a small blessing—he’ll give you a red string for good luck.​

Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Xiao Yang’s Hot Pot (Jiefangbei Branch)​

• Location: 3-minute walk from the temple.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 PM.​

• What to order: Mild spicy broth (ask for “qing la”), beef slices, and lotus root. The dipping sauce is sesame oil + garlic—mix it well!​

• Price: ¥60–80 per person.​

• Personal touch: I’ve eaten here 50+ times—last week, my friend from Canada spilled broth on her shirt, and the staff gave her a free apron. They’re super helpful with foreigners.​

Afternoon (12:45 PM – 5:30 PM): Key Spots (Cathay Art Center → Dongjian Shancheng → Hongyadong → Ferry → Xiahaoli-Longmenhao → Huangge Ancient Road → Laojun Cave → Yangtze Cableway → Shibati → Jiangtan Park)​

Cathay Art Center (Guotai Yishu Zhongxin)​

• Start time: 12:45 PM (10-minute walk from the restaurant).​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The red “puzzle” building is Instagram gold—stand across the street for photos.​

• Avoid this: Don’t go inside unless you love modern art—most exhibits are in Chinese.​

Dongjian Shancheng (Dongjian Shancheng)​

• Start time: 1:30 PM (5-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Climb the stairs to the roof for skyline views—locals use this as a shortcut.​

• Avoid this: Don’t bring big bags—the stairs are narrow.​

Hongyadong (Hongyadong)​

• Start time: 2:15 PM (15-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM; free for main area (¥30 for observation deck).​

• Must-see highlight: Take the elevator to the 11th floor first, then walk down—skip main street, hit 8th-floor alley for ¥10 laoyoufen (rice noodles).​

• Avoid this: Skip the observation deck—free views from the 11th floor are better.​

Ferry to Danzishi (Danzishi Du)​

• Start time: 3:00 PM (5-minute walk to Hongyadong pier).​

• Opening hours: Ferries every 30 minutes (1 PM – 8 PM); ¥15 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: 30-minute ride with Yangtze Bridge views—cheaper than the cableway.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy snacks on the ferry—overpriced (¥10 for water).​

Xiahaoli-Longmenhao (Xiahaoli-Longmenhao)​

• Start time: 3:45 PM (5-minute walk from pier).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Old stone streets—try ¥8 stinky tofu (Chongqing’s version is milder).​

• Avoid this: Skip “ancient costume photo” shops—¥100 for blurry photos.​

Huangge Ancient Road (Huangge Gudao) & Laojun Cave (Laojun Dong)​

• Start time: 4:15 PM (10-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: Road free (24/7); Cave 8 AM – 6 PM (¥25).​

• Must-see highlight: Hike 20 minutes to the cave—top viewpoint has sunset views. I brought my UK friend here, and we stayed until 6 PM.​

• Avoid this: Don’t rush—stop for ¥5 tea halfway up.​

Yangtze Cableway (Yangtze Suodao)​

• Start time: 6:15 PM (10-minute walk to Danzishi station).​

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 9 PM; ¥30 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: Go at 6:15 PM to avoid lines—sunset views from the cable car are amazing.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy round-trip tickets—you don’t need to go back.​

Shibati (Shibati) & Jiangtan Park (Jiangtan Gongyuan)​

• Start time: 7:00 PM (10-minute walk from cableway station).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Shibati’s lit stairs—grab ¥5 sweet potato soup, then sit in the park to watch the river.​

• Avoid this: Don’t stay in Shibati too long—it’s crowded.​

Transition: Day 2 mixes iconic fun with local tricks—but Day 3 is when we explore hidden alleys like Luzu Temple and Baixiangju, spots most tourists never find.

Tongyuan Gate

3. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 3 – Hidden Alleys & Local Landmarks​

Start time: 8:30 AM (wear comfortable shoes—we’ll walk a lot today!).​

Morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Kuixing Building (Kuixing Lou) & Luzu Temple (Luzu Miao)​

Kuixing Building (Kuixing Lou)​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 10 PM; free entry to the sky bridge.​

• Start time: 8:30 AM (15-minute taxi from Jiefangbei—¥15).​

• Must-see highlight: Walk across the 11th-floor sky bridge—it’s 60 meters high, and you can see streets twist below like a maze. My friend from Japan called it “like a video game.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t go after 10 AM—tour groups show up.​

• Hidden trick: Go to the 8th-floor lobby café for ¥15 latte with sky bridge views.​

Luzu Temple (Luzu Miao)​

• Start time: 9:30 AM (5-minute walk from Kuixing Building).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM; ¥15 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The temple has old ginkgo trees—sit under them to watch monks read. The main hall has a statue of Lu Dongbin (a Taoist immortal)—locals come here to pray for good health.​

• Avoid this: Don’t touch the temple’s ancient artifacts—they’re over 100 years old.​

Morning (10:15 AM – 12:00 PM): Tongyuanmen (Tongyuanmen) & Catholic St. Joseph’s Church (Tianzhujiao Ruose Tang)​

Tongyuanmen (Tongyuanmen)​

• Start time: 10:15 AM (10-minute walk from Luzu Temple).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: This ancient city gate was built in the Ming Dynasty. Walk on the wall for views of old Chongqing streets. Look for the small stone markers with Chinese characters—they tell the gate’s history.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy “ancient coins” from vendors outside—they’re fake (¥20 for plastic copies).​

Catholic St. Joseph’s Church (Tianzhujiao Ruose Tang)​

• Start time: 11:00 AM (8-minute walk from Tongyuanmen).​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM; free entry (mass on Sundays at 10 AM—visitors are welcome).​

• Must-see highlight: The church has beautiful stained-glass windows—sunlight shines through them at 11 AM, making the inside glow. It’s a quiet spot to relax after walking.​

• Avoid this: Don’t talk loudly inside—even if there’s no mass, it’s a place of worship.​

Lunch (12:15 PM – 1:15 PM): Huayi Slope Snack Street (Huayi Po Xiaochi Jie)​

• Location: 5-minute walk from the church.​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 9 PM.​

• What to try: Grilled squid (¥10 per stick), spicy tofu skin (¥5), and candied hawthorns (¥8). Wash it down with ¥3 soy milk.​

• Price: ¥20–30 per person.​

• Personal touch: I used to come here with my mom after church—she loves the spicy tofu skin. The vendor still remembers her order!​

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 6:30 PM): Key Spots (Xinde Village → Hanwei Road → Linhua Road → Zaozilan Ya Main Street → People’s Auditorium → Baixiangju → Liziba → Banshan Cliff Trail → Guanyue Temple → Hong’en Temple)​

Xinde Village (Xinde Cun) & Hanwei Road (Hanwei Lu)​

• Start time: 1:30 PM (10-minute walk from the snack street).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: These old lanes have colorful murals on the walls—perfect for photos. Look for the “Cat Café” on Hanwei Road (¥20 latte + cat cuddles)—I bring my foreign friends here, and they always love it.​

• Avoid this: Don’t block the narrow lanes with photos—locals need to walk through.​

Linhua Road (Linhua Lu) & Zaozilan Ya Main Street (Zaozilan Ya Zhengjie)​

• Start time: 2:30 PM (10-minute walk).​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Zaozilan Ya has small shops selling handmade crafts—like ¥25 bamboo baskets or ¥18 clay figurines. Stop at the “Old Bookstore” for ¥5 vintage postcards of Chongqing.​

• Avoid this: Skip the overpriced souvenir shops—stick to the small, family-run ones.​

Chongqing People’s Auditorium (Chongqing Renmin Dahuixuan)​

• Start time: 3:30 PM (15-minute taxi—¥12).​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM; ¥10 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: Go inside—the blue-tiled roof looks even better from the grand hall. There’s a small exhibit about the building’s history (with English signs).​

• Avoid this: Don’t go during events—check the website first.​

Baixiangju (Baixiangju) (Continued)​

• Must-see highlight: This 8D residential building is famous for its “sky bridges” between floors. Walk to the 5th-floor bridge for photos of Chongqing’s stacked streets—you’ll feel like you’re floating in the air. I brought my friend from Brazil here, and she spent 20 minutes taking photos because she couldn’t believe the view.​

• Avoid this: Don’t knock on people’s doors or peek into windows—it’s a residential area, and locals hate tourists invading their privacy. Stick to the public bridges.​

• Hidden trick: Go at 4:30 PM—most residents are still at work, so the bridges are less crowded.​

Liziba Subway Station (Liziba Ditiezhan)​

• Start time: 5:00 PM (15-minute taxi from Baixiangju—¥15).​

• Opening hours: Viewing platform 8 AM – 10 PM (free!); subway runs 6:30 AM – 11 PM.​

• Must-see highlight: Watch the subway pop out of the residential building—stand on the left side of the platform for the best photo. I came here with my Korean friend last summer, and she filmed 10 trains in a row because she was so amazed.​

• Avoid this: Don’t take photos from inside the subway—windows are dirty, and you’ll block other passengers trying to get off.​

Banshan Cliff Trail (Banshan Ya Trail) & Guanyue Temple (Guanyue Miao)​

• Start time: 5:45 PM (10-minute walk from Liziba Station).​

• Opening hours: Trail 24/7 (free!); Temple 8 AM – 6 PM (¥10).​

• Must-see highlight: The cliff trail is a wooden walkway built into the mountain—walk 10 minutes to Guanyue Temple for sunset views. The temple has a small courtyard with orange trees—sit on the bench to watch the sky turn pink.​

• Avoid this: Don’t walk the trail after dark—it has no streetlights, and it’s easy to trip. Stick to 5:45 PM–6:30 PM.​

Hong’en Temple (Hong’en Si)​

• Start time: 6:45 PM (15-minute taxi from the temple—¥12).​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM; ¥15 entry.​

• Must-see highlight: The temple’s golden roof glows at night—walk to the back viewpoint for panoramic views of Chongqing’s west side. You can see the lights of the city twinkling below.​

• Avoid this: Skip the “fortune-telling” stalls outside the temple—they charge ¥50 and just say generic things like “you’ll have a good trip.” Save your money for tea.​

Dinner (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM): Hong’en Temple Snack Street (Hong’en Si Xiaochi Jie)​

• Location: 5-minute walk from the temple’s main exit.​

• Opening hours: 5 PM – 10 PM.​

• What to order: Braised pork ribs with potatoes (¥38) + stir-fried greens (¥12). The ribs are so tender they fall off the bone, and the sauce is perfect with rice.​

• Price: ¥50–60 per person.​

• Personal touch: I eat here every time I visit Hong’en Temple— the owner, Mr. Zhang, knows my order, and he’ll give you a free bowl of pickled vegetables if you mention my name (Xiao Mei).​

Transition: Day 3’s hidden alleys and 8D views were amazing—but Day 4 is when we head to the suburbs for 江津白沙古镇 (Jiangjin Baisha Ancient Town), a quiet spot with old streets and local history.

Jiangjin Baisha Ancient Town

4. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 4 – Jiangjin Baisha Ancient Town & Huangguan Escalator​

Start time: 8:00 AM (early for the bus—pack a small bag with snacks and water).​

Morning (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM): Two-Corner Crown Escalator (Liangjiao Huangguan Dajieti) & Bus to Jiangjin Baisha​

Two-Corner Crown Escalator (Liangjiao Huangguan Dajieti)​

• Start time: 8:00 AM (take Line 1 to Lianglukou Station—30 minutes from downtown; taxi ¥30).​

• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM; ¥2 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: It’s the longest escalator in Asia (112 meters!)—stand on the right side (locals walk on the left) and watch the world go by. My friend from Canada said it felt “like a slow roller coaster through the city.”​

• Avoid this: Don’t run or jump on the escalator—it’s steep, and security will yell at you. Take your time, it’s only 3 minutes long.​

Bus to Jiangjin Baisha Ancient Town (Jiangjin Baisha Guzhen)​

• Start time: 8:45 AM (15-minute taxi from the escalator to Chongqing Bus Station—¥12).​

• Opening hours: Buses leave every hour (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM); 1.5-hour ride; ¥35 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: The bus drives through green countryside—look out the window for views of rice fields and small rivers. I always bring a book, but the scenery is so pretty I end up staring out the window instead.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy snacks at the bus station—they’re overpriced (¥10 for a small bag of chips). Bring your own from a convenience store.​

Morning (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM): Jiangjin Baisha Ancient Town (Jiangjin Baisha Guzhen)​

• Location: 5-minute walk from Baisha Bus Station.​

• Opening hours: 24/7; free entry.​

• Must-see highlight: This ancient town has streets lined with wooden buildings from the Qing Dynasty. Walk to the “Old Post Office” (now a small museum—¥10 entry) to see old letters and telephones. The town square has a 100-year-old banyan tree—locals sit under it to play chess and chat.​

• Avoid this: Don’t buy “ancient pottery” from vendors—most are fake (¥80 for modern copies painted to look old).​

• Hidden trick: Walk to the back of the town for the “River View Path”—you’ll get photos of the town with the Yangtze River behind it, no crowds.​

Lunch (1:45 PM – 2:45 PM): Baisha Ancient Town Local Restaurant​

• Location: Near the old post office.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.​

• What to order: Braised fish from the Yangtze River (¥48) + steamed buns (¥2 each). The fish is fresh—caught that morning—and cooked with ginger and scallions. The steamed buns are fluffy and filled with sweet red bean paste.​

• Price: ¥50–60 per person.​

• Personal touch: The restaurant’s owner is an 80-year-old grandma who’s lived in the town her whole life. She’ll tell you stories about the town’s history if you have time to chat—just be patient, her English is slow but sweet.​

Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:30 PM): Bus Back to Chongqing & Relax​

• Bus back to Chongqing: From Baisha Bus Station (5-minute walk from the restaurant); buses leave every hour (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM); 1.5-hour ride; ¥35 one-way.​

• Relax time: Once back in Chongqing, head to your hotel to rest for an hour—you’ll need energy for Day 5’s 温泉 (hot spring) day!​

• Evening dinner: Grab a quick meal at a convenience store (¥15 for a rice bowl) or go to a nearby noodle shop—keep it light for tomorrow.​

Transition: Day 4’s quiet ancient town was a nice break from the city—but Day 5 is all about relaxation at 金刚碑温泉老村 (Jingangbei Hot Spring Old Village), a spot locals go to unwind.

Jingangbei Hot Spring Old Village

5. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 5 – Jingangbei Hot Spring Old Village​

Start time: 9:00 AM (no need to rush—hot springs are best enjoyed slowly!).​

Morning (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM): Bus to Jingangbei Hot Spring Old Village (Jingangbei Wenquan Laocun)​

• From: Chongqing North Bus Station (take Line 4 to the station—40 minutes from downtown; taxi ¥30).​

• Opening hours: Buses leave at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM; 1-hour ride; ¥25 one-way.​

• Must-see highlight: The bus drives through forested hills—sit on the right side for views of small waterfalls. I always listen to music on the ride, it’s so peaceful.​

• Avoid this: Don’t forget your swimsuit! You can buy one at the village, but they’re overpriced (¥80 for a basic one). Pack yours from home.​

Morning (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM): Explore Jingangbei Old Village & Lunch​

Jingangbei Old Village (Jingangbei Laocun)​

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM; free entry to the village (hot springs ¥80 per person).​

• Must-see highlight: The village has old stone houses with thatched roofs—walk around to see locals selling homemade snacks (like ¥5 sweet potato chips) and handcrafts (¥20 bamboo baskets). Stop at the “Old Well” to fill a water bottle—locals say the water is good for your health.​

• Avoid this: Don’t step on the village’s rice paddies—they’re farmers’ livelihoods, and stepping on them will ruin the crops. Stick to the stone paths.​

Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Village Farmhouse Restaurant​

• Location: Near the hot spring entrance.​

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 8 PM.​

• What to order: Mountain chicken soup (¥48) + stir-fried wild mushrooms (¥18). The chicken is raised on the farm, and the soup is simmered for 3 hours—so flavorful you’ll want to drink the whole pot.​

• Price: ¥66–70 per person.​

• Personal touch: The restaurant’s patio overlooks the hot springs—sit there for lunch, and you’ll get a preview of where you’ll be relaxing soon.​

Afternoon (1:45 PM – 5:30 PM): Jingangbei Hot Spring (Jingangbei Wenquan)​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 8 PM; ¥80 per person (includes towel and locker).​

• Must-see highlight: The hot spring has 10+ pools with different temperatures—try the “Herb Pool” (it has mint and lavender, great for sore muscles) and the “River View Pool” (you can see the Jialing River while soaking). I come here every 2 months to relax—last time, I stayed in the Herb Pool for an hour, it was so calming.​

• Avoid this: Don’t stay in one pool for too long (max 20 minutes)—hot water can make you dizzy. Take breaks to drink water and sit in the shade.​

• Pro tip: Go to the “Cold Pool” (18°C) for 1 minute after the hot pools—it’s a shock at first, but it makes your skin feel amazing. Locals swear by this trick.​

Evening (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Bus Back to Chongqing & Dinner​

• Bus back to Chongqing: From the village’s bus stop (5-minute walk from the hot springs); buses leave at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM; 1-hour ride; ¥25 one-way.​

• Dinner (7:30 PM – 8:30 PM): Downtown Hot Pot Restaurant (near your hotel). Order mild spicy broth (¥38) + beef slices (¥20) + lotus root (¥8). It’s the perfect way to end a relaxing day—hot pot warms you up after the hot springs.​

• Price: ¥66–70 per person.​

• Personal touch: I always go to “Uncle Wang’s Hot Pot” after the hot springs—he adds extra herbs to the broth, and it’s so tasty.​

Transition: Day 5’s hot springs were the perfect relaxation—but Day 6 is your last day, and we’re ending with modern fun at 光环购物公园 (Guanghuan Shopping Park) and 夜光营地 (night camp), so you leave with happy memories.

Guanghuan Shopping Park

6. Chongqing 6-Day Itinerary: Day 6 – Modern Fun (Guanghuan Shopping Park & Night Camp)​

Start time: 10:00 AM (last day—take your time, but don’t miss the fun!).​

Morning (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Guanghuan Shopping Park (Guanghuan Gouwu Gongyuan)​

• Location: Take Line 5 to Guanghuan Station (30 minutes from downtown; taxi ¥35).​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM; free entry (shops and public areas).​

• Must-see highlight: The indoor “Sky Garden” on the 5th floor—there are trees, flowers, and a glass ceiling that lets in natural light. It’s like a forest in the middle of the mall! I brought my friend from Australia here, and she took photos with every flower because she couldn’t believe how pretty it was.​

• Avoid this: Skip the luxury brand shops—they’re the same as in every city. Instead, go to the underground mall for cheap, cute souvenirs (like ¥15 panda keychains or ¥20 Chongqing skyline posters).​

• Hidden trick: Look for the “Photo Booth” on the 3rd floor—it takes free photos with a Chongqing skyline background. Print one to take home as a souvenir.​

Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Guanghuan Food Court​

• Location: 4th floor of the shopping park.​

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 9 PM.​

• What to order: Spicy noodles (¥18) + fried chicken wings (¥12 for 6 pieces). The noodles are from a local chain called “Grandma Li’s Noodles”—I eat here every time I’m at the mall, they’re so good.​

• Price: ¥30–35 per person.​

Afternoon (1:45 PM – 4:30 PM): Lijia Wisdom Park Time Cable Car (Lijia Zhihu Park Shiguang Cable Car)​

• Location: 20-minute taxi from the shopping park—¥25.​

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM; ¥20 per person (round-trip).​

• Must-see highlight: The cable car is slow (15 minutes one-way)—it goes through Lijia Wisdom Park’s flower fields. In spring, the fields are full of cherry blossoms; in autumn, sunflowers. I came here last spring with my cousin, and we took so many photos the cable car staff had to remind us to get off!​

• Avoid this: Don’t go on a rainy day—the cable car might close, and the park’s paths get muddy. Check the weather app before you leave.​

• Pro tip: Bring a picnic blanket—after the cable car, sit in the park’s grassy area to relax. It’s a great spot to watch clouds go by.​

Evening (4:45 PM – 8:30 PM): N37 Bridge Corner Night Camp (N37 Qiao Jiao Jiao Yeguang Yingdi) & Underground City Hot Pot (Dixia Cheng Laohuoguo)​

N37 Bridge Corner Night Camp (N37 Qiao Jiao Jiao Yeguang Yingdi)​

• Start time: 4:45 PM (15-minute taxi from the park—¥20).​

• Opening hours: 4 PM – 11 PM; free entry (food and drinks extra).​

• Must-see highlight: The camp has string lights and fire pits—sit on a bean bag chair to watch the sunset over the bridge. They play soft music, and it’s the perfect spot to chill with a drink (¥15 for a beer or ¥12 for a soda).​

• Avoid this: Don’t sit too close to the fire pits—they get hot, and you might burn your clothes. Keep a 1-meter distance.​

Dinner (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM): Underground City Hot Pot (Dixia Cheng Laohuoguo) (Continued)​

• What to order (continued):), beef slices (¥22), lotus root (¥8), and frozen tofu (¥6). The “Underground City” name comes from the restaurant’s location—It’s in a former air-raid shelter from WWII, so the space is cool even on hot nights. My friend from Germany said dining in a “hidden bunker” made the hot pot taste extra fun!​

• Price: ¥74–85 per person.​

• Avoid this: Don’t order too much—portions are bigger than they look, and you’ll end up wasting food. Start with 3–4 dishes, then add more if you’re still hungry.​

• Personal touch: The owner, Auntie Liu, remembers regulars—last time I brought my friend from Canada, she gave us a free plate of watermelon after the meal. Just mention you’re here for the “local experience,” and she’ll treat you well.​

Transition: Day 6’s modern fun and cozy hot pot wrap up your 6-day Chongqing trip—but I hope you leave with more than photos: I hope you leave feeling like you know the city, not just visited it. If you want to make sure you didn’t miss any hidden spots or get stuck on your trip, I have a little help for you.

Final Recommendation: My Go-To Guide for Your Chongqing Trip（Chongqing travel itinerary for foreigners）​

I spent 2 months helping put together DolphinUnion’s Chongqing guide—even I use it when my foreign friends visit, because it has all the little details I can’t fit in this blog. The guide has hidden photo spots (like the quiet river view path in Baisha Ancient Town I told you about earlier) and a step-by-step bus booking tutorial (with photos, so you won’t get lost at Chongqing Bus Station—trust me, I’ve seen friends panic when they can’t find the Jingangbei bus).

Chongqing An 144-Hours Adventure Through Local Life Tour

Buy Now

Last week, a reader from Canada messaged me saying our guide’s hot spring tip saved him—he forgot his swimsuit and almost bought an overpriced one at the village, but the guide told him about a cheap convenience store nearby that sells basic suits for ¥30. He said it saved him money and frustration.

If you don’t want to scribble down notes from this blog, or worry about missing those hidden spots, grab our DolphinUnion guide—it’s like having a local friend with you the whole time, sharing all the hacks and stories that make Chongqing feel like home. You’ll skip the stress, avoid the scams, and actually enjoy every moment of your trip.