Chongqing is a dynamic city where history meets modern innovation. From ancient towns to futuristic urban marvels, the city offers a captivating mix of cultural heritage and cutting-edge development. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss these four must-see attractions in Chongqing: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba Metro Station, Jiefangbei CBD, and Hongya Cave.
Ciqikou Ancient Town: A Step Back into Old Chongqing
Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) is one of Chongqing’s best-preserved historical areas. Located on the west bank of the Jialing River, this 1,000-year-old town once thrived as a porcelain trading hub during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, it’s a charming destination full of cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and time-honored local shops.
Wander through its bustling alleys lined with teahouses, handicraft vendors, and street food stalls selling spicy tofu, glutinous rice balls, and Chongqing-style noodles. For culture lovers, stop by the Baolun Temple, a serene Buddhist retreat nestled amidst the town’s lively streets. It’s the perfect place to experience traditional Chongqing life and pick up unique local souvenirs.
Liziba Metro Station: A Train Through a Building
One of Chongqing’s most bizarre and photogenic attractions is the Liziba Metro Station (李子坝地铁站), where Light Rail Line 2 literally passes through a residential building. This unusual design is the result of Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, which forces architects to build vertically in often surprising ways.
Visitors flock to the observation platform next to the station to capture photos of the train gliding through the building—a scene that has gone viral many times online. It’s not just a transportation oddity; Liziba is also a symbol of Chongqing’s urban ingenuity and adaptability.
Jiefangbei CBD: The Heart of Modern Chongqing
At the center of Chongqing’s skyscraper-studded skyline lies Jiefangbei Central Business District (解放碑), the city’s premier commercial and financial hub. It’s anchored by the Liberation Monument, a historic clock tower commemorating the end of WWII, now surrounded by luxury malls, department stores, high-end restaurants, and trendy boutiques.
Whether you’re shopping for international brands, enjoying a rooftop cocktail, or simply soaking in the neon-lit skyline at night, Jiefangbei CBD offers the best of modern Chongqing. It’s also conveniently located and serves as a gateway to other major attractions like Hongya Cave and Chaotianmen Dock.
Hongya Cave: Chongqing’s Fairytale Riverside Complex
No trip to Chongqing is complete without visiting Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), an architectural wonder built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Jialing River. This 11-story stilted complex resembles something out of a Studio Ghibli movie and is especially stunning at night when its façade glows with warm golden lights.
Inside, you’ll find a maze of shops, teahouses, restaurants, and street food vendors offering everything from hotpot and grilled skewers to handmade crafts. The lower levels provide a scenic riverside walk, while the upper floors offer panoramic views of the city and bridges. Hongya Cave is the perfect blend of old Chongqing charm and modern flair, attracting both photographers and foodies alike.
Wulong Karst Geological Park: Chongqing’s Breathtaking Natural Wonder
No journey to Chongqing is complete without exploring the awe-inspiring Wulong Karst Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic limestone formations, massive natural bridges, sinkholes, and mystical caves.
Nestled in the scenic mountains about 3 hours from Chongqing’s city centre, this geological marvel feels like a fantasy world brought to life. Towering stone arches like Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge form the iconic Three Natural Bridges, creating a surreal landscape that has captivated filmmakers—including scenes from Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Visitors can walk along well-maintained trails and suspended pathways that wind through lush gorges and beneath towering rock arches. Explore the vast Furong Cave, renowned for its dazzling stalactites, or soak in panoramic views from cliffside platforms overlooking deep karst valleys. For adventure seekers, there are glass skywalks, ziplining, and immersive cave tours.
Wulong Karst is a must-see for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone enchanted by Earth’s raw beauty.
Dazu Rock Carvings: Chongqing’s Spiritual Cliffside Masterpiece
No trip to Chongqing is complete without visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings, an awe-inspiring collection of ancient Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures carved into the cliffs over 1,000 years ago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these intricate stone carvings are a profound display of Chinese religious art and spiritual storytelling.
Spread across several sites—most notably Baoding Mountain and Beishan—the carvings depict everything from serene Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to vivid scenes of daily life, morality, and afterlife teachings. The Baoding site features the famous Reclining Buddha, along with over 10,000 statues nestled within a peaceful, forested setting.
Visitors can wander serene temple paths, admire centuries-old craftsmanship, and feel a deep connection to the cultural and religious history of China. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, the Dazu Rock Carvings offer a breathtaking journey through time—far beyond just stone and chisel.
Experience the Spirit of Chongqing Through Its Attractions
These four attractions—Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba Metro Station, Jiefangbei CBD, and Hongya Cave—each showcase a unique facet of Chongqing’s diverse identity. From history to high-rise innovation, this mountain city invites you to explore its vibrant culture, epic views, and unforgettable urban adventures. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or longer, these Chongqing landmarks are essential stops on any itinerary.
