Chinese tourists have long been attracted to Chongqing, a mega city in southwest China.

Known for its unique landmarks, which have become internet sensations, Chongqing is one of China’s fastest growing cities and its youngest municipality.

From the crazy monorail line that passes through a residential building to the historical liberation monument, the city is overflowing with reasons to visit.

Day one: The Revolutionary

People’s Liberation Monument & Chongqing Food Street 

People’s Liberation Monument / VCG Photo

Locals say your trip to Chongqing isn’t complete without visiting the People’s Liberation Monument, so make it your first stop.

Standing in Jeifangbei Square, the equivalent of New York’s Times Square, it was built to commemorate China’s victory over Japan in WWII. Fifty years ago, this 30-meter-high clock tower was the tallest building in town with no attractions in the surrounding area.

Now, it’s surrounded by the city’s most luxurious shopping malls, and around the corner is the delicious food street.

Chongqing food street / VCG Photo

The food street stretches over 200 meters and provides a range of small shops and restaurants offering authentic Chongqing noodles, spicy dipping skewers, hot and sour rice noodles and fried potatoes. With cuisine this mouthwatering, there’s always a queue, but it’s worth your time!

Transportation tip: Take subway Line 1 and get off at Jiaochangkou Station.

Zhongshan Fourth Road

Zhongshan Fourth Road /VCG Photo

Dubbed the most beautiful street in this mountain city, it’s also one of its best-kept secrets!

Once home to dozens of politicians’ residences in the old days, including Zhougong Mansion, the home of then Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai, the street stretches 800 meters long and is shaded by a canopy of trees.

Gray brick walls and arched windows give you a taste of old China, and sit in contrast to the high-rise buildings that now dwarf them in size. The site is worth a visit to get a peak of the historical revolution of China’s ruling party.

Tip: Around the corner is the noted Three Gorges Museum, which has free entry. Here you can learn about this fast-growing city.

Gele Mountain National Park

Gele mountain / VCG Photo

Departing from downtown, Gele Mountain is about a 50-minute subway ride away, and easily accessible from the Lieshimu metro station.

The mountain now attracts young hikers; however, the base of the mountain once held “political criminals” in a hidden prison run by the Kuomintang Secret Agency in 1938.

Visiting all the historic sites along the mountain involves walking a few kilometers, but it’s not a strenuous hike and a bus tour is available.

Tip: While you’re there, enjoy authentic “spicy chicken” at a hillside restaurant. 

Day Two: The Modern

Chongqing WFC

Observatory at Chongqing World Financial Center /VCG Photo

Standing 339 meters tall, the Chongqing World Financial Center is the tallest building in southwest China. On a clear day, the observation decks on the 73rd and 74th floors provide impressive views. The cost is 80 yuan (12.50 US dollars) per person.

Hongya Cave

Visitors are snapping selfies in front of Hongya Cave /VCG Photo

Facing the Jialing River, Hongya Cave offers you a panoramic view of the Yangtze River and a beautiful view of the opposite river bank.

This landmark, comprised of renovated ancient buildings, is renowned as the best choice for souvenirs. With a fun range of shops and restaurants, visitors can easily spend two hours inside shopping and savoring local delicacies.

Tip: Be an aggressive shopper and get a bargain.    

Night view from the One Tree observation deck/Yi Keshu

City night view from One Tree observation deck / VCG Photo

There is no better way to end your night than atop Nan Mountain at the Yi Keshu observation deck.

Chongqing’s sparkling skyline is why it’s known as “Little Hong Kong.”

Tip: Arrive after 10 p.m. when the city lights are at their brightest.

Day Three: The Trendy

The Yangtze River Cableway

The Yangtze River Cableway /VCG Photo

This is the only cableway left in China!

The cableway went viral after netizens posted clips on Chinese social media of their adventurous rides. This 1,166-meter-long cableway was built three decades ago and used to be a major form of transportation for local residents, but now it’s a tourist hotspot where visitors can enjoy stunning scenery while crossing the Yangtze River. Riding in a cable car will cost you 20 yuan for a one-way ticket, or 30 yuan round-trip.

Transportation tip: Take CRT Line 1 to the Xiaoshenzi Station 

Monorail runs through residential building

Monorail runs through residential building /VCG Photo

As a local, my hometown still surprises me after all these years! Take the monorail for example.

At the Liziba metro station in Yuzhong District, the Line 2 monorail passes through an old residential building. And if you’re worried about the noise, the building has been specially insulated and is said to be no louder than a dishwasher. Chongqing’s unique monorail and topography make it a one-of-a-kind city.

Tip: The best spot to snap a picture is the street below. 

Graffiti Street

Graffiti Street /VCG Photo

Attracting millions of visitors every year, the 1,000-meter-long Chuanmei Graffiti Street is a bustling arts area and home to the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. Be sure to catch some sort of exhibition in the area, or just enjoy the laid-back coffee-house vibe.

Chongqing Hotpot

Enjoy the authentic Chongqing Hotpot / VCG Photo

Chongqing might be best known for its hotpot, which is best savored at the restaurant inside the old bomb shelter.

However, that’s not the only place to enjoy this delicacy. The city is home to countless hotpot restaurants, particularly around Yuzhong District.