Things to Do in Chongqing

Known basically as an embarkation point for Yangtze River Cruises, the city of Chongqing has a lot to offer visitors. The fiery cuisine, hopping nightlife, and fantastic shopping in Chongqing add to the enjoyment of this wonderful city.

Cuisine:
Chongqing’s local cuisine is a branch of Sichuan cuisine, which means it is fiery hot and incredibly delicious. Its cuisine is known for its distinctive spicy and pungent flavors which are spicier and stronger in taste than most Sichuan cuisine. Chongqing utilizes almost 40 different cooking methods to create its cuisines. The color, flavor, aroma, shape, and nutritional value is as carefully considered as the ingredients used in the dishes.

Chongqing hot pot is known throughout China and no visit to Chongqing is complete without trying it. The hot pot is placed in the center of the table and diners can cook a large variety of raw vegetables and meats in the hot pot. Traditionally, the pots held only spicy oils, but today, many hot pots have two sections, one spicy, and one not for those who are not fond of  spicy foods.

There are many food streets located in Chongqing. Food streets are lined with little booths offering local cuisine. Locals and visitors alike enjoy walking down the street trying different dishes as they stroll. The dishes are traditionally very spicy, but many vendors also offer non-spicy varieties. Some food streets can be found around Jiefanbei Central Business District, on Nanbin Road, and Bayi Street.

Nightlife:
Chongqing has a hopping night life. It is a thriving metropolis and locals like to play as hard as they work. The city boasts bars and night clubs, movie theatres, and Karaoke bars. The best place to go is Nanbin Road. The street is lined with bars and night clubs, cafes, and teahouses.There is something for everyone. Each location has its own theme and design. For people who are not interested in drinking, a great place to visit at night is the top of South Mountain. It offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its two rivers. There is also a night cruise which departs from the Chaotianmen Dock and runs from 7:00-10:00 in the evening. The city skyline is quite beautiful from the river.