Ultimate Chongqing Travel Tips and Guide – China’s Viral Cyberpunk City

I traveled solo to China’s viral “cyberpunk city”, Chongqing (pronounced “ChongCHing”) to see if it lives up to the hype, and I can confirm… it definitely does! However, I have to admit that most of the videos you see are highly staged or constantly reposted, and it’s slightly difficult to navigate, especially solo.

But once you get the hang of things using these Chongqing travel tips, you’ll be zipping around town like pro!

If you’ve ever searched for Chongqing on social media, you’ve probably seen the same clips over and over again. The sexy girl hanging off the side of a skyscraper and riding on the back of a motorcycle (I did both). A monorail going through a building (or in/out of peoples’…holes). And while they’re not fake, they’re definitely a bit curated, but still 100% worth it to see – and so much more!

While I didn’t have much interest in “eating the train” (the monoraoil that goes through an apartment building), I absolutely loved the options for adrenaline pumping activities that come with photographers, and the futuristic iconic hotels that have ruined any other hotel experience for me moving forward.

It was slightly confusing and difficult at times, especially as a solo traveler, but I easily figured things out with the help of the apps and simply by asking locals using a translator app.

Whether you’re just looking for some Chongqing travel tips, planning a Chongqing itinerary, looking for the best things to do in Chongqing, or wondering if it’s a good destination for solo female travel in China, here’s everything you need to know about Chongqing to help you plan a trip there.

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Essential Apps and Travel Tips for China

Traveling in China, especially in a city like Chongqing, feels very different from other destinations because everything runs through mobile ecosystems and they aren’t anything you’ve used back home.

In fact, your typical apps are likely blocked, and there’s ways to unblock them, but they’re basically useless when it comes to logistics and functioning in China!

Understand right now that you cannot do anything without AliPay, and that it requires you to have an eSIM, and that WeChat is the only way you’ll ever get in touch with tour guides (some have whatsapp but it’s not common), get your photos from photoshoots, or read food menus. 

So embrace the new adventure of learning foreign apps, and then bask in the glory of how genius and convenient they are.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential apps you NEED in China:

• Alipay is number one, and it’s not just helpful, it’s essential. It’s how you pay for food, rides, attractions, and even shopping. You can also access Didi (like China’s Uber) through it, which is by far the easiest way to get around Chongqing, and it’s SO CHEAP. PRO TIP: download Alipay before you go and verify your credit cards in advance! And also check out
• WeChat is like Whatsapp but more advanced, and acts almost like your communication hub. Many tour operators, photographers, and experience providers will only communicate through WeChat, and it’s also how you’ll receive your photos and videos afterward. You can also pay for things using WeChat, but again, make sure you verify your card beforehand.
• Amap (Gaode Maps) is far more accurate than Google Maps in China, especially in a city as layered and vertical as Chongqing. Google apps aren’t “allowed” in China, so not many people submit information to them. Google maps worked well in other areas, but not in Chongqing.
• A translator app makes everything easier—from reading menus to asking for directions when things get confusing. I used Google Translate (how below) but there’s also one in the AliPay app
• VPN or Singapore eSIM if you want to access your social media, Whatsapp, and Google apps, either get a VPN that specifically works in China, OR, a little accidental secret I discovered, is that if you get THIS ESIM, it’s technically from Singapore but works in mainland China, therefore all the apps work! BUT, some of the Chinese ones don’t, like Amap. Here’s an easier eSIM for China as well.

Once you get used to this system, navigating Chongqing—and China in general—becomes much more manageable.

Other general travel tips for China are:

• Do not go during a Chinese holiday (which are often)
• Remember city lights are usually only from 6:30pm to 10pm!
• Spitting in the streets is considered normal for locals, don’t be offended
• Hardly anyone speaks English, get used to using a translation app!
• Learn some basic Chinese phrases
• Get some cash out in case your phone dies or your data doesn’t work to use AliPay
• Book everything in advance! It’s always busy!

How to Get to Chongqing, China

Getting to China and going through immigration is a lot easier than most people probably think! Just make sure you have all the right documentation ready, especially if you’re doing the 72 hour or 240 hour visa free option! *See my full blog post about that here:

To Get to Chongqing,

By Plane:

Fly into Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport  (CKG) or you can also fly into any major city, then fly there domestically (might be cheaper). I always use THIS WEBSITE to find the cheapest flight options!

By Train:

You can also reach Chongqing by fast train from nearby cities like Zhangjiajie! I would recommend mapping the directions from your hotel in the first city to your hotel in Chongqing, because there are multiple stations and you want to pick the closest one!

I hate to say it, but you might get more accurate results if you ask Claude or other AI apps. From there, you can easily use Trip.com to book the train tickets. This is definitely something you want to do in advance!

The high-speed train system in China is one of the best in the world. It’s fast, clean, and efficient, so if you have the time, it’s worth experiencing at least once instead of flying! I felt safe on the trains, but I also booked a first class and business ticket!

Use Didi to Get to Your Hotel

Once you arrive, expect a bit of sensory overload at first! This is not a small or simple city—but transportation within the city itself is very accessible with Didi!

Have your hotel name and address ready, and also the Chinese translation for it!

Is Chongqing / China Safe?

I felt really safe even when going out at night, I’d say the most unsafe parts were all the crazy cool photoshoot activities! However, I’m a professional solo traveler, so my idea of “safe” or “dangerous” is a bit different than most peoples’.

To elaborate, if you’re wondering “is Chongqing safe for solo female travelers,” my experience was overwhelmingly positive. I walked around at night, took rides alone, and explored different neighborhoods without any issues.

If you’re new to solo travel or solo travel in China, please check out some of my solo female travel safety posts and tips!

The only thing that could be considered unsafe are those harnesses and safety clips, and lack of safety gear on the motorcycle! (Half jokes)

Chongqing feels busy and intense, but not unsafe. The biggest risks honestly come from the adrenaline-style activities that are designed to look extreme, but even those are controlled environments with safety measures in place.

Best of Chongqing — What to Do and See

Here’s my list of favorite things I did, and what there is to do and see in Chongqing, including everything I’ve been posting on social media!

Wander Jiefangbei Pedestrian Road

****look for 360 pic!

Wander Jiefangbei Pedestrian road, which is an area for a modern/cyber feel, and has everything from luxury shops, a mini Manhattan, and all the touristy things. While you’re there do the skyscraper rappelling! More info on that in the next section.

This is essentially the center of the action and one of the best places to experience that “Chongqing cyberpunk city” aesthetic. Giant LED screens, endless shopping, and a constant buzz of energy make it one of the most iconic areas in the city.

It’s also a short walk to Hongyadong Cave, so you can plan to do both of those around the same time!

Explore Hongyadong Cave

Exploring Hongyadong Cave is a must (pro tip go during the day to avoid crowds). It’s essentially a bunch of shops and restaurants carved into the side of the mountain and formed in existing little caves there. It reminded me of Chinese Fraggle Rock situation.

You can do a makeshift wine tasting at the Chinese wine shops (I ended up buying 4 bottles), eat hot pot overlooking the bay, do a geisha photoshoot, get your ears cleaned (yes it’s a thing there), and souvenir shop. I would recommend going during the day since everyone goes at night, if you want to avoid extreme crowds.

Hongyadong is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chongqing and often shows up when people search “Chongqing night view” or “Chongqing skyline.” But again, I liked it during the day too!

Oh and the reason everyone goes at night, is of course because it’s beautiful all lit up! But it’s hard to see the lights from INSIDE the cave, so most people cross the bridge and look at it from over there. There’s a cute tea house near the Chongqing Grand Theater as well!

Go to Raffles City

Go to Raffles City and do the Skywalk and Swing (links to book below), it’s scary but fun! Well, at least it is for adrenaline junkies like me, I did have a friend say she did it and nearly sh*t herself.

Raffles City is more than just a mega mall, it’s one of the most futuristic architectural landmarks in Chongqing. The “horizontal skyscraper” at the top is what gives it that viral, almost unreal look.

Inside, it’s easy to get lost, but that’s part of the experience. Between the shopping, restaurants, and attractions, you could easily spend hours here. However to be honest, I just went there for the activities, and to buy a new DJI camera.

True story: doing the adrenaline activities didn’t scare me at all, but I was on the verge of a panic attack twice trying to figure out how to get out of the mall portion.

Eat and Chill at Nanbin Road / Xia Hao Lu

Definitely plan to wander Nanbin Road and the old town there which has beautiful restaurants with amazing views, minus the crowds! I went to this area on the last day and wished I would have stayed an extra night there! There’s so many fabulous terrace bars and restaurants, all with breathtaking views of the city and bridge. 

The restaurants like the one on the photo above were in Longmenhao Old Street.

Nearby Nanbin Road is also where you can also do the motorcycle photoshoot (info to book below).

This area feels like a quieter contrast to the chaos of central Chongqing. If you’re looking for best views in Chongqing without crowds, this is one of the best places to go.

Things Most People Also Do

Most people also go see the monorail through the apartment building and the 22 story multi-street level building, but I didn’t have much interest in that. I think I did that when I was a kid at Epcot and was much more interested in the old towns and adrenaline activities.

These are some of the most searched attractions, especially for first-time visitors, but they are a bit hard to find on your own, so I’d recommend just booking this day tour (in advance) to see them all without confusion: Chongqing Full Day Highlights Tour

Stay Somewhere Iconic

Book at least one night at one of the viral hotels (see below), I can assure you that they’re worth the splurge!

This is one of the biggest things that sets Chongqing apart from other cities—the hotels are part of the attraction.

Most Viral Hotels of Chongqing and Which Area to Stay In

I stayed at two of the SEYA/ISEYA hotels and they were pretty cool, but a bit expensive compared to others in the area. They’re also kind of confusing to figure out which is which and also to find them, especially since they have the same name.

Here’s everything you need to know about them!

SEYA Jiefangbei Flagship

SEYA Jiefangbei Flagship which for some reason also goes by “ISEYA” – this is the most viral one and also the more expensive one. Rooms are bigger and the location is more ideal for walkability. They also have a nice lobby with a beautiful bar, which doesn’t exist at the other one. 

Inclusions were free five pieces of laundry, afternoon tea, and admission to the “storm spa”, which is a strange shallow jacuzzi with 360 degree LED screens around it,  that simulates being stuck in a massive storm at sea, with “rain falling down”. I don’t know why anyone would want to experience that (as someone who has crossed the Drake Passage 8 times) but it was interesting. 

Views are epic, and the oversized clear jacuzzis in the rooms are iconic! It’s definitely worth at least a night there!

Just a little FYI so you’re not surprised — this hotel, and most of the luxury ones, are not in their own buildings. They are in skyscrapers that have multiple businesses inside, and the hotels are only a few of the floors! So when you get to the building that SEYA is in, you need to go up to the 58th floor to reach the reception!

Here’s the exact address for SEYA Flagship: 58F, Yingli IFC, No.28 Minquan Road, Yuzhong District

PRO TIP: Do not use Google Maps to find either of these properties, I can confirm the pin on there is very wrong! Instead copy and paste the address into Didi to get there and you can also use that map to see exactly where it is!

Use this link to make sure you book the right location and to compare the cheapest rates, it should be around $190! Seya Jiefangbei Flagship

SEYA Panoramic (Raffles City)

SEYA Panoramic Raffles City – more affordable but smaller rooms, still amazing views and a luxury experience. The lobby has incredible views and inclusions here were a photography session with 3 free photos, free 10 pieces of laundry, and the robot butler.

It’s right across from Raffles too so it’s ideal if you want to go do the Skywalk/Swing/restaurants there! Oh, and if you’re into shopping, the downstairs of the building it’s in is a massive local mall (think Shein IRL) with everything you can possibly think of, including luggage for everything you buy in China…

Here’s the exact address to use for Didi or a taxi:

Location: 30/F, Everbright Holdings Chaotianmen Center, No. 1 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400000, China.
Chinese Address: 重庆市渝中区新华路1号光大控股朝天门中心30楼.
Nearby Landmarks: ~400 meters from Chaotianmen Square and close to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Reminder — the address on Google maps is incorrect, and it’s also in a multi-use building (reception is on the 30th floor, use the elevators to the far right)

Use this link to book to correct location and compare the cheapest rates, it should be around $120! Seya Raffles City

Budget Hotels in Chongqing

On my last day in Chongqing, I had a flight at 2am the following day, which meant I didn’t want to spend another $100-200 on the fancy hotels. I looked into a 24 hour spa, but that’s more of a thing in Shanghai, so I searched for a cheap hotel to just store my valuables and freshen up before the flight. What I found was an incredible deal!

It was Su Hotel on Nanbin Road and it was beautiful, simple, very well located, and only $30 per night! I would have stayed there multiple nights if I wasn’t trying to live my best luxury hotel life at the Seya’s!

This is a great option if you’re searching for a Chongqing budget hotel with a great location that still feels aesthetic and well-located.

Top Viral Adventures to Book in Chongqing

And now for the info most of you are probably looking for if you found me through social media! Chongqing is notorious for its super cool cyber punk aesthetics, but also the seemingly dangerous dare-devil activities (that are actually highly staged, and still a little dangerous). 

Here’s some of the most famous ones and ones I liked the most.

Skyscraper Rappelling

Skyscraper rappelling is probably the most viral photo/video I’ve seen in Chongqing. And yes, it really is at the top of a skyscraper! It’s done on the rooftop of the 60th floor of an actual skyscraper, but don’t worry, it’s with a matted landing area just 1.5 floors below. 

It’s a highly staged photoshoot where you’re taught to do specific poses with and without props, and then photographers yell the instructions to you while you’re up there.

Costumes are NOT available – most people dress up in their own cool “cyber punk” outfits, just make sure you wear something that’s able to put a leg harness over (AKA not a skirt or dress).

Book this in advance and definitely get there by 7pm, because it’s a first come, first service line up, and it gets crazy busy! Remember, lights go out in the city at 10pm!

Below is the correct link to book it, but super important – you need to book the entry to the observation deck AND the abseiling experience (not just the $30 entry), so the total price should be around $130 (depending on the date)

Click here to book: Skyscraper Rappelling in Chongqing

FYI and PRO TIP: The building it’s in has a big sign that says “131” and a desk to check in at the bottom, then they’ll let you up the elevator. From there, you get out at the top floor which is a strange pink exhibit thing, and you follow the arrows on the floor to then climb up about 3 more floors. You’ll then be in a sketchy rooftop garage type area with graffitti everywhere, and there will be one more staircase up to the rooftop (also a former helipad). Go check in up there FIRST or you will get farther behind in line! After you check in and get a number, THEN go take all your photos at the observation deck area!

Chongqing’s Viral Motorcycle Videoshoot

Chongqing’s viral motorcycle video shoot is another really cool but really staged activity! Also one of the most viral videos circulating social media, but you’ll quickly notice that they are all almost exactly the same!

Walking up to it feels like a little street biker gang event, except there’s racks of clothes with sexy outfits and costumes, and videos being filmed everywhere! Like the rappelling, they will teach you the choreography for the video shoot, and then give you live instructions via a headset in the helmet as you ride the moto!

Also like the rappelling experience, you need to book this far in advance, and get there early to avoid long wait times!

Here’s the link to book it online, it should be around $90 or $93 with a costume rental! Chongqing Motorcycle Videoshoot

FYI and Pro Tip: They will contact you and send your video via WeChat, so make sure you have it! The location was also hard to find, but it should show on Didi as a 8-9minute drive north of Su Hotel.

Raffles City Skywalk and Cloud Swing

Raffles City is mostly a giant mall and hotels, but my main interest in going there was specifically to do this skyscraper swing situation that one of my friends told me about. I just kind of showed up and asked for a ticket to that, and ended up getting one for the Skywalk as well.

I had no idea what the Skywalk even was, so you can imagine my surprise when they put a harness on me and sent me upstairs to the view in the photo above!

The Skywalk is honestly the highlight here, especially if you’re looking for something that feels “I probably should not be allowed to do this”. You literally walk along the top of that horizontal skyscraper, and then you turn at the end to walk on a foot-wide path outside of the railing, with nothing on the other side besides the top of the skyscraper! You’re connected to a safety line of course, BUT STILL! It’s so wild!

Book your tickets in advance here and be sure to check the option that includes entrance + Skywalk + Cloud Swing : Raffles City Skywalk and Swing

Day Trips Outside of Chongqing

I ran out of time in Chongqing but I really wanted to do the rappelling in the Buddha cave and a day trip to Wulong – a lush natural beauty with waterfalls and rivers. I’ll definitely be doing them next year!

It’s around a 1.5 hour drive each way, so plan a full day to do it, and make sure you include the transportation with the ticket reservation!

Here’s a ticket option for just Wulong: Wulong Day Trip with Transfers

And one for the Tianyan Buddha Cave plus abseiling (should be around $90): Buddha Cave Day Trip

Does Chongqing Live Up to the Hype?

I absolutely loved Chongqing and I’ll definitely be going back there! It was a little difficult to navigate when my Didi app and Maps glitched a few times, but if you can master that, and master making reservations online/using WeChat, you’ll be good to go! It’s truly such a unique and FUN experience in China!

Or make your life easy and book one of these full day tours there:

• Chongqing Classic Full day Tour ($59)
• Chongqing Viral Spots Photography Tour ($129)
• Chongqing Food Tour ($109)
• Chongqing Private Tour with Car and Meals ($188)

Chongqing isn’t the easiest destination, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like an adventure. And if you’re looking for something completely different from the typical China travel experience, this is it!

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