My Story | Visit Chongqing Local Travel Guide

Hi, I’m Eden Xie,

Welcome to my Chongqing travel

I was born and raised in the Sichuan–Chongqing region, and I’ve spent years living in this city while exploring it far beyond the typical tourist experience.

Chongqing is not the kind of city you can simply “check off” on a travel list. Here, how you get around matters just as much as where you go. Over the years, I’ve explored every side of the city—from its busy urban landmarks to quiet mountain neighborhoods, from riverside walkways to old residential districts, and even hidden corners that most visitors rarely come across. I’ve always tried to experience these places myself, take notes, and gradually organize them into something more practical and useful.

A big part of my understanding of Chongqing actually comes from helping friends plan their trips here. Many of them, including international travelers, arrived with packed itineraries and high expectations. But they often ran into the same issues: overly tight schedules, getting lost because they weren’t familiar with the terrain, complicated metro transfers, and spending far more time commuting than they expected. It didn’t take long for them to realize that Chongqing is much more complex than it looks. The terrain makes distances feel longer, routes aren’t always straightforward, and it’s easy to spend most of your time just getting from one place to another instead of actually enjoying the experience.

So I started planning their itineraries—choosing the right areas to stay in to reduce unnecessary travel, organizing attractions into logical routes, figuring out the best times to visit popular spots to avoid crowds, and showing how to work with the city’s unique geography instead of struggling against it. After each trip, I would often rewalk parts of the routes myself, checking timing, testing alternative paths, and adjusting the itinerary based on real walking experience. Over time, I realized that a truly good Chongqing travel experience is very different from a typical “must-see list.” It’s not about how many places you visit, but about how smoothly your day flows without leaving you exhausted.

For example, some famous attractions are only worth visiting at very specific times of day—otherwise the experience loses much of its impact. At the same time, some quiet streets or riverside areas can feel much more meaningful when you’re not rushing between destinations, but simply taking your time and experiencing the city’s everyday rhythm. These are the kinds of details you only begin to understand after repeatedly walking the city and comparing real experiences.

That’s why I created this website—to share these more honest and practical Chongqing travel insights from a local perspective, and to help first-time visitors avoid unnecessary confusion. Every guide here is based on my own experience, feedback from friends, and continuously refined route planning. It’s not just about telling you where to go, but also helping you decide whether a place is worth it, how to get there, how to experience it properly, and how many days you actually need.

My goal is simple: to help you confidently plan your first trip to Chongqing, avoid common pitfalls, and experience the city in a way that feels more natural, more relaxed, and closer to how locals actually live—so your trip becomes truly meaningful and memorable.

This is my story. If you’re planning a trip to Chongqing, you’re more than welcome to visit my hometown, and I’d be happy to help you experience it in the best way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Chongqing too difficult for first-time visitors?

Chongqing can feel challenging at first, especially for first-time visitors. The city is built on mountains with multiple elevation levels, so navigation is not as straightforward as in flat cities. However, it becomes much easier once you understand how to group attractions by area and use the metro system efficiently instead of relying on walking between distant spots.

3. How many days do you need to visit Chongqing?

Most travelers need around 3 to 5 days to experience Chongqing comfortably. In 3 days, you can cover the main highlights such as Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, and the river viewpoints. With 4 to 5 days, you can explore more local neighborhoods, hidden streets, and enjoy a slower pace without rushing between attractions.

2. What is the best area to stay in Chongqing for tourists?

For first-time visitors, the best areas to stay are usually Jiefangbei and the Yuzhong District. These areas are central, well-connected by metro, and close to many major attractions, restaurants, and river views. Staying here helps reduce travel time, which is important in a city where distances can feel longer than expected.

4. Is Hongya Cave worth visiting?

Hongya Cave is one of the most famous attractions in Chongqing and is worth visiting for its unique cliffside architecture and night view. However, it can be extremely crowded, especially in the evening. Many travelers recommend visiting earlier in the day or combining it with nearby riverfront walks to avoid peak crowds and get a better overall experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Chongqing, I’ll help you experience it like a local.

Leave your email, and I’ll help you create a personalized Chongqing itinerary based on your time, interests, and travel style.

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