Chongqing is a city that reveals even more charm when night falls. The bright lights outline its unique urban silhouette, and the river reflects the lights of thousands of homes, just like a dreamy picture. Here is a night tour guide for you to experience the special charm of this magic city at night.
First Stop: Hongya Cave, a Real – Life “Spirited Away” World
Hongya Cave, with its unique stilt – house style of Bayu traditional architecture and colorful lights, has become a landmark check – in point for Chongqing’s night view. At night, when the lights on the layers of Hongya Cave are turned on, it seems to bring the scenes from the animation to reality. Here, you can stroll along the antique – style streets, admire various souvenirs sold in characteristic shops, and also taste characteristic foods such as hot and sour rice noodles and Shancheng small tangyuan at street – side snack stalls. The address is at No. 88, Jialing River Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District. Take Rail Transit Line 1 or Line 6, get off at Xiaoshizi Station, and walk out from Exit 9 to reach it. It is open all day, but the lights are usually turned on from about 19:00 to 23:00. It is recommended to visit during this time period.
Second Stop: Qiansimen Bridge, a Glittering Link over the Jialing River
As soon as you come out of Hongya Cave, you can see the Qiansimen Bridge spanning the Jialing River. This bridge not only connects Yuzhong District and Jiangbei District but is also an excellent place to enjoy the night view. Standing on the bridge, with the river breeze blowing on your face, on one side is the brightly – lit Hongya Cave, and on the other side is the bustling Jiangbeizui. There are viewing platforms on the bridge where you can stop and take in the night view on both sides of the Jialing River. At night, the bridge itself is also decorated with lights, and the lights on the bridge, the river view, and the urban landscape shine together, being extremely spectacular.
Third Stop: Yangtze River Cableway, Overlooking the Night View from the Air
The Yangtze River Cableway is a unique means of transportation in Chongqing. Taking the cableway at night, you can enjoy the bright night view on both sides of the Yangtze River from the air. The North Station of the cableway is at No. 151, Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, and the South Station is at No. 133, Longmen Road, Shangxin Street, Nan’an District. The operating hours are from 07:30 to 22:30. It is recommended to purchase and reserve tickets in advance on the official WeChat account “Yangtze River Cableway” to reduce queuing time. As the cableway moves slowly forward, there is the sparkling Yangtze River beneath your feet, and on both sides are the twinkling lights. The tall buildings look even more magnificent at night. This unique perspective can give you a new understanding of Chongqing’s night view.
Fourth Stop: Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck, a Panoramic View of the Mountain City
Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck is one of the best places to overlook the panorama of Chongqing. Standing on the observation deck, the entire Yuzhong Peninsula, the confluence of the two rivers, and the distant mountains are spread out in front of you. At night, the city is ablaze with lights, reflecting each other with the river, forming a sea of lights. There are multiple observation platforms here. No matter which position you stand at, you can take beautiful photos of the night view of the mountain city. The address is in Nanshan Scenic Area, Nan’an District. You can take Bus No. 346 or 347, or take a taxi. The ticket price is 30 yuan, and you can buy tickets on major travel platforms. The opening hours are from 09:00 to 22:30. It is recommended to arrive between 19:00 and 21:00, so that you can not only see the scenery of the mountain city during the day but also enjoy the process of the night view gradually lighting up.
Fifth Stop: Night Cruise on the Two Rivers, Enjoying the Night View on the Boat
If you want to fully appreciate the night view of Chongqing, a night cruise on the two rivers is a good choice. You can take a cruise ship at Chaotianmen Wharf and sail along the Yangtze River and the Jialing River. As the cruise ship moves forward slowly, you can see the magnificent postures of landmark buildings such as Hongya Cave, Qiansimen Bridge, Chongqing Grand Theatre, and Raffles City under the lights along the way. There is usually an explanation on the ship, introducing the history and features of the scenic spots along the coast. There are various ways to buy tickets. You can buy them on major travel platforms. The price varies according to the type of cruise ship and the cabin, generally ranging from 100 to 300 yuan. The departure times of the cruise ships are relatively flexible, with departures from 18:30 to 21:30. The specific time can be confirmed when buying tickets.
