Chongqing is the largest municipality in southwest China. It is a modern port city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. With an area of 31,800 square miles (82,400 square kilometers), it shares borders with provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Shaanxi.
As China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, Chongqing has maintained rapid economic development while preserving a wonderful natural environment. Renowned for its mountainous landscape, the city is known as the ‘mountain city’. It has a wavy terrain and encompasses a wealth of water reserves, mineral resources, dense forests, and abundant flora and fauna.
The city attracts visitors from home and abroad for its natural wonders and cultural heritage. As a common starting port for the Yangtze River cruise, tourists can go for a downstream tour to the magnificent Three Gorges.
Three Gorges: Located about 400 km east of Chongqing, the Three Gorges—Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge—are a UNESCO-listed natural wonder renowned for their dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and ancient history. The Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, is also a key stop, offering insights into engineering marvels and environmental impact. While the reservoir created by the dam has submerged some ancient sites, the gorges still captivate with their surreal landscapes, traditional fishing villages, and hiking trails that reveal hidden waterfalls and endemic flora.
Hongya Cave: Perched on the cliffs above the Jialing River, Hongya Cave is a labyrinth of stilt houses and winding walkways inspired by traditional Diaojiaolou (stilted architecture). Built into a steep hillside, the complex spans 11 floors, featuring teahouses, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving spicy Chongqing hotpot. At night, the entire structure is illuminated with golden lights, creating a fairytale-like scene often compared to the anime Spirited Away. Its terraced design offers multiple viewpoints of the river and city skyline, while the ground-level plaza connects to the Jialing River Promenade. A must-visit for its architectural uniqueness and vibrant atmosphere, Hongya Cave embodies Chongqing’s “mountain city” spirit and serves as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.
