Check out our guide to life in Chongqing
Chongqing has been described it as one of China’s 13 emerging megalopolises and is the fastest growing urban centre on earth. It’s located in southwest China beside the Yangtze, aka the “Golden River”. An important manufacturing centre and transportation hub, Chongqing is considered the economic centre of the Yangtze basin. If you like your public transport to come with a view, you’ll enjoy Chongqing’s unique public aerial tramways. Lovers of seafood and spices will relish the local Sichuan cuisine including Jiangtuan fish and other delicacies caught fresh from the river.
Chongqing Fast Facts
Municipality
Settled – 316 BCE
Population – 30,484,300
Chongqing Weather
Hottest Month July (29 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (8 °C avg)
Wettest Month June (126.6 mm avg)
Windiest Month August (7 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 641.3 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Chongqing
The Qutang Gorge
Take a small boat tour or a Yangtze cruise to see one of the most stunning gorges in China.
The Dazu Rock Carvings
See these Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist sculptures that date back to the 7th century CE.
Fengdu Ghost City
Explore a superb range of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife.
Ciqikou
Wander through traditional buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants in this ancient town.
Baidicheng
Breathtaking views and architecture dominate this ancient fortress and temple complex.
Furong Cave
Take a day tour of this wondrous karst cave located on the banks of the Furong River.
Jiefangbei CBD
This large pedestrian mall is the place to be if you like to shop and eat tasty street food.
The Three Gorges Museum
One of China’s largest museums with fascinating natural history and archaeological finds.
Eling Park
See rare plant species and the Liangjiang Pavilion tower, with views of the entire city.
Chongqing Zoo
Animal lovers will enjoy the species on show, including pandas, tigers, and monkeys.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 60 | 6.85 | 12.53 | 125.36 |
| Water | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.36 |
| Beer in a bar | 15 | 1.71 | 3.13 | 31.34 |
| Beer in a shop | 6 | 0.68 | 1.25 | 12.54 |
| Coke | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.36 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 15 | 1.71 | 3.13 | 31.34 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 30 | 3.42 | 6.27 | 62.68 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 100 | 11.42 | 20.89 | 208.93 |
| Gym per month | 208.33 | 23.78 | 43.52 | 435.27 |
| City bus | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 320 | 36.53 | 66.85 | 668.59 |
| Loaf of bread | 13 | 1.48 | 2.72 | 27.16 |
