You might know Chongqing through its night views at Hongya Cave, the light rail through buildings, the Yangtze River Cableway, or Jiefangbei. But as a local, I want to tell you: Chongqing is much more than these popular tourist spots.
The following fun and not touristy experiences can truly immerse you in Chongqing and let you feel the soul of the city.
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- 1. Visit the Local Marriage Market
- 2. Visit a Traditional Barbershop
- 3. Fishing by the Yangtze River
- 4. Try a Bowl of Bench Noodles
- 5. Experience "Gan Chang"
- 6. Fruit Picking at a Farm Stay
- 7. Exploring the Ancient City Wall
- 8. Visit WWII Historical Sites
1. Visit the Local Marriage Market (Blind Date Corner)
If you want to experience the most down-to-earth and authentic local culture, the Blind Date Corner is definitely a place you cannot miss. As a local, I often take friends here to feel another side of the city.
The Blind Date Corner is usually set in a park or a square, like People's Park, Nanping Pedestrian Street, or near Guanyinqiao.
Every weekend, many parents and young people gather here with resumes and photos, looking for suitable partners for their children or themselves. There are no tourists, just the most genuine Chongqing locals.
Chongqing people are straightforward, and the Blind Date Corner reflects this. You can see parents passionately discussing or promoting their children's resumes to passersby.
These "resumes" are often written on A4 paper, detailing age, height, education, job, income, and property. The information is transparent and clear, and if there's interest, they exchange contact details; if not, they continue searching.
Resumes in the Blind Date CornerAlthough the Blind Date Corner seems like a "market", it is filled with warmth. Parents share experiences and even offer advice for others' children. This warm atmosphere reflects the enthusiasm and kindness of Chongqing people.
Once, I took a friend to the Blind Date Corner at People's Park. He found it novel and a bit awkward at first. But soon, he was captivated by the atmosphere.
An aunt warmly asked him, "How old are you? Do you have a partner?" Then she pulled out a sheet of A4 paper to introduce her daughter. Although my friend didn't exchange contact information, he found it a very interesting experience, joking that "this is much more real than dating apps!"
Tips for Visiting:
- Weekend mornings are the busiest, and the atmosphere is liveliest.
- Respect others' privacy; avoid taking photos or disturbing others.
2. Visit a Traditional Barbershop to Experience Nostalgic Old Chongqing
If you want to experience the most authentic local life in Chongqing, traditional barbershops in the old alleys are a must-visit.
I often take friends to these hidden shops in the corners of the city for an old-fashioned haircut. This makes you feel like you've traveled back to decades ago in Chongqing.
These barbershops are usually tucked away in old alleys like Shibati, Baixiang Street, or near Jiao Chang Kou. They lack flashy signs and modern decor, often featuring just an old barber chair, a worn mirror, and a few simple tools.
ShibatiMost barbers are experienced older craftsmen, skilled enough to give you a fresh look with just a pair of scissors and a razor. Compared to modern barbershops, the prices here are very affordable, with a wash, cut, and style usually costing around ten yuan.
Besides haircuts, you can also enjoy traditional shaving services - barbers use a hot towel on your face and carefully trim with a razor, making the entire process relaxing and enjoyable. These experienced barbers offer not only a service but also a cultural inheritance.
Tips:
- It's best to go in the afternoon to avoid the morning rush of locals.
- These barbershops usually only accept cash, so be sure to prepare some change in advance.
3. Fishing by the Yangtze River to Embrace Slow Living
If you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle and experience Chongqing's most leisurely local life, fishing spots by the Yangtze River are a great choice. These fishing spots are perfect for locals to relax.
You can see people with simple gear sitting by the river, focused on the water, occasionally chatting with those nearby.
I often take friends to a fishing spot near Nanbin Road, where many local fishing enthusiasts gather, spending the whole day enjoying the river breeze, scenery, and slow-paced life.
Nanbin RoadEven if you're not a fishing expert, you can borrow a rod from local anglers and try your luck. They're usually friendly and may even teach you some fishing tips.
You can chat with local anglers, listen to their stories, and learn some fishing techniques. Even if you don't catch any fish, this interaction is a rare experience.
The Yangtze River's views are a highlight in themselves. Whether it's the morning mist or the evening sunset, the riverside scenery is breathtaking. There are often riverside tea houses nearby where you can order a cup of Tuo tea, adding to the charm.
Tips:
- Go in the afternoon, especially around sunset. The weather is cool, and the riverside sunset views are particularly enchanting.
- The sun can be strong by the river, so bring sunscreen and a hat; mosquitoes may be present in the evening, so consider bringing mosquito repellent.
- The riverside can be slippery, so watch your step, especially if you're with children.
4. Try a Bowl of Bench Noodles: Authentic Street Food
If you want to experience Chongqing's most authentic street food or capture the bustling street life in photos, bench noodles are a must-try.
Bench noodles are a classic breakfast choice for Chongqing locals, simple yet full of soul. The noodles are chewy, and the seasonings are spicy and fragrant, especially with a spoonful of red oil peppercorn mixed with sesame paste.
Eating bench noodles is also about the "ritual". There are no formal tables, only a combination of low and high benches, with a bowl of noodles on the high bench while you sit on the low one, leaning down to slurp the noodles, as if you're part of Chongqing's street life.
Eating noodles on the benchRecommended Locations:
- Shibanti, Jiao Chang Kou, and old alleys near Chuqimen, where many long-standing noodle shops are hidden.
- Areas around Nanping Houbao and Tanci Old Street also have many local favorite bench noodle stalls.
Tips:
- Go before 7 AM to avoid the morning rush and see the owner preparing the seasonings.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for sitting on low benches while dining.
- Bench noodles are usually quite spicy. If you're not good with spicy food, let the owner know to use less chili.
If you are interested in these fun activities and want to experience them, feel free to contact us to add them to your schedule.
5. Experience "Gan Chang": a Traditional Activity in Chongqing's Countryside
"Gan chang" (赶场) is usually held every few days in town markets. Stalls are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade farming tools, and local snacks.
You'll see villagers with baskets weaving through the stalls, and the sounds of bargaining fill the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
CChongqing Local MarketThe market is not only a great shopping spot but also a window into Chongqing's rural culture. Come here to feel the warmth of rural life and the simplicity of its people!
Recommended Locations:
- Jingguan Town (静观镇): Famous for its flowers, where you can buy various flowers and bonsai during the market.
- Mudong Town (木洞镇): An ancient town by the Yangtze River, where you can buy fresh river fish and local specialties.
- Dongxi Town (东溪镇): A thousand-year-old town where you can feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere during the market.
- There are also some markets preserved in the city area. Shiqiaopu (石桥铺) is a well-known one.
Tips:
- Markets usually start early in the morning and end before noon. It's best to go early to experience the liveliest atmosphere.
- You can buy homemade cured meats, pickles, honey, and other local specialties - affordable and unique.
6. Fruit Picking at a Farm Stay: Enjoy Countryside Fun
If you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle and experience rural life in Chongqing, fruit picking at a farm stay is a must-try.
Fruit pickingYou can not only pick fresh fruits but also taste authentic farm dishes and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the mountains.
Recommended dishes include Nanshan spring chicken (南山泉水鸡), stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured meat (腊肉炒竹笋), and farm-style stir-fried pork (农家小炒肉). They're all made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Countryside kitchenAfter the meal, you can take a walk along the mountain trails, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nanshan.
Recommended Locations:
- Strawberries: Around May or January in Yufeng Mountain (玉峰山).
- Grapes: June to July in Wuxiaoping Grape Garden (南岸吴小平葡萄园).
- Citrus: November in Dazhu Hongmei Citrus Garden (大足红美人柑橘园).
Tips:
- The sun can be strong in the orchards, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Mosquitoes may be more active in summer, so consider bringing mosquito repellent.
- Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so it's advisable to book in advance through locals or travel agencies like China Highlights to ensure a spot.
7. Exploring the Ancient City Wall: A Hidden City Walk
If Chongqing is a city, then the ancient city wall is like its veins, sleeping through time. Today, remnants of the ancient city wall still exist, though many parts have been swallowed by urban expansion.
But if you're willing to walk and explore, you'll find a secret path along the old city wall that connects history, scenery, and life.
Traces of the ancient city wallThe entire route is about 6-8 kilometers and takes about half a day at a slow pace. Along the way, you'll pass through Chongqing's oldest streets, hidden viewpoints, and local life in alleys.
This City Walk route is one I've taken many times, especially suitable for those who love leisurely strolls, urban exploration, and want to avoid tourist hotspots.
You can start from the Tongyuanmen city wall ruins. Following the city wall south from Tongyuanmen, you'll enter small alleys, turn into Jintang Street. It is one of the most important traffic routes in the old city, leading from the mountain city path to the Yangtze River.
Along the way, you'll see many old stilted buildings and local residents' daily life scenes.
Residents' life scenesContinue along the city wall to the Shibanti area. Although Shibanti is now developed, if you venture into the small alleys, you can still feel the local atmosphere of old Chongqing. Many alleys are filled with old houses, old doorplates, and even some local residents' small gardens.
ShibatiFrom Wanglongmen, winding through several streets, you'll reach Baixiang Street and Dacong Street. Baixiang Street was called the Wall Street of the East.
This area used to be the most prosperous old commercial district in Chongqing. Although some parts have been renovated, many old houses are still hidden in the alleys.
If you're not in a hurry, I recommend finding a small tea house to sit for a while. Enjoying a pot of cover bowl tea for half an hour allows you to savor the slow time of the old street.
Nearby Baixiang Street, a new park called Taipingmen City Wall Ruins Park has opened. This brand new site park is a ready-made testament to Chongqing's long history.
In 1891, Chongqing opened for trade, and many foreigners came here, developing shipping, opening trading houses, establishing factories, and conducting trade.
Exiting Baixiang Street, you can go down to the riverside walkway under Dongshuimen Bridge. Compared to the riverside walkway at Hongya Cave on the Jialing River side, this walkway is less crowded with beautiful scenery, with the river on one side and the city wall on the other.
Walking along, you can feel the intimate relationship between the locals and the Yangtze River.
If you enjoy exploring cities on foot, see our Top 4 City Walks in Chongqing: A Local's Guide
The riverside walkway under Dongshuimen BridgeTips:
- Best Time: Monday to Friday mornings or evenings to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet old city. Around 8 AM, the city wall is particularly quiet, with only the sounds of birds.
- Total Route Time: About 4-5 hours, with opportunities to stop for tea, take photos, or just relax.
8. Visit WWII Historical Sites: Relive the War Years
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Chongqing's history during the war, this WWII historical site itinerary is definitely worth a try.
I often take our clients to explore these historical sites. Their feedback has convinced me that these places are not only witnesses to history but also symbols of Chongqing's spirit.
Why is the city tree of Chongqing the Huangjue tree (黄桷树)? What footprints did the Flying Tigers leave in Chongqing? What are the current uses of Chongqing's air raid shelters? All these questions will be answered on this journey.
Air raid shelterItinerary: Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Relics Museum → General Stilwell's Former Residence → Chongqing Three Gorges Museum War Exhibition Hall, Hongyan Revolutionary Memorial Hall → Ciqikou Ancient Town → Chongqing Bombing Site → Jiefangbei.
Ciqikou Ancient Town JiefangbeiDiscover Authentic Chongqing with China Highlights
With China Highlights' private tours, you can enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your interests. Your personal guide will take you on a journey that goes beyond the typical tourist paths, allowing you to discover the true essence of Chongqing.
Contact us for an unforgettable adventure, where every moment is crafted just for you, making your visit truly memorable. The following recommended Chongqing tours may give you inspiration: