20 February 2026
Chongqing: one of our routes & destinations
South-East of Chengdu, yet still in the Sichuan province, is Chongqing. It’s the most populated city in China, with over 30 million inhabitants across the entire municipality. From Bournemouth to Chongqing, our team flies 4425.9 nm (great circle distance) for around 12 hours to reach this striking city and deliver or collect our cargo.
During our layover, the crew has the opportunity to get lost in this huge, neon city and find out why it makes for such an extraordinary destination.
About Chongqing
Set at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in southwest China, Chongqing has a rich history thanks to its mountain location. Its story stretches back more than 3,000 years, shaped by trade, conflict and resilience.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital. Relentless aerial bombardment earned it the title “City of Heroes”. Thousands of air-raid shelters were carved into the surrounding hills, many of which have since been repurposed as restaurants, cafés, bars and small museums.
Chongqing’s location, development and its weather have inspired even more nicknames: “The Fog City”, as residents are enveloped in spring and autumn fog over 60 days per year, “The Mountain City”, thanks to its steep hills and layered roads, China’s “Cyberpunk City”, because of its neon-lit maze of towers, bridges and river views after dark.
Photo Credit: Cheng Xin via Getty Images
And finally, it’s even earned the nickname “The 8D Magic City”, as with its mountainous location, streets stack on top of streets, and the ground floor usually isn’t on the ground.
A lot of the futuristic skyline you might associate with Chongqing only started to come to life in the 1990s. And today, wartime relics and towering modern structures sit side by side in this characterful and exciting city.
Why visit Chongqing? 6 Don’t Miss Experiences
Kuixinglou Square and the “8D City” effect
For that “8D city” experience, you want to head straight to Kuixinglou Square. You enter the square at what feels like ground level, walk across, and then realise you’re standing many storeys above another street.
Roads, shops and walkways sit beneath your feet, stacked into the hillside – it’s a real mind boggler!
Photo Credit: oneplanetjourney
Ciqikou Ancient Town and Chongqing 1949
Ciqikou Ancient Town offers a touristy glimpse of older Chongqing, with narrow streets, traditional architecture and street food. However, nearby Chongqing 1949 is a real must-do. It’s a large-scale rotating-stage performance that combines history and dramatic theatre for a unique cultural experience.
Hongyadong after dark
Hongyadong is one of the city’s most notable and, after dark, bright landmarks. This 11-storey complex is built along the river on traditional stilt-house principles and is filled with restaurants, shops and viewpoints. Get the best views at night when it’s illuminated and reflected on the water – walk down from Chaotianmen Bridge towards Hongyadong.
Photo Credit: China Discovery
Get lost in Xiao Hao Lane
Brace your knees for this one, it’s a charming vertical city within Chongqing itself – packed with stairs, alleys, shops and restaurants. Explore for the afternoon and get close-up views of Dongshuimen Bridge and, in the distance, Harbour Bridge.
Gather round for a hotpot
Having a hotpot is an absolute must when you’re in the Sichuan province. Choose between spicy (which, trust us, will be really spicy) or plain broth, and dip in meat and vegetables to cook. The hotpots sit in the centre of the table and make for a great group together.
Photo Credit: Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
And the train that runs through an apartment building…
One of Chongqing’s most popular sights is the metro rail line that passes directly through a 19-storey apartment building at Liziba Station. The station was strategically built as a space-saving measure between the sixth and eighth floors – it’s very Chongqing.
And finally, like anywhere in China, enjoying a tea is essential. Head to Shangxnijie Station and then climb the hill for a teahouse with views over the city – visit at sunset for a relaxing moment in this chaotic city.
Photo Credit: The Guardian
