A perplexing Chinese metropolis rooted in cyberpunk aesthetics, spanning multiple realms and dimensions
In the heart of southwestern China, nestled amidst a mountainous landscape, lies the vibrant city of Chongqing. This provincial-level municipality, directly administered by China's central government, has been experiencing a significant surge in tourism, making it a top choice for domestic and international travellers alike.
Chongqing's unique blend of modern urban architecture, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes draws in tourists from around the world. The city's vibrant neon-lit skyline, spicy local cuisine, particularly its famous hotpot, and its striking mountainous urban setting, often compared to San Francisco but with bolder flavors, are just a few of its many attractions.
Key attractions making Chongqing a must-visit destination include the Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei and its surrounding shopping streets, Chongqing Zoo, the Three Natural Bridges, Fairy Mountain, Raffles City Chongqing, the Yangtze River Cableway and cruises, and the historic town of Ciqikou Ancient Town.
The city's tourism boom is also supported by local government incentives and consumption stimulus policies, contributing to its growing reputation and economic impact. Chongqing's recent wave of visa-free initiatives is part of a broader push to promote inbound travel. As of June 2025, China has unilaterally implemented visa-free entry for citizens of 47 countries.
In the first two months of 2025, the number of foreign nationals entering through the city's ports increased by 60% year-on-year. Most foreign tourists typically stay in Chongqing for about five days. Li Tian, a manager at a local travel agency, reports a 20 to 30% increase in foreign visitors.
Chongqing's unique landlocked geography and rapid growth have resulted in buildings with trains running through the middle and entrances on multiple floors depending on the surrounding street level. The city's urban functions are organized by height and stacked together, earning it the nickname "China's 8D city."
This combination of modern urban attractions, deep cultural experiences, dramatic natural scenery, and renowned cuisine creates a vibrant cyberpunk-like atmosphere, appealing to diverse travellers. Since the country reopened post-pandemic, tourism in Chongqing has been skyrocketing.
The city welcomed about 1.3 million inbound tourists in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 184%. With its growing reputation and economic impact, Chongqing stands out as an increasingly popular travel destination that offers a dynamic mix of culinary delights, historic charm, and breathtaking natural and urban vistas, making it a top choice for domestic and international travellers alike in 2025.
References:
- China Daily
- Lonely Planet
- South China Morning Post
- CN Traveler
- Chongqing Immigration Bureau
Travelers seeking an extraordinary mix of urban lifestyle and natural beauty should consider visiting the vibrant city of Chongqing. The city's surge in tourism, fueled by its distinctive attractions and appealing cyberpunk-like atmosphere, makes it a top choice for both domestic and international tourists, attracting over 1.3 million inbound tourists in 2024.
