What to Do in Chongqing at Night: Top Attractions & Night Views
Chongqing is one of those cities that’s just better at night. You will see the fog illuminating the lit-up skyline. The city is so unique and beautiful, and at night it’s truly even more special. That’s part of why it got the nickname of cyber-punk city. I love seeing all the cool skyscrapers light up. People even gather at the famous places like Hongya Cave to see the lights switch on. There are really cool drone shows on Saturday evenings. Plus, you can’t miss eating hot pot with a skyline view at night. So if you’re wondering what to do in Chongqing at night, read on.
I traveled solo to Chongqing and felt completely safe, but this was one of the most confusing cities I’ve ever visited. It’s built on multiple levels, with roads, bridges, and buildings stacked on top of each other. Getting lost is almost part of the experience, but that’s exactly what makes Chongqing so unique. If you are looking for more unique things to do in the city, check out my other detailed guide here.
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Before you visit:
⚠️ You won’t be able to access Instagram, TikTok, Google, and WhatsApp unless you use an eSIM like Airalo. Be sure to download it ahead of your trip.
Apps to Download:
🛡️ ExpressVPN (best vpn to access banned websites like Google)
📖 Baidu Translate (Mandarin translator)
🚕 DiDi (ride-hailing app)
💰 Alipay (digital payments; carry cash as backup)
💬 WeChat (will be necessary to communicate with hotel staff & locals)
🗺️ AMap (to navigate as Google Maps is blocked)
📌 Rednote (local tips)
🈶 Language: Mandarin
📱Stay connected with a with Airalo
☀️ Best time to visit: Spring (Mar–May) or Autumn (Sep–Nov)
💴 Currency: Renminbi (RMB / CNY) – remove a 0 to get approximate GBP (¥100 → ~£10)
💜 Tipping: Not expected
💸 Budget for a trip to China: ~$50-$70/day for mid-range travel
🏥 Travel Insurance in China: Don’t forget to get SafetyWing travel insurance for medical emergencies and travel delays
What to do in Chongqing at Night
1. See the lights switch on at Hongya Cave
Every evening, the lights switch on at Hongya Cave after sunset. It’s a whole event, and people gather around to watch it. The switch-on time depends on the sunset, so in summer it’s around 7 pm while in winter it’s around 6:30 pm (be sure to check ahead in case).
2. Take a Yangtze River Night Cruise
This was one of my favorite activities to do at night in Chongqing. Don’t miss it! I loved relaxing on a river cruise and seeing the cyber-punk city glow up at night. The ride lasted about an hour, taking you through the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You will have commentary on board so you can learn interesting facts about Chongqing. The modern buildings and skyscrapers in Chongqing just have a huge wow factor. Everyone is lit up a different bright color. The cruise dock was located near Raffles City, and the cruise lasted about 45 minutes.
3. Visit the Cloud Eye Observatory
Although I visited during the day, this spot is particularly amazing at night. It is one of the most classic spots to visit for a view of Chongqing with the electric red staircase. If I had time, I would have visited at sunset to see it during the day and at night. Regardless, the Cloud Observatory had one of the best night views in Chongqing. You will definitely feel the cyberpunk city vibes here at night.
4. Climb Raffles City Skybridge
Raffles City is one of the top attractions in Chongqing, especially at night! First of all, the building is so cool to see in the evening, and it has such a unique design. I actually saw this view from my night cruise, and before that, I was brave enough to climb the skywalk. It’s super safe as you’re secured in a harness. But if you’re afraid of heights, it won’t be for you.
5. Watch the Drone Show
The drone show is one of the coolest activities to do at night in Chongqing. It happens every Saturday evening (if there’s rain, it will be rescheduled). The best places to watch it are Nanbin Road along the riverbank, the Jiangbeizui / Grand Theater area, or Chaotianmen Square. I got this far-away view from the hotpot restaurant called 黄玉明烧烤, but you will have to really zoom to get a good photo. I just happened to be here when it took place.
6. Eat Hotpot with a Skyline View
This hidden hotpot restaurant is called 黄玉明烧烤 and you really can’t miss it. I almost skipped it because I wasn’t sure if it was open. I heard from a local it was closed, but I’m glad I tried my luck and went. It was actually the number 1 thing I did because the views were unreal. The ambience was so nice with all the people sitting out to watch the view and enjoy their hotpot. It’s a bit difficult to find, so be sure to check out my post here which explains how to get here!
7. Eat at Bayi Food Street
If you’re a foodie, then you will love Bayi Food Street. It’s right next to the busy Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street but more local and a little less well-known. Just be aware that if you don’t like spicy food, it can be on the spicy side, so check before ordering. Some things I recommend trying in Chongqing are Chongqing xiaomian (spicy noodles), mala skewers (chili oil skewers), suanlafen (hot and sour glass noodles), and douhua (silky tofu pudding).
8. Explore Jiefangbei
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is the busiest part of Chongqing, and somewhere I definitely recommend visiting after dark when everything is lit up. It’s packed with shopping malls, restaurants, and street performers, making it one of the liveliest areas in the city.
The main landmark here is the People’s Liberation Monument, which sits in the center of the pedestrian square. It’s the perfect place to do a bit of people-watching. If you’re looking to shop, you’ll also find popular malls like Chongqing Times Square and Starlight 68 Plaza nearby.
9. Visit Longmenhao Old Street
Longmenhao Old Street is a beautiful, historic hillside neighborhood with traditional architecture. There are many different levels, so it’s easy to get a bit lost. It’s great to explore during the day and even more magical at night. You will find views of the river and plenty of outdoor cafés to relax in. Because it’s built into a steep cliffside, finding the absolute best photo spots can be tricky. The spot above had me in circles and once I finally found it, the sun had set. Read my full guide for the exact coordinates to find it.
10. Go to the Village of Xiahaoli
If you’re already visiting Longmenhao, make sure to stop by Xiahaoli afterward since it’s only a short walk away. Both are in Chongqing’s Nan’an District, so it’s easy to combine them into one evening.
On the way, you’ll pass the Xiahaoli Night Market, where you can grab some local street food before exploring the old street itself. Chongqing has some amazing night food markets and this was one of my favorites.
Xiahaoli has a completely different feel, with traditional mountain-city architecture, lantern-lit alleyways, and beautiful views over the historic neighborhood. While the area has been restored in recent years, it still feels old and charming.
Don’t miss the different viewpoints around the old street; They offer the best spots to take in the rooftops and winding lanes below. This spot is particularly better to visit at night, in my opinion.
Where to Stay in Chongqing
I stayed at a few different hotels during my time in Chongqing. I wanted to test out a few because China is known for its epic hotels at affordable prices. The one that stood out the most was Iseya Panoramic Hotel. It is one of the best hotels with a night view of Chongqing. For $250, you can stay in a room with a giant pool inside. They have rooms as little as $100 too. With this, you get free afternoon tea, a private butler, access to a storm spa, and more!
Check out my Instagram video to see the whole room tour.
Indition High Altitude Hotel is pretty similar to Iseya and has incredible views from the room from day to night. I stayed here too, and they have a few rooms that are a bit cheaper at $50 a night, but the rooms that are around $200 are really special!
If you’re more so on a budget, I highly recommend YOLO Skyline Riverview Designer Hotel. This is where I stayed at the start of my trip.
Hopefully, this post helps you better plan your trip to Chongqing. What do you think? Do you prefer Chongqing during the day or night? Let me know in the comments below.
For more reading, you may also like:
Unique Things to do in Chongqing
Solo Travel in China
