I traveled solo to China\u2019s viral \u201ccyberpunk city\u201d, Chongqing (pronounced \u201cChongCHing\u201d) <\/em>to see if it lives up to the hype, and I can confirm\u2026 it definitely does! However, I have to admit that most of the videos you see are highly staged or constantly reposted, and it\u2019s slightly difficult to navigate, especially solo. <\/p>\n But once you get the hang of things using these Chongqing travel tips, you\u2019ll be zipping around town like pro!<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever searched for Chongqing on social media,<\/em> you\u2019ve probably seen the same clips over and over again. The sexy girl hanging off the side of a skyscraper and riding on the back of a motorcycle (I did both). A monorail going through a building (or in\/out of peoples\u2019\u2026holes<\/em>). And while they\u2019re not fake, they\u2019re definitely a bit curated, but still 100% worth it to see \u2013 and so much more!<\/p>\n While I didn\u2019t have much interest in \u201ceating the train\u201d (the monoraoil that goes through an apartment building), I absolutely loved the options for adrenaline pumping activities that come with photographers, and the futuristic iconic hotels that have ruined any other hotel experience for me moving forward.<\/p>\n It was slightly confusing and difficult at times, especially as a solo traveler, but I easily figured things out with the help of the apps and simply by asking locals using a translator app.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re just looking for some Chongqing travel tips, planning a Chongqing itinerary, looking for the best <\/strong>things to do in Chongqing,<\/strong> or wondering if it\u2019s a good destination for solo female travel in China, here\u2019s everything you need to know about Chongqing to help you plan a trip there.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t want to go to China solo? Join one of my group trips there next year! Fill out the 2027 Group Trips Poll <\/a>to get notified first!<\/strong><\/p>\n OR \u2013 let us plan your private trip! We now have a team dedicated to creating seamless trips in countries that are very difficult to plan logistics in, and China is one of them! We have all the connections, so simply tell us your dates, number of people, and your budget (low, medium, luxury), and we\u2019ll send you a quote! Email: Info@mylifesamovie.com<\/strong><\/p>\n Traveling in China, especially in a city like Chongqing, feels very different from other destinations because everything runs through mobile ecosystems and they aren\u2019t anything you\u2019ve used back home. <\/p>\n In fact, your typical apps are likely blocked, and there\u2019s ways to unblock them, but they\u2019re basically useless when it comes to logistics and functioning in China!<\/p>\n Understand right now that you cannot do anything without AliPay<\/strong>, and that it requires you to have an eSIM, and that WeChat is the only way you\u2019ll ever get in touch with tour guides (some have whatsapp but it\u2019s not common), get your photos from photoshoots, or read food menus.\u00a0<\/p>\n So embrace the new adventure of learning foreign apps, and then bask in the glory of how genius and convenient they are.<\/p>\n Once you get used to this system, navigating Chongqing\u2014and China in general\u2014becomes much more manageable.<\/p>\n Getting to China and going through immigration is a lot easier than most people probably think! Just make sure you have all the right documentation ready, especially if you\u2019re doing the 72 hour or 240 hour visa free option! *See my full blog post about that here:<\/p>\n To Get to Chongqing,<\/p>\n By Plane:<\/strong><\/p>\n Fly into Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport\u00a0 (CKG) <\/strong>or you can also fly into any major city, then fly there domestically (might be cheaper). I always use THIS WEBSITE<\/a> to find the cheapest flight options!<\/p>\n By Train:<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also reach Chongqing by fast train from nearby cities like Zhangjiajie! I would recommend mapping the directions from your hotel in the first city to your hotel in Chongqing, because there are multiple stations and you want to pick the closest one!<\/p>\n I hate to say it, but you might get more accurate results if you ask Claude or other AI apps. From there, you can easily use Trip.com<\/a> to book the train tickets. This is definitely something you want to do in advance!<\/p>\n The high-speed train system in China is one of the best in the world. It\u2019s fast, clean, and efficient, so if you have the time, it\u2019s worth experiencing at least once instead of flying! I felt safe on the trains, but I also booked a first class and business ticket!<\/p>\n Use Didi to Get to Your Hotel<\/strong><\/p>\n Once you arrive, expect a bit of sensory overload at first! This is not a small or simple city\u2014but transportation within the city itself is very accessible with Didi!<\/p>\n Have your hotel name and address ready, and also the Chinese translation for it!<\/p>\n I felt really safe even when going out at night, I\u2019d say the most unsafe parts were all the crazy cool photoshoot activities! However, I\u2019m a professional solo traveler, so my idea of \u201csafe\u201d or \u201cdangerous\u201d is a bit different than most peoples\u2019. <\/p>\n To elaborate, if you\u2019re wondering \u201cis Chongqing safe for solo female travelers,\u201d<\/em> my experience was overwhelmingly positive. I walked around at night, took rides alone, and explored different neighborhoods without any issues.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to solo travel or solo travel in China, please check out some of my solo female travel safety posts <\/a>and tips!<\/p>\n The only thing that could be considered unsafe are those harnesses and safety clips, and lack of safety gear on the motorcycle! (Half jokes)<\/em><\/p>\n Chongqing feels busy and intense, but not unsafe. The biggest risks honestly come from the adrenaline-style activities that are designed to look extreme, but even those are controlled environments with safety measures in place.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my list of favorite things I did, and what there is to do and see in Chongqing, including everything I\u2019ve been posting on social media!<\/p>\n ****look for 360 pic!<\/p>\n Wander Jiefangbei Pedestrian road, which is an area for a modern\/cyber feel, and has everything from luxury shops, a mini Manhattan, and all the touristy things. While you\u2019re there do the skyscraper rappelling<\/a>! More info on that in the next section.<\/p>\n This is essentially the center of the action and one of the best places to experience that \u201cChongqing cyberpunk city\u201d<\/strong> aesthetic. Giant LED screens, endless shopping, and a constant buzz of energy make it one of the most iconic areas in the city.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also a short walk to Hongyadong Cave, so you can plan to do both of those around the same time!<\/p>\n Exploring Hongyadong Cave is a must (pro tip go during the day to avoid crowds). It\u2019s essentially a bunch of shops and restaurants carved into the side of the mountain and formed in existing little caves there. It reminded me of Chinese Fraggle Rock situation.<\/p>\n You can do a makeshift wine tasting at the Chinese wine shops (I ended up buying 4 bottles), eat hot pot overlooking the bay, do a geisha photoshoot, get your ears cleaned (yes it\u2019s a thing there), and souvenir shop. I would recommend going during the day since everyone goes at night, if you want to avoid extreme crowds.<\/p>\n Hongyadong is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chongqing and often shows up when people search \u201cChongqing night view\u201d<\/em> or \u201cChongqing skyline.\u201d <\/em>But again, I liked it during the day too!<\/p>\n Oh and the reason everyone goes at night, is of course because it\u2019s beautiful all lit up! But it\u2019s hard to see the lights from INSIDE the cave, so most people cross the bridge and look at it from over there. There\u2019s a cute tea house near the Chongqing Grand Theater as well!<\/p>\n Go to Raffles City and do the Skywalk <\/a>and Swing (links to book below), it\u2019s scary but fun! Well, at least it is for adrenaline junkies like me, I did have a friend say she did it and nearly sh*t herself.<\/p>\n Raffles City is more than just a mega mall, it\u2019s one of the most futuristic architectural landmarks in Chongqing. The \u201chorizontal skyscraper\u201d at the top is what gives it that viral, almost unreal look.<\/p>\n Inside, it\u2019s easy to get lost, but that\u2019s part of the experience. Between the shopping, restaurants, and attractions, you could easily spend hours here. However to be honest, I just went there for the activities, and to buy a new DJI camera.<\/p>\n True story: doing the adrenaline activities didn\u2019t scare me at all, but I was on the verge of a panic attack twice trying to figure out how to get out of the mall portion.<\/em><\/p>\n Definitely plan to wander Nanbin Road and the old town there which has beautiful restaurants with amazing views, minus the crowds! I went to this area on the last day and wished I would have stayed an extra night there! There\u2019s so many fabulous terrace bars and restaurants, all with breathtaking views of the city and bridge.\u00a0<\/p>\n The restaurants like the one on the photo above were in Longmenhao Old Street<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Nearby Nanbin Road is also where you can also do the motorcycle photoshoot (info to book below).<\/p>\n This area feels like a quieter contrast to the chaos of central Chongqing. If you\u2019re looking for best views in Chongqing without crowds, this is one of the best places to go.<\/p>\n Most people also go see the monorail through the apartment building and the 22 story multi-street level building, but I didn\u2019t have much interest in that. I think I did that when I was a kid at Epcot and was much more interested in the old towns and adrenaline activities.<\/p>\n These are some of the most searched attractions, especially for first-time visitors, but they are a bit hard to find on your own, so I\u2019d recommend just booking this day tour (in advance) to see them all without confusion: Chongqing Full Day Highlights Tour<\/a><\/p>\n Book at least one night at one of the viral hotels (see below), I can assure you that they\u2019re worth the splurge!<\/p>\n This is one of the biggest things that sets Chongqing apart from other cities\u2014the hotels are part of the attraction.<\/p>\n I stayed at two of the SEYA\/ISEYA hotels and they were pretty cool, but a bit expensive compared to others in the area. They\u2019re also kind of confusing to figure out which is which and also to find them, especially since they have the same name.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything you need to know about them!<\/p>\n SEYA Jiefangbei Flagship<\/a> which for some reason also goes by \u201cISEYA\u201d \u2013 this is the most viral one and also the more expensive one. Rooms are bigger and the location is more ideal for walkability. They also have a nice lobby with a beautiful bar, which doesn\u2019t exist at the other one.\u00a0<\/p>\n Inclusions were free five pieces of laundry, afternoon tea, and admission to the \u201cstorm spa\u201d, which is a strange shallow jacuzzi with 360 degree LED screens around it,\u00a0 that simulates being stuck in a massive storm at sea, with \u201crain falling down\u201d. I don\u2019t know why anyone would want to experience that (as someone who has crossed the Drake Passage 8 times) but it was interesting.\u00a0<\/p>\n Views are epic, and the oversized clear jacuzzis in the rooms are iconic! It\u2019s definitely worth at least a night there!<\/p>\n Just a little FYI so you\u2019re not surprised \u2014 this hotel, and most of the luxury ones, are not in their own buildings. They are in skyscrapers that have multiple businesses inside, and the hotels are only a few of the floors! So when you get to the building that SEYA is in, you need to go up to the 58th floor to reach the reception!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the exact address for SEYA Flagship: 58F, Yingli IFC, No.28 Minquan Road, Yuzhong District<\/p>\n PRO TIP:<\/strong> Do not use Google Maps to find either of these properties, I can confirm the pin on there is very wrong! Instead copy and paste the address into Didi to get there and you can also use that map to see exactly where it is!<\/em><\/p>\n Use this link to make sure you book the right location and to compare the cheapest rates, it should be around $190! Seya Jiefangbei Flagship<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n SEYA Panoramic Raffles City \u2013 more affordable but smaller rooms, still amazing views and a luxury experience. The lobby has incredible views and inclusions here were a photography session with 3 free photos, free 10 pieces of laundry, and the robot butler. <\/p>\n It\u2019s right across from Raffles too so it\u2019s ideal if you want to go do the Skywalk\/Swing\/restaurants there! Oh, and if you\u2019re into shopping, the downstairs of the building it\u2019s in is a massive local mall (think Shein IRL) with everything you can possibly think of, including luggage for everything you buy in China\u2026<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the exact address to use for Didi or a taxi:<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> 30\/F, Everbright Holdings Chaotianmen Center, No. 1 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400000, China. Reminder \u2014 the address on Google maps is incorrect, and it\u2019s also in a multi-use building (reception is on the 30th floor, use the elevators to the far right)<\/p>\n Use this link to book to correct location and compare the cheapest rates, it should be around $120! Seya Raffles City <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n On my last day in Chongqing, I had a flight at 2am the following day, which meant I didn\u2019t want to spend another $100-200 on the fancy hotels. I looked into a 24 hour spa, but that\u2019s more of a thing in Shanghai, so I searched for a cheap hotel to just store my valuables and freshen up before the flight. What I found was an incredible deal!<\/p>\n It was Su Hotel<\/a> on Nanbin Road<\/strong> and it was beautiful, simple, very well located, and only $30 per night! I would have stayed there multiple nights if I wasn\u2019t trying to live my best luxury hotel life at the Seya\u2019s!<\/p>\n This is a great option if you\u2019re searching for a Chongqing budget hotel with a great location that still feels aesthetic and well-located.<\/p>\n And now for the info most of you are probably looking for if you found me through social media! Chongqing is notorious for its super cool cyber punk aesthetics, but also the seemingly dangerous dare-devil activities (that are actually highly staged, and still a little dangerous).\u00a0<\/p>\n Here\u2019s some of the most famous ones and ones I liked the most.<\/p>\n Skyscraper rappelling<\/a> is probably the most viral photo\/video I\u2019ve seen in Chongqing. And yes, it really is at the top of a skyscraper! It\u2019s done on the rooftop of the 60th floor of an actual skyscraper, but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s with a matted landing area just 1.5 floors below.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a highly staged photoshoot where you\u2019re taught to do specific poses with and without props, and then photographers yell the instructions to you while you\u2019re up there.<\/p>\n Costumes are NOT available \u2013 most people dress up in their own cool \u201ccyber punk\u201d outfits, just make sure you wear something that\u2019s able to put a leg harness over (AKA not a skirt or dress).<\/p>\n Book this in advance and definitely get there by 7pm, because it\u2019s a first come, first service line up, and it gets crazy busy! Remember, lights go out in the city at 10pm!<\/p>\n Below is the correct link to book it, but super important \u2013 you need to book the entry to the observation deck AND<\/strong> the abseiling experience (not just the $30 entry), so the total price should be around $130 (depending on the date)<\/p>\n Click here to book: Skyscraper Rappelling in Chongqing<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n FYI and PRO TIP:<\/strong> The building it\u2019s in has a big sign that says \u201c131\u201d and a desk to check in at the bottom, then they\u2019ll let you up the elevator. From there, you get out at the top floor which is a strange pink exhibit thing, and you follow the arrows on the floor to then climb up about 3 more floors. You\u2019ll then be in a sketchy rooftop garage type area with graffitti everywhere, and there will be one more staircase up to the rooftop (also a former helipad). Go check in up there FIRST or you will get farther behind in line! After you check in and get a number, THEN go take all your photos at the observation deck area!<\/em><\/p>\n Chongqing\u2019s viral motorcycle video shoot is another really cool but really staged activity! Also one of the most viral videos circulating social media, but you\u2019ll quickly notice that they are all almost exactly the same!<\/p>\n Walking up to it feels like a little street biker gang event, except there\u2019s racks of clothes with sexy outfits and costumes, and videos being filmed everywhere! Like the rappelling, they will teach you the choreography for the video shoot, and then give you live instructions via a headset in the helmet as you ride the moto!<\/p>\n Also like the rappelling experience, you need to book this far in advance, and get there early to avoid long wait times!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the link to book it online, it should be around $90 or $93 with a costume rental! Chongqing Motorcycle Videoshoot <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n FYI and Pro Tip: <\/strong>They will contact you and send your video via WeChat, so make sure you have it! The location was also hard to find, but it should show on Didi as a 8-9minute drive north of Su Hotel.<\/em><\/p>\n Raffles City is mostly a giant mall and hotels, but my main interest in going there was specifically to do this skyscraper swing situation that one of my friends told me about. I just kind of showed up and asked for a ticket to that, and ended up getting one for the Skywalk as well. <\/p>\n I had no idea what the Skywalk even was, so you can imagine my surprise when they put a harness on me and sent me upstairs to the view in the photo above!<\/p>\n The Skywalk is honestly the highlight here, especially if you\u2019re looking for something that feels \u201cI probably should not be allowed to do this\u201d. You literally walk along the top of that horizontal skyscraper, and then you turn at the end to walk on a foot-wide path outside of the railing, with nothing on the other side besides the top of the skyscraper! You\u2019re connected to a safety line of course, BUT STILL! It\u2019s so wild!<\/p>\n Book your tickets in advance here and be sure to check the option that includes entrance + Skywalk + Cloud Swing : Raffles City Skywalk and Swing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n I ran out of time in Chongqing but I really wanted to do the rappelling in the Buddha cave and a day trip to Wulong \u2013 a lush natural beauty with waterfalls and rivers. I\u2019ll definitely be doing them next year!<\/p>\n It\u2019s around a 1.5 hour drive each way, so plan a full day to do it, and make sure you include the transportation with the ticket reservation!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a ticket option for just Wulong: Wulong Day Trip with Transfers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Chongqing](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0I8A4830-1-1024x1014.jpg\")
Essential Apps and Travel Tips for China<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Chongqing](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC5845-1024x813.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nHere\u2019s a breakdown of the essential apps you NEED in China:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Other general travel tips for China are:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How to Get to Chongqing, China<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_7848-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIs Chongqing \/ China Safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Is](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-02-165847-729x1024.png\")
Best of Chongqing \u2014 What to Do and See<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_7926-EDIT-1024x576.jpg\")
Wander Jiefangbei Pedestrian Road<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Explore Hongyadong Cave<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Chongqing](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-EDIT-925x1024.jpg\")
Go to Raffles City<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Raffles](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/66303504-683x1024.jpg\")
Eat and Chill at Nanbin Road<\/strong> \/ Xia Hao Lu<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_8167-EDIT-813x1024.jpg\")
\nThings Most People Also Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Stay Somewhere Iconic<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Seya](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-02-164510.png\")
Most Viral Hotels of Chongqing and Which Area to Stay In<\/strong><\/h2>\n
SEYA Jiefangbei Flagship<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_7632-1-1024x576.jpg\")
SEYA Panoramic (Raffles City)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Seya](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DSC00409-EDIT-1-1024x684.jpg\")
Chinese Address:<\/strong> \u91cd\u5e86\u5e02\u6e1d\u4e2d\u533a\u65b0\u534e\u8def1\u53f7\u5149\u5927\u63a7\u80a1\u671d\u5929\u95e8\u4e2d\u5fc330\u697c.
Nearby Landmarks:<\/strong> ~400 meters from Chaotianmen Square and close to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street<\/p>\n
\nBudget Hotels<\/strong> in Chongqing<\/h3>\n
![\"Budget](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-02-164835-1024x682.png\")
Top Viral Adventures to Book in Chongqing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Skyscraper Rappelling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-02-162222-968x1024.png\")
Chongqing\u2019s Viral Motorcycle Videoshoot<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Chongqing](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-02-163121.png\")
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\nRaffles City Skywalk and Cloud Swing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Raffles](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-03-080034-1024x594.png\")
<\/figure>\nDay Trips Outside of Chongqing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Ultimate](\"https:\/\/mylifesamovie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-101923.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n