Chongqing Night Views Guide (Chongqing Nightlife)
Chongqing’s night view rivals Shanghai’s Bund, with a hint of cyberpunk.
Location: Chongqing Municipality, China
Type: One of China’s most beautiful city night views, Chongqing’s mountain city at night, Chongqing nightlife guide
In recent years, Chongqing Going Viral on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has captured the attention of millions, with people mesmerized by this cyberpunk-style mountain city. But what you’ve seen so far is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Chongqing’s night views.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 12 most popular and breathtaking nightscapes in Chongqing. Plus, we’ll dive into the city’s vibrant nightlife, including night markets, restaurants, and bars that offer stunning views of the Chongqing’s skyline.
Table of Contents
Top 12 Chongqing Night Views
If you’ve seen any viral night view videos of Chongqing on TikTok or Instagram, chances are most of them are from Hongya Cave. Built into the side of a mountain, the architecture keeps the traditional Chongqing stilt house vibe but also blends in modern design elements, giving the area both a historic and a contemporary feel.
As night falls, each floor of Hongya Dong lights up with warm yellow lights, making the whole place shine like gold. You can catch the best view of it from the Qiansimen Bridge. From there, you get a full view of both the river and the entire Hongya Cave area.
Inside Hongya Cave, you’ll find a lively commercial district packed with restaurants, entertainment spots, and shops. There are tons of little shops selling local snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. And the air is filled with the mouth-watering scent of Chongqing hotpot—it’ll definitely make you hungry!
Chinese Name: 洪崖洞
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (The exterior lights turn on from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Ticket: Free
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (Chongqing's Most Famous Pedestrian Street)
Jiefangbei is one of the most iconic landmarks in Chongqing and the city’s busiest shopping district. It’s not just home to huge malls and financial centers, but also boasts many historic buildings. The streets are lined with skyscrapers covered in neon lights and billboards, making the whole pedestrian area feel like one giant light show.
Every night, the area comes alive with street performances, sales promotions, and traditional Chinese craft stalls, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also find all kinds of food stalls and restaurants here, ranging from street snacks to fancy dining spots. Whether you’re craving Chongqing hotpot, spicy chicken, or the famous Chongqing noodles, you’ll find it all at Jiefangbei.
Chinese Name: 解放碑
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at JiaoChangKou Station, then exit at Gate 9 to reach Jiefangbei.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Ticket: Free
Deyi World (A Cyberpunk Street in Chongqing)
Near Jiefangbei, there’s a street that feels like the most cyberpunk spot in Chongqing—Deyi World. When night falls, the neon signs light up, transforming the place into a colorful, almost cartoonish world, like stepping into Chongqing’s “metaverse.” Every night, a ton of young people come here to dive into the cyberpunk vibe, soaking in the neon glow and cheering in excitement.
A standout feature is that there are tons of great spots for photos, and even with just your phone, you can get those epic, cinematic shots. At the entrance, you can use a 0.5x wide-angle to snap the full neon spectacle. Plus, the steam vapor platforms near the entrance make for another perfect photo op.
Beyond the cyberpunk scenes, Deyi World is also home to various entertainment spots, including KTVs, bars, and night markets, offering a wide range of nightlife options. It’s also a hub for foreign cultures, reflecting Chongqing’s openness and international vibe.
Chinese Name: 得意世界
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at JiaoChangKou Station. Exit at Gate 9, and it’s a short 100-meter walk to Deyi World.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Ticket: Free
Longmenhao Old Street (A Classic Chongqing Mountain City Street)
Beyond the cyberpunk style, Chongqing also has plenty of traditional old streets that capture the city’s mountain vibe. One of the most famous is Longmenhao Old Street. At night, the street lights up with beautiful decorations, and the rows of shops, cozy cafés, and unique restaurants give it a lively, charming atmosphere. Whether it’s sunset or nighttime, you’ll find a picturesque shot wherever you go.
Longmenhao Old Street is home to a lot of historic architecture, like the old Customs Villa, Embassy Villa, and foreign trade warehouses. The old brick-and-tile buildings mix perfectly with the modern vibe, creating a one-of-a-kind view. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved buildings from the Republic of China era, and enjoy a glimpse of Chongqing’s ancient charm.
Chinese Name: 龙门浩老街
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station, exit at Gate 1, and it’s about a 100-meter walk to Longmenhao Old Street.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Ticket: Free
Xiahaoli Old Street (Another Classic Chongqing Mountain City Street)
Xiahaoli Old Street is right next to Longmenhao Old Street. On this charming little street, you’ll find all kinds of interesting shops. There’s a vintage store, a hand-painted postcard shop (highly recommended—affordable and the designs are super cute), a Buddhist sculpture exhibition, and a children’s lantern painting gallery. Everywhere you look, there’s something fun and unique.
As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you can admire ancient architecture and temples from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can also try your hand at traditional crafts like paper cutting and embroidery, or taste some of Chongqing’s famous dishes like hotpot, mahua (fried dough twists), and spicy noodles. During Chinese traditional festivals, you might even catch a lion or dragon dance performance.
Xiahaoli Old Street is especially magical at night. The lighting, whether bright or dim, perfectly complements the old buildings, creating a vibe that feels both classic and modern. The hilly terrain of the mountain city adds a unique sense of layers, and with no noisy traffic or crowded streets, time here seems to slow down.
Chinese Name: 下浩里老街
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 6 or the Circular Line to Shangxin Street Station. Exit at Gate 1, walk about 20 meters, then turn right down the stone stairs to reach Xiahaoli Old Street.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Ticket: Free
Tanzishi Old Street
Tanzishi Old Street is one of the best-preserved ancient streets in Chongqing, with a history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The architecture here is a blend of styles—ancient Ming and Qing buildings, Republic-era structures, and modern designs. At night, the street transforms with colorful lights. Lanterns hang from the sides of the street, and the trees are lit with tiny twinkling lights, creating a magical, dreamy atmosphere.
Tucked away in the alleys of Tanzishi Old Street are many unique little shops. Each one has its own vibe, filled with beautiful handmade crafts, silverware, wooden carvings, and more. It’s a great place to find special keepsakes, and you can really appreciate the art of handcrafts while shopping.
But Tanzishi Old Street is more than just a street—it’s a creative hub. You’ll meet lots of young artists who share their stories through their work. The graffiti on the walls, art installations, and small galleries all showcase Chongqing’s cultural depth and vibrant energy.
Chinese Name: 弹子石老街
How to Get There: Take Chongqing Light Rail Line 3 to Tanzishi Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Guanyinqiao Commercial District
Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street is one of Chongqing’s most famous shopping districts, home to tons of well-known brand stores, large malls, and food courts. Every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM, the red lanterns and neon lights along the street bring a strong touch of Chinese culture.
Throughout the year, the area hosts various cultural festivals, like the Lantern Festival during Chinese New Year, moon-viewing for Mid-Autumn, and National Day celebrations, drawing plenty of visitors. Plus, there are many cultural venues nearby, such as museums, art galleries, and libraries, offering a great mix of cultural and entertainment options for tourists.
Chongqing’s young people love to gather here, enjoying the unique rhythm of life in this magical mountain city. The fountains along the pedestrian street shoot colorful water jets in sync with music, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life wonderland. You can even sit on the steps and snap some beautiful photos to capture the moment.
Chinese Name: 观音桥商圈
How to Get There: Take Chongqing Subway Line 3 to Guanyinqiao Station, and it’s just a short walk from there.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town is the most famous ancient town in Chongqing, home to a wealth of local cultural relics and historic buildings. It’s a place to explore intangible cultural heritage, like Bashu embroidery, Sichuan opera performances, and traditional tea ceremonies.
As night falls, the bustling activity of the day fades away, replaced by a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Lanterns hang from the eaves of buildings, and the ancient architecture glows under the soft lights, creating a beautiful, nostalgic scene.
At night, Ciqikou comes alive. Small pubs and tea houses open their doors, and activities like folk music and theater performances make the town feel even more vibrant. For example, the Zhuanyun Tower hosts Sichuan opera face-changing shows, and the entry fee is only 18 yuan in the evening—a total bargain! Also, the local food scene is a major highlight, with bustling food stalls and restaurants everywhere.
Chinese Name: 磁器口古镇
How to Get There: Take Chongqing Subway Line 1 to Ciqikou Station. Exit from Gate 1, and walk about 5 minutes along Mictong Road to reach the entrance of the ancient town.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Shibati
Shibati is a key road connecting Chongqing’s upper and lower areas. It also preserves many historical and cultural landmarks, like traditional Chinese alleys, former foreign consulates, and the Chongqing Bombing Memorial. These historical remnants make Shibati a window into the city’s past.
At night, Shibati is transformed into a vibrant ribbon of color. Layer upon layer of colorful flowers and red lanterns create a mesmerizing scene. The lights filter through the scattered wooden buildings, gently spilling over the ancient walls, with a gradual transition between warm and cool hues, resembling the clear sky after a rainy night. It’s a stunning display of Chongqing’s unique nighttime beauty.
Chinese Name: 十八梯
How to Get There: Take Chongqing Subway Line 1 or Line 2 to Jiaochangkou Station. Exit at Gate 4, and walk about 139 meters to reach Shibati.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Nanshan Yike Tree Scenic Area (Best Spot for Viewing Chongqing's Skyline)
Nanshan Yike Tree is the best place to take in a panoramic view of Chongqing city, especially for those looking to capture its stunning night scenery. Located at an altitude of about 590 meters, it offers a 360-degree viewing platform for a full cityscape.
During the day, the sunlight shines over the city’s skyscrapers and winding rivers, with landmarks like Jiefangbei, Hongya Dong, and Chaotianmen standing out beautifully in the sun.
When night falls, the city lights up, creating a dazzling starry river effect. From the observation deck, you’ll see countless lights reflecting off the river, with neon signs, car lights, and lights across the river blending together into a stunning scene, mixing movement and stillness in a beautiful way.
Chinese Name: 南山一棵树
How to Get There: Take the subway to “Shangxinjie” Station, exit from Gate 2, walk to the “Yitianmen” bus stop, transfer to Bus 346 and get off at “Chongwenlu Kou” Station, then walk 14 minutes to the site.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM)
Ticket: 30 CNY (approx. 4.15 USD) per person
Nanbin Road (Best Place for an Evening Walk in Chongqing)
Nanbin Road is a 25-kilometer-long urban scenic avenue, beautifully lit up at night by neon lights, resembling a dazzling starry river. Not only does it feature landmarks like the Raffles Square, but it also offers a 360-degree view of the charming Yuzhong Peninsula, showcasing the city’s allure from every angle.
Chinese Name: 南滨路
Hong'en Temple Park (Best Temple to Visit at Night in Chongqing)
The lights at Hong’en Pavilion begin shining at 7:00 PM, casting vibrant colors that evoke the grandeur of China’s Tang Dynasty, making it a perfect spot for photos in traditional Chinese attire. The glazed tiles of Hong’en Temple look especially beautiful under the lights.
The park’s bridges, flowing water, and pavilions are beautifully illuminated, creating a timeless, elegant atmosphere. Strolling through the park feels like stepping into a night from a thousand years ago. From the highest point at Hong’en Pavilion, you can overlook the night views of Jiangbei, Yuzhong, and Shapingba Districts, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Chinese Name: 鸿恩寺公园
How to Get There: Take Chongqing Light Rail Line 5 to Dashiba Station, exit at Gate 3A, and walk about 1.1 kilometers (around 16 minutes) to Hong’en Temple Park.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Lights turn on from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Ticket: Free
Most Popular Food Streets in Chongqing at Night
Guanyinqiao Food Street (观音桥好吃街)
If you’re visiting Chongqing, exploring the bustling food streets at night is one of the things to do in Chongqing. Most of the street food here is run by local vendors, whose expert skills and authentic flavors ensure the food stays true to its roots. One highlight is the preparation of Chongqing hotpot base, where you can find the most authentic taste—whether it’s the spicy numbing flavor or the clear broth, the rich taste and variety of ingredients give you a full experience of Chongqing’s unique food culture.
The night market stalls are spread out, with many vendors setting up temporary dining areas for tourists to enjoy their meals. The lively atmosphere is often accompanied by street performances, making the dining experience even more fun. Whether you’re eating standing up or sitting at small tables, the vibe here is full of local flavor and energy.
Bayi Food Street (八一好吃街)
Bayi Food Street is located on Bayi Road near Jiefangbei. It offers a variety of Chinese dishes, from traditional Chongqing hotpot, skewers, sour and spicy noodles, to authentic grilled pig’s feet, spicy rabbit heads, and sweet red sugar rice cakes. Each dish will make your mouth water and satisfy your taste buds. However, due to the street’s growing popularity, food prices have also risen. Many of the well-known eateries have raised their prices over the years, and the taste has become a subject of debate, but they still attract large crowds of tourists.
Aside from the food, Bayi Food Street is also filled with cultural vibes. Graffiti walls on the streets, decorations on the stalls, and the never-ending flow of people showcase the warm hospitality of Chongqing locals. It’s not just a food lover’s paradise but also a great place to experience the city’s culture.
Most Popular Malls in Chongqing at Night
Halo Shopping Park (Chongqing Ring Mall)
If you ask which shopping mall in Chongqing is the most worth visiting at night, it has to be Halo Shopping Park (Chongqing Ring Mall). The mall brings the natural elements of forests and waterfalls into the shopping environment, creating China’s first “urban natural community.”
Inside the park, the Light Garden has over 300 types of plants, flowing waterfalls, and aerial walkways, making you feel like you’ve entered a tropical rainforest. On the top of the mall, there are 7 “floating trees” and a 20-meter high waterfall, recreating scenes from the movie Avatar, full of dreamlike beauty.
Besides the nature-inspired environment, Halo Shopping Park also features entertainment facilities such as a basketball court and a bookstore, making it a great place to bring children. Each floor has a nursery room, offering free diapers, wet wipes, and hand sanitizers, along with clean restroom facilities, providing a comfortable environment for both parents and children.
Chinese Name: 重庆光环购物公园
Starlight 68 Plaza
If Halo Shopping Park is a forest world, then Starlight 68 Plaza is an ocean world.
This mall houses the largest indoor 360-degree panoramic cylindrical aquarium in Asia, with 1,500 tons of seawater and hundreds of species of fish and deep-sea creatures, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and angelfish. Every afternoon at 3 p.m., a mermaid show is held, attracting numerous visitors to watch.
It’s also a gathering place for high-end luxury goods, featuring international luxury brands like LV, Gucci, Zegna, and Versace, meeting the shopping needs of high-end consumers.
Chinese Name: 重庆星光68广场
Restaurants with a View of the Chongqing Skyline
Huang Yumings BBQ
Huang Yumings BBQ is located on Tushan Mountain in the Nan’an District. This place is not only a food gathering spot but also an excellent location to enjoy the night view of Chongqing. You can savor delicious BBQ while enjoying the beautiful sunset and the stunning city skyline, especially the night views of the Dongshuimen Bridge and Raffles Square, making you feel like you’re in a scene from La La Land.
The dishes at Huang Yumings BBQ are rich and flavorful. The signature BBQ is the fatty but not greasy pork belly, paired with fresh vegetables and refreshing dipping sauces, creating an exceptional taste. Additionally, the restaurant offers specialty ingredients such as Yunnan beef sausages and Guizhou black-haired pig meat, seasoned with five-spice cumin chili powder for a perfect sensory experience.
Chinese Name: 黄玉明烤肉店
Address: 88 meters northwest of the Lianhua Village Community Police Station, Yitianmen Street, Nan’an District, Chongqing.
Business Hours: Monday to Friday from 11:00-14:00 and 16:30-22:00, and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00-22:00.
COMMUNE幻师 (Changjiahui Branch)
COMMUNE幻师 restaurant is located on North Binjiang Road in Chongqing. It features a stylish and minimalist décor with spacious interiors and a strong atmospheric lighting design. Particularly noteworthy is the outdoor bar area, which sits at the confluence of the two rivers, offering a distant view of landmark buildings such as Raffles Square. The nighttime view is especially captivating.
Chinese Name: COMMUNE幻师 (长嘉汇店)
Address: 63 Taichang Road, Tanzishi Street, Nan’an District, Chongqing, L5 Fashion Zone, Changjiahui Shopping Park.
Business Hours: 11:00 AM − 03:00 AM
Go Nanshan Nightview Hotpot
This hotpot restaurant is nestled on the mountainside, surrounded by ancient trees, offering a chance to enjoy hotpot while taking in the stunning view of the entire mountain city. The menu is rich with delicious dishes. Recommended items include the signature fresh tripe, fresh bamboo shoots from Jinfo Mountain, and tender beef — all fresh, crisp, and flavorful.
Chinese Name: 去南山夜景火锅店
Address: No. 88, Zhenwu Mountain, Nan’an District, Chongqing
Business Hours: 11:00 AM − 11:00 PM
Huzao Jiang'an Old Hotpot (Hongyadong Branch)
Located below the Hongyadong area, Huzao Jiang’an Old Hotpot offers a unique dining experience with the sparkling waters of the Jialing River on one side and the spicy, aromatic hotpot on the other. The contrast of the delicious flavors and stunning views makes it unforgettable. The restaurant is directly across from the Grand Theatre, with dazzling lights at night, perfect for photos and creating a fantastic atmosphere. Each dining spot provides a river view, and there’s an outdoor terrace as well. Additionally, the restaurant features live music performances every week, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal while listening to great music.
Recommended dishes include double chili beef, fresh tripe from the slaughterhouse, licorice fruit, and extra-long crab sticks. The double chili beef is coated in chili, and after boiling, it leaves behind a lingering spicy flavor. The tripe is fresh, crispy, and aromatic. The licorice fruit has a refreshing taste, with a balance of sweet and slightly spicy flavors.
Chinese Name: 壶灶·江岸老火锅 (洪崖洞总店)
Address: 10 Axis, Mi’an Commercial Street, Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District (below Hongyadong, along the riverside)
Business Hours: 11:00 AM − 00:30 AM
Bars with a View of the Chongqing Skyline
Latitude 30° Chongqing Eye Bar
Located at the Changjiahui Shopping Park on Chongqing’s Nanbin Road, the Chongqing Eye Bar sits on the two-river observation platform, offering a direct view of Raffles City and the Jiangbei Grand Theatre, with a stunning panoramic view of the entire Chongqing’s skyline.
The bar offers a variety of signature cocktails and single malt whiskies, each with exceptional flavors. The “Chongqing Eye” cocktail, in particular, is smooth with a subtle spiciness, perfectly capturing the essence of Chongqing’s unique taste.
Chinese Name: 北纬30°重庆之眼酒吧
Address: 6th Floor, Changjiahui Shopping Park, Taichang Road 69, Nan’an District
Business Hours: 18:30 − 03:00
Suzie's Sky Bar
Located on the 74th floor of the WFC Global Financial Center in Jiefangbei, Suzie’s Sky Bar is the first high-altitude bar in Southwest China. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Raffles City and the confluence of the two rivers at Jiangbei, with the night skyline being especially spectacular.
The bar is divided into two areas: the House area, which is ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, and the Lounge area, which offers a quieter space with a selection of niche jazz music—perfect for those seeking solitude. The bar also frequently hosts performances by well-known rappers, paired with signature cocktails, creating a relaxed and enjoyable vibe.
Chinese Name: 苏丝的天空高空酒吧
Address: 74th Floor, WFC Global Financial Center, 188 Minzu Road (Take the elevator to the 74th floor from the 69th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel)
Business Hours: 18:30 − 02:30
Esmi Bar
Esmi Bar is designed based on earth art, with a futuristic, sci-fi feel. The venue is equipped with high-tech devices like a 4D holographic surround screen, immersing guests in a cinematic experience. Esmi Bar frequently hosts international electronic music artists, rappers, and more, delivering spectacular performances. The combination of the DJ and live microphone creates a perfect harmony, making the live atmosphere incredible and allowing customers to fully enjoy the nightlife.
Although Esmi Bar boasts high-end facilities and services, the prices are quite reasonable. The cost-performance ratio of the drinks is impressive, with a variety of packages to choose from. For example, a package under 200 CNY includes liqueur, soda, Sprite, and fruit platters, catering to various spending preferences.
Chinese Name: Esmi 酒吧
Address: No. 42 Liyuchi, Guanyinqiao, Jiangbei District
Business Hours: 17:00 − 05:00
Chongqing Performances Going Viral on Social Media
Chongqing · 1949
If you ask for the most recommended performance to watch in Chongqing at night, the answer is definitely Chongqing·1949. Set against the backdrop of Chongqing during the days leading up to its liberation, this show uses bold and innovative artistic techniques combined with advanced, complex technology to present different narrative scenes in a multi-dimensional way. The performance adopts a montage-style interpretation, creating a unique spatial ambiance. The stage settings include stilted buildings, stone steps, archways, and grand ships, recreating scenes such as the Ciqikou dock, prison watchtowers, and iron cells. The audience seats rotate along with the stage, enhancing the immersive experience.
Chinese Name: 重庆·1949表演
Address: No. 999 Jinbi Street, Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing
Performance Times: Daily at 14:00, 16:00, and 19:30, each lasting approximately 80 minutes
Ticket Price: 298 CNY – 888 CNY per person (about 42 – 124 USD depending on seat selection)
FAQs About Chongqing
1. Is Chongqing safe?
As one of China’s most vibrant cities in terms of night economy, over 60% of Chongqing’s consumption happens at night. Therefore, even at midnight, the streets are brightly lit. This has been the case for the past 20 years, and tourists can walk around without worrying about robbery, theft, or other crimes.
In addition to public safety, Chongqing’s geographical advantages, surrounded by mountains, help shield it from natural disasters like typhoons and sandstorms. You won’t find sandstorms, typhoons, or heavy snow here, and the city’s earthquake risk is one of the lowest in China, making it a very safe place.
2. Is Chongqing in Chengdu?
Chongqing is not in Chengdu. It is one of China’s four direct-controlled municipalities, while Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province.
3. What to do in Chongqing at night?
There are three must-do activities in Chongqing at night:
- Enjoy an authentic Chongqing hotpot by the riverside with friends.
- Visit popular attractions like Hongyadong, Jiefangbei, and Ciqikou to admire the stunning night views of the city.
- Head to a rooftop bar to sip drinks while overlooking the spectacular Chongqing’s skyline.
Tips for Enjoying Chongqing’s Nightlife
Chongqing’s subway system is very well-developed, making it the best option for getting around at night. It’s fast and convenient, and even during peak hours, you won’t face traffic congestion. The operating hours for Chongqing’s rail system are from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
At night, many of the city’s attractions feature costumed performers and living statues (often bronze figures) who offer to take photos with you. Be aware that these photo opportunities usually come with a fee. You can politely decline and walk away if you don’t wish to pay—just be cautious to avoid being scammed.
