Chongqing is a city that deserves to be explored on foot. Its multilevel urban landscape—with streets winding through mountains, rivers, and towering skyscrapers—makes walking the best way to get a true feel for its unique character. Unlike many cities, Chongqing’s 3D cityscape offers views and surprises around every corner. We especially love the 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour for its comprehensive look at the city’s incredible infrastructure, including a house-crossing metro train that runs through a building—an unforgettable sight.
If you’re after authentic local culture, the city’s historic alleyways like Shancheng Lane are perfect. For those pressed for time, quick jaunts through neighborhoods like Chongqing’s old docks or a scenic hill walk can still deliver a deep sense of place. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best walking tours in Chongqing, each offering a different window into this fascinating city.
1. 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour
This 8-hour guided tour covers Chongqing’s most astonishing urban sights, starting at E’ling Park with its panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The highlight is exploring the city’s remarkable infrastructure, including the famous house-crossing metro train that runs through a building—something visitors tend to remember long after the day ends. The tour also takes you along Shancheng Lane, a historic alley with traditional architecture, winding stone streets, and vibrant local life.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of urban planning marvels and cultural insights. The guide’s commentary helps you understand how Chongqing’s 3D cityscape has developed over the years, blending old neighborhoods with cutting-edge modernity. The walking pace is manageable, and the itinerary offers plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
Guests have praised the guide’s friendliness and the fact that the tour feels like a natural walk through the city rather than a hurried race. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see Chongqing’s most iconic sights in a single day, especially if you’re keen on understanding how the city’s infrastructure shapes daily life.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive, guided introduction to Chongqing’s urban marvels and historic neighborhoods, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want a full picture in one day.
2. 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane
Taking this tour to learn about Chongqing’s most traditional and culturally rich streets is a great option if you’re short on time. For around $65, you’ll explore Shancheng Lane, which has been called Chongqing’s “Architectural Museum” for its mix of old city walls, colonial buildings, and traditional Bayu style.
Your guide will take you through Liangtingzi Community, where you’ll see Ming Dynasty city walls, anti-war period buildings, and even old schools and residential areas built after 1949. The guided walk is lively and full of stories about local life, architecture, and customs. You’ll taste the local peppercorn ice cream, adding a flavorful local touch, and relax with some tea at a traditional teahouse.
This tour emphasizes cultural authenticity—it’s less about famous sights and more about understanding the everyday life and history behind Chongqing’s streets. The guide’s storytelling makes history feel alive, and the walk’s manageable length makes it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in local architecture, history, and customs in a manageable timeframe, this tour delivers a rich experience without overwhelming.
3. Walk Through Chongqing Old Docks and Modern Commercial Areas
For a more eclectic experience, this tour captures Chongqing’s dynamic blend of old port history and modern commerce. Priced at $52 per person, it’s a great value for those wanting a comprehensive city walk. The tour takes you through the site of the former Chaotianmen Wharf, a key hub in Chongqing’s past, where you’ll learn how the city grew around these bustling port areas.
Walking along the streets, you’ll see where history meets the present—from the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum to lively shopping streets. This route reveals stories of trade, transportation, and urban development that shaped Chongqing’s rise as a major inland port. The walk is ideal for travelers interested in urban history and local cuisine, as you pass through food markets and street stalls.
The walk is straightforward and offers a good mix of historical context and contemporary life. Perfect for those who want a taste of Chongqing’s economic vitality and storytelling about its past without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced look at Chongqing’s port history and modern commerce, suitable for travelers curious about how the city transitioned into today’s vibrant metropolis.
$52 per person
4. Chongqing E’Ling Hill 3.5-Hour City Walk
If you’re looking for scenic views combined with cultural insights, this shorter walk packs a punch. At around $379 for up to 2 people, it’s a more intimate, customized experience that focuses on Chongqing’s hilltop attractions. The tour includes visits to Kansheng Tower, which fuses Chinese and Western architectural styles, and the Liziba Light Rail, famed for passing through a building with spectacular city views.
You’ll explore TEST BED2 and the Memory Museum, diving into the city’s modern development and innovative architecture. The highlight is the combination of urban vistas with cultural sites, giving you a well-rounded perspective of Chongqing’s past and present.
This tour is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy architectural contrasts and scenic panoramas. Its small-group format allows for flexibility and deeper engagement, making it ideal for those with a keen interest in urban design or photography.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors wanting a personalized, scenic overview that combines cultural sites with stunning city views in a short time.
$379 per group up to 2
5. Chongqing: City Walking Private Tour (Guided in Spanish)
This full-day private tour offers an immersive exploration of Chongqing, guided by a Spanish-speaking expert. For $139 per person, you’ll visit Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Chaotianmen Square, and Hongyadong, as well as downtown markets and local neighborhoods.
A highlight is experiencing the house-crossing metro train—a hallmark of Chongqing’s innovative urban landscape. The itinerary includes stops at Raffles City, with its skybridge, and Huguang Guild Hall, showcasing traditional Chongqing architecture. The tour ends with a visit to the Three Gorges Museum and Liziba Viewing Platform, combining cultural, historical, and scenic elements.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention and the chance to see multiple districts in one day, all while getting detailed explanations from a guide who speaks your language. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, customized experience and are comfortable with a full day of walking.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those who want a deep, guided dive into Chongqing’s highlights with the added benefit of a Spanish-speaking guide.
$139 per person
How to Choose Your Chongqing Walking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a broad introduction to the city’s astonishing infrastructure, the 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour offers the most comprehensive experience. If you love historic alleyways and local neighborhoods, then the Shancheng Lane is perfect.
Travelers on a tight schedule might prefer the Chongqing Old Docks and Modern Areas, which combines history with contemporary life. For those interested in architecture and scenic city views, the E’Ling Hill walk provides a curated look at Chongqing’s most striking sights. Finally, if you want a personalized, in-depth experience, the full-day private tour with a Spanish guide is your best bet.
Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Each tour caters to different interests—just pick the one that aligns with what you want to experience in this incredible city.
Chongqing’s multilayered streets and riverscapes make for endlessly fascinating walks. Whether you prefer exploring historic alleyways, modern architectural marvels, or a mix of both, there’s a tour that will turn your visit into a memorable journey. Consider your time, budget, and curiosity, and you’ll find the perfect way to uncover the city’s many faces. Happy walking!