Sources and freshness
Static planning guidance on this page is reviewed by the China Train Tickets editorial team. Train times, fares, seat classes, and availability can change, so the live result for your selected travel date is authoritative.
- Primary operational reference
- China Railway 12306 (live results may change when railway operations change)
- Page reviewed
Plan this rail journey
Chongqing has several major railway stations, including Chongqing North, Chongqing West, Shapingba, and Chongqing Railway Station. Always match the complete station name to the ticket before planning a transfer.
City Overview
Chongqing is China's largest municipality by area, nicknamed the "Mountain City" for its dramatic hillside terrain. The confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers creates a breathtaking multi-layered urban landscape. With its light rail piercing through apartment buildings, interwoven overpasses, and ubiquitous skyways and tunnels, Chongqing has earned the internet moniker "8D Magic City." It also served as China's wartime capital, leaving a rich legacy of modern historical sites. Night views, hotpot, and warm-hearted locals define Chongqing's irresistible character.
Railway Transport
Chongqing North, Chongqing West, and Shapingba are separate passenger stations handling selected trains toward Chengdu, Guiyang, Wanzhou, and other destinations. The mountainous city layout can make a station transfer much longer than the map suggests, so plan from the complete station name on the ticket. Line openings, trains, stops, and journey times change; search the actual date on China Railway 12306.
Must-See Attractions
Hongya Cave is Chongqing's most iconic landmark — stilted buildings cling to the cliff face and glow spectacularly at night, often compared to the bathhouse in "Spirited Away." The Yangtze River Cableway, called the "first aerial corridor across the Yangtze," offers stunning two-river panoramas. Ciqikou Old Town preserves complete Ming and Qing dynasty streets with flagstone paths, vintage teahouses, and twisted dough stick shops painting a vivid picture of old Chongqing. The Wulong Karst, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, features the awe-inspiring Three Natural Bridges and the dramatic Tiankeng ground fissure.
Food Highlights
Chongqing hotpot is the city's soul — a bubbling, crimson beef-tallow broth delivers an intense "numbing and spicy" experience, with tripe, duck intestine, and beef aorta as must-order items. Compared to Chengdu hotpot, Chongqing's version pushes the "mala" intensity to the extreme. Xiaomian (small noodles) is the quintessential Chongqing breakfast — a bowl of spicy noodles to kick-start the day. Suanla Fen (hot and sour glass noodles) is tangy and appetizing. Grilled fish, best from Wanzhou, is charred on the outside and tender inside. Jiefangbei and Guanyinqiao are top areas for feasting.