Where to Stay in Chongqing (Updated for 2026)

Quick Summary

💰 Luxury Budget: $180+ per night
👍 Mid-Range: $80-180 per night
🏠 Budget: Under $80 per night
🌟 Our Top Pick: InterContinental Raffles City Chongqing
📍 Best Area: Jiefangbei CBD
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Pick: Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

Until very recently Chongqing has been little known outside of China, it has now become an internet sensation, dubbed a "Cyberpunk" city.

It is a vertical maze where trains pass through apartment buildings, roads are stacked on top of each other, and the 1st floor of one building might be the 11th floor of the building next door.

Because of this unique "8D" geography, choosing where to stay in Chongqing is the most important decision of your trip.

If you pick the wrong location, you will find yourself dragging suitcases up endless flights of stairs in high humidity. If you pick the right location, you’ll have seamless access to the Metro, incredible skyline views, and the city's famous hot pot right at your doorstep.

As I have been lucky to come to Chongqing with very clear recommendations from my Chinese teacher who is originally from there, I have been lucky to avoid the confusion — and now I want to help you to find the perfect spot for you.

Whether you are a solo photographer hunting for the right shots or a family needing a hotel with a washing machine and kitchenette, this guide breaks down exactly where to stay.

Table of Contents

• Best Areas to Stay in Chongqing
• Best Hotels for Families
• Tips for Booking Hotels
• FAQs

🗺️ Understanding the Layout

Chongqing is massive, but tourists should focus on the three core districts where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet.

1. Yuzhong District (The Peninsula): The heart of the city ("Manhattan"). Where you find Jiefangbei and Hongyadong.
2. Nan’an District (South Bank): Across the river ("Brooklyn"). Offers the best skyline views.
3. Jiangbei District (North Bank): The modern financial center. Home to high-end malls and expats.

Our Number One Recommendation

1.Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

Ascott Raffles City Chongqing was recommended to me by my Chinese teacher, who is originally from the city — and I am very happy we listened to her. The hotel offers studio apartments for a very good price.

Rooms have great views of the city and the location is super convenient to access all major hot spots. There is an indoor swimming pool and good breakfast buffet.

Families will enjoy themed family rooms and a small kids playground inside.

Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

Excellent location, great views and amenities, indoor swimming pool (with a small kids pool) — all of that for a very reasonable price.

Check rates and availability

Best Areas to Stay in Chongqing

Jiefangbei CBD - Best for First-Time Visitors

Stay here if: You want to be walking distance to the major sights and don't mind crowds.

Jiefangbei is the Times Square of Chongqing. If you stay here, you are in the middle of the "Magic City" experience. You can walk to the Liberation Monument, take the elevator down to Hongyadong, and access Line 1 and Line 6 of the Metro easily.

Perfect for: First-time visitors, food lovers, shoppers

Nearby attractions:

• Hongyadong Ancient Town
• Liberation Monument
• Jiefangbei Walking Street

Transport:

• Lines 1, 2, and 6
• Multiple bus routes
• Easy taxi access

Average hotel price: $150 per night

For me this is by far the best area you can stay in. It is a lively, central neighbourhood, with many high-rise hotels for every budget that allow you to admire city panorama by day and night.

Our Top Hotel Picks in Jiefangbei:

1. Ascott Raffles City Chongqing
   • Why we love it: Excellent views for reasonable price
   • Best for: Families,
   • Notable amenities: Swimming pool, suites with kitchen
   • 🏨 Check rates and availability
2. InterContinental Raffles City Chongqing
   • Why we love it: Luxurious experience
   • Best for: Travellers with high budget who want to be spoiled
   • Notable amenities: Amazing big windows and a great restaurant
   • 🏨 Check rates and availability
3. ISEYA HOTEL Chongqing Jiefangbei Flagship
   • Why we love it: Giant windows and private bathtub with a view of the famous Raffles building
   • Best for: Instagram-saavy travellers, one night stays
   • Notable amenities: Bath tubs with views inside the rooms
   • 🏨 Check rates and availability

Other locations

Nanping (南坪) - Located in Nan'an District, this area offers:

• More modern and spacious accommodation options
• Great views of the peninsula and rivers
• Relatively quieter than the city center but still convenient
• Close to Nanshan Mountain for outdoor activities

Shapingba (沙坪坝) - A university district that features:

• More local and authentic atmosphere
• Generally lower prices
• Good street food scene
• Popular with younger crowds and students

Guanyinqiao (观音桥) - A modern commercial district offering:

• High-end shopping and entertainment
• Contemporary urban lifestyle
• Good metro connections
• Popular among young professionals

Beibei (北碚) - If you prefer a more relaxed pace:

• Beautiful natural surroundings
• Hot springs
• Universities and cultural sites
• Cooler temperatures in summer

Our Top Hotel Pick in Beibei - Bolian Resorts and Spa Chongqing

Best Hotels for Families in Chongqing

1. Ascott Raffles City Chongqing

Perfect for families with kids of all ages

Family-Friendly Features:

• Family themed-rooms
• Swimming pool
• Suites with separate bedrooms and kitchen amenities
• Room service robot
• Great views
• Small kids indoor playground

This is the hotel we stayed in and it was recommended by my Chinese teacher that is originally from Chongqing.

We stayed in a one-bedroom themed family suite and both us and kids absolutely loved it.

🏨 Check family room availability

Tips for booking hotels in Chongqing

Location Considerations

1. Elevation Matters
   • Check actual walking routes (maps can be deceiving)
   • Consider covered walkways for rainy season
   • Look for hotels with shuttle services
2. View Considerations
   • River-facing rooms: Best skyline views
   • Higher floors: Better air quality
   • North-facing rooms: City views
   • South-facing rooms: River views

Best Time to Book

• Peak Season (May-September):
  • Book 2-3 months ahead
  • Expect higher rates
  • Look for air-conditioned rooms
  • Consider hotels with pools
• Low Season (November-March):
  • Better deals available
  • More room choice
  • Check heating systems
  • Consider indoor facilities

Money-Saving Tips

1. Book during shoulder season (March-April, October)
2. Look for hotels offering free airport shuttle
3. Consider hotels with included breakfast
4. Check for metro proximity to save on taxis

Special Considerations

• Families:
  • Look for hotels with connecting rooms
  • Check pool access rules for children
  • Consider apartment-style options for longer stays
• Business Travelers:
  • CBD locations recommended
  • Check WiFi quality reviews
  • Consider executive floor benefits

FAQs

Q: Which area is safest in Chongqing?

A: All major tourist areas are quite safe, but Jiefangbei CBD and Nanbin Road are particularly well-monitored and family-friendly.

Q: How far is Jiefangbei from the airport?

A: Jiangbei International Airport is about 45-60 minutes by car from Jiefangbei, depending on traffic. The airport express bus takes around 70-80 minutes.

Q: Is it better to stay near Chongqing North Railway Station?

A: Only if you're making a quick transit. For tourism, staying in central areas offers a better experience, and the metro connects easily to the station.

Q: Which area has the best food options?

A: Jiefangbei and surrounding areas offer the widest variety of local food, from street snacks to high-end restaurants.

Q: How difficult is it to get taxis in Chongqing?

A: Taxis are readily available in all major areas, but using DiDi (Chinese Uber) is recommended. Having your hotel's name in Chinese is essential for taxis, in DiDi everything, including location and payment, is handled through the app.

Ready to Plan Your Chongqing Adventure?

✈️ Book your flights
🏨 Find family-friendly hotels
🚂 Reserve train tickets
🎫 Book kid-friendly activities
🚌 Book a tour

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Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary based on season and availability. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we trust and believe offer good value for our readers.