Chongqing is a direct-controlled municipality in southwestern China and one of the world's largest and most vertiginous cities, built across steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Its urban core is famous for cliffside architecture stacked over the water at Hongyadong, the well-preserved Ming-dynasty streets of Ciqikou Ancient Town, a beloved zoo where giant pandas are the star attraction, and a punishingly spicy hotpot tradition that rivals Chengdu's.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Chongqing through its food.
Chongqing Hotpot Tour: Hotpot Museum, Workshop, and Tasting
A private group experience combining a visit to Chongqing's dedicated hotpot museum with a hands-on workshop making a personal hotpot base, finished with a full tasting.
Includes: Guided visit to the dedicated Chongqing Hotpot Museum · Hands-on workshop blending a personal hotpot base from tallow, doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorn · Full hotpot tasting using the base each guest prepares · Adjustable spice level from mild to full Chongqing heat · Small-group format with an English-speaking guide
Chongqing: Local Market & Food Tour with Hotpot Meal
A half-day walk through a local wet market followed by a family-run snack crawl and a hotpot dinner with a choice of spice level.
Includes: Guided walk through a traditional wet market in central Chongqing · Tastings of 6-7 authentic snacks from family-run shops · Closing hotpot meal with a choice of spicy or mild broth · Small-group pace suited to narrow market aisles · English-speaking local guide throughout
Chongqing: Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class
A small-group half-day experience pairing a local market visit with a hands-on cooking class in Chongqing dishes, with hotel pickup included.
Includes: Hotel pickup included in central Chongqing · Local market visit led by the chef instructor · Hands-on preparation of two to three Chongqing/Sichuanese dishes · Small-group format with English-language chef instruction · Guests cook their own portions, allowing dietary adjustments
One-Day Private Tour: Chongqing Hot Pot Feast & Theater Culture
A private full-day tour pairing Chongqing's cableway, light rail and old-town sightseeing with an immersive 1941-themed theater show and a hotpot dinner.
Includes: Private group transport between all stops for the full day · Yangtze River Cableway ride and Liziba Light Rail Through Building photo stop · Walks through Hongyadong and historic Ciqikou old town · 1941-themed immersive theater performance · Chongqing 1941 Hotpot dinner with optional costume photoshoot
True Taste of Chongqing: Offbeat Walks & Hotpot in One Day
A full-day walking tour combining Chongqing's cave temples and old tea-horse trail history with a fiery hotpot dinner and an evening at the illuminated Hongya Cave.
Includes: Guided walk to hidden Taoist cave temples off the main tourist routes · Stretch of the historic tea-horse trail through Chongqing's hills · City views from Kuixing Pavilion and a relaxed local lunch · Full Chongqing hotpot dinner · Evening visit to the illuminated Hongya Cave
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.