Chongqing is an incredibly exciting city for families — where else can your kids ride a cable car over a massive river, watch a train pass through a building, and eat hotpot with you? With five days, the pace is relaxed enough for young children, with built-in rest time and kid-friendly dining at every meal. You'll also venture out to the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings for a memorable day trip. The city's unique vertical geography is like a real-life playground.
Start with the highlight kids love most — giant pandas! Chongqing Zoo has several pandas and the house is well-designed for viewing. Arrive early when pandas are most active. The zoo also has golden monkeys and South China tigers. Stroller-friendly paths throughout.
Have lunch at a family restaurant near the zoo. Many restaurants in the area serve mild, kid-friendly dishes — plain noodles, dumplings, fried rice, and steamed buns. Avoid anything labeled mala unless the kids can handle spice!
Kids absolutely love this cable car ride across the Yangtze. The glass-sided cabin lets everyone see the river and city below. Hold younger children close as the cabin sways gently. Take the round trip so kids can enjoy it twice. Queue times are shorter on weekday afternoons.
Watch kids' eyes go wide as a full-size train passes through the middle of a residential building! Stand on the viewing platform below for the best view. Then ride Line 2 through the building yourselves — a uniquely Chongqing experience that children never forget.
Head back to the hotel for some rest time before the evening outing. Let kids swim in the pool if available, or just relax. Chongqing's hills mean lots of walking, so downtime is essential for happy family travel.
Visit Hongya Cave after dark when the lights are on — kids think it looks like the castle from Spirited Away. The 11-story complex has restaurants on multiple floors. Have dinner inside at a family-friendly restaurant, then ride the elevator between floors exploring. Hold children's hands on outdoor walkways.