Chongqing Nightlife
Chongqing is the place where travelers can find hundreds of dance clubs, boasting bars, movie theatres, etc. that makes each evening vibrant and ultra exciting.
Watch Chinese Operas
Chongqing is one of the cradles of Sichuan opera. This is definitely a highlight of Chinese culture. It is famous for vivid and delicate acting, which is perfectly blended with humor and local-flavor. Typical performing formula combines sword-hiding, Tihuiyan, face-changing, fire-spitting, and beard-changing. Expect several different characters for each play and great plot.
Chongqing Acrobatic Arts Troupe
It is the first group to combine Chinese operas, gymnastics, folk dance, music, and ballad into one amazing acrobatic performance. The troupe has performed in about 2,000 foreign cities and has always been praised for their skills and talent.
Chuan Opera
Experience and enjoy Chinese culture by going to Chuan Opera. This features humorous narration and acrobatic fighting that showcase the open-mindedness and optimism of people in Chongqing.
Bayu Theater
Bayu Theatre features high-tech lights, water curtain facilities, and great sounds systems. It is very luxurious and modern. Go here if you want to watch dance performances, concerts, operas, and dramas.
Explore the Night Markets
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without going to Chongqing bustling night market in Xinqiao, Shapingba District that offers legitimate space for street vendors. The open-air space where small stalls can be found, provide refreshments and cheap souvenirs. Sit down, relax, and have cheap beer and food with friends or family members.
Don’t miss Yang Jia Ping Market as well where little stalls offer delectable street foods like chicken feet and wings. Food and drinks there are extremely cheap.
Local Food Street
There are literally thousands of Holes in Wall type of eateries in Chongqing that offer different specialties. Since locals are fond of eating, many food streets are gradually forming naturally. The area around Nanbin Road, Jiefangbei, and Bayi Street are full of streets vendors offering local specialties like dry-stewed fish, tea-smoked duck, spicy noodles, and chicken with spring water.
Nanbin Road
This is a well-known street along Yangtze River that offers travelers with local cuisines and great view. There are several bars and teahouses here as well.
Ciqikou Ancient Town
This is the place to go for visitors who are looking for authentic local cuisine and snacks and quaint houses. There you’ll find 60 teahouses that mostly serve Maoxuewang. This is made from blood curd (boiled), spicy sauce, and other spices.
The Three Gorges Square
Compared with Nanbin Road and Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorge Square is much bigger. It also features high-grade restaurants.
Experience Chongqing Teahouses
Chongqing tea is said to be one of the best in the world. After exploring the city, go to Chongqing teahouses that serve authentic tea and just relax for a bit.
Yuan Yuan Yuan Tea Restaurant
Be For Time Tea House
18 Staircases Teahouse
- Add:Yuzhong District, close to Jiefang Bei.
- Price range:25-60RMB/cup
- Light Rail Tip: (Jiaochangkou) Exit A (Towards Shi Ba Ti Road).
Have a Great Time at Chongqing Bars
When you want to just relax after a day of sight-seeing or if you want to meet new friends, head to Nan Bin Road where some of the great bars can be found. This street is now known for nighttime leisure. Nan Bin Road is easy to find; just follow the dazzling neon lights and you’ll never get lost.
Soho Bar
Soho bar is also popular for its unique cocktails and pole dancing performances. Customers are free to join the action on the dance floor and learn the dance with the help of professional dancers.
Highlights: Attracts fashionable and young crowd, plays US and European hip-hop and funk.
No.88 Bar
This is one of the most popular disco bars in downtown. This is the place to be if tourists are looking for fashionable European-style décor and would like to hear the most popular music. The DJ usually plays R&B, Latin Funk, and New Jazz. Customers can dance the night away with great music and high-tech lighting.
Highlights: A popular disco bar with elegant private rooms.
Music House
This bar offers relaxing atmosphere. The bar, which offers customers with great, soothing music, is divided into main function areas; the main room, an open-air roof terrace, and private booths. Customers who would like to relax and just listen to music can head to the main room and private booths. However, those who want to feast on Chongqing beautiful views may find space on the roof terrace.
Highlights: The best place to go for music lovers.
Experience Panoramic View of the City
Some of the best things that tourists can enjoy at Chongqing are the night lights. At night, the whole place looks like magical fairyland. After sun down, Chongqing is lit up by colored lights that are beautifully reflected on the waters of Jialing and Yangtze rivers. There are several places where one can observe the amazing night-lights. These include the Red Star Pavilion, Pi Pa Shan Gong Yuan, Hong Xing Ting, Kan Sheng Lou, E Ling Gong Yuan, and One Tree Hill.
For panoramic view, head to the top of South Mountain. Take the No. 384 bus from Jiefangbei commercial center and get off at Nanshan Station. Pay CNY10 entrance fee.
