Chongqing, China
Best Things To Do in Chongqing: My China Trip...
The most affordable way to travel from Malaysia to Chongqing, China cost only $322 (RM1,426.32) for a one-week trip, and the fastest flight took just 7 hours. I began my journey in the afternoon by booking a GrabCar to KLIA Terminal 1 (KLIA1). The ride was smooth and comfortable, and I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Ready to travel? Click here to book your overseas flight here!
Before heading to the boarding gate, I took a relaxing stroll through the terminal and enjoyed browsing the various shops. The atmosphere was lively, and it was a pleasant way to pass the time before my flight to China.
After finishing my walk through KLIA1, I headed toward the boarding gate. Once I arrived, I stood in line and waited patiently for the boarding process to begin. While I was waiting, an elderly woman approached me, looking confused. She showed me her boarding pass and asked if she was in the right place.
I kindly let her know, using gestures and a smile, that I’m deaf and unable to speak or hear. She was surprised at first and immediately apologized, saying she hadn’t realized. I reassured her not to worry, and I was happy to help. I checked her ticket and showed her the correct gate. She was relieved and grateful, thanking me with a warm smile.
After helping her, I returned to my place in the line. A little while later, she came back and told me that the wait was long and asked if we could sit down. I gladly took her to a nearby seat. We sat together and had a lovely conversation while waiting. To communicate, I used my smartphone with Google Translate, typing in Chinese so we could understand each other. She was amazed and curious about how it worked, and I showed her how to use it. She seemed excited to learn and thanked me for teaching her.
She turned out to be such a kind and thoughtful person. She chose to stay and talk with me because she noticed I was standing alone. I felt truly blessed to have her company. During our conversation, I learned that she and her husband had come from Shanghai, China, to visit their daughter who is married to a Chinese Malaysian living in Kuala Lumpur. After spending three days in Malaysia, they were now heading back home.
She spoke lovingly about her daughter and how much she cared for her family. It was such a heartwarming moment a connection between strangers from different backgrounds, brought together by kindness and communication. Moments like these remind me that kindness truly speaks louder than words. 😊
After passing through the security check, I boarded the plane and began looking for my seat number. Once I found it, I settled in and glanced out the window. The view was breathtaking fluffy white clouds stretching across the sky like a soft, endless blanket.
As I stared at the clouds, I couldn’t help but smile to myself and think, “I wish I could fly through the clouds like in Dragon Ball!” 😄 It was a funny little moment of imagination, but it made me feel lighthearted and excited for the journey ahead.
The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Xiamen took around 4 hours and 30 minutes, which gave me plenty of time to relax and yes, I even managed to sleep deeply (and maybe a bit loudly 😄! It was the perfect chance to recharge before continuing the next leg of my journey.
On the flight, I met a kind man who lives in Sentosa, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. During our journey, he asked for help understanding some English on his immigration documents. Since he wasn’t confident in English, he showed me his papers, and I kindly shared my own valid immigration documents with him for reference. He carefully noted the details himself. Before we landed, we even took a photo together to remember the moment!
Coincidentally, we were both heading to the same part of Chongqing, China. He was traveling there for a two-week work assignment with a gaming company. He had been working in the gaming industry for many years in Kuala Lumpur, and it was really nice talking with him and hearing his story.
After landing at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Terminal 3, we walked together to the transit area. We had a bit of time to spare about 2 hours and 20 minutes before our next flight to Chongqing. It was great having someone to share that part of the journey with.
After going through the security check, we boarded the flight together. Although we had different seat numbers, we wished each other a good flight before parting ways.
As the plane soared above the sea, I looked out the window and noticed a red shadow reflecting on the water under the sunlight. It was such a striking and emotional view. It immediately reminded me of the United States. That moment brought back so many memories, and I couldn’t help but smile. I really miss everything about my time in the USA! 😊
As we approached the city, I saw a very long bridge stretching across the water, leading toward the urban skyline. I wasn’t quite sure if it was part of South Chongqing, but the view was stunning. The entire city seemed to glow with a warm yellow light, possibly from the setting sun or the reflection of city lights. It created a beautiful golden atmosphere that made the city look both lively and welcoming from above.
This place is the famous city of Chongqing, which was once part of Sichuan Province. However, in 1997, it was designated as a municipality and a special administrative status in China. In fact, Chongqing is one of only four municipalities in the country, meaning it functions like both a city and a province, with a large urban area and a vast surrounding territory.
Chongqing is a city with a rich and ancient history, once playing a key role as an inland port thanks to its location near the prosperous Sichuan region. Traders would travel to Chongqing either overland or along the rivers, making it an important center of commerce.
It sits right where the Jialing River meets the Yangtze River, creating a dramatic natural setting. At night, the view was especially breathtaking the city lit up in every direction, with reflections shimmering across the water. It was truly a magical sight.
Fleets of yellow taxis lined up neatly outside Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport’s Terminal 3, ready to take passengers into the heart of the city. These taxis, often nicknamed “yellow Ferraris,” are famous for the impressive driving skills of their drivers especially when navigating Chongqing’s steep hills, sharp curves, and complex roadways in the mountainous terrain.
For many visitors, hopping into one of these bold yellow cabs is the unofficial first “check-in” to Chongqing. With their speed, confidence, and local knowledge, the drivers offer a thrilling introduction to the fast-paced energy of the city. It’s a unique and unforgettable welcome to a place like no other.
One of the most striking landmarks I saw in Chongqing was the Golden Twin Towers, famously standing beside the Yangtze River. Their golden glow and modern architectural design make them stand out beautifully against the skyline, especially at night. The towers have become an iconic part of the city's riverfront scenery, symbolizing Chongqing’s rapid development and urban charm.
Further along the Yangtze River, near Yichang in Hubei Province, lies another remarkable sight: the Three Gorges Dam. This massive hydroelectric gravity dam is one of the largest engineering projects in the world. It spans the river with incredible scale and power, providing energy to millions across China. Though it's located outside Chongqing, it plays a key role in the Yangtze River’s significance to the region.
One of the most impressive architectural wonders I saw in Chongqing was Raffles City Chongqing, a stunning complex located in the heart of the Yuzhong District. This massive development consists of eight interconnected towers, and what makes it truly unique is the breathtaking "Crystal" Skybridge that stretches across the tops of four of the skyscrapers.
The Crystal Skybridge is an incredible 300 meters long and sits high above the city, offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline and the surrounding rivers. It’s currently the second highest skybridge in the world, just after the one in Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Centre. The entire structure is not only a landmark of modern design but also a symbol of Chongqing’s rise as a global city. Seeing it up close was an unforgettable part of my visit.
Hongya Cave (also known as Hongyadong) is located in the heart of Chongqing’s business district, near Jiangbei, along the vibrant Surging White Road (Bai Ya Lu). It sits beautifully at the intersection of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, offering a perfect blend of natural riverfront scenery and urban cultural charm.
This popular destination is not just a visual landmark. It’s also a lively spot filled with traditional architecture, local cuisine, shops, and entertainment, making it a favorite for both tourists and locals. With its unique design that resembles ancient stilted houses built into the cliffside, Hongya Cave combines the beauty of Chongqing’s cityscape, river views, and cultural history, creating an unforgettable experience for business travelers and leisure tourists alike.
I woke up early in the morning, feeling refreshed and ready to explore the city. After getting dressed, I headed out for breakfast, and it took me only about 10 minutes to walk from my hotel to a nearby local food stall.
There, I ordered a simple yet comforting bowl of vegetable porridge, which cost just ¥2 (around $0.28). It is unbelievably cheap! Despite its simplicity, the porridge was incredibly delicious, with rich flavor and perfectly cooked ingredients. It tasted quite different from what I’m used to back in Kuala Lumpur which is much more homestyle, warm, and soothing. It was the perfect way to start my day in Chongqing.
Inside Raffles City Chongqing, I came across a fun and colorful Toy Story 4-themed display set up in one of the shopping mall areas. It was instantly recognizable and brought back memories of the beloved Pixar movie. The decorations were lively and detailed, featuring characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Forky making it a popular photo spot for both kids and adults. It was a fun and nostalgic surprise to find such a familiar scene in the heart of Chongqing!
Copyright © 2025 Next Digital Marketing All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms And Conditions | Cookies Policy | Refund Policy