Port guide: Chongqing, China

One of the world’s newest megacities is just a short ride away from awe-inspiring natural scenery and ancient historical sights.

Who goes there

Century Cruises, Changjiang Cruises, American-managed Victoria Cruises and Yangtze Gold Cruises are the main players. However, you’re probably better off booking through a tour company such as Abercrombie & Kent, APT, Inspiring Vacations, Trafalgar or Wendy Wu Tours, which incorporate a cruise with a land tour. Cruises generally run between Chongqing and Yichang, and the highlight is a giant series of very deep gorges dotted with little pavilions and temples.

Sail on in

You only sail into the northern part of Chongqing but, given its nickname “mountain city”, you can expect a squeezed-up urban landscape topped by green mountains. The wiggling river is spanned by several mighty bridges. Raffles City Chongqing close to the docks is a group of skyscrapers, of which four are connected by the world’s second-highest sky bridge, reminiscent of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Berth rites

Ships tie up at Chaotianmen Dock in Yuzhong District at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Be aware that in this megacity of sometimes appalling traffic the dock is an hour from the airport, and at least 40 minutes from train stations. The dozen wharves are also spread apart, so be sure to know where your ship is docked, or book a transfer. There are no facilities, so Raffles City Chongqing is your best bet for shopping and dining.

Going ashore

You wouldn’t call Chongqing a pretty city, but it’s vivacious and has a spectacular setting so that you’re constantly torn between staring at views and street life. It’s an amazing showcase of China’s ever-changing development, symbolised in extraordinary buildings such as riverside performing arts venue Chongqing Grand Theatre. Ancient Luohan Temple is quite the contrast to surrounding modernity. You might enjoy the Ciqikou neighbourhood with its Ming Dynasty buildings and Hongya Cave (actually a giant traditional-style building), although both are touristy. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is the place for shopping.

Don’t miss

Anywhere else and Chongqing Zoo would win no prizes, but if you haven’t seen giant pandas before – or, for that matter, endearing red pandas – then here’s your chance. The zoo has more than 20 giant pandas, so some of these sleepy creatures will surely be doing something entertaining thanks to their enduring daftness. Mornings are best, especially mid-morning feeding time.

Get active

No, don’t. Chongqing’s very steep setting will give you enough of a hilly workout, and its immense humidity and trapped-in pollution isn’t conducive to any further physical exertion. That said, there are about 30 kilometres of trails along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, which will get you some flatness and, if lucky, a river breeze.

Best bites

If you have an asbestos tongue and solid stomach you couldn’t be in a better place for Sichuan cuisine, renowned for fiery chillies and numbing pepper. Must-try dishes include dumplings doused in sweet chilli oil, mapo tofu, and dandan noodles. Gongbao chicken is studded with peanuts and chunks of dried chilli. The seriously defiant can tackle a hotpot until their mouth explodes. For a less spicy experience, relax in a teahouse: this region is famous for its teahouse culture.

Further afield

Because most cruises start or finish in Chongqing, shore excursions won’t take you further afield, but cruises as part of wider tours might. One destination is Heshan or Black Valley, where boardwalks take you through a tight gorge lush with greenery and trickled with waterfalls. Further away is World Heritage site Dazu, where 50,000 well-preserved ancient and brightly painted Buddhist carvings, centred on a giant sleeping Buddha, decorate caves and cliff overhangs.