CHINA EXPERIENCE
When visiting Chongqing, whether you're perched on a lantern-lit hillside, drifting among lotus flowers, exploring deep caves, gazing at neon skylines, or relaxing in a pool, missing out on its bubbling, numbing hotpot cauldrons would be unthinkable.
These cauldrons are the heart and soul of the city's culinary scene. To truly understand what fuels this mountainous metropolis, look no further than its 40,000 hotpot restaurants. Dive in and experience the true essence of Chongqing!
Why it’s worth the journey:
Chongqing is a must-visit for food lovers, renowned for its legendary hotpot.
The first bite is a fiery blend of rich beef tallow, dried chili, and the numbing buzz of Sichuan peppercorns. Locals believe the spicy hotpot dispels the damp mountain air, while the leisurely meals foster a communal spirit, forging friendships in steam and spice.
This culinary adventure is not just about the food — it's an experience that immerses you in the local culture and flavors, offering a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Is it right for you?
✔Ideal for food lovers hunting for the ultimate hotpot experience, adventurers drawn to unique urban landscapes, and culture seekers eager to explore China’s historical roots.
✘Not for people who prefer mild flavors, dislike crowds, or are uncomfortable with steep inclines and multilayered city layouts.
What you’ll remember forever:
•Pipayuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant (枇杷园食为鲜火锅): A 30,000-square-meter terraced citadel of the hotpot world, and a Guinness World Record holder with over 800 tables, where golden lights and the aroma of beef-tallow broth create unforgettable evenings.
•Xianlongjing Hotpot Park (鲜龙井火锅): Enjoy dining among lotus ponds with 600 tables, as datiehua, or molten iron fireworks light up the night sky, enhancing the unique hotpot experience.
•Underground City Hotpot Restaurant (地下之城老火锅): Experience a cool 25 C dining environment in a repurposed wartime air-raid shelter with 4,500 sq m of tunnels with a seating capacity of 1,300 people.
•Mujiuge Hotpot Restaurant (木九格老火锅): Savor nine-grid pots on a rooftop in the Jiefangbei area, adjacent to a charming secondhand bookstore.
•Meixin Wine Town (美心红酒小镇): Indulge in hotpot while soaking in a swimming pool, the ultimate summer experience in one of China's "four furnaces", where temperatures soar above 40 C.
When to go
•Pipayuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant: 9 am – midnight
•Xianlongjing Hotpot Park: 11 am - 11:30 pm
•Underground City Hotpot Restaurant: 24 hours
•Mujiuge Hotpot Restaurant: 11 am - midnight
•Meixin Wine Town: Best during daytime
Getting there:
•Pipayuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant: Metro Line 3 to Sigongli Station → Bus 383 → get off at Wozigou Stop
•Xianlongjing Hotpot Park: Metro Line 3 to Sigongli Station → Bus 383 → get off at Longjingbang Stop
•Underground City Hotpot Restaurant: Metro Line 6 or Line 10 to Hongtudi Station, exit 1A → short walk
•Mujiuge Hotpot Restaurant: Metro Line 6 or Line 10 to Jiaochangkou Station→ short walk
•Meixin Wine Town: Take a shuttle from Sigongli Tourist Transport Hub to the town
Know before you go:
•Start with the classic nine-grid pot for easy temperature control and ingredient retrieval.
•Must-try ingredients: Fresh ox tripe, goose intestine, pork aorta, tender beef slices, shrimp paste, filefish and bamboo shoots.
•Choose a dual-flavor pot (spicy and mild) if you’re still building your spice tolerance