Chaotianmen Square
“Chaotianmen is the tip of Chongqing’s tongue stretching out toward the two rivers”—the metaphor fits perfectly. In the past,…
Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing
Key facts
- Admission
- Free
- Opening hours
- Open all day
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Getting there
- Near Xiaoshizi Xiaoshangpin bus stop (小什字小商品), Chaotianmen metro station (朝天门) and Xiaoshizi metro station (小什字)
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 416. Open in Google Maps
About Chaotianmen Square
“Chaotianmen is the tip of Chongqing’s tongue stretching out toward the two rivers”—the metaphor fits perfectly. In the past, Chaotianmen was where people faced the Son of Heaven to receive imperial edicts. Today it is the place to look down over the two rivers, and at night Chaotianmen is ablaze with lights, ideal for enjoying the nightscape. The “Zero Kilometre” marker of Chongqing’s road network is also set in Chaotianmen Square, marking the heart of the city.
Cruise ships at Chaotianmen Wharf offer night tours of the two rivers. From the water you can see the city’s colourful neon reflected on the surface, breathtaking; the buildings along the riverbank, high and low, arranged in tiers under the lights; and landmarks such as Hongyadong and the Chongqing Grand Theatre, which shifts through seven colours.
Tips from the guidebook
- Cruise ships come in different grades and levels, with fares ranging from tens of yuan to ¥200. If you only want to enjoy the scenery, a cheaper boat is recommended. Ticket prices rise during public holidays such as National Day and Spring Festival, and the size of the increase is only announced shortly before the holiday. On special holidays, dedicated holiday tickets are required; ordinary tickets cannot be used, so be sure to choose the correct holiday ticket when buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Chaotianmen Square cost?
Admission to Chaotianmen Square is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Chaotianmen Square?
Chaotianmen Square is open Open all day.
How do I get to Chaotianmen Square?
Near Xiaoshizi Xiaoshangpin bus stop (小什字小商品), Chaotianmen metro station (朝天门) and Xiaoshizi metro station (小什字)
How long should I spend at Chaotianmen Square?
Plan on 20–30 minutes for Chaotianmen Square.
Where is Chaotianmen Square?
Chaotianmen Square is in Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, in the Southwest of China. Yangtze River Riverside Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
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