Need to Know

Are you ready to plan your trip to Chongqing? This page contains key information to help you plan your visit. Please visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website for the most up-to-date China entry requirements, visa exemptions and transit visas.

Chongqing Travel Advisories

There is no advisory at the moment.

Emergency Numbers

Important Weather Events in Chongqing

Wildfires

The chances of a damaging wildfire in Chongqing have increased in recent years, with a major wildfire occurring in August 2022 in Beibei, a subdistrict of Chongqing. The high summer temperature increases vulnerability to wildfires due to Chongqing’s climate and geography. Significant government initiatives and measures have been implemented to detect, monitor and respond to wildfires. Visit the Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau website (available in Chinese) for the latest information on wildfires and other natural disaster alerts.

Please note that fire bans in all forest parks are in effect all year round. No exception!

Flooding

Flooding can occur during the rainy season from April to September, with peak risks between June and August. This period aligns with the regional monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall to the Yangtze River basin and the Jialing river. China has implemented an advanced natural disaster detection mechanism, using space-based, ground-based, air-based, and sea-based observation data to provide detection and early alerts to its citizens. Visit AccuWeather and China Meteorological Administration website for the latest environmental information.

Earthquake

The severity of earthquakes in Chongqing is low to moderate due to its proximity to the tectonically active Sichuan Basin. Visit China Earthquake Administration website for the latest information (available in Chinese). China has also established the world’s largest quake early warning network with over 15,000 monitoring stations across the country, providing rapid earthquake intensity reports. It relies on a dense network of seismic monitoring stations to issue alerts before destructive seismic waves arrive by taking advantage of the difference in the travel speed between seismic waves and electromagnetic waves. The warning will be distributed through TV, internet service providers and apps, giving people time to take precautionary measures.

Copy and paste this link #小程序://重庆地震预警/AgSaNQvR3PbFhed on your WeChat to set up alerts on your WeChat.

Heat Waves

Chongqing is famous for its hot and humid summers, earning the nickname “Furnace City.” Heat waves are characterized by prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, which are particularly common in Chongqing due to its climate and geographical location that trap heat and humidity. These heat waves typically occur during the summer months, from June to August, peaking between mid-July and mid-August. Daytime temperatures often exceed 35°C and can occasionally reach 40°C or higher. The risk of heatstroke is significant during the summer, especially during the noon to afternoon hours. Additionally, heat waves can lead to drought conditions.

Monitor the weather app regularly for high-temperature alerts, adjust your travel plan to stick with indoor activities, bring lightweight and breathable clothing, and use an umbrella for both sun and rain.

Landslides

Landslides in Chongqing are most common during the rainy season, typically between April to September, with the peak risks from June to August. Nearby earthquakes can also destabilize slopes, introduce landslides. During rainy periods, avoid going to rural and mountainous districts like Wanzhou, Qijiang, or Dianjiang. Use AMAP Maps or Apple Maps to check routes to your destination and road closures.

Roads and Driving in Chongqing

China is a vast and diverse country, providing countless exciting experiences and unique geographic views. Although each Chinese cities offer its own set of uniqueness, the most exciting places are outside of the city. Driving in China requires a good understanding of local traffic laws.

Driving Permits

You must obtain a driving permit or driver’s license to drive legally in China. An international driving permit alone is not sufficient. Obtain a temporary driving permit if you are staying for 3 months or less. A passport, visa, health certificate and translated copy of your current driver’s license are required to obtain a driving permit.

Driving in Chongqing Quick Tips

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Urban speed limits: 30–70 km/h (typically 50 km/h in city lanes).
• Expressway speed limits: 100–120 km/h.
• Tunnel speed limits: Usually 80 km/h, follow signage.
• Seat belts mandatory for driver and front passenger; recommended for all.
• Using handheld mobile phones while driving is illegal, including at traffic lights.
• Drunk driving is a serious offence with a zero-tolerance policy; random police checks occur.
• Landslides are common in the rainy season (April–September, peak June–August); avoid rural roads like Ligpaishi Zigzag Road during red/orange weather alerts.
• Monitor landslide risks via China Meteorological Administration; watch for cracking sounds, tilting trees, or mudflows.
• Rural roads may close due to landslides; urban roads are less affected but can face waterlogging.
• Traffic jams are common in urban areas during peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
• Pedestrians and cyclists often ignore traffic signals, scan intersections, and slow down, even with right of way.
• Honk to alert others on rural, winding roads with limited visibility; use confidently at blind corners.
• In narrow urban roads, the right lane may be used for left turns or U-turns; follow signage.
• High vehicle density reduces reaction time; use mirrors and scan frequently for scooters and cyclists.
• Google Maps is unreliable; use Baidu Maps or Amap (English available) for real-time traffic and landslide alerts.
• Road signs are bilingual (Chinese/English) in urban areas; rural signs may be Chinese-only.
• Gas and charging stations are common on expressways; pay with cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
• Expressway rest areas offer washrooms, stores, and food; urban parking is limited and costly in Jiefangbei.
• Expressways charge tolls (except holidays like Spring Festival); collect metering card at entry and pay at exit.
• International driver’s licenses are invalid; obtain a temporary driving permit (up to 3 months).
• Long-term residents need a full Chinese license (theory test in English, practical tests).
• Ensure rental car insurance; purchase travel insurance covering accidents and landslides.
• In accidents, don’t move the vehicle or leave the scene until police arrive (call 110 for police).
• Drive defensively; local drivers may cut off or ignore signals, especially in rural areas.
• Chongqing’s high bridges may unsettle drivers with a fear of heights; consider the metro or Didi.
• If a landslide occurs, stop away from slopes, stay in a vehicle unless unsafe, and call 110; evacuate to stable ground if directed.
• Random police checks are common; carry license, passport, and rental documents.
• Emergency contacts: Traffic police (122), medical (120), police (110), fire (119); use the app for translation.
• Alternatives: Use Chongqing’s metro (70+ stations), buses, taxis, or Didi to avoid driving risks.

Driving in China is a rewarding experience, offering the freedom to unlock so many more vibrant places. Check out Chongqing road trip ideas to start exploring.

Currency

China has turned into a cashless society. Mobile payment is the most common way of payment in Chongqing and is widely accepted everywhere, including street vendors.

Credit card is not widely accepted. If you do not have WeChat Pay or Alipay set up, it is a good idea to carry some Chinese cash. ATMs, located in banks and retail areas, dispense Chinese Yuan. You can use your international credit card to withdraw cash from the ATM. While ATM operate 24 hours, banks generally open Monday to Sunday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

When booking experiences, tours, cruises or accommodation, be sure to clarify the currency being charged. Some offer options.

Tipping is not a culture in China, though some popular touristy places and sites may accept tipping due to their experiences with serving world tourists. Generally speaking, tipping is not needed in Chongqing.

View Exchange Rates

Measurements

China uses the metric system for measurements.

Traditional units are also commonly used.

Accessibility

Accessibility in Chongqing is improving but still faces unique challenges. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

Public Holidays

There are additional holidays for specific groups:

• International Women’s Day (March 8): Half-day off for women.
• Youth Day (May 4): Half-day off for ages 14-28.
• Children’s Day (June 1): Full day off for children under 14.
• Army Day (August 1): Half-day off for active military personnel.