Hongya Cave

Not a cave, but a Disney-esque recreation of the old stilt houses that once lined Chongqing's riverfronts, this 11-storey shopping, dining and entertainment complex anchors the city's tourism scene. Here, you can get a foot massage, buy a jade bracelet, eat a dinner of spicy skewers and down a beer or cup of tea or coffee, all in one place. It's cheesy good fun and at night, the lit-up complex is fairly spectacular.

Jiefangbei Monument

This clock tower monument at the heart of Chongqing commemorates China's victory over Japan in WWII. The surrounding pedestrian streets are now home to the city's most luxurious shopping, with international clothing and watch brands aplenty, and outposts of global chains like Starbucks filling the surrounding malls.

Ciqikou Ancient Town

The opportunity to snatch a glimpse of old Chongqing makes it worth riding some 45 minutes out to Shapingba district, on the Jialing River west of the centre. Through the archway that is the entrance to the town, most of the late-Ming buildings in this sprawling complex have been restored. The main drag can feel like a carnival, especially on weekends, but away from the central street, a living village remains.

Three Gorges Museum

This sleek museum showcases the history of settlement in the Chongqing region. There's the inevitable exhibition on the Three Gorges, including a model of the dam, as well as clothing and artwork relating to southwest China's minority groups. Some exhibits have better English captions than others.