Jialing River

It is a tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It originates in Fengxian County, Baoji City, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, flows south through Nanchong City, and flows into the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Yuzhong District, Chongqing City.
After dark, you can take a boat cruise on the Jialing River and experience the unique night view of the mountain city by sailing through a sea of lights that are arranged in an orderly manner, with lights shining brightly from near and far.
Watching the fusion of the dark yellow and green waters of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers at Chaotianmen Square is a scene not to be missed.

Attractions Location: Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Transportation:
Take bus No. 461/465/612/601 to reach the Jialing River Bridge.

Time reference: Less than 1 hour


Recommended itinerary for Jialing River tours

1-Day Itinerary: Jialing River Scenic Walk and Hongyadong

Enjoy a leisurely day along the Jialing River, exploring its riverside parks and the famous Hongyadong area.

  • Morning: Arrive at Jialing River Park (near Chaotianmen Dock). Accessible via metro Line 1 to Jiaochangkou Station, then 10-minute taxi or walk.
  • Walk along the riverside promenade, enjoy views of the confluence of Jialing and Yangtze Rivers.
  • Afternoon: Visit Hongyadong Folk Customs Area (15-minute walk along the river).
  • Evening: Dine at one of Hongyadong’s riverside restaurants, watching the illuminated skyline.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Jiefangbei or Jiaochangkou. Try Chongqing hotpot and local river fish dishes.

Souvenirs: Local chili sauce, folk crafts from Hongyadong, and tea sets.


2-Day Itinerary: Jialing River + Hongyadong + Chaotianmen Dock + Jiefangbei

Combine riverside scenery with urban culture and shopping in downtown Chongqing.

  • Day 1: Follow 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Explore Chaotianmen Dock area, take a short river cruise on the Jialing River (departures available near Chaotianmen).
  • Afternoon: Visit Jiefangbei CBD by metro Line 1 to Jiefangbei Station (10 min). Shop and visit the People’s Liberation Monument.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in downtown Chongqing. Enjoy hotpot, street food stalls, and river delicacies.

Souvenirs: Chongqing-style chili products, tea, and souvenirs from Jiefangbei shops.


3-Day Itinerary: Jialing River + Hongyadong + Chaotianmen + Ciqikou Ancient Town

Mix urban river life with a visit to the historic and cultural Ciqikou Ancient Town.

  • Days 1-2: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 3: Take metro Line 1 to Shapingba, then transfer to Line 9 to Ciqikou Station (~40 mins). Explore the old town’s streets, teahouses, and temples.
  • Return downtown in evening.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Ciqikou or downtown. Try local snacks like sesame candy and tofu pudding.

Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, traditional pottery, local teas.


4-Day Itinerary: Jialing River + Hongyadong + Chaotianmen + Ciqikou + Three Gorges Museum

Add cultural and historical depth with a visit to Chongqing’s prominent museum.

  • Days 1-3: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 4: Visit Three Gorges Museum (metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station, 10-min walk). Explore exhibits on Yangtze River and regional history.

Accommodation/Food: Downtown hotels. Explore Sichuan cuisine near Jiefangbei.

Souvenirs: Museum souvenirs, traditional art, local teas.


5-Day Itinerary: Jialing River + Hongyadong + Chaotianmen + Ciqikou + Three Gorges Museum + Eling Park

Include peaceful green space and panoramic city views in your tour.

  • Days 1-4: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 5: Visit Eling Park by bus No. 104 or taxi (~20 mins). Enjoy gardens and skyline views over Jialing River.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in downtown Chongqing. Sample local teas and snacks at Eling Park.

Souvenirs: Tea, garden crafts, folk art.


6-Day Itinerary: Jialing River + Hongyadong + Chaotianmen + Ciqikou + Three Gorges Museum + Eling Park + Dazu Rock Carvings

Expand your cultural experience with a day trip to the UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings.

  • Days 1-5: Follow above itinerary.
  • Day 6: Day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings (~2.5 hours by taxi or bus). Visit Baoding and Beishan sites.

Accommodation/Food: Stay downtown or in Dazu town. Enjoy Sichuan cuisine and local specialties.

Souvenirs: Stone carving replicas, local handicrafts, teas.


7-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Chongqing River and Cultural Tour

Spend a full week immersing in Chongqing’s riverside beauty, urban culture, historic towns, and scenic parks.

  • Days 1-6: Follow 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Leisure day for shopping near Jiefangbei or take an evening Yangtze or Jialing River night cruise.

Accommodation/Food: Downtown Chongqing. Try a wide range of local delicacies including hotpot, noodles, and river fish dishes.

Souvenirs: Chili sauces, teas, local crafts, traditional paintings, and river-themed memorabilia.


User Reviews

By Dong Yong |

The cruise ship on the Jialing River is particularly dazzling at night. Passing under the bridge, you can clearly see the tourists on the deck. A night cruise on the Jialing River is truly beautiful! The Raffles Plaza on the shore stands out, and the balls on the roof are quite eye-catching, which piques my interest in checking in tomorrow morning. After reaching the other side of the Qiansimen Bridge, I turned back to take a photo of the night view. Can you vaguely see the moon in the sky? Tip: During major holidays, there are traffic restrictions here, resulting in long lines of people slowly moving forward, reminiscent of Plants vs. Zombies. Once we reached the river, we couldn't cross the bridge (it's prohibited, and this bridge is not the Qiansimen Bridge). So, we had to follow the auxiliary police's advice and walk under the bridge to the Qiansimen Bridge (this is from Hongyadong to the Grand Theater). We planned to walk across from this end and then check in at Hongyadong on the way back (the light rail runs right under the bridge, making it look like an earthquake, which was a bit scary).

By Backpackers traveling in the South |

Located in the center of Chongqing, across the Yangtze River from the island

By Luanqi didn't run around |

The Jialing River runs through Chongqing. The river water looks rather dirty during the day, so it is recommended to take a boat tour at night, as the night view is very beautiful.

From Hongyadong you can overlook the Jialing River, which is very beautiful.

By Maomao's sister |

The Jialing River is not as busy as the Yangtze River and there are not many ships, so the water quality is very good, turquoise and clear.

By Magic Pandora |

The best place to see Hongyadong from the other side of Jialing River is really the best place. There are many photographers taking pictures here.

There are also cruise ships on the river, and the lights on the bridge are also on, which is really beautiful. No wonder Chongqing is known as the Little Hong Kong at night.

By Dr. David |

The night view is great. It rained that day and I didn’t see the Jialing River.

By Pisces |

The night view of Chongqing was beyond my expectation. It completely changed my perception of Chongqing.

By -pander- |

The night view is definitely worth seeing. The cruise ship on the river, the light show on the other side of the river, and the Hongya Cave in front of you are all magnificent.

By Juanjuan |

The night view is beautiful, and the shopping is the same as all the other tourist attractions, just that!

By ocean |

The Jialing River is a tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It originates in Fengxian County, Baoji City, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, flows south through Nanchong City and joins the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. The Jialing River in Chongqing at night is stunning.

By levono |

When we arrived, it was the dry season, and the river was not full, so the scenery was average. It should be better during the flood season.

By Blue Moon V Sorrow |

Very good, the scenery is more beautiful at night, very unique.

By Adventurous Dreams |

The night view at night is very good, and it is very comfortable to watch with the high-rise buildings opposite.

By Clx. |

When I took the Two Rivers Cruise, we passed through the Yangtze River and Jialing River, and I didn't have any special feelings.

By His Royal Highness Wang Jiuye |

A visit to Chongqing is a must-see for those who visit the Jialing River. At the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers, there are sightseeing cruises available. The views from both sides are expansive and breathtaking, and the night view is truly stunning! It's a truly unique experience.

By Nima Dingye |

It is just an ordinary river, but it may have great historical significance.

By Anran and Luosang |

In Sichuan Province, the Jialing River flows south from Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, where it joins the West Han River. It then flows through Lueyang County and Yangpingguan before entering Sichuan. Passing Guangyuan City, it joins the Bailong River in Zhaohua District and flows south to Langzhong City. The East River joins it from its left bank, and in Nanbu County and Peng'an County, it joins the West River and flows to Hechuan District. The Qu River and the Fu River join them on their left and right banks, respectively, before emptying into the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing City. Within Sichuan Province, the river stretches 796 kilometers.

By China-TravelNote users |

Chongqing is beautiful. I love you.

By l Kezi |

On the evening of January 24, 2018, my father and I went to Hongyadong to enjoy the night view of Qiansimen Bridge across the Jialing River. It was really beautiful; the Jialing River flowed slowly under the bridge;

By Walking Teddy Bear |

Jialing River, a tributary of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, is named after the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province. [1] (One source is that the source is "Water Classic Notes" Volume 20 (Yangshui), which states: "Hanshui River flows south into Jialing Road and becomes Jialing River" [2]) It originates from Daiwang Mountain in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. The main stream flows through Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing City, and merges into the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing City. The main tributaries are: Badu River, West Hanshui River, Bailong River, Qujiang River, Fu River, etc. It is 1,345 kilometers long [3], with a main stream drainage area of 39,200 square kilometers and a drainage area of 160,000 square kilometers [1]) It is the largest river in terms of drainage area among the tributaries of the Yangtze River, [1] [5] and is second only to the Yalong River in length and the Minjiang River in flow. [6]

Jialing River in Chinese, Jialing River in English, Langshui River in Chinese. A tributary of the Yangtze River. Source: Daiwang Mountain, Qinling Mountains, Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province. Flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing.

By Rene |

The night view is quite beautiful. Watching the night view in Chongqing feels like you are paying for electricity for free.

By Go your own way |

The Jialing River is a tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It originates in Fengxian County, Baoji City, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, flows south through Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, and finally joins the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Yuzhong District, Chongqing City. Watching the murky yellow and dark green waters of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers merge at Chaotianmen Square is a must-see.

By Zhang Mingjun |

The Chongqing Jialing River Bridge is located between Shangqing Temple in Yuzhong District and Huaxin Street in Jiangbei District. It is named Niujiaotuo Jialing River Bridge. It is the first urban bridge in Chongqing City. Construction began in December 1958 and was completed in January 1966.

By flora5566 |

The mountain city’s night view is well-deserved, with well-arranged buildings and dazzling lights, it feels like Hong Kong!

By I have a voice. |

Only cities with rivers have courage and charm.

By Dada Prince |

The weather is exceptionally sunny and the temperature outside is gradually rising! The emerald green Jialing River meets the brown and yellow Yangtze River.

Such a beautiful view is a little luck before leaving🍀

By Sit and watch the clouds rise |

There are many bridges in Chongqing. This is the Qiansimen Bridge. Because it is a foggy city, you can’t see the blue sky and white clouds.

By As light as water |

The Jialing River is a tributary of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It originates in Feng County, Baoji City, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, flows south through Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, and flows into the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Yuzhong District, Chongqing City.

By Wisdom_Not_Wisdom_ |

Living by the river, I have a panoramic view and I especially like the feeling of the river flowing before my eyes.

By Xiao Yuxuan |

A mysterious city where subways either cross rivers or go through buildings

By Small bottle Sophia |

The Jialing River is actually a tributary of the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River has many tributaries. The Jialing River flowing through Chongqing is the mother river of the people of Chongqing.

By I'm not an editor |

The Jialing River, the mother river of my hometown, originates in Fengxian County, Baoji, Shaanxi Province, and flows through Lueyang, Guangyuan, Langzhong, Nanchong, Wusheng, and Hechuan before finally merging with the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing. At the confluence of the two rivers, one can clearly see a scene of half the river rustling and half red. Statistics show that the Jialing River has the highest sediment load in the Yangtze River system.

By The trumpet is not a trumpet |

It’s still beautiful to see the Jialing River from Beibin Road...

By Sister Xia |

It is a river that runs across the main city of Chongqing. The river water is clear and the scenery on both sides is charming. The Jialing River merges with the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen, forming a spectacular scene of the two rivers merging.

By style |

A tributary of the upper Yangtze River, it gets its name from the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province. The main stream flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing, before joining the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing.

By China-TravelNote user 92993064 |

This place is suitable for going at night, it is more beautiful at night, very beautiful...

By The Master of Shizizhai |

Jialing River, August 10, 2015, Chongqing.

By Look around |

Standing at Chaotianmen, you can see the confluence of the Jialing River and the Yangtze River, while at Hongyadong you can see the most beautiful night view of Chongqing.

By Emma Yun |

The sunset by the Jialing River is so beautiful~~~~~

By Love Jingjing's Curly |

The Jialing River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River, derives its name from the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province. (One source suggests that the source is the "Water Classic Notes," chapter 20 (Yangshui), which states: "The Han River flows south into the Jialing River and becomes the Jialing River.") It originates from Daiwang Mountain in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. Its main stream flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing, before joining the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing. Its major tributaries include the Badu River, the West Han River, the Bailong River, the Qu River, and the Fu River. With a total length of 1,345 kilometers, its main stream has a drainage area of 39,200 square kilometers and its drainage basin of 160,000 square kilometers, it is the largest of the Yangtze River's tributaries, second only to the Yalong River in length and the Min River in flow.

By Fallen Leaves |

Maybe it was because I went there in spring, it was not as spectacular as I imagined.

By Jing'er |

Opposite Hongyadong, it is very beautiful, and there is also Qiansimen Bridge.

By Crown Three |

The scenery on both sides of the river is beautiful, and the Qiansimen Bridge and Hongyadong are both spectacular.

By Great Rivers and Oceans |

The Jialing River originates in the Qinling Mountains at Fengxian County, flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing, and finally empties into the Yangtze River. Its main stream is 1,345 kilometers long, with a drainage basin covering 39,200 square kilometers. The upper reaches extend from Zhaohua District, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, while the middle reaches extend from Zhaohua to Hechuan District, Chongqing, and the lower reaches extend from Hechuan to the Chongqing estuary.

By sincia_qian |

The Jialing River on the right flows into the Yangtze River here, with the emerald green water of the Jialing River and the brown and yellow water of the Yangtze River clearly distinguished. The Yangtze River on the left, after receiving the water of the Jialing River, flows majestically through the Three Gorges and connects to the Yangtze and Han Rivers, becoming the "golden water section" of the Yangtze River.

By Stephanie02_15 |

The first time I saw the Jialing River described in the book, I felt it was great when I took a boat ride

By Waiting for the emptiness |

Cities with water are all good, not to mention there are two rivers.

By Yuwen Lingye |

Just opposite Hongyadong, the daytime and nighttime views are great!

By cocobaby |

The sea breeze is pretty good, hahahaha

By Still today |

The junction of the Yangtze River and Jialing River is a combination of green and brown

By Mars User |

The weather is bad, the river view is soso, one of the tributaries of the Yangtze River.

By Qingxin Candy💋 |

The night view is great, there are no public services, it is worth seeing.

By Chen Lingi |

It is said that Niujiaotuo Station is a good place to see the Jialing River

First of all, every time I look at the Jialing River, I always take a look at it when I change stations at Niujiaotuo.

But I still recommend it to everyone!!!

Take a bus to Niujiaotuo at night to take a look at the Jialing River

It must be so beautiful that you forget everything else~~~

By Quiet Soldier |

This shouldn't be considered a tourist attraction. You'll definitely walk past it when you're in Chongqing. The Jialing River at night is more beautiful than during the day.

By Time is singing |

There was little water in the river this year, and it didn't rain much in Chongqing, so the river looked very narrow.

By Shiyueer7 |

We took a cruise from Chaotianmen Wharf all the way to the Yangren Street opposite. In between, we cruised on the Yangtze River and the Jialing River. The water of the Jialing River is clear, while the water of the Yangtze River is yellow and turbid. I prefer the clarity of the Jialing River.

By Daningzi |

It is said that the water here is clearer than the Yangtze River? You can’t tell during the day, so go to see the night view at night and visit Hongyadong by the way.

By Unlimited Freedom |

The Jialing River, a tributary of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, is named after the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province. [1] (One source is that the source is "Water Classic Notes" Volume 20 (Yangshui), which states: "The Han River flows south into the Jialing River and becomes the Jialing River." [2]) It originates from Daiwang Mountain in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. The main stream flows through Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing City, and merges into the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing City. The main tributaries are: Badu River, West Han River, Bailong River, Qu River, Fu River, etc. It is 1,345 kilometers long [3], with a main stream drainage area of 39,200 square kilometers and a drainage area of 160,000 square kilometers [1]). It is the largest river in terms of drainage area among the tributaries of the Yangtze River [1], [4-5] and second only to the Han River in length and the Min River in flow. [6]

By June |

It was foggy during the days I went there, so the river view was blurry. It was also fun to take the cable car across the river when the weather was clear.

By Green dumplings |

Two major rivers run through the urban area of Chongqing. The night view is one of Chongqing's major features, but the water of the Jialing River is not clear.

By Happy every second |

The misty Jialing River and the buildings in the mist have a unique charm.

By renwhere |

Chongqing is a city where two rivers meet. I prefer the Jialing River to the Yangtze River. The water is clear, and the scenery along the river is even more beautiful. Shabin Road and Beibin Road are both located next to the Jialing River and are great places to visit.

By Two trees and one forest |

The Jialing River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River, is home to hydropower stations such as Bikou. Cutting through three tributaries extending southward from the Huaying Mountains, the Jialing River carves out the breathtaking Libi, Wentang, and Guanyin gorges before joining the Yangtze River in Chongqing. The Jialing River is a crucial waterway in Sichuan Province and carries the most sediment, earning its name from the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County in Shaanxi Province. Its main stream flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing. Boat trips along both the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers are available at Chaotianmen in Chongqing.

By Mr. Zhao from Langzhong |

Living upstream, this was the first time for me to come to the lower reaches of the Jialing River, and watch the Jialing River that nurtured me merge into the mighty Yangtze River!

By ghost |

The Jialing River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River, derives its name from the Jialing Valley northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, where it flows. It originates from Daiwang Mountain in Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province, at the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains. Its main stream flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing, before joining the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen in Chongqing. Its major tributaries include the Badu River, the West Han River, the Bailong River, the Qu River, and the Fu River. With a total length of 1,345 kilometers, its main stream has a drainage area of 39,200 square kilometers and a drainage basin of 160,000 square kilometers, making it the largest of the Yangtze River's tributaries. It is second only to the Han River in length and the Min River in flow.

By Jade |

Chongqing is located at the confluence of the Jialing River, the Yangtze River and other water bodies, creating a unique natural scenery. The Jialing River is a must-see in Chongqing and can be seen everywhere.

By Insects |

Two rivers pass through Chongqing, the Jialing River is one of them

By Dadayu |

The Jialing River flows into the Yangtze River, and you can see the whirlpool where the two rivers meet. There is someone playing the violin by the river, and the sound is melodious.

By Rising from the Fire |

After a short rest at the hotel, I arrived at Hongyadong, the first stop of my Chongqing trip. Hongyadong is a comprehensive tourist attraction boasting "one state, three unique features, four streets, eight scenic spots, and one waterfront." Standing on the waterfront platform, waiting for the sunset to cast across the Jialing River, "Jialing Sunset" is a true scene of Hongyadong.

By Shui Han |

Gentle, clear, I prefer the Jialing River to the Yangtze River

By Ten miles |

The Jialing River is OK, a little smaller than the Yangtze River.

By Meat buns |

Sitting in a teahouse by the river with my beloved little bear, we rested our legs, chatted, drank tea, and watched him smoke. The smoke curled gracefully. Sitting by the picturesque river, even the smoke became beautiful.

By Jingya Zichen |

The Jialing River flows quietly, the river is not wide, sitting by the river and drinking tea is very pleasant

By Xiaomu |

The Two Parallel Rivers are indeed spectacular, and a night boat tour would be quite exciting as well.

By Qingye Jushi |

The water is clear, it is recommended to take a boat tour at night, the scenery is pleasant