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Chaotianmen, located at the confluence of the Jialing River and the Yangtze River on the Yuzhong Peninsula in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, is one of Chongqing's 17 ancient city gates. During the Southern Song Dynasty, when the Song Dynasty established its capital in Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou), imperial edicts arrived via the Yangtze River at Chaotianmen, hence the name.
Chaotianmen, a hub connecting the two rivers and Chongqing's largest waterway passenger terminal, has been selected as one of Chongqing's "Top Ten Cultural Symbols." Chaotianmen Square offers a stunning view of the confluence of the two rivers and the scenic beauty of the riverside.
To the left of Chaotianmen, the Jialing River gathers small streams and flows into the Yangtze River. To the right, the Yangtze River, after receiving the waters of the Jialing River, becomes even more powerful, flowing through the Three Gorges and connecting the Yangtze and Han Rivers, becoming a golden section of the Yangtze River.
Every summer and mid-autumn, the emerald green water of the Jialing River collides with the brown and yellow water of the Yangtze River, creating whirlpools and distinct clear and turbid waters, forming a "Jia Ma Shui" landscape. Its momentum is like a wild horse parting its mane, which is very spectacular.
The Chaotianmen cruise departs from 19:30 to 21:00 every day. The best time to view the scenery is at 20:30 . The whole journey takes about 2 hours .
Suggested playing time: about half an hour
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Chaotianmen is a historic and cultural area at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Historically, it served as an important trading port and transportation hub for Chongqing. Today, it is a major tourist destination showcasing the city’s riverfront culture and urban development.
The area is open year-round as it is a public riverfront. The best times to visit are late afternoon to evening for sunset and night city lights, especially from April to October.
Chaotianmen itself is a public area with no entrance fee. Boat cruises or museum visits in the area may have separate ticket prices, usually purchasable online or at the docks.
For regular riverside exploration, no booking is needed. For river cruises or guided tours, booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended during peak season.
1–3 hours is sufficient to explore the riverside, take photos, and enjoy local food. Additional time is needed if taking a river cruise or visiting nearby attractions.
Guided river cruises and local tours are available, mostly in Chinese; some English-language tour options are offered by travel agencies.
Night visits are highly recommended to enjoy the illuminated bridges and skyline. Some boat tours operate in the evening to showcase city lights.
Chaotianmen can be crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially in the morning or early afternoon, are less busy.
Public toilets, riverside benches, snack stalls, and small shops are available along the promenade and dock area.
The promenade and dock areas are accessible for elderly and children. Wheelchair access is available in main pathways, though some river docks may have steps.
Most vendors accept mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and cards; having some cash is recommended for small vendors.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants; halal options are limited but present in some Muslim eateries in Chongqing.
