Chongqings vibrant night life is no different from that of Chinas other thriving metropolises, boasting bars, movie theatres and dance clubs which bring the city alive in the evening hours. Tired of the usual tourist activities? Try one of the recommendations given below to get a taste of Chongqings nighttime offerings.

Whether for dinner or for a late-night snack, hot pot is a must if you want to experience some local flavors. A booming business all-year-round, hot pot is a thriving local tradition in Chongqing. Come nightfall, hot pot restaurants and numerous sidewalk stands open for business. Adorned with strand after strand of colorful lights, hot pot businesses come in all different shapes and sizes. You will find that some are small, intimate shops, while others consist of only a few tables with umbrella covering for an alfresco dining experience. You can find these hot pot spots easily on many lanes and streets. On average, a hot pot dinner should cost no more than RMB20 per person.

Once dinner is finished, enjoy a leisurely walk around the streets of Chongqing, a city famous for its nighttime scenery. For a superior view, make your way up to the top of South Mountain, where you will find a well-known sightseeing spot called "Yi Ke Shu", or in English, "A Tree". At this very spot, you will experience a splendid panoramic view of the entire city, including a view of its two bordering rivers in the waters of which the brilliant city lights are reflected. Take the No.384 bus from Jiefangbei commercial center and get off at Nanshan Station. There is an entrance fee of RMB10 per person.

After viewing the shimmering waters of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers from South Mountain, you may also want to take a night tour aboard a cruise ship to view the citys night views. Fares for a 2-hour cruise tour range from RMB30 to RMB80 per person. Tours run from 7 to 10 oclock in the evening and depart from the Chao Tian Men Dock.

Or, if youre looking for some entertainment from the silver screen, Chongqing Studio City Cinema has what youre looking for. The largest and most luxurious cineplex in the area, it is located on the sixth floor of the Metropolis Plaza in the Yuzhong District. Most films are dubbed in Chinese, although Hollywood films and Chinese blockbusters with English subtitles are shown occasionally. Since its grand opening in 1998, Studio City Cinema has been regarded by locals as the top entertainment centre in Chongqing.

When you want to sit down and relax, venture to Nan Bin Road, where you will find many bars, pubs, cafe and teahouses, each offering a unique style and flavor. Stretching along the Yangtze River, this street has become a hub for nighttime leisure in Chongqing. You will have no problem finding Nan Bin Road, just look for the dazzling neon lights.