Chaotianmen Dock

Chaotianmen Dock is a major water transportation hub in Chongqing, where the Jialing River and the Yangtze River meet. It is also a stunning landmark and a must-visit attraction of Chongqing.

Chaotianmen was built in 314 BCE as a city gate. In ancient times, local officials knelt down to receive the emperor’s decrees in front of the gate. The emperor was considered the son of the heavens at that time, so the place is called Chaotianmen, meaning “toward the heaven gate.”

Why Chaotianmen Matters for Yangtze Cruises

Chaotianmen Dock is the largest such structure in Chongqing and one of the busiest docks in China. The Yangtze River cruise ships, the city sightseeing ships, and the city ferries all start off from here at the Chongqing cruise terminal. 

A Yangtze River Cruise is the best way to appreciate one of the most admired sections of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, when leaving the Chongqing departure port. The sightseeing ships shuttle between Chaotianmen Dock and Jialing River Bridge, or the Yangtze River Bridge. It’s a remarkable way to appreciate the landscapes and night view of the city. The ferries run between the dock and Foreigners’ Street, a place with architecture in various styles and plenty of delicious food.

Chaotianmen Guide

Chaotianmen is the point where the Jialing River, at 1,119 kilometers (695 miles) long, flows into the Yangtze River. In the early summer, the green Jialing River and the brown-yellow Yangtze River create rolling whirlpools and spectacular scenery. Chaotianmen Square above the dock is the best site to view the two rivers merging and to see the river confluence landmark. 

What to See Nearby

Foreigners’ Street dining and shopping includes a large public area, Chaotianmen Square, where all of the surrounding buildings are on display. Luxury shopping and many fine restaurants await you before and after your Yangtze River cruise. It’s easily walkable as you navigate the crowds.

Raffles City is the giant shopping mall in Chaotianmen. These futuristic buildings have a skywalk at the top conjoining the towers. People searching for a luxury stay in the area may head to the InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City Hotel. The Crystal observation deck sits more than 800 feet above the ground, giving guests an awesome, 270-degree view of the surrounding mountains and the confluence below.

River Views and Night Skyline

The most beautiful night view of Chongqing is on Yuzhong Peninsula, while an equally breathtaking nighttime panorama of Yuzhong Peninsula is in Chaotianmen. The colorful lights of the buildings along the bank, of the ships on the river, and of the stars in the sky come together to create this spectacle. The actual confluence of the rivers forms around a peninsula shaped like a ship’s bow, and the contrasting colors of the waterways are best seen from June to November. 

The nighttime sky offers a futuristic array of skyscrapers, illuminated bridges, and bright lights along the river confluence. Weekend evenings also offer aerial drone shows and displays above Chaotianmen Bridge and the surrounding river. Pick one of several riverside promenades to watch in wonder.

Planning Your Departure 

At present, Chaotianmen Dock has become the most prosperous commercial wholesale and retail area of the city, and it’s your cruise ship departure point. The boats, ferries, riverside wharves, crowded pedestrian areas, and alleys filled with shops on the banks of the two rivers make it a lively spot.

Embarkation Guide

You’ll find 13 massive piers along the dock. Look for your exact pier number one to two days before your cruise departs. The best time to set sail on a Yangtze River cruise is April through October, with comfortable weather and ideal river levels. River cruises typically depart between 4 and 8 p.m. local time. 

Reach Chaotianmen Dock by taxi or public transportation. We recommend taking a taxi so you arrive on time with your baggage. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located around 27 kilometers (17 miles) north of the docks. Make sure your flight lands in the morning hours to give you plenty of time to make your departure.