Why Chongqing is Becoming a Top Destination for Thai Tourists?

Chongqing -  Chongqing has become a frequent topic of discussion in Thailand, a trend that no longer surprises observers. What’s behind this surge in interest, and why are more Thai travelers flocking to this vibrant Chinese city?

A Thai PBS survey revealed that after the mutual visa exemption in March 2024, Chongqing became the top Chinese destination, surpassing Beijing and Shanghai. According to Ctrip's overseas platform data, this is reflected in a dramatic 240% year-on-year increase in Thai bookings for Chongqing between October and November 2024.

Thai vloggers took photos in front of Liziba, capturing the iconic location. (Photo/mini couple from YouTube)

The 3-hour flight from Bangkok to Chongqing, with over 20 weekly services, is now the busiest international route from the city. This makes last-minute trips more convenient for Thai tourists.

Railway through buildings captivates social media users

As social media continues to shape travel trends, photos and videos shared by influencers and everyday tourists have contributed significantly to Chongqing’s growing recognition.

NID, a Thai student at Southwest University who moved to Chongqing two years ago, shared that she was already familiar with the city’s beauty from trending videos, especially spots like Hongya Cave and Liziba. Many Thai people are particularly intrigued by the railway that runs through buildings and want to experience it in person.

A post tagged with #Chongqing highlights the city's landmark locations. (Photo/Goalchinese from Tiktok)

According to Thai tech company Zanroo, from March to October 2024, social media discussions about China’s visa exemption policy generated over 1.8 billion mentions, with Chongqing being a key focus. 

TikTok videos of the city’s iconic railway running through buildings quickly gained millions of views. On Instagram, photos of the city’s nightscape and spicy hotpot dishes were widely shared, sparking excitement among Thai users. 

Recent Instagram posts from influencers dylanpage.ning and shev_n_dev featuring Chongqing have gained significant attention, with the former’s post reaching 2.99 million views and the latter’s garnering 290,000 views. These viral videos highlight the city’s attractions, contributing to Chongqing’s growing popularity among Thai and international travelers.

Thai fans visit to explore actors' filming locations

Celebrity-driven tourism has played a key role in Chongqing's growing popularity on social media. Thai fans of Chongqing-born Chinese actors like Xiao Zhan, who gained fame through dramas like The Untamed, are increasingly visiting the city, driven by his large following in Thailand.

Chinese dramas like Till the End of the Moon and Accidentally in Love have become especially popular among Thai youth, fueling a growing wave of fandom for the actors.

Inspired by their favorite stars' connection to the city, Thai fans are now visiting Chongqing to explore filming locations and experience the city through the eyes of their beloved actors.

A Thai fan of Xiao Zhan takes photos at a location featured in his iconic shoots. (Photo/POCKY_IN_CQ from Tiktok)

“One of the big reasons I came to Chongqing is because I really like TF Boys, and they are from here,” said NID. “We went to places like Baixiangju and Jiefangbei, where they took pictures,” she recalled. 

Visiting celebrity hotspots allows fans to feel a closer connection to their idols. "It feels like being closer to them when you visit these places," she continued.

Chongqing: stunning views at a third of nearby costs

Many Thai tourists typically plan their travels to include three "must-dos": exploring the city's famous landmarks, tasting the spicy local cuisine, and immersing themselves in its vibrant culture.

As NID shared, “Thai people enjoy spicy food, so Chongqing’s hotpot and noodles are a big draw for us.” Food-focused social media posts showcasing the city’s signature dishes have further piqued the interest of Thai visitors, who are eager to try the food from the city where it originated.

Chongqing night view. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Affordability plays a critical role in destination choices. In this regard, Chongqing stands out. 

Chongqing offers a similar travel experience—stunning views, modern amenities, and rich culture—at a lower cost than nearby countries like South Korea and Japan. Many Thai travelers have found they can enjoy the same experience for one-third of the price.

China extended its 240-hour visa-free transit policy for Chongqing last year, allowing international tourists, including those from Thailand, to explore the city more freely. This has boosted tourism and global exchanges.