Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Overview of Chongqing’s Road Infrastructure

Chongqing’s road system is designed to accommodate its challenging topography and rapid urbanization. The city is often referred to as a "city of bridges and tunnels" due to its extensive use of these structures to connect its hilly terrain and river-crossed districts.

Types of Roads

Expressways (高速公路, Gāosù Gōnglù): High-speed roads connecting Chongqing to other cities and regions in China. These are toll roads with controlled access.
Urban Roads (城市道路, Chéngshì Dàolù): These include arterial roads, secondary roads, and local streets within the city. They are often multi-level due to the city’s topography.
Bridges and Tunnels: Chongqing has an extensive network of bridges and tunnels that connect its districts, especially across the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
Mountain Roads: In suburban and rural areas, winding mountain roads are common, often with sharp turns and steep inclines.

2. Major Highways and Expressways

Chongqing is a major transportation hub in southwest China, with several expressways radiating outward and connecting the city to other provinces. Key expressways include:

G50 Huyu Expressway (沪渝高速): Connects Chongqing to Shanghai via Wuhan.
G65 Baomao Expressway (包茂高速): Runs from Baotou in Inner Mongolia to Maoming in Guangdong, passing through Chongqing.
G75 Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway (兰海高速): Links Chongqing to Lanzhou in the north and Haikou in the south.
G85 Yinchuan-Kunming Expressway (银昆高速): Connects Chongqing to Yinchuan in the north and Kunming in the south.
Third Ring Expressway (三环高速): A ring road encircling Chongqing’s urban core, facilitating traffic flow around the city.

3. Bridges and Tunnels

Chongqing’s bridges and tunnels are engineering marvels, designed to overcome the city’s rugged terrain and river systems.

Notable Bridges

Chaotianmen Bridge (朝天门大桥): A steel arch bridge over the Yangtze River, one of the longest of its kind in the world.
Egongyan Bridge (鹅公岩大桥): A suspension bridge over the Yangtze River, connecting key urban districts.
Jialing River Bridges: Numerous bridges span the Jialing River, including the Shimen Bridge and Huanghuayuan Bridge.

Tunnels

Chongqing has over 100 tunnels, many of which are integrated into the urban road network. These include long mountain tunnels and shorter urban tunnels. Notable examples include the Hongyan Tunnel and Jiangbei Tunnel, which help alleviate traffic congestion.

4. Urban Road Network

Chongqing’s urban road network is multi-layered, with elevated highways, underpasses, and surface streets. Key features include:

Multi-level Interchanges: Due to the city’s hilly terrain, Chongqing has complex interchanges, such as the Huangjuewan Interchange, which has 15 ramps and five levels.
Ring Roads: The city has several ring roads, including the Inner Ring Road (内环快速路) and Outer Ring Road (外环高速), which help distribute traffic around the city center.

5. Toll Systems

Most expressways and some bridges in Chongqing operate on a toll system. Here’s what you need to know:

Toll Costs

Tolls are calculated based on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle.
For passenger cars, tolls typically range from 0.5 to 1 RMB per kilometer.
Bridges and tunnels that are part of expressways may have additional tolls.

Payment Methods

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection): Widely used in Chongqing. Vehicles equipped with an ETC device can pass through toll gates without stopping. ETC is highly recommended for frequent drivers.
Manual Payment: Cash or mobile payment (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) is accepted at toll booths for vehicles without ETC.

How to Get ETC

ETC devices can be obtained from banks or service centers in Chongqing. You’ll need to provide your vehicle registration and identification documents. The device is linked to your bank account for automatic toll deductions.

6. Traffic Regulations

Chongqing follows standard Chinese traffic laws, but there are some local considerations:

Driving Rules

Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.

Speed Limits

Urban roads: 40–60 km/h.
Expressways: 80–120 km/h.

License Requirements

Foreigners must have a Chinese driver’s license to drive in Chongqing. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized in China. You can convert your foreign license to a Chinese one by passing a written test.

Traffic Cameras

Chongqing has an extensive network of traffic cameras monitoring speed, red-light violations, and illegal parking. Fines can be paid online or at designated offices.

7. Common Transportation Challenges

Navigating Chongqing’s road infrastructure can be challenging for newcomers due to the following factors:

Complex Road Layout

The city’s multi-level roads and interchanges can be confusing. GPS navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (Amap) are essential for finding your way.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic jams are common during peak hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM), especially in the city center and on major bridges.

Steep Roads

Many roads in Chongqing have steep inclines, which can be difficult for inexperienced drivers.

Weather Conditions

Chongqing’s humid climate and frequent fog can reduce visibility, especially in winter.

8. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

Use Public Transportation: Chongqing’s metro system is extensive and often more convenient than driving.
Parking: Parking spaces in the city center are limited and expensive, typically costing 5–10 RMB per hour.
Car Rentals: If you plan to drive, car rental services are available, but you’ll need a Chinese driver’s license.
Navigation Apps: Download and familiarize yourself with local navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps, which provide real-time traffic updates and detailed directions.

9. Unique Local Considerations

Nighttime Lighting: Chongqing is famous for its nighttime cityscape, with illuminated bridges and buildings. However, this can sometimes make it harder to distinguish road signs and markings.
Motorcycles and Scooters: These are banned in many urban areas of Chongqing, so you won’t encounter them as often as in other Chinese cities.
Pedestrian Crossings: Be cautious at pedestrian crossings, as drivers may not always yield.

By understanding Chongqing’s road infrastructure and preparing for its unique challenges, you can navigate the city with greater ease and confidence. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific aspects of transportation in Chongqing, feel free to ask!