We kick off at the Lu Zun Miao morning market near the Liberation Monument—the real starting point for locals' days. I'll have you sit on little stools along the old streets to savour a classic Chongqing breakfast: youcha (oil tea). Crispy fried dough sticks layered over warm, savoury rice porridge, topped with Sichuan peppercorns, fresh coriander, and pickled mustard greens. Don't worry about the spice—I'll customise a milder version for you.
Next, we stroll over to the Shihuishi Market—not a touristy spot, but the everyday hub where Chongqing residents shop for groceries. I'll show you around like an old friend, explaining how to pick the freshest seasonal veggies, the differences between all those quirky chilli varieties, and how the microbes in those pickled vegetable jars create the soul of a perfect bowl of xiaomian noodles. Feel free to snap photos, ask questions, or even haggle with the vendors—this is the genuine pulse of Chongqing life, full of energy and warmth.
Finally, we end at the thousand-year-old Luohan Temple.It's the perfect finale: you'll learn about the temple's history and Buddhist culture, then I'll guide you in lighting incense and offering prayers the local way. Step into the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, have fun hunting for the one that looks most like you. (great for photos!)There's also a charming local tradition: pick a starting point at random, count ahead by your age, and the arhat you land on is said to reflect your current state of mind.

You'll head home with the lingering warmth of youcha, the tingling kick of peppercorns, the scent of incense, and the most vivid memories of this layered, vibrant city.