Your first trip to China starts here.
Chongqing · Self-guided tour

Adventure in the '8D' urban maze of Chongqing, tasting 'Jianghu cuisine'

Chongqing·6-14 hours·—— 8D Magic City—— The appearance of each city is a poem formed by the dreams and will of the people living in it. Chongqing is a unique three-dimensional city in the world, its three-dimensionality is not merely found in commercial areas suspended on cliff walls, with building exits at levels 30, 20, and 5, or the wonder of light rail traversing residential buildings. It is more about the stubborn, optimistic, and brave people of Chongqing — they excel at turning daunting cliffs into fairy tales, enjoying transforming perilous natural barriers into thoroughfares and facing the ruggedness of life with humor and venting, even with an almost ferocious attitude, hammering poetry into the spicy fiery atmosphere... If the pioneering history of the mountain city is laid out, one will see a “rebellious geography” written with baskets, steel drills, and the bubbling sounds of hotpot — the people of Chongqing never believe in destiny dictated by terrain, their city is a trophy claimed from the cliffs. You may find it difficult to understand this, but when you witness with your own eyes the light rail thunderously crash into residential buildings, personally step into the elevator-less 24-story cube corridor of Baixiangju, stand atop the Kuixing Tower experiencing a “horizon” at 22 stories high, and walk into the dreamy scenery of “Spirited Away” on a 75° cliff, you will realize that there are no insurmountable peaks, only time and space yet to be folded. The people of Chongqing regard every cliff as a three-dimensional canvas, transforming air-raid shelters into art galleries, carving coffee shops into cliff walls, and building observation decks at light rail platforms, with their bubbling creativity turning crises into scenery... Today, let us witness with our own eyes, measure with our own feet, and joyfully lose ourselves in the flowers and mist of this '4D city.'
Self-guidedNo group to follow
6-14 hoursMake time for discovery
Explore in the appYour local companion

A day with a different perspective.

Breakfast→Liziba Light Rail Station→Three-layer Road→Mountain City Path→Lunch→Huguang Guild Hall→Baixiangju→Luohan Temple→Daijia Alley→Kuixing Tower→Dinner→Jiefangbei→Hongya Cave→Jiaochangkou

A look at your route

Liziba Light Rail Station

It is recommended to arrive before 8:30 AM when there are fewer tourists. Suggested visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour. No matter where you are staying in Chongqing, you can conveniently reach this magical station via Line 2 of the light rail. For the best view, start from Niujiaotuo Station heading towards Liziba Station and sit in the first car to get a driver's perspective of the train entering the building. If you are coming from the opposite direction, simply ride one extra stop to Niujiaotuo Station and then take the train back in the opposite direction. Want to take such photo? If you want to capture the iconic photo of the light rail passing through the building, follow these steps: Get off at Liziba Station and exit through Exit 2. After swiping your card to exit, you will reach the street. Turn right and you will see a staircase going down on your right.Walk down the stairs to a small platform. On your right, you will see a door. Enter through this door (do not continue down the stairs). Walk straight to the end of the corridor. You will see an exit directly in front of you. Exit and turn right. Walk down one flight of stairs and you will see another entrance. Enter and turn left.Follow the red arrows on the wall to find an elevator. Take the elevator to the 1st floor. Cross the street to reach the Liziba Observation Platform. It is highly recommended to take the light rail from Niujiaotuo Station to Liziba Station to experience the breathtaking sight of the train passing through a building. This unique visual spectacle is a must-see! If you prefer, you can also watch the train pass through the building from the viewing platform. If you're concerned about the crowds at Liziba, there is a hidden gem for you. There's a lesser-known spot where you can capture the train passing through the building from a different angle, offering a unique perspective away from the usual hustle and bustle. Get off at Niujiaotuo Station and exit through Exit 1. Look for the entrance to the "Xindu Alley Footpath." Follow the path and climb the equivalent of about three floors. Then, turn right and go up a small staircase. You'll pass by a pavilion where it feels like the light rail is passing right in front of you. Continue along the path to reach another pavilion for an equally impressive view.

Breakfast

After enjoying the light rail experience, let's kick off today's journey with an authentic local breakfast. The first option is Liu Liangfen. Get off at Liziba Station and walk to the restaurant. For the second option, try HUO COFFEE. Get off at Niujiaotuo Station and take a short walk to reach this cozy café.

Transportation – Heading to Sancengmalu

You can head to Sancengmalu Road from Liu Liangfen or Special Noodles of Chengzhang Alley.

Sancengmalu

📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours If the weather is too hot, be mindful of your physical exertion and take breaks as needed. About Sancengmalu Sancengmalu is located halfway up E’ling (鹅岭) Mountain. This winding mountain road ascends from the base to the top at E’ling Zheng Street, giving it the name "Sancengmalu." It is known as one of Chongqing's most intriguing geographical streets. This road was established during the period when Chongqing served as the wartime capital (1937-1946). Initially, it was a strategic supply route connecting the Liziba Wharf to the E’ling strategic point. During the war, due to its distance from the city center at Jiefangbei (解放碑, Liberation Monument), it housed the headquarters of the American Flying Tigers and the residence of General Stilwell. The cliffside air-raid shelters were used as ammunition depots and refuges. Many dignitaries chose to live here to avoid enemy bombings, including the residences of Liu Xiang, Kong Xiangxi, Sun Ke, and General Stilwell, as well as the old site of the Bank of Communications. After the 1950s, the area gradually evolved into a residential and industrial zone. In 2016, the government initiated the "Mountain City Trail" renovation project, preserving historical buildings while integrating cultural and tourism elements. The winding San Cheng Ma Lu stretches approximately 1.8 kilometers with a vertical height difference of 60 meters. The first level represents history, the second level is about daily life, and the third level showcases art and culture, each with its unique charm. The trail connects all the spaces and attractions, blending tradition with modernity. Let's start from the Liziba Anti-Japanese War Site Park, pass by the Stilwell Museum and Fotuguan Rail Transit Station, and finally reach the Second Printing House. This journey is filled with poetic scenery and the vibrant essence of everyday life.

Tea Break

Let's take a break after half a morning. Here are some recommended places for you to go.

Transportation – Getting to Mountain City Trail

From E'ling Station, take Line 1 of the light rail towards Chaotianmen for 2 stops, then get off at Qixinggang Station. Walk 1.2 kilometers to Jia Shi Yang Lao Yuan in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. On your way, you might pass by "Tongyuanmen," a city gate built during the Ming Dynasty, over 600 years ago. It was the only land route for external access to Chongqing during the Ming Dynasty, making it a fiercely contested battlefield in every war. This city gate has been breached, destroyed, and captured three times: • In 1277, Kublai Khan (the founder and first emperor of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty of China) launched a strong attack on Chongqing. The defending general was killed, Tongyuanmen was breached, and Chongqing fell. • In the 17th year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign (1644), Zhang Xianzhong led tens of thousands of troops to encircle Chongqing by land and water. After six days of fierce fighting, they used gunpowder to collapse the corner wall of Tongyuanmen and entered Chongqing. • On November 21, 1911, the revolutionary army took advantage of the Qing army's unpreparedness, climbed over the city wall, and descended by ladder. They then removed the safety pins from the cannons while the soldiers were having lunch, threatened the Qing soldiers with fake bombs, broke the locks, and opened the city gate. The Tongyuanmen City Wall Ruins Park features numerous sculptures that narrate the history of the old city wall's construction, defense, and attacks. Additionally, two sets of folk sculptures, "Fried Rice Candy and Boiled Water" and "Sedan Chair," recreate the fierce battles at Tongyuanmen and the daily lives of the people. For convenience, you can take a taxi and navigate to "Jia Shi Yang Lao Yuan, Yuzhong District, Chongqing." Facing the nursing home, walk along the small road to the left front, and you will see the entrance archway to Mountain City Alley (the downhill path makes the walk easier).

Mountain City Trail

No Admission Fee Open All Day Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour The history of the Mountain City Trail dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1900, French missionaries installed poles and lights along the alley to illuminate the path for passersby, giving it the name "Tian Deng Alley" (Sky Lantern Alley). In 1972, it was renamed Mountain City Alley. Today, this is the only street in Chongqing named after the "Mountain City." It features typical stilt houses, adaptive quadrangles, ancient stone archways, and Shikumen buildings with a Shanghai-style influence, as well as the European-style former site of the French Ren'ai Hall. This blend of architectural styles has earned it the nickname "Architectural Museum of Chongqing." With numerous interesting shops and stunning views overlooking the Jialing River, it has also become a favorite "hidden gem" for young people in Chongqing. We will explore this trail from top to bottom in the following order: Ren'ai Hall & Wild Garden Shiguangli Library (former site of Jinma Primary School) Mountain City Story House Mountain City Tea House Love Alley Suspended Walkway “This is Mountain City” Wall (这很山城) Artistic Alley Red Wall This route will allow you to fully appreciate the historical and cultural richness of the Mountain City Trail while enjoying its unique architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

Transportation – Heading to Lunch

After spending the morning exploring the ups and downs of Mountain City Alley, your energy levels might be running low. It's time to recharge with some delicious local cuisine. There are two ways to get to your lunch destination: by bus or by taxi.

Lunch

Given the abundance of spicy cuisine in Chongqing, the locals have developed several unique ways to cool down the heat. Here are three special beverages that you can find only in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions of China. We highly recommend trying them to enhance your dining experience. Enjoy your meal! The distance between Baixiangju and restaurant is approximately 600 meters, and we recommend walking to your destination.

Baixiangju (White Elephant Residence)

📷Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Baixiangju is one of the most fantastical residential complexes in Chongqing, and perhaps all of China. Completed in 1993, this 30-year-old complex consists of six units built into the unique mountainous terrain of the city. It stands 24 stories high but has no elevators. This is because the 1st, 10th, and 15th floors all have exits that lead directly to the road, so residents only ever need to climb a maximum of 8 flights of stairs. Due to its hillside construction, the ground levels vary in height. On the central platform, the 14th, 12th, and 15th floors of different units are on the same level. This results in a vertical drop equivalent to 28 floors. The designer connected different floors with corridors, staircases, and public balconies, creating a massive three-dimensional maze. Not only do visitors often get confused about which floor they entered, got lost on, or exited from, but even long-time Chongqing residents can find it perplexing. This makes Baixiangju a quintessential example of Chongqing's "8D city" reputation. When you see a white elephant sculpture, you have arrived at "White Elephant Park." Here, you will find many elderly locals playing chess, cards, or dancing. From this central park platform, walk forward to find a large gate. After entering and walking through a passage, you will come to a small square. This is the 10th-floor platform of Baixiangju. It offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Yangtze River and its bridges, as well as the cable car crossing the river. This is a great spot for taking photos. The best place to take a photo with the cable car is on the 12th floor, where the views of the Yangtze River are particularly stunning. The 15th floor features a sky corridor that spans the entire complex. This corridor resembles a small street, complete with restaurants, mahjong tables, and viewing platforms. From here, you can get a great view of Chongqing's landmark, the Raffles City complex. If navigating this labyrinthine residential building feels daunting, there's a simple trick: find Chinese tourists with professional cameras and follow them. However, don't follow them for too long, especially if they are women, as it might make them uncomfortable. There's no need to go up to the 24th floor, as the views from there are quite ordinary. If you get lost, just keep heading downwards, and you'll eventually find an exit.

Transportation – Heading to Huguang Guild Hall

From Baixiangju to Huguang Guild Hall, it's about a 600-meter walk. If you feel tired, you can take a taxi.

Huguang Guild Hall

Ticket Prices: • General Admission: 25 RMB • Children/Students/Seniors (ages 60-64): 12.5 RMB • Adult Admission + "Drunken Bayu" Performance Ticket: 88 RMB o "Drunken Bayu" Performance Times: 15:30-16:10 | 16:40-17:20 ⏰ Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00 📷 Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours The "Drunken Bayu" performance is a cultural heritage show presented by the Huguang Guild Hall, focusing on Bayu culture—a term referring to the cultural heritage of the Chongqing region. This performance blends traditional intangible cultural heritage with modern artistic forms, showcasing the unique charm of Chongqing's immigrant culture and vibrant local life. Highlights include Sichuan opera face-changing, traditional river songs, long-spout teapot tea art, and Bayu dance, all of which are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage. The face-changing act, in particular, offers an interactive experience with the audience and is a must-see. The performance takes place on the ancient stage of the Huguang Guild Hall (Qian An Guild), where the yellow walls and black-tiled roofs of the ancient buildings create a picturesque contrast with the lighting effects. Built in 1759, the Huguang Guild Hall is a complex of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings with nearly 300 years of history, standing majestically by the river. It is one of the largest existing guild hall complexes in China and a historical landmark in Chongqing. The architectural style follows the traditional courtyard layout of the Ming and Qing periods, combining the typical architectural features of the Jiangnan region with the traditional characteristics of Chongqing. The intricate carvings and sculptures showcase exquisite traditional craftsmanship. Moreover, the guild hall embodies the living history of the "Huguang Filling Sichuan" migration wave, making it a cultural epic in stone. Its unique mountain architecture and diverse immigrant cultural symbols attract visitors from around the world. Chongqing's immigrant culture has a long history, not only originating in the Ming and Qing dynasties but also continuing to develop during the Republic of China and after the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the wartime capital period, people from all over the country migrated here, and during the Third Front construction, a large number of workers relocated to Chongqing. It is a true immigrant city, inclusive and welcoming. The Huguang Guild Hall bears witness to Chongqing's immigrant history and stands as a monument to immigrant culture. It is not only an architectural treasure but also a testament to history and a bearer of cultural heritage. Stepping into the Huguang Guild Hall feels like traveling through time, experiencing the hardships and struggles of the immigrants, and appreciating the diverse cultural fusion they brought. At the Huguang Guild Hall, you will find that almost every core building has its own stage. This is because the immigrants brought their hometown opera culture to Chongqing. The stages became cultural metaverses for immigrants from different regions, where they performed their nostalgia. Suggested Tour Route: Immigration Museum → Yu Wang Palace → Yuzhou Academy → Guangdong Guild Hall → Qi'an Guild Hall → Carving Museum

Resting Spot

Exploring Chongqing can be quite tiring, so we've provided some cozy spots where you can take a break and enjoy some sweet treats. This resting spot is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Luohan Temple (罗汉寺).

Luohan Temple (Temple of Arhat)

💰 Ticket price: 20 RMB, which includes three incense sticks and a small candle available at the entrance. ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Entrance closes at 4:40 PM) Luohan Temple (literally "Temple of Arhat"), originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1064-1067 AD), is named after the Arhat Cave within its grounds. Its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and it houses over 400 Song Dynasty cliff-carved Buddha statues at the ancient Buddha Rock. These carvings share stylistic similarities with the renowned Dazu Rock Carvings, making the temple a valuable relic of Buddhist art in the Bayu (Chongqing) region. The temple has undergone several name changes and expansions over the centuries. In 1885, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, Monk Longfa remodeled the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, inspired by the Baoguang Temple in Xindu, establishing the layout seen today. The temple was bombed by Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War, leaving only the ancient Buddha Rock and the mountain gate intact. It was rebuilt in 1947 and continued to serve as a place of worship. During the Cultural Revolution, the Arhat statues were destroyed, but they were restored with government funding in 1984, and the temple reopened in 1986. It is now a nationally protected cultural heritage site. Today, Luohan Temple is one of Chongqing's most "valuable" temples, located in the bustling city center near the Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument), similar to Jing'an Temple in Shanghai. The temple's ancient charm and tranquility stand in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers and busy streets just outside its walls, making it a haven for photographers. Local Chongqing residents believe that Luohan Temple is particularly effective for prayers related to wealth, and it has always been a popular site for worship. The temple gained further fame after being featured in the movie "Crazy Stone." Photography Guidelines: 1. Do not photograph the Buddha statues inside the temple. 2. Do not photograph or disturb the monks during their rest. 3. Do not take pictures inside the main halls. Etiquette for Offering Incense and Worship: • Avoid bringing incense with open flames into the halls. • Do not burn incense, take photos, or film inside the halls; you may photograph the exterior buildings. • Dress appropriately, avoiding overly revealing clothing. Do not wear sunglasses or hats inside the halls. • When offering incense, face the main Buddha statue outside the hall, hold the incense sticks upright above your head, and bow three times. Then, bow once in each of the four directions (east, south, west, north) in a clockwise manner. • Use the designated area to light incense, and avoid using a lighter. After lighting the incense, do not blow it out with your mouth; gently shake it or fan it with your hand. • Maintain a quiet atmosphere and avoid loud conversations. • Do not step on the thresholds of the temple doors. Recommended Route: Northeast Gate → Ancient Buddha Rock → Mahavira Hall → Second-Floor Observation Deck → Hall of the Five Wealth Gods →Hall of Arhats → Night View at Miao Street

Transportation – Getting to Kuixing Tower

There are three ways to get to Kuixing Tower:

Kuixing Tower

Suggested Visit Duration: 10-15 minutes Kuixing Tower is one of Chongqing's most famous and magical landmark buildings. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, Kuixing Tower was located at the Confucian Temple (文庙) in Fuzichi (夫子池) and served as a place for scholars to worship Kuixing, the deity believed to govern literary success. The original structure was dismantled in 1953 due to disrepair. The current building was reconstructed in 1991 at Linjiangmen (临江门). The new tower covers an area of 600 square meters, features a traditional wooden structure, stands 30 meters tall, and has a four-tiered, eight-sided roof supported by 80 columns. Notably, the eight golden columns on the ground floor are slightly elevated due to a unique mechanical design, creating a "suspended column" marvel similar to the architectural ingenuity of Zhenwu Pavilion (真武阁). Inside, there are stairs leading to the top, offering panoramic views of the two rivers (Yangtze and Jialing River). Today, Kuixing Tower is a popular spot for its unique and magical design. Due to its distinctive terrain, you might think you are on the first floor, but you are actually on the 22nd floor. Two parallel sky bridges span 68.5 meters in the air, connecting Kuixing Tower Plaza with a 22-story residential building. Visitors can take an elevator from the first floor to the 22nd floor and then cross the sky bridge to reach the first floor of the adjacent building, showcasing the ultimate in Chongqing's "mountain city three-dimensional transportation." The base of the tower is adjacent to Jialing River Riverside Road, while the top floor directly connects to the Jiefangbei commercial district. The surrounding area features a mix of high-rise buildings and old alleys, highlighting Chongqing's "8D city" spatial folding effect. For photography enthusiasts, the middle of the sky bridge offers the best vantage point for capturing a suspended perspective. Additionally, shooting upwards from Kuixing Tower Plaza provides a unique view of the building against the city skyline.

Transportation – Getting to Daijia Lane

We will pass through Daijia Alley Lane on our way to Hongya Cave, making for an interesting and pleasant route. From Kuixing Tower, head towards the "Surgical Building, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University." Walk straight along the left side of the building until you reach a charming four-story yellow building. This building is easily recognizable by its walls adorned with cute cat-themed elements. This spot is perfect for taking photos. Once you reach the building, turn around, and you will see the entrance to Daijia Alley Lane. From here, you can begin your journey through Daijia Alley Lane.

Daijia Lane

Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes Daijia Lane is an old street in Chongqing. Over a century ago, it was a bustling high-end community filled with merchants. However, as time passed, the buildings became dilapidated, and the area fell into disrepair with narrow alleys and poor sanitation. At the end of 2017, Chongqing invested 258 million RMB to launch the Daijia Lane urban renewal project. Over three years, the project completed the construction of cliffside walkways, the renovation of residential buildings, and the expansion of commercial spaces. The renovation preserved historical elements such as stilt houses and old city walls, and introduced a new 1,100-meter suspended walkway and viewing platforms, transforming the cliffside disadvantage into a "three-dimensional viewing corridor." In 2023, Daijia Lane was awarded the China Habitat Environment Example Award, becoming a model for urban micro-renewal. Daijia Lane is very close to Hongya Cave. From the cliffside walkway in Daijia Lane, you can enjoy a side view of Hongya Cave. You can also walk along the cliffside walkway to reach the front of Hongya Cave. 1. Avoid Buying Red Fruits: Do not buy the red fruits sold by some vendors. These are actually plums picked prematurely and soaked in chemicals and dyes. They are expensive and inedible. Locals call them "Ha'er Fruit," meaning only a fool would buy them. Unscrupulous vendors use these attractive-looking fruits to scam tourists. 2. Do Not Pay for Guided Shortcuts: Be wary of anyone offering to guide you through shortcuts for a fee. 3. Avoid Entering Hongya Cave: The interior of Hongya Cave is filled with shops, many stairs, and is very crowded. 4. Buying Local Products: If you want to buy local specialties, wait until you reach the supermarkets near Jiefangbei. These are the places where locals shop.

Hongya Cave

Recommended Visit Duration: 10-30 minutes The night lights at Hongya Cave typically turn on around 19:30. It is recommended not to arrive too early. Originally known as Hongya Gate, Hongya Cave was built during the Warring States period (316 BC) and was one of the seventeen city gates of ancient Chongqing, known as "Nine Openings and Eight Closures." Due to its strategic location, it served as a military fortress and was fortified during the Southern Song Dynasty to resist the Yuan army. During the Ming Dynasty, when Dai Ding (戴鼎) built the city, Hongya Gate was designated as a closed gate due to its steep cliffs, gradually becoming a scenic spot. In the Qing Dynasty, Hongya Cave was a bustling commercial port, facilitating trade and cultural exchange in Chongqing. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the air-raid shelters here served as refuges for citizens, embodying the city's resilience with the motto "the more it is bombed, the stronger it becomes." In 2003, Chongqing Xiaotian'e Group invested 385 million RMB to transform it into a city landmark that integrates Bayu culture, folk customs, and modern commerce. Hongya Cave is primarily composed of traditional Bayu "stilted buildings," constructed along the mountain and river. It breaks the traditional limitation of stilted buildings, which could only be built 5-6 stories high, by creatively constructing an 11-story complex on a cliff with a vertical height difference of 30 meters. This has earned it the nickname "China's Cliff City." The buildings use stone materials with wood-like craftsmanship, preserving the classical charm of blue bricks, stone tiles, and stone-paved roads while addressing fire safety and durability issues. The design features layered terraces and staggered cliffside structures, perfectly blending folk culture, port culture, and mountain architecture wisdom. At night, the illuminated buildings are often compared by netizens to the "Castle in the Sky" from the movie "Spirited Away." Today, Hongya Cave receives over 100,000 visitors daily and is a national AAAA-level scenic spot and a new cultural tourism landmark in the Chengdu-Chongqing area. The construction of Hongya Cave is not only an expansion of physical space but also a manifestation of the Chongqing people's pioneering and resilient spirit. It exemplifies Chongqing's survival wisdom and tenacity in "borrowing land from the mountains and creating space from the cliffs."

Transportation – Getting to Dinner

There are two ways to get to dinner:

Dinner – Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument)

Jiefangbei is the soul landmark of Chongqing and the only monument in China that commemorates both the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the liberation of the people. In 1941, to inspire the nation's determination to resist Japanese aggression, a wooden monument named "Spiritual Fortress" was erected here. It stood about seven meters tall, with the national flag flying at the top, becoming a spiritual pillar for wartime Chongqing. After the victory in the War of Resistance, the wooden structure was dismantled, and in 1947, a 27.5-meter-high reinforced concrete monument was built, named the "Victory Monument of the War of Resistance." In 1950, it was officially renamed the "People's Liberation Monument," with the name inscribed by Marshal Liu Bocheng, symbolizing the rebirth of the Chinese people from colonial rule and wartime chaos. Today, the area around Jiefangbei is surrounded by towering buildings, with glass curtain walls and skyscrapers outlining the city's skyline. This area is Chongqing's "Central Business District" (CBD), home to over 3,000 shops, top-tier shopping centers, and star-rated hotels, attracting more than 300,000 visitors daily. Standing in front of the monument, you can witness the fascinating blend of modern urban prosperity and the solemnity of historical architecture. Jiefangbei is also a hub for Chongqing's finest dining establishments. In this sea of culinary delights, we have selected four distinctive and comfortable high-value restaurants for you to enjoy:

Buying Local Specialties

If you love snacks or want to buy some Chongqing food specialties, you can visit the following supermarkets and specialty shops favored by locals.

Transportation – Getting to Jiaochangkou

During this time period, taking a taxi in the area can be quite congested, and since it's only 500 meters away, it is recommended to walk to "Deyi World (得意世界)."

Jiaochangkou Cyberpunk Nightscape (Navigate to Deyi World)

When it comes to cyberpunk nightscapes, Chongqing's Jiaochangkou "Deyi World" is a must-see. Deyi World was established in 1999, originally known as "Deyi Baba," which was the core area of Chongqing's nightlife, featuring a concentration of bars, KTVs, and night markets, naturally equipped with a high density of neon signs. Starting in 2020, it underwent gradual renovation and upgrades to cater to the trends of young consumers. Through updates to the exterior lighting and adjustments to the commercial layout, it introduced trendy brands and popular eateries, shifting its visual style towards a "futuristic" feel, transforming into an urban landmark that blends cyberpunk elements. You can take a stroll around here to experience the dazzling and mesmerizing light pollution, or you can enter one of our recommended bars or nightclubs to enjoy the city's tipsy and intoxicating atmosphere.

More Excitement Awaits

Rather than saying Chongqing people built the city, it might be more accurate to say they invented a grammar for coexisting with the mountains. They turned geographical disadvantages into a form of performance art, squeezing every inch of living space from the folds of the terrain. Perhaps it is this kind of wild imagination—"no three feet of flat land, but a heart with ten thousand fathoms"—that led the mountain city residents to build skyscrapers in the clouds and bridges in the mist, turning survival itself into the most magnificent cyberpunk declaration. What's even more fascinating is that these admirable Chongqing people are almost never native-born. They often come from Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou... In their hometowns, they were all different, but upon arriving here, they uniformly transformed into the bold, straightforward, and instantly familiar characters we see today. Did these people change Chongqing, or did Chongqing change these people? I don't know. After spending a day here, do you have an answer? This day of ups and downs has come to an end. Please rest early so as not to affect tomorrow's itinerary. If you enjoyed today's tour, please don't hesitate to give us a good review. It will be very helpful for others who are considering traveling to China. Of course, if there was anything you were dissatisfied with, please let us know promptly. This will help us continually improve our services. Thank you very much. Good night.

Open the route in the EasyGo China app for the map, audio stories and walking directions.

What’s included

  • Itinerary arrangement, navigation, explanation, food recommendations, drink and bar recommendations, leisure recommendations, shopping recommendations
  • Accommodation, transportation costs, tickets, dining, performance tickets

Good to know before you go

1. The terrain of Chongqing is too complex, and many times navigation software may not work perfectly. Getting lost is inevitable, please use translation software and the Chinese place names we provide to ask locals for directions. Rest assured, they are all very friendly.

2. Summers in Chongqing are very hot and humid, please try to avoid long outdoor activities in temperatures above 38 degrees.

3. Chongqing has no shared bicycles, and no one rides bikes in Chongqing.

4. Please wear light and comfortable shoes, as Chongqing is known as the mountain city; be prepared for climbing.

5. The terrain in Chongqing is complex, and navigation may not always be online. If you are unclear about how to proceed, please communicate with locals using translation software.

6. Most of the time, Chongqing has high temperatures and humidity, so please bring enough drinking water, and if it gets too hot, you can cool off in nearby shops with air conditioning.

7. If you have the chance, try the local taxis in Chongqing, dubbed the 'yellow Ferraris', each ride may give you the experience of a real-life 'Fast and Furious'.

8. Remember to bring your passport.

9. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone is charged.

How do I use my purchase?

Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.

How long can I use it?

Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.

Do I need to book attraction tickets?

Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.

Traveler reviews

★ 5.0 / 5 · 11 reviews from app travelers

★ 5.0

La settimana d'oro ha reso le famose scalinate di Chongqing ancora più affollate — aspettatevi folla a Liziba e Hongya Cave, e code davanti a ogni buon hotpot. Ma onestamente, il caos 8D è l'attrazione: la metropolitana leggera che passa attraverso il palazzo, il palazzo di 24 piani senza ascensore, le passerelle sulla scogliera. Abbiamo condiviso un hotpot fumante con vista sul fiume e perdonato tutto. Venite in settimana se potete; la magia sopravvive alla folla.

R
Riccardo
★ 5.0

Gebaut für Wanderer. Die Mountain City Trail und die Treppenstraßen von Chongqing sind ein Workout mit Aussicht — jede Ecke zeigt eine neue Schicht der Stadt, unten Dächer, oben die Hochbahn. Die Huguang-Gildehalle ist ein wunderschöner alter Komplex, den man nicht auslassen sollte. Und das Essen: die Jianghu-Gerichte sind kompromisslos scharf, genau wie ich es gehofft hatte. Eine muskulöse, wunderbare Stadt.

F
Felix
★ 5.0

Чунцин — реально самый трёхмерный город, который я видел, и этот маршрут собирает всё лучшее: монорельс, прорезающий жилой дом Лицзиба, двадцатичетырёхэтажная лестница Байсянцзюй без лифта, обрывы у башни Куйсин. А ночью — Хунъядун: целый город на сваях, весь светится. И кухня цзянху: остро, театрально, незабываемо. Лучший день в Китае пока что.

N
Nikita
★ 5.0

I filmed the monorail passing through the building ten times, walked the 24-floor no-elevator madness of Baixiangju until my legs gave out, and Hongya Cave’s night view is like stepping into “Spirited Away” — Chongqing will reset your definition of “city”.

O
Olivia Brown
★ 5.0

Chongqing is wonderfully chaotic! I've never seen a city built like this before; it truly is an "8D" maze. This tour was the perfect introduction. Seeing the light rail train pass directly through an apartment building at Liziba was just as surreal as it sounds. We navigated the incredible multi-level streets and walkways, and I was so grateful to have a planned route because I would have been hopelessly lost otherwise! The highlight for me was Hongyadong at night. It looks like something straight out of a fantasy film, all lit up and clinging to the cliffside. The food was another adventure. I love spicy food, and the "Jianghu Cai" we tried was fiery and bold. The spicy chicken was addictive! This tour helped me embrace the beautiful madness of Chongqing.

L
liz
★ 5.0

Городская структура Чунцина уникальна в мире: монорельс проходит сквозь дом, торговые центры на скалах, здания с многоуровневыми входами — всё это порождено географией и стало проявлением местной смекалки. Лицзиба, горные тропы, ночные огни Хунъядуна — всё стоит увидеть.

S
Sergei Volkov

Keep your curiosity going.

More ideas for a day you’ll remember.

View all
$12.99/route