Chongqing
Tschungking
8D cyberpunk city β “Real-life Spirited Away”
π
Hongyadong: Viral landmark
π°
Daily Budget: $50-100
Why Chongqing?
Chongqing is TikTok’s favorite Chinese city β a 3D maze where the 11th floor exits to street level, where a metro train passes through an apartment building, where Hongyadong’s illuminated stilt houses look like the bathhouse from Spirited Away. It’s the world’s largest city proper (30+ million), built on hills at the confluence of two rivers. Add legendary hotpot and a cyberpunk aesthetic, and you’ve got China’s most photogenic city.
Must-See Attractions
#1 Viral Spot
Hongyadong
ζ΄ͺε΄ζ΄ β 11 floors of stilt buildings
This 11-story complex of traditional stilt houses clinging to a cliff is Chongqing’s signature image. At night, golden lights transform it into the bathhouse from Spirited Away. The 4th floor exits to a road, the 11th floor to another road β that’s Chongqing’s 8D geography. Shops, restaurants, and viewing platforms. Come at dusk for the light show.
β±οΈ Time: 2-3 hours
π« Cost: Free
π Best: Evening
π Map
Liziba Station β Metro Through Building
ζεεη« β Train passes through apartment
Chongqing’s Line 2 metro passes through a 19-story residential building at Liziba Station. The train enters the 6th-8th floors; apartments are above and below. There’s a viewing platform for photos. It’s engineering necessity (no space for tracks) turned viral attraction.
β±οΈ Time: 30 min
π« Cost: Free
π Map
Ciqikou Ancient Town
η£ε¨ε£ε€ι β Ming-era riverside town
This 1,000-year-old town preserves Ming-Qing architecture along the Jialing River. Teahouses, craft shops, street food (try the “mahua” twisted dough), and traditional buildings. It’s touristy but atmospheric, especially early morning before crowds.
β±οΈ Time: 2-3 hours
π« Cost: Free
π Map
Where to Eat β Chongqing Hotpot
π²
Shu Wei Xiang Hotpot
θε³ι¦ β Authentic Chongqing hotpot
Must try: Nine-grid pot, duck intestine, tripe, pig brain (if brave)
β 4.6/5 Β· Β₯80-120 ($11-17) Β· Book ahead
π Map
π
Chongqing Xiao Mian
ιεΊε°ι’ β Spicy noodles, breakfast staple
Must try: Noodles with spicy sauce, peas, meat
β 4.5/5 Β· Β₯10-20 ($1.5-3) Β· Street stalls everywhere
π Map
Practical Information
π Getting Here
High-speed rail from Chengdu (1.5h). Flights from all major cities.
π
Best Time
Spring & fall. Summers are furnace-hot (40Β°C+).