Mountain City Roaming | Unlock 4 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Chongqing, Where the Soul and New Romance of Old Chongqing Reside
Chongqing is often called a "3D magical city," with its layered terraces, railways passing through buildings, the rushing confluence of two rivers, and the old times hidden among the concrete and steel—all telling the unique charm of this city. On this trip to the mountain city, I avoided the crowded popular spots and immersed myself in a leisurely walk through Xiahaoli, Jiefangbei, Shibatī, and the Mountain City Trail. With every step revealing a new scene, I came to understand Chongqing’s vibrant life, tenderness, history, and rebirth.
First Stop: Xiahaoli — A Hidden Old Street Forgotten by Time
If you want to find the most authentic face of old Chongqing, Xiahaoli is definitely the first choice. This old street nestled on a slope in Nan’an District, adjacent to the Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge and embraced by the flowing Yangtze River, is the last hidden place in the Longmenhao historical and cultural area. Even National Geographic calls it "another world." Unlike the noisy commercialized old streets, time here seems to slow down. The winding bluestone paths, moss-covered walls engraved with traces of time, and the orderly Sichuan-Chongqing residences built along the mountain resemble stacked building blocks, hiding surprises of East-meets-West architecture—the former French Yongxing Trading Company, the old Belgian Embassy, and Yuan Longping’s former residence scattered throughout. Each old building holds a story.
Climbing the steps, there is no hustle and bustle of traffic, only the sound of rushing streams and occasional bird calls. The artistic shops, vintage cafes, and traditional snack stalls along the street complement each other. The clinking of handmade silver jewelry shops and the aroma of covered bowl tea in teahouses inject new vitality into the old street. Standing on the street’s viewing platform, overlooking the eastward-flowing Yangtze River, the traffic on Dongshuimen Bridge is like a weaving tapestry, and the skyscrapers of Yuzhong Peninsula across the river create a collision of tranquility and prosperity, filling the atmosphere. It is said that during the Northern Song Dynasty, Su Shi passed here on his way to the imperial exam in Bianjing, saw a dragon-shaped giant rock in the river, and named this place "Longmenhao." The millennium of history is hidden in every brick, tile, grass, and tree. When tired, find an old teahouse, order a cup of eagle tea, and watch the local elders chatting—this slow-paced street life is the most touching image of Xiahaoli.
Second Stop: Jiefangbei — The Heart of the Mountain City, Where Life and Prosperity Coexist
A short subway ride from Xiahaoli brings you to Jiefangbei—the monument standing tall in the core of Yuzhong District, a spiritual landmark of Chongqing and a microcosm of the mountain city’s prosperity. As a victory monument commemorating the Anti-Japanese War, it is solemn and majestic, with inscriptions recording the glorious years. Looking up, the monument blends perfectly with the surrounding skyscrapers, merging historical weight with modern fashion—this is Chongqing’s most unique urban temperament.
The area around Jiefangbei is the busiest commercial district in Chongqing. Bayi Food Street is nearby, where the air is filled with the aromas of spicy and sour noodles, grilled sweet potato skins, and mountain city small glutinous rice balls. You can eat your fill for just a few dollars. The spicy and fragrant sour and spicy noodles from Haoyoulai, the soft and sweet osmanthus-flavored small rice balls, and the juicy grilled sweet potato skins wrapped with pickled radish and fish mint—all these flavors hide the heat and vitality of Chongqing. After shopping, take a stroll down the alleys to avoid the crowds and discover hidden delicacies—the small rice balls in the alley behind Kuixing Building and the dried tangerine peel plum pastries near the old Wanhe Pharmacy are local secret treats. At dusk, when the lights of Jiefangbei come on, neon flickers, and traffic flows endlessly, standing under the monument you can feel the city’s lively atmosphere and its inclusiveness and vitality—this is the most moving pulse of the mountain city’s heart.
Third Stop: Shibatī — Step by Step, Understanding the Old Times of the Mountain City
"Prosperity in the upper city, life in the lower city" perfectly describes Shibatī. This stone stairway connecting the upper and lower parts of Yuzhong District is the "spine of the city" and a living story of the mountain city’s past. Starting from Jiaochangkou entrance and descending the steps, the worn bluestone records the marks of time. Looking up, you see modern skyscrapers; looking down, traditional stilt houses come into view. Every step reveals a scene, all imprints of time.
The beauty of Shibatī lies in the gentle blend of old and new. Here, well-preserved old buildings coexist with revitalized artistic neighborhoods. The Mountain City Memory Museum’s old photos and relics tell the history of Shibatī; the ancient well in the Well Square witnesses generations of daily life; the lantern canopy tunnel, with thousands of lanterns forming a dazzling canopy, is both retro and dreamy—a perfect photo spot. The filming location of "Passing Through Your World" is hidden deep in the alleys, where artistic shops and photo installations complement each other, attracting countless fans. At dusk, when the lights come on, warm yellow lanterns illuminate the blue-tiled buildings, street lamps on the cliffside path twinkle like stars, outlining the mountain city’s unique three-dimensional layers. The river breeze brushes your face, as if you can hear the old dock’s hustle and feel the warmth of old Chongqing’s life. When tired, sit in a small street restaurant, order authentic Jianghu cuisine, and watch the passing crowd—you will understand the mountain city’s vibrant life and tenderness.
Fourth Stop: Mountain City Trail — On the Cliff, Touching the Breath of the Mountain City
The Mountain City Trail is Chongqing’s most unique "urban pulse." Built along the mountain, it winds atop the cliffs of Yuzhong District, linking the old city’s lively atmosphere with natural beauty. It’s an excellent place to experience the mountain city’s terrain and cultural charm. Starting from Jiaochangkou Station, a ten-minute walk leads to the trail entrance. Walking along the mossy bluestone steps, old walls covered with green vines line the path. Occasionally, you’ll see old tailor shops and handmade craft stores, hiding the freshest street life.
The highlight of the trail is the cliffside viewing platform. Standing here, you get a 360° panoramic view of the magnificent confluence of the two rivers. Across the river, Hongyadong and Qiansimen Bridge come into full view. The Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meander below, and when the sunset dyes the river red, the shimmering waves are breathtaking. The old Ren’ai Hall site stands out along the way, with its weathered Gothic church ruins clashing with modern glass curtain walls, blending history’s vicissitudes with artistic atmosphere—every photo looks like a film masterpiece. The Houlu Shikumen old residence’s carved door lintel is exquisite, and the thick stone walls are heavy with history. Standing in front, you can almost hear the old bustling courtyard. When tired, find a riverside teahouse, order a covered bowl tea, watch locals chatting and playing cards. The river breeze and tea aroma create a slow moment—the most touching tenderness of the mountain city.
Epilogue: The Tenderness of the Mountain City is Hidden in Every Step of the Roaming
This trip to Chongqing was not rushed like a tight schedule but a slow, leisurely stroll through these four places. I realized that Chongqing’s beauty is never just about the noisy popular spots. The hidden tranquility of Xiahaoli, the bustling life of Jiefangbei, the time-worn Shibatī, and the cliffside river views of the Mountain City Trail—all hold the soul and charm of the mountain city.
Chongqing’s romance is in the traces of time on bluestone paths, the magnificent river confluence, the lively street alleys, and the perfect blend of history and modernity. It has the grandeur of mountains and rivers and the tenderness deep in old alleys. Every step forward brings a new surprise. If you also yearn for the life and romance of the mountain city, come walk these four places, slow your pace, and touch the city’s breath with your heart, storing the tenderness and beauty of the mountain city in your travel memories.