The ultimate list of 12 "Featured Streets" most tourists miss (plus how to get there) 🚠🌶️

The ultimate list of 12 "Featured Streets" most tourists miss (plus how to get there) 🚠🌶️

Hi everyone!

I am someone who is born and raised in Chongqing, and I often see itineraries that only stick to Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave. While those are great, the "Mountain City" has so many distinct neighborhoods that offer totally different vibes—from Cyberpunk nightlife to quiet historical trails.

I curated a list of 6 "Featured Streets" (风情街区) that I usually recommend to my clients who want to dig a bit deeper. I’ve included the vibe check and Metro directions for each to help you navigate.

Hope this helps your planning!

📸 For the Views & "Mountain City" Terrain

If you want to understand why Chongqing is called the City of Mountains.

1. Mountain City Alley (Shancheng Xiang | 山城巷)

• The Vibe: A 1.5km trail clinging to a cliffside. It feels very authentic and leads to the old city wall. At night, lanterns light up the path with the river in the background.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Jiaochangkou Station, Exit 5.

2. Daijia Alley (戴家巷)

• The Vibe: Located right next to the famous Hongya Cave, but much better for a leisurely hike. It’s built on the cliffside south of the Jialing River. Great for hiking down the "suspended" paths and finding a quiet cafe with a view.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station.

3. Shibati Traditional Landscape Area (十八梯)

• The Vibe: Recently renovated, this area connects the upper and lower halves of the city. It preserves the steep, rugged terrain and traditional "stilted" architecture.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Jiaochangkou Station.

🎞️ For the Artsy, Hipster & "Cyberpunk" Crowd

For the photographers and influencers.

4. Testbed 2 (贰厂)

• The Vibe: Adjacent to Eling Park (and famously used in the movie I Belonged to You). It’s an industrial park turned artsy hub. The rooftop offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 1 to Eling Station, Exit 2A.

5. 9st. (Jiujie | 九街)

• The Vibe: This is "Cyber Chongqing." The heart of the nighttime economy. If you want to party or see the city neon-lit and awake at 3 AM, this is the place.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 6 to Hongtudi Station, Exit 3.

6. Ecool (重庆金山意库)

• The Vibe: A creative park near the IKEA/Outlets area. It’s full of design studios, galleries, and unique furniture shops. Very modern and artistic.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 10 to Minxinjiayuan Station (Exit 1) OR Line 3 to Jinyu Station (Exit 3).

7. Ziwei Road (紫薇路)

• The Vibe: Known locally as "Little Bangkok." It’s a very walkable block with a high density of bistros, craft beer bars, and bakeries. Great for "Day Coffee, Night Alcohol" (早A晚C).

• 🚇 Metro: Line 6 to Huangnibang Station.

🏛️ For History & Culture Buffs

Old architecture and stories.

8. Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街)

• The Vibe: Located on Nanbin Road, this area preserves historical Western-style buildings (like the old U.S. Embassy). It has a free glass observation deck over the street.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 6 or Loop Line to Shangxinjie Station, Exit 2.

9. Danzishi Old Street (弹子石老街)

• The Vibe: Restored traditional architecture blending history with modern retail (Madame Tussauds is here). It offers the best view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

• 🚇 Metro: Loop Line to Danzishi Station.

10. Zhongshan 4th Road (中山四路)

• The Vibe: Known as the "Most Beautiful Street in Chongqing." It is lined with massive Huangge (Ficus) trees that cover the road like a tunnel. Packed with historical sites of famous figures.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 2 or 10 to Zengjiayan Station.

☕ For a Chill Afternoon (Relaxing)

Escape the crowds.

11. Chongqing Tiandi (重庆天地)

• The Vibe: Peaceful, upscale, and quiet. A mix of high-quality Chinese and Western restaurants. Perfect if you want a break from the noise.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 9 to Hualongqiao Station.

12. Shangyu Street (上域街)

• The Vibe: A hidden gem near Longtousi Park. Lined with green trees, it’s a quiet spot perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or just reading a book.

• 🚇 Metro: Line 10 to Longtousi Park Station, Exit 2.

There is so much more to the city than just the metro going through the apartment building (though you should definitely visit that too). If you have questions about building an itinerary or logistics in Chongqing, feel free to ask me below!

If you are interested in a guided tour in or near Chongqing, feel free to check out our services: https://www.explorechongqingwithli.com/

Looking forward to hear from you!