Public travel plan
24 Hours in Chongqing: Monorails, Vertical Streets & Hongyadong
This one-day route brings together Chongqing’s layered cityscape, a monorail ride and an evening around Hongyadong. Distances between levels can be deceptive on the steep terrain, so leave room for stairs, changing elev…
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Useful context before you go
This one-day route brings together Chongqing’s layered cityscape, a monorail ride and an evening around Hongyadong. Distances between levels can be deceptive on the steep terrain, so leave room for stairs, changing elevations and crowds. Menus may be unfamiliar; check current opening times and transit operations before setting out.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Chongqing’s vertical city and Hongyadong
**City life and food:** The city’s steep hills and staircases are part of everyday life for bangbang porters, who carry goods with shoulder poles and ropes where carts and bicycles are impractical. For a familiar stop with a different menu, the local McDonald’s has items such as fried chicken buckets and large chicken cutlets; ordering can take some figuring out. Later, Hongyadong’s busy food street offers a look at hot pot ingredients and street snacks. Vendors may offer extra items when you o…
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Liziba StationLiziba Station, Chongqing, China
Ride the monorail to Liziba Station to see the train pass through an apartment complex at the 16th floor. The station was integrated into the existing building with soundproofing; after getting off, descend to ground level.
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KuixinglouKuixinglou, Chongqing, China
Kuixinglou is described as an old building that has been demolished and rebuilt over the years. Nearby, a square that feels like street level is actually on the 22nd floor, with a bridge connecting it to another part of the city. Keep an eye on the levels around you: the terrain can make Chongqing’s streetscape difficult to read.
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HongyadongHongyadong, Chongqing, China
This riverside district began as a Ming Dynasty military fortress with stilt houses along the riverbank; its name refers to the red cliff and rocks. The rebuilt complex is especially striking when illuminated. The elevator queue for the lower levels can be very long; stairs are an alternative, though the descent involves seven flights. The lower levels are where the lights are most prominent, alongside the crowded food street.