Discovering Chongqing: A Guide to Underrated and Lesser-Known Routes

Having spent a month exploring Chongqing between March and April, I noticed that the popular tourist spots were already thronged with visitors every weekend, and I can only imagine the scale of crowds during the May Day holiday.

During this time, I traversed almost every corner of Chongqing, and I have discovered several relatively uncrowded urban hiking routes, offering scenic beauty with minimal stair climbing. Hopefully, these locations will remain less frequented even during the holidays.

Five Lesser-Known Routes in Chongqing:

Ma'anshan Community Park - Xiahao Old Street - Tongzilou - Nanbin Road

A local showed me this route. The first two landmarks are not well-known, and thus less crowded, but both offer exceptionally picturesque panoramic views of the river. Emerging from Tongzilou, one reaches Nanbin Road, with its views of the river and the gilded Twin Towers.

Note: The entrance to Ma'anshan Community Park indicated by the navigation app may be under construction and inaccessible. A more convenient entrance exists on the street side, but lacks clear signage. Inquire with a local for directions.

Eling Park (ascend Kansheng Tower for panoramic city views, this is the tower from The 13 Years of Dust) - Eling Testbed 2 - Fotuguan Park - Descend along the cliffside boardwalk of Fotuguan Park - Pass the "Train to Spring" - Liziba Relics Park of Resistance Against Japan - Liziba Rail Transit Piercing Building Viewing Platform.

This route descends from a high vantage point, which greatly reduces exertion. Apart from Eling Testbed 2 and the Liziba Rail Transit Piercing Building Viewing Platform, the other locations are quieter and less frequented, yet offer stunning scenery, particularly the cliffside boardwalk of Fotuguan Park!

Many ascend from the Liziba Viewing Platform towards Eling Testbed 2, which is an exhausting undertaking. I have experienced both approaches.

Zishui Xiaodeng Night View:

The city lights are illuminated at 7:00 PM. Arrive at the Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, and walk across the bridge to enjoy views of the confluence of the two rivers. By walking from sunset until the city lights are ablaze, one can witness the nighttime spectacle of the Raffles City area. Take the elevator down from the bridgehead on the south bank to reach Xiahao Old Street, which borders Nanbin Road. Cross the street to reach the riverside. Take a bus from Nanbin Road to reach Ciqikou Old Town. This night view is precisely that of Zishui Xiaodeng, one of the Twelve Scenic Wonders of Ba-Yu.

Zhongshan Fourth Road - Riverside Cliffside Walkway:

Features relics such as Gui Garden and Zhou Residence, which can be reserved in advance for free visits. The banyan trees lining the street undergo leaf change in late spring and early summer, lending an autumnal ambiance to the summer scene, which enhances the historical atmosphere of the street. A short walk from the "Most Beautiful Zhongshan Fourth Road" sign leads to the cliffside walkway, which offers picturesque river views.

Branching Alleys of Ciqikou Old Town:

The beautiful, ancient-style architecture immediately outside the subway station is, in fact, the newly constructed Ciqikou Back Street commercial district! Some have explored this area for an entire day only to discover that they have not reached the true ancient town, which lies further ahead! The main street of the ancient town is invariably crowded. Those who dislike crowds should venture into the side alleys, which are less frequented and retain the rustic charm of the old streets, in addition to housing a number of quaint shops.

Tips:

During the rainy season, the steps become slippery. Be sure to wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes.

Those who are unable to tolerate spicy food should be cautious when attempting "mildly spicy" dishes.

Being a mountainous city, traffic congestion is common. Rail transit is the preferred mode of transportation.