If you’ve seen videos of trains disappearing into apartment buildings or cars driving on the roof of a skyscraper, you’ve glimpsed Chongqing. As a traveler who has spent significant time navigating China’s “Mountain City,” I can tell you: it is even more confusing—and exciting—in person.
Chongqing isn’t built on a grid; it’s built on vertical layers. Because of this, getting from Point A to Point B isn’t just a commute; it’s an attraction in itself. From 1980s cable cars to taxis that drive like they’re in a Fast & Furious movie, here is my honest take on how to navigate this metropolis.
1.The Yangtze River Cableway (Yangtze Riverway)
Originally built as a humble commuter tool to get workers across the river, the Yangtze River Cableway is now the city’s most famous “flying bus.”
The Reality: I’ll be honest—if you visit during a public holiday, the queue can be two hours long for a ride that lasts exactly five minutes. Each cabin holds about 30 people, and if you aren’t lucky enough to grab a spot right against the glass, you’ll mostly be looking at the back of someone else’s head.
My Tip: Is it worth it? Yes, but only for the view of the skyline merging with the murky Yangtze. Try to go on a weekday morning.
Planning your trip? Check out the best local hotel deals near the Cableway here.
2.Two Rivers Ferry (The Local Way)
Many tourists confuse the Two Rivers Ferry with the expensive night cruises. Don’t make that mistake. This is the state-run “water bus.” It’s cheap, authentic, and feels like a piece of old Chongqing history.
The Pros: It’s run by a government company, so there’s no “tourist pricing” or scams. The route from Hongyadong to Danzishi is a personal favorite. If you catch it at sunset, the golden hour reflecting off the skyscrapers is incredible.
The Cons: Avoid the top deck in the peak of summer—you will bake. Also, don’t expect luxury; these are functional boats.
3.Two Rivers Night Cruises (The Tourist Splurge)
These are the massive, neon-lit boats you see in all the travel brochures. They are designed specifically for the “night view” (Ye Jing).
The Warning: I generally don’t recommend these to my readers. Why? Because the “base” ticket often doesn’t give you access to the best viewing decks. You’ll be pressured to “upgrade” your seat once you’re on board. Plus, a fruit platter can cost you 128 RMB ($18 USD).
If you must go, buy your tickets through an official app or your hotel. Ignore the “touts” on the street shouting that the boat is leaving in 2 minutes—it’s usually a lie to get you to panic-buy.
4.The “Yellow Phantoms”: Chongqing’s Famous Taxis
One thing you’ll notice immediately: there are almost no bicycles or scooters in Chongqing. The hills are simply too steep. This means the city relies on an army of yellow taxis, known locally as “Tu’er Che.”
The Vibe: Chongqing taxi drivers are legends. They drive with a “貼地飛行” (flying while touching the ground) mentality. If you take one from the airport, the taxi queue is actually a great photo op—it looks like a sea of yellow.
Pro Tip: They use strict meters, which is great, but they are often slightly more expensive than Didi (China’s Uber). Also, hold onto your seat—it’s a wild ride.
Stay connected while navigating Chongqing’s hills with this China Travel eSIM.
5.The Crown Escalator (Huangguan Escalator)
Where else in the world do you pay to ride an escalator? Only in Chongqing. Connecting the Caiyuanba Railway Station to the Lianglukou area, this is the longest escalator in China.
The Experience: It takes 2 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 112 meters. It’s got a cool, retro-industrial vibe with a panoramic roof.
Safety First: Don’t try to take “cool” photos while walking backward or turning around. The staff are very strict and will yell through a megaphone if you’re being unsafe. If you want to feel the burn in your knees instead, you can walk the “Jianxingpo” stone steps right next to it—but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
6.Metro Line 2: The Liziba “Train Through Building”
You’ve seen the TikToks. The train at Liziba Station literally passes through a hole in a residential apartment building.
How to see it: Go to the viewing platform at the bottom of the building for the classic shot. However, the platform gets incredibly crowded.Learn more about the story of Liziba.
My Advice: Actually ride the train. Line 2 follows the curve of the Jialing River, and the views are better than any tour bus. Avoid morning and evening rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM / 5:30–7:00 PM) unless you want to be a human sardine.
7.The T888 Tourist Bus
Chongqing has a specialized tourist line, the T888, which hits all the major landmarks. You can find the schedule on Baidu or Amap (Gaode).
The Reality: They offer day passes, but the intervals between buses can be long. If you want a cheap city tour, sit on it from start to finish. But be warned: Chongqing traffic is brutal during holidays. You might spend an hour sitting in a tunnel looking at a bus’s bumper. If you’re in a hurry, the Metro is always faster.
Tips：You can buy tickets using WeChat or Alipay QR codes on the bus, just like taking a regular bus.
Final Thoughts
Chongqing isn’t a city you “visit”; it’s a city you climb. It can be frustrating, loud, and confusing, but that’s the charm. Respect the local pace, keep your offline maps ready, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost. In Chongqing, getting lost usually leads to the best bowl of noodles you’ve ever had.
