https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/chongqing-158-132552604?locale=en-PH
KiawchuaMalaysia
vipIconPotential creator
levelIconSenior Travel Master

Urban Maze in the Mountains: Wandering through 山城巷

#springitinerary #山城巷 #重庆山城 #hiddenchongqing #stairwaycity #urbanlabyrinth #老重庆 #山城小巷 #重庆探秘 #chongqingoldtown #chinatravel Walking into 山城巷 felt like stepping into an old Chongqing postcard — a tangled web of narrow alleys, steep staircases, and layers of city life climbing up the mountainside. The place is rustic yet charming, with old walls, exposed bricks, and moss-covered stone paths giving off a nostalgic vibe. I wandered with no clear plan, which is honestly the best way to explore here. Locals hang out on their porches, laundry flutters in the breeze, and unexpected street art pops up around corners. Every turn gave me something to pause and look at — a small cat lounging by the wall, a mural, or a sudden view of the city down below. This isn’t a tourist-polished spot, and that’s what makes it so authentic. It’s one of those places where you feel the heartbeat of the city through its layers — a living museum of Chongqing’s urban evolution. ⸻ Travel Tips and How to Get There: • Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot • Getting there: • By Metro: Take Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, then walk about 15 minutes uphill • By taxi/ride-hailing: Convenient if you want to save energy before the stair climb. It is better to Didi to 领事巷 and walk downhill • Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes — the slopes and stairs are no joke • Tip: Go slow and keep your camera ready — the charm is in the small details • Don’t miss: Look out for the mural walls and hidden corners for street photography
Posted: May 31, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Mountain City Alley

4.6/537 reviews | Night view
Chongqing
No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Chongqing
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Mountain City Trail

In the folds of the mountain city trail, start the 🔛 walking mode and pass through Chongqing's thousand-year-old thoughts

Ysys883
Mountain City Trail

Chongqing is a place full of historical charm and unique mountain city style. Whether you want to feel the old Chongqing people's life or want to take pictures, this time we recommend you to spend half a day walking the Shancheng Lane historical and cultural features area and the mountain city trail. If you want to travel leisurely, slowly sipping tea in a teahouse, listening to books, eating breakfast noodles and dinner pot are all must-do authentic experiences! Hill City Lane Historical and Cultural Scenic Area No. 234 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, about 440 meters walk from Exit 5 of Juechangkou Metro Station. This is one of the places in Chongqing that best embodies the style of the old city. It is built on a mountain with winding paths, and many old buildings and literary and artistic shops from the Republic of China period have been preserved along the way. There are plenty of specialty teahouses, some even have dedicated people to talk, sit down and slowly feel the slow life of the people of the mountain city. Mountain City Lane is 1 km long, up and down, and it feels good to walk. It is suitable for taking pictures while walking. Mountain town trail It's right near Hill City Lane, you can walk directly there. The staircases built along the city wall, with a combination of slopes and stairs, have a different atmosphere both during the day and at dusk. Along the trail, you will see bridges, old residential buildings, old trees, and snack stalls at the alleys, where you can experience the most authentic slice of Chongqing life. If you get tired halfway through the walk, don't worry about no place to sit and enjoy. Since it's open all day, you can walk slowly and don't have to rush. Recommended routes From Jichangkou MTR Station, go to the Shancheng Lane Cultural Scenic Area and walk slowly from the south to the north main road. Along the way, you can stop at a teahouse for a cup of tea, listen to a book, or take pictures of the Republic of China architecture. After about an hour, walk over to the next mountain city trail, choose the next stepped route to walk around, remember to check out the surrounding snack stalls along the way, recommended to try Chongqing noodles in the morning, dinner can go back to nearby to eat hot pot, perfect experience of Chongqing local life. Must check in 1. Mountain City Lane Literary and Art Teahouse and old-fashioned alley entrance 2. The exterior of the old house during the Republic of China 3. View of the Mountain City Trail overlooking the Jialing River 4. Alley entrance small noodle shop, hot pot restaurant shop entrance Every corner is full of Chongqing characteristics, whether shooting scenery or selfies are beautiful! Practical tips 1. Hiking City Alleys and Trails It is recommended to wear light shoes, with stepped ramps, walking up and down your feet more comfortably. 2. Be sure to reserve time to sit in the teahouse and feel the slow pace of Chongqing people. 3. Breakfast recommended nearby Chongqing noodles, dinner can find a hot pot restaurant, very local taste. 4. Photography recommended morning or evening light is the most beautiful, but holidays will be crowded, want to avoid the crowds choose weekdays. 5. Remember to bring water when traveling in summer, Chongqing is hot and easy to sweat. Topic: #Chongqing Old Town #Mountain City Alley Exploration #Mountain City Trail Photo #Teahouse Slow Life #Chongqing Authentic Food

_TS***2x
Yangtze River Cableway

Chongqing is a city where mountains and rivers intertwine, rich in cultural heritage. Below is a travel guide for Chongqing:

RainTreeBallMoons
Mountain City Trail

Strolling through Chongqing's Jiufen - Mountain City Trail

潔美愛旅行
Three Natural Bridges

Shenzhen Special Forces Three-Day Tour

ExpeditionDiaries
Chaotianmen Square

Chongqing - A Tourist City - The Foggy City (Chongqing)

_TI***u2
Mountain City Alley

Chongqing·Shancheng Lane|Sit around the stove and make tea, eat and shop🍵

短腿玩轉世界
Mountain City Alley

Share a 4-day, 3-night Chongqing travel plan✨

ItsmeCHling
Mountain City Alley

Chongqing New Exhibition~Free painting exhibition, depicting Chongqing life.

Charlotte Hollister36
Mountain City Alley

Chongqing|Shancheng Lane, a "three-dimensional maze" on the edge of the cliff||

LuminousGlow6
Mountain City Alley

Chongqing: A City of Surprises

Strawberry-
Mountain City Alley

Chongqing|Ancient streets in the mountains-Shancheng Lane⛰️

Boogi