Chongqing Transport Guide for Foreigners: 10 Unique Ways to Get Around

DolphinUnion
Sep 22
9 min read

Everyone talks about Chongqing’s 8D chaos—but as a local who’s lived here 30 years (and shown 200+ foreign friends around), I know the best part of the city is its weird, wonderful transport. This isn’t just buses and trains—here, you’ll ride escalators longer than apartment buildings, take ferries past neon skies, and even zip on a “cloud bus” that feels like a toy.

Last month, my friend from Canada arrived and said, “I just took a train through a building—this is crazy!” That’s the magic of Chongqing’s transport. In this guide, I’ll break down 10 must-try ways to get around, with my personal tips to skip crowds, save money, and avoid tourist traps. This is exactly what I use to plan my friends’ trips.

Monorail passing through a beige building marked Liziba Station. Green construction netting drapes nearby. Observers in windows. Urban setting. — Light Rail (Metro)

1. Light Rail (Metro) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

Chongqing’s light rail isn’t just transport—it’s a tourist attraction. And the star? The Liziba Station that goes through a building.

1.1 Why It’s a Must-Try

Liziba Station (Liziba Guangguai Zhan): The train passes through the 19th floor of a residential building. It’s not a trick—you’ll feel like you’re crashing into apartments, but the windows are soundproof (locals don’t even notice!).
Best Line for Views: Take Line 2 from Jiaochangkou to Yuzhong. It runs along the Jialing River—you’ll get perfect photos of Hongyadong (Hongyadong) at night.
Personal Story: Last Spring Festival, I brought my Australian friend to Liziba at 7 AM. We had the platform almost to ourselves—by 9 AM, it was packed with tour groups. Early mornings = no crowds!
Pro Tip: Avoid Line 3 during rush hour (8–9 AM, 5–6 PM). It’s the busiest line—you’ll be squished like sardines.

1.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥2–¥10 (depends on distance). Buy a “Chongqing Transportation Card” at any station (¥20 deposit)—tap and go, no need to buy single tickets.
English App: Use Amap (Gaode Maps) to plan routes—it shows real-time train times and platform numbers in English.
Avoid This: Don’t take photos inside the train at Liziba. The flash distracts drivers, and staff will ask you to stop. Take photos from the platform instead.

People ride long escalators in a wooden, glass-walled building. One man wears a Vans shirt. Bright and spacious interior with a red banner. — Crown Escalator (Lianglukou)

2. Crown Escalator (Lianglukou) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

Yes, an escalator counts as transport here. The Crown Escalator is Asia’s longest urban escalator—and it’s how locals climb between downtown’s hills.

2.1 Why It’s Wild

How Long It Is: 112 meters long, 52 meters high—takes 3 minutes to ride. It’s like a moving staircase between two neighborhoods (Lianglukou and Shangqingsi).
Local Use: Locals take it to avoid climbing 200+ stairs. I use it every time I go to my grandma’s house—way easier than walking!
Personal Story: My French friend was scared at first—he thought it would be steep. But it’s slow, and there are handrails. By the end, he wanted to ride it again.
Pro Tip: Stand on the right—locals walk on the left if they’re in a hurry. Don’t block the left side!

2.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥2 per ride (cash or transport card). No credit cards—bring small change.
Open Time: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Don’t ride it after dark if you’re alone— the area around the top exit is quiet.
Fun Fact: It was built in 1996—older than most foreign friends I bring here!

Multi-level ferry docked in a river with a city skyline background. Colorful signs and banners are displayed on the ferry and docks. — Two Rivers Ferry (Liangjiang Xiaodu)

3. Two Rivers Ferry (Liangjiang Xiaodu) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

Forget expensive cruise ships—this ferry is cheap, fast, and gives the best views of Chongqing’s skyline.

3.1 Why It’s Better Than Cruises

Route: Hongyadong (Hongyadong) to Danzishi (Danzishi). It takes 15 minutes and passes both the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
Price: ¥15 per person—way cheaper than the ¥150+ cruises. Locals take it to work, so it’s never crowded.
Personal Story: My Canadian friend wanted to take a cruise, but I took him on this ferry instead. He said, “This is better—no loud tour guides, just quiet views.” We even saw a sunset over the rivers.
Pro Tip: Ride it at 6 PM (summer) or 5 PM (winter). The sky turns pink, and Hongyadong’s lights start to glow—perfect photos.

3.2 Practical Info

Boat Times: Every 30 minutes (9 AM – 9 PM). Check the “Liangjiang Xiaodu” WeChat mini-program for real-time schedules.
Where to Board: At Hongyadong’s waterfront (follow the signs for “Ferry Terminal”). Don’t confuse it with the cruise ship docks—those are more expensive.
Avoid This: Don’t buy “ferry + dinner” packages. They’re overpriced (¥80+) and the food is bad. Eat at a local restaurant before riding.

Red cable car crossing against a cityscape backdrop at sunset, with tall buildings and visible signs in Chinese characters. Urban setting. — Yangtze Cableway

4. Yangtze Cableway – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

This used to be a public bus across the river—now it’s a tourist spot, but still worth it if you do it right.

4.1 How to Enjoy It (Without the Lines)

Which Station to Use: Take the cableway from Nanbin Road (Nanbin Lu) to Yuzhong—this station has shorter lines. The Yuzhong to Nanbin Road line can have 2-hour waits!
Views: You’ll fly 116 meters above the Yangtze River. On clear days, you can see Jinfo Mountain (Jinfo Shan) in the distance.
Personal Story: My Brazilian friend waited 1.5 hours at the Yuzhong station—never again! Now I always take him to Nanbin Road. We waited 10 minutes max.
Pro Tip: Go on weekdays. Weekends are chaos—even the short line becomes an hour wait.

4.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥20 one-way, ¥30 round-trip. Buy online via the “Yangtze Cableway” mini-program—skip the ticket booth line.
Open Time: 8:30 AM – 9 PM. Avoid 12–2 PM—sun is too bright for photos.
Avoid This: Don’t buy “fast pass” tickets. They cost ¥80 and aren’t worth it—just go to the Nanbin Road station instead.

Tram on tracks descends through lush green trees, with a cityscape and river visible in the hazy background, creating a serene scene. — Old-Style Cable Cars

5. Old-Style Cable Cars – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

These are the “grandpas” of Chongqing transport. Only two old cable cars still run—they’re slow, but full of nostalgia.

5.1 Where to Find Them

Changshou Cable Car (Changshou Fengcheng): This one’s still a local transport! It runs from Wangjiang Road (Wangjiang Lu) to the river dock. Locals use it to get to ferries—no tourists here.
Lijia Smart Park Cable Car (Yubei): This is a tourist one, but cute. It’s short (5 minutes) and goes over a lake in Lijia Smart Park. Good for photos, but not essential.
Personal Story: I took my UK friend to the Changshou Cable Car last year. The operator was a 70-year-old man who’s worked there for 40 years. He gave us candy and told stories about old Chongqing—best 10 minutes of our trip!
Pro Tip: The Changshou Cable Car is 2 hours from downtown. Go only if you’re visiting Changshou (for its old town)—don’t make a special trip just for it.

5.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥2 per ride (Changshou), ¥15 per ride (Lijia). Cash only for Changshou—no cards.
Open Time: Changshou (7 AM – 6 PM), Lijia (9 AM – 5 PM).
Fun Fact: The Changshou Cable Car was built in 1964—older than most of Chongqing’s skyscrapers!

Speeding bullet train on tracks, set against a cityscape with trees. The train is white with orange accents under a clear sky. — High-Speed Train

6. High-Speed Train (Gaotie) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

If you want to visit Wushan (Wushan) or other far spots, China’s high-speed train is the way to go. It’s fast, smooth, and way better than buses.

6.1 Why It’s Great

Speed: From Chongqing North Station to Wushan Station—2.5 hours, 350 km/h. You’ll barely feel the movement—my friend from Italy thought we were still sitting!
Views: The train passes through karst mountains and rivers. Sit on the left side (window seat “A”) for the best views.
Personal Story: My Australian friend was nervous about booking tickets. I showed him the 12306 app (English mode) and he booked it in 5 minutes. No stress!
Pro Tip: Book tickets 1 week early for weekends. Trains to Wushan sell out fast—especially in autumn (best for hiking).

6.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥80–¥150 (depends on destination). Use the 12306 app (English available) or buy at the station.
Stations: Chongqing North Station (for Wushan, Xi’an) and Chongqing West Station (for Chengdu, Guiyang). Don’t mix them up—they’re 1 hour apart!
Avoid This: Don’t buy food on the train. It’s overpriced (¥20 for a bowl of noodles). Bring snacks from a convenience store (7-Eleven has great options).

Train at Baisha Railway Station; people walking on the platform. Blue and yellow train, white wall, and blue station sign in view. — Old Green Train (Slow Train)

7. Old Green Train (Slow Train) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

This is the opposite of the high-speed train—slow, cheap, and full of local life. It’s how locals used to travel before high-speed trains existed.

7.1 Why It’s Charming

Route: Chongqing Main Station to Baisha Ancient Town (Jiangjin). It takes 2.5 hours—10x slower than the high-speed train, but way more fun.
Local Vibe: Farmers bring chickens, grandmas sell snacks (¥1 for candied plums), and kids run around. It’s like a moving market!
Personal Story: I took my French friend on this train last summer. He talked to an old farmer who gave him a fresh peach. He said, “This is the real China—not the skyscrapers.”
Pro Tip: Sit in the “hard seat” section (¥12). It’s cheaper than “soft seat” (¥20) and you’ll meet more locals.

7.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥12–¥20. Buy at Chongqing Main Station (no online booking—cash only).
Departure Time: 9:15 AM and 2:30 PM daily. Don’t miss the morning train—you’ll have more time to explore Baisha Ancient Town.
What to Do in Baisha: Walk the old street (100+ years old) and eat “Baisha Douhua” (soft tofu) at Grandma Li’s stall (¥5 a bowl—locals love it).

Rows of yellow e-bikes parked neatly on a city street. Background shows greenery and a building with a sign reading "CHONGQING." — Shared Electric Scooters

8. Shared Electric Scooters – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

Bikes don’t work here (too many hills!), but shared electric scooters are everywhere. They’re the best way to zip around small areas.

8.1 Why They’re Perfect for Chongqing

No Hills to Push: The scooter does the work—you just steer. Great for areas like Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ciqikou) or Guanyin Bridge (Guanyin Qiao).
Cheap: ¥2 to unlock, ¥0.5 per minute. A 10-minute ride costs only ¥7—way cheaper than a taxi.
Personal Story: My Canadian friend rented one near Hongyadong. He rode to Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument) in 15 minutes—faster than the light rail (which would have needed a transfer).
Pro Tip: Park only in designated areas (look for blue lines on the ground). If you park elsewhere, you’ll get a ¥20 fine.

8.2 Practical Info

Apps: Use “Hellobike” or “Meituan” (both have English modes). Scan the scooter’s QR code to unlock.
Rules: Wear a helmet (scooters have them in the basket). Police sometimes check—no helmet = ¥50 fine.
Avoid This: Don’t ride on main roads (like Minzu Road). Cars go fast—stick to small streets and bike lanes.

Futuristic train with blue graphics on track, surrounded by buildings and trees, against a mountainous backdrop. Text: "Chongqing SkyShuttle". — Cloud Bus (Bishan)

9. Cloud Bus (Bishan) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

This is Chongqing’s “cute” transport—small, electric, and looks like a toy. It runs in Bishan (30 minutes from downtown) and is perfect for a day trip.

9.1 Why It’s Fun

How It Looks: White and blue, with big windows—like a mini train that runs on roads. It’s quiet (no engine noise) and smooth.
Route: Bishan Square to Bishan Botanical Garden. It takes 20 minutes and passes lakes and parks—great for families.
Personal Story: I took my friend’s 5-year-old son on this bus. He called it the “toy train” and didn’t want to get off. We rode it 3 times!
Pro Tip: Combine it with a visit to Bishan Botanical Garden (¥20 entry). The garden has cherry blossoms in spring—beautiful photos.

9.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥2 per ride (cash or transport card).
Open Time: 8 AM – 6 PM. Take the high-speed train from Chongqing West Station to Bishan Station (15 minutes, ¥10)—then walk 5 minutes to the cloud bus stop.
Avoid This: Don’t go on rainy days. The windows fog up, and you can’t see the views. Sunny days are best.

Orange ferry with Chinese text sails past larger ships at a port. Hills and scattered buildings form the background under a cloudy sky. — **Little Red Boat**

10. Little Red Boat (Fengjie to Wushan) – Chongqing unique transport for foreigners

This is Chongqing’s most underrated transport—local red boats that sail between Fengjie (Fengjie) and Wushan (Wushan). It’s how river villagers get around, and it’s the best way to see the Yangtze Gorges up close.

10.1 Why It’s a Hidden Gem

Route: Fengjie Port (Fengjie Gang) to Wushan Port (Wushan Gang). It takes 1.5 hours and sails through the Qutang Gorge—one of the Three Gorges. The cliffs rise 1,000 meters above the water—you’ll feel tiny!
Local Vibe: Locals bring vegetables to sell in Wushan, kids play on the deck, and the captain will point out hidden caves. It’s nothing like the crowded tourist cruises—this is real river life.
Personal Story: Last autumn, I took my Canadian friend on this boat. We sat on the bow, and a local grandma gave us boiled peanuts. She told us stories about fishing in the Yangtze—we forgot to take photos because we were too busy listening.
Pro Tip: Sit on the left side of the boat. You’ll get better views of the Qutang Gorge’s “Kui Gate”—the most famous spot in the Three Gorges.

10.2 Practical Info

Tickets: ¥30 per person. Buy at Fengjie Port (cash only—no online booking). Arrive 30 minutes early—boats leave when they’re full (usually 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM).
What to Bring: A jacket (windy on the deck!) and a water bottle. There’s no food on the boat, but you can buy snacks at Fengjie Port before boarding (¥2 for a pack of cookies).
Avoid This: Don’t confuse it with “Three Gorges Tour Boats.” Those cost ¥200+ and have loud speakers—stick to the little red boats.

Final Recommendation: My Go-To Chongqing Transport Guide

I spent 2 months putting together DolphinUnion’s Chongqing Transport Guide—even I use it when my friends visit, because it has details I can’t fit here. The guide includes a map of hidden light rail photo spots (like Line 2’s river view) and a list of “local-only” transport hacks (like the best time to take the Crown Escalator)—two exclusive tips you won’t find in this blog.

Chongqing An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites

Buy Now

Last week, a reader from Canada messaged me. He used my tip to take the Nanbin Road cableway station and waited only 10 minutes. He said, “I saw the Yangtze River at sunset—this was the best part of my trip!” He even sent me a photo of the cable car over the river.

Chongqing An 144-Hours Adventure Through Local Life Tour