Five Real Chongqing Walking Routes: Skip the Tourist Traps, Walk Like a Local
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 1
- 6 min read
Don’t Just See Chongqing — Walk It
You’ve seen the videos. Chongqing is a city of lights, bridges, and 3D buildings. But here’s the thing: the real Chongqing isn’t in the night views. It’s in the alleys, the steps, and the hills.
I’m a native Chongqing person. I’ve helped over 500 foreign visitors plan their trips. One UK friend told me: “I came for the food, but I left loving the city’s rhythm.” He walked every day. He didn’t miss the magic.
Many tourists go to Ciqikou (Ci Qi Kou). They take photos. They eat overpriced snacks. But Ciqikou’s real ancient street is only 200 meters long. The rest? Fake buildings, loud crowds, and ¥30 “handmade” noodles.
If you want to see real Chongqing, walk.This guide gives you 5 walking routes for foreign tourists that locals love. No tourist traps. Just real streets, real views, and real life.
Route 1: From Hongyadong to People’s Hall — The Old City Pulse (Chongqing walking routes for foreign tourists)
Chongqing Walking Routes For Foreign Tourists: Start in the Heart
Most tourists stop at Hongyadong (Hong Ya Dong) — the stilted building by the river. But the real city starts behind it. This route shows how locals live: in alleys, on hills, between old temples and markets.
It’s 4.2 km. Allow 2.5 hours. You’ll climb steps, pass homes, and see quiet spots most miss. It’s not easy, but it’s real.
I walk this every Sunday. My Canadian friend Sarah said: “I thought Chongqing was just noise. But in these alleys, it’s peaceful. I saw old men playing chess and women drying clothes on bamboo poles.”
Start: Hongyadong (Hong Ya Dong) — stilted building by Jialing River
End: Chongqing People’s Hall (Chongqing Renmin Dalian) — grand circular building
Key Stops:
Kui Xing Lou (Kuixinglou) — skybridge with city views
Lu Zu Temple (Luzumiao) — small Taoist temple
Tongyuanmen (通远门) — old city gate from Ming Dynasty
Catholic Church of St. Joseph (Tianzhujiao Ruosetang) — red-brick church
Xin De Village (Xinde Cun) — local snacks, cheap suan la fen
Full Itinerary:
Hongyadong → Kui Xing Lou (10 min)
Down 8 floors to street (10 min)
Lu Zu Temple → Tongyuanmen (15 min)
Church → Huayi Slope (158 steps, 15 min)
Xin De Village → People’s Hall (20 min)
Time: 2.5 hours
Effort: ⭐⭐☆ (Moderate)
Tip: Skip the “ancient” shops. Buy snacks in Xin De Village. Try suan la fen — ¥8.
Route 2: Nanbin Road to Eighteen Stairs — Riverside to Old Town
Walk the River, Then Climb the Steps
This path starts flat. You walk along Nanbin Road (Nanbin Lu), a riverside lane. Then you cross Dongshuimen Bridge (East Water Gate Bridge) and enter the old town.
It’s 3.8 km. Best at sunset. You’ll see the city change from modern to historic.
A Brazilian friend, Lucas, did this. He said: “I felt like I was going back in time. From river views to old brick houses.”
Start: Longmenhao Old Street (Longmenhao) — quiet lane by the river
End: Eighteen Stairs (Shiba Ti) — historic path with shops and art
Key Stops:
Xia Ha Li (Lower Hao Li) — restored old houses
Dongshuimen Bridge — skyline views from sidewalk
Huguang Guild Hall (Huguang Huiguan) — Qing Dynasty building, red pillars
Bai Xiang Ju (White Elephant Building) — 8 floors, no elevator, locals live here
Full Itinerary:
Longmenhao → Xia Ha Li (10 min)
Dongshuimen Bridge (15 min, photo stop)
Huguang Guild Hall (20 min visit)
Bai Xiang Ju → Eighteen Stairs (15 min climb)
Time: 2.5 hours
Effort: ⭐⭐☆ (Moderate)
Tip: Skip the “VIP entrance” at Eighteen Stairs (¥50). Use the free side path.
Route 3: Shancheng Step Way — The Real “Mountain City”
This Is Chongqing: Up, Down, and Alive
If you only do one walk, make it this.
Shancheng Bu Dao (Shancheng Step Way) is the soul of Chongqing.
It’s 3.3 km. You’ll climb 647 steps. Yes, it’s tiring. But you’ll see how locals live — on hills, between rocks, above roads.
I grew up near here. My mom buys dou hua (tofu pudding) from the old lady at Step 210. Her shop is small. Her food is real.
Start: Chaotianmen Dock (Chaotianmen) — where Yangtze & Jialing rivers meet
End: Liziba Station — train goes through a building
Key Stops:
Cangbai Road (Cangbai Lu) — old book market
Yangtze River steps — locals fish, play cards
Liziba — watch Line 2 train pass through apartments
Full Itinerary:
Chaotianmen → Cangbai Road (15 min)
River steps → Step 400 viewpoint (30 min)
Continue to Liziba (40 min climb)
Time: 2.5 hours
Effort: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (High)
Tip: Wear good shoes. Bring water. No shade in summer.
Route 4: BanShan Cliff Path — Forest, Temple, and Skyline
Escape the City Without Leaving It
Most tourists don’t know this path.
BanShan Ya Xian (BanShan Cliff Path) is a green escape. It starts near Chongqing University. Ends at Sha Ping Ba.
It’s 5.1 km. Mix of forest trail and city sidewalk.
Best in the morning.
A German visitor, Anna, told me: “I thought Chongqing was all concrete. But here, I heard birds. I saw old couples doing tai chi.”
Start: Guan Yue Temple (Guanyue Miao) — small temple with incense
End: Sha Ping Ba (Shapingba) — busy shopping area
Key Stops:
Guan Yue Temple — pray for luck, cost: ¥5
Da Hua Trail (Dahua Bu Dao) — stone steps, tree cover
Viewpoint at km 3.2 — full skyline of central Chongqing
Full Itinerary:
Guan Yue Temple → forest trail (10 min)
Da Hua Trail → rest stop (30 min)
Viewpoint → Sha Ping Ba (30 min)
Time: 3 hours
Effort: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (High)
Tip: Path not well marked. Use Google Maps. Search “BanShan Cliff Path entrance”.
Route 5: Huangge Ancient Path — Hike to a Hidden Temple
A Real Hike With Real Rewards
This is the longest route.
Huangge Gu Dao (Huangge Ancient Path) is 6.8 km one way. You’ll walk through forest, past graves, to Laojun Cave (Laojun Dong).
It’s the best spot for panoramic views. And real Taoist culture.
One US traveler, Mark, said: “I did your Route 3. I was tired. But at the top, I saw the city in fog. I cried. It was beautiful.”
Start: Huangge Port (Huangge Gang) — take bus 347 from city center
End: Laojun Cave (Laojun Dong) — Taoist temple on Nanshan Mountain
Key Stops:
Rest stop at km 2.5 — tea, water, snacks
Laojun Cave — pray, rest, enjoy quiet
Backdoor exit — better photo angles
Full Itinerary:
Huangge Port → forest trail (30 min)
Midpoint rest (15 min)
Final climb → Laojun Cave (40 min)
Visit temple (30 min) → bus back
Time: 4 hours (round trip)
Effort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Tip: Start early. Take bus down. Entry fee: ¥10.
Final Tips: Walk Like a Local
I’ve walked all 5 routes. More than once. Each time, I find something new. A hidden bench. A quiet corner. A kind neighbor.
Why walk?Because Chongqing is not flat. It’s not easy. It’s alive. You can’t see it from a taxi. You must walk.
And if you’re shopping for digital products in Chongqing — like SIM cards, power banks, or phone cases — walk through local electronics markets, not tourist malls. Try Chongqing Computer Center (Diannaocheng) near Jiefangbei. Prices are lower. Just bring cash. (Chongqing walking routes for foreign tourists)
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Your Turn
Which route will you try first?Tell me in the comments — I reply to every message.And if you walk one of these paths, tag me on Instagram: @DolphinUnion.
Trust me. Walk. See the real Chongqing.
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