⭐ Why You Should Visit
- A mountain trail where you meet the real Chongqing
- Labyrinth-like alleys and wide-open river views
- The more you walk, the more hidden photo spots📸 appear
- An easy downhill walk, you’ll regret missing this course
- If you don’t visit here, you can’t say you’ve been to Chongqing!
🔎 What is the Mountain City Trail (山城步道)?
Chongqing is famously known as the “Mountain City (山城)” because of its unique terrain filled with steep hills and layered landscapes. Here, many narrow and steep streets connect the city’s levels, and locals call these stairway streets Tikan (梯坎).
Among these, the most famous Tikan is the Mountain City Trail (山城步道). This classic hillside path connects the upper and lower neighborhoods, preserving the city’s original terrain and history.
There’s even a saying, “If you haven’t walked the Mountain City Trail, you haven’t truly seen Chongqing.”
As you walk along, every turn reveals breathtaking scenery, and the alleyways are filled with the long history and countless stories of the people who lived here.
Unlike the newly developed 18 Stairs (十八梯) or the famous Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), the Mountain City Trail has preserved its old appearance through only minimal renovations. That’s why, when you step onto this trail, it feels as though you’re walking right back into Chongqing’s 100-year history since its opening to the world.
So, are you ready to experience the real Chongqing? 😊👣
📝 Basic Info on Mountain City Trail
山城步道 Shānchéng Bùdào
🚩重庆渝中区佳实养老院领事巷8号
No. 8, Ling Shixiang, Jia Shi Nursing Home, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
(You can simply search this address in your map app to directly find the starting point of the downhill route.)
🚇 Subway Line 1 / Line 2, Jiaochangkou Station (较场口), Exit 5 → Walk 20 minutes
⏰ Open 24 Hours
🌞 Best visited during daytime
💰Free admission
🌿 The Story of Mountain City Alley (山城巷)
Among all the places along the Mountain City Trail, Mountain City Alley (山城巷) is one of the most iconic and historic. This alley traces its roots back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, carrying a deep historical significance.
In 1900, a French missionary installed streetlights here, earning it the name “Sky Lantern Alley (天灯巷)” or “Sky Lantern Street (天灯街).” In 1972, the name officially changed to Mountain City Alley (山城巷).
For generations, this alley has been a vital pathway for Chongqing locals. Its ancient stone steps, charming stone walls, century-old yellow catalpa trees, and breathtaking cliffside paths (known as “Zhàn Dào”) along the river combine to create a uniquely Chongqing atmosphere.
Walking along Chongqing’s steep slopes and maze-like alleys, you can fully experience the city’s unique topography and vibrant daily life. And then, suddenly, the view opens up before you—the magnificent river landscape. This is one of the best moments you can enjoy here.
In this alley, the past and present of Chongqing, its everyday life and quiet romance, are deeply intertwined. Mountain City Alley invites you to slow your steps and savor each moment.
🚶♀️ Recommended Downhill Route
Skip the uphill struggle! Take the easy downhill route.
🚩 Start Point
重庆渝中区佳实养老院领事巷8号
(Chongqing Yuzhong District Jiashi Nursing Home, No. 8 Consulate Alley)
Search for this address directly on your map app!
When you see the nursing home in the photo (渝中区佳实养老院), you’ve reached the entrance!
From here, just follow the signs and walk a little further. You’ll soon see an archway entrance with the words “Shancheng Alley (山城巷)” written on it.
This is the official starting point of the route!
👣 At a Glance: The Downhill Route
Consulate Alley Entrance 领事巷 Lǐngshì xiàng → Wilderness Garden 荒野花园 Huāngyě Huāyuán → Ren’ai Hall 仁爱堂 Rén’ài táng → Time Library 山城时光里图书馆 Shānchéng shíguāng lǐ túshūguǎn → Baba Tea 坝坝茶 Bàbà chá → Houlu Shikumen 厚庐石库门 Hòulú shíkùmén → Mountain City Memory Hal 山城记忆馆 Shānchéng jìyì guǎn → Cliffside Plank Road 山城悬崖栈道 Shānchéng xuányá zhàndào
📷 Explore These 7 Highlights Along the Route
01 Consulate Alley Entrance
领事巷 · Lǐngshì xiàng
The journey begins here, surrounded by old stone walls and the authentic charm of Chongqing’s historic neighborhoods. Once a prestigious residential area for foreign consulates, only the old buildings and a few longtime residents remain.
02 Ren’ai Hal
仁爱堂 · Rén’ài táng
Ren’ai Hall was the first Western-style hospital established in Chongqing by French missionaries in 1902. At that time, it was one of the most prosperous medical institutions in the city and remains the most iconic site in Shancheng Alley.
- In 1900, the French Catholic Church settled here, marking the beginning of Ren’ai Hall’s history.
- Completed in 1902, Ren’ai Hall served as a comprehensive complex, including a hospital, church, convent, and seminary.
- In 1919, Ren’ai Hall Girls’ School was established to promote women’s education. Though small in scale, it became a symbolic place for women’s education in Chongqing.
Blending Eastern and Western architectural styles, Ren’ai Hall featured elegant stone decorations and graceful arch structures, making it an exceptionally grand and refined space for its time. Though only ruins remain today, the site quietly tells the stories of its glorious past.
03 Time Library (山城时光里图书馆)
山城时光里图书馆 · Shānchéng shíguāng lǐ túshūguǎn
Nestled quietly in a peaceful alley, this small library feels like a place where time stands still.
While it’s a bit unfortunate that there’s an entrance fee, even just enjoying the surrounding atmosphere without going inside makes it worth visiting. Right next to the library, there’s a charming little souvenir shop—perfect for a quick stop while exploring the area.
04 Baba Tea
坝坝茶 · Bàbà chá
Baba Tea is a traditional tea culture of Chongqing where people gather in open spaces or squares to enjoy tea together. The word ‘Baba (坝坝)’ refers to public open areas or plazas.
If you take a break during your trip and enjoy a cup of tea here, you’ll experience the lively everyday life of Chongqing and feel the vibrant atmosphere of its unique alleyways.
05 Houlu Shikumen
厚庐石库门 Hòulú shíkùmén
Built in 1930, this site once served as the grand gate of General Lan Wenbin’s residence. Even now, the characters “厚庐” (Houlu) are clearly engraved above the gate, quietly telling the story of its former grandeur.
Houlu follows the traditional Shanghai Shikumen architectural style. During the wartime period when Chongqing served as the temporary capital, many affluent families who fled to Chongqing built homes in this Shikumen style. Houlu still boasts one of the best viewpoints and vividly reflects the lifestyle of Chongqing’s upper class during that era.
06 Mountain City Memory Hall
(山城记忆馆 · Shānchéng jìyì guǎn)
This is the Shancheng Memory Hall, a place where you can explore the full history of the Shancheng Trail in Chongqing at a glance. It exhibits documents, photos, and video materials depicting the city’s landscape and everyday life from over 100 years ago.
On the exterior wall, you’ll also find a partial reproduction of the historic map of Chongqing created by Liu Ziru during the late Qing Dynasty (titled 《广广重庆地舆全图》), offering an interesting look back through old cartography.
07 Shancheng Cliff Walkway
山城悬崖栈道 · Shānchéng xuányá zhàndào
The highlight of the Shancheng Trail! From this thrilling walkway installed on the cliffside, you can take in sweeping views of Chongqing’s majestic river and cityscape all at once.
Standing on the walkway, you’ll see the mountain on one side and the river far below on the other—a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you. This spot offers views as impressive as any famous tourist site. Watching the sunset from here is truly an unforgettable experience.
🔖 Good to Know
☀️ Best Season: Avoid summer—Chongqing’s nickname is the “Furnace City” for a reason! Spring, autumn, and winter are ideal.
👟 Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must—expect stone steps and steep paths.
🪑 Facilities: Plenty of public restrooms and benches along the way.
💡 Pro Tip: Take the downhill route for a relaxed experience—this is essential!
🌉 Nearby Place Worth Visiting
- 18 Stairs 十八梯
Famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and night views
🚩 重庆市渝中区中兴路1号
🚶♀️ Only a 20-minute walk from Mountain City Trail
🚇 Subway: Line 1/2, Jiaochangkou Station, Exit 4 or 11
(Take the north entrance for an easy downhill walk.)
⏰ Open 24 hours (Lights on at 6 PM daily)
🌙 Best time to visit: Evening for night views
💰 Free Admission
📍 One-Line Summary
Explore hidden alleys layered with Chongqing’s rich history and enjoy sweeping river views—every step reveals a new story! 🌿✨
🚀 Want more Chongqing travel tips?
👉 17 Ultimate Must-See Places in Chongqing｜Feel the City’s Hidden Magic
👉How to Explore Chongqing in 3 Days | Best Food, Views & Hot Places
📽️ Watch My Travel Video
I filmed this personally—take a sneak peek before your visit! 👇
