⭐ Reasons to Recommend
- Old Chongqing vibe with alleyways & stone stairways
- The night view is absolutely breathtaking
- Tranquil by day + romantic by night, total mood shift
- Best combined with a visit to Mountain City Trail(山城步道)
🔎 What is 18 Stairs (十八梯)?
In the heart of Chongqing, time seems to pause for a moment atop this old stone stairway that connects the city’s hills and valleys. The name itself, 18 Stairs (十八梯 · Shíbā Tī), speaks of a place where Chongqing’s past and present — and the dreams and lives of its people — still live on as a living history.
Due to Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, the city naturally developed with upper and lower sections. 18 Stairs has long served as an essential link between them — a path countless people took, bearing the weight of their daily lives with each step.
Merchants carrying goods to market, porters with heavy loads, children on their way to school… every footstep along these stairs left behind its own story.
Today, 18 Stairs still preserves its stone stairways, wooden houses, and even traces of wartime air-raid shelters. Though the area has recently been redeveloped as a tourist site, the soul of the old alleyways still quietly breathes.
In the calm of day, you can feel the warmth of Chongqing’s human touch. At night, under glowing lights, you’ll find its romance. Start your day with Mountain City Trail, and in the evening, take a stroll through 18 Stairs and fall in love with Chongqing’s charm. 🌙📸
📝 Basic Info on 18 Stairs
十八梯 Shíbā Tī
🚩 No. 1 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
🚶♂️ About 20 minutes on foot from Mountain City Trail
🚇 Line 1 / Line 2, Jiaochangkou Station (较场口) — Exit 4 or 11
(northern entrance recommended for downhill route)
⏰ Open 24 hours (lights turn on daily at 6:00 PM)
🌙 Best visited in the evening for night views
💰 Free admission
🦝 Why is it called ‘18 Stairs (十八梯)’?
There are two origin stories behind this name.
First story
(井旁十八级石梯说)
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, locals used to fetch water from a well for daily use. That well was located around what is now No. 162, 18 Stairs, and it still exists today.
To reach the city from the well, people had to climb exactly 18 steps. Naturally, this spot came to be known as “18 Stairs (十八梯)”.
Second story
(懒洋坡十八层说)
Another tale dates back to the Qing Dynasty. To make it easier for residents to move around the hilly terrain, officials built a long stone stairway called Lanyangpo (懒洋坡, Lǎnyángpō).
This path was long and steep, with about 200 steps in total. Small flat areas (坪坝, píngbà) were built in between so people could rest.
The slope was divided into 18 flat sections, which is why the area eventually became known as “18 Stairs (十八梯)”.
🏘️ Architecture Layered with History
As you walk through the 18 Stairs area, you’ll come across unique buildings from various eras.
Following the natural slope of the mountains and rivers, this neighborhood showcases a blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern transformations.
1. Traditional Architectural Styles
- Diaojiaolou (吊脚楼, Stilted Wooden Houses)
Built on slopes or cliffs, these houses stand on wooden stilts, leaving the area below open. One side rests on land while the other is supported by wooden posts, extending the living space over air. This style is well-suited to Chongqing’s terrain and is effective for ventilation and humidity control.
- Chuandoufang (穿斗房, Post-and-Beam Structure)
A popular structure from the 1930s–40s that uses a framework of vertical posts and horizontal beams. This simple yet sturdy structure allows for flexible use of space and adapts well to the mountain terrain.
- Jiabiqiangfang (夹壁墙房, Double-Walled Houses with Insulation)
Constructed with double-layered walls to block heat and allow airflow, often filled with straw or earth for insulation. Structurally based on timber frames with clay walls, similar to early concepts of modern thermal insulation.
- Gandalei (干打垒, Rammed Earth Wall Technique)
A traditional technique using dried earth tamped layer by layer inside a wooden frame. The resulting thick, solid walls offer excellent thermal and moisture control. This method was common in farmhouses and warehouses across Chongqing and southwest China.
2. Sino-European Hybrid Architecture
In the early 20th century, Western influence led to a fusion of traditional Chinese styles and European elements.
- Wall Materials: Bamboo-lattice walls (竹编墙), white plastered walls (白灰墙), and chiseled stone walls (条石墙) were used alongside Western-style windows and decorative details.
- Brick Houses: A common form of housing that emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century, featuring plain brick structures.
- Reinforced Concrete Buildings: Modern high-rises that transformed the skyline of the 18 Stairs area.
🌳 Why do so many different architectural styles coexist here?
The 18 Stairs area preserves a rich historical stratification. Over time, new buildings were constructed without erasing the old ones, resulting in a landscape where structures from various eras coexist—like a living architectural museum.
When you visit, pay special attention to the rooflines and wall materials. The differences in construction techniques and materials used across different periods are clearly visible!
📜 An Alleyway Rebuilt on the Memories of the Past
A History That Begins in the Three Kingdoms Era
The origins of 18 Stairs trace back as far as the Three Kingdoms period. Due to the area’s strategic location and mountainous terrain, stone stairways were naturally formed to accommodate travel and trade.
During the Southern Song (南宋) dynasty, the name “Chongqing (重庆)” was first used, and the city began to expand with paved stair routes connecting various levels of the city.
By the Ming dynasty, four major city gates, government offices, and military facilities had been established in the area now known as 18 Stairs. These gates played key roles in defending the city and facilitating transport and commerce.
- Chuqimen (储奇门, Chǔqímén)
The name means “storing rare and valuable items.” From the Ming–Qing period, this area became a hub for commerce, especially for herbal medicine and regional specialties. Nearly all herbal shops and supply depots in Chongqing were concentrated around this gate.
- Jinzimen (金紫门, Jīnzǐmén)
“Gold and purple” symbolized authority and prestige. This area served as a military stronghold and command post. Even today, the name survives in the nearby street “Shoubeijie (守备街),” reflecting its military past.
- Fenghuangmen (凤凰门, Fènghuángmén)
Known as the “Phoenix Gate,” it was the entry point for livestock like pigs and cattle being brought into the city. Inside the gate was a large, bustling market filled with vendors and shops. Though the gate is gone, the former French consulate and old architecture still mark its location.
- Nanjimen (南纪门, Nánjìmén)
This southern gate led down to the Yangtze River and became a vital route for the transport of goods. It was especially important for the distribution of hotpot ingredients like tripe and beef, which came through this gate. It also became a military base, supply hub, and cultural center in Chongqing’s history.
Together, these four gates formed the backbone of old Chongqing’s defensive and commercial systems. The 18 Stairs area was where the alleys, gates, and stairways intersected, making it one of the city’s most historically dense and strategic neighborhoods.
Scars of War: Air-Raid Shelters and Bombings
During the Second Sino-Japanese War (抗战时期, 1937–1945), Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital and endured heavy bombing by Japanese forces. To protect themselves, citizens built large-scale air-raid shelters (防空洞) throughout the city. One of the most iconic examples is the Jiaochangkou Tunnel (较场口大隧道) located on the upper side of the 18 Stairs area.
This air-raid shelter stretches approximately 2,500 meters and was built 10 meters underground. Inside, it measures about 2 meters in both width and height, allowing thousands of people to take refuge. However, due to the lack of proper oxygen supply, fire safety measures, gas protection, and medical facilities, the conditions were extremely poor.
The most tragic event occurred on June 5, 1941. That day, the Japanese military carried out a bombing raid that lasted over five hours. With citizens flooding into the shelter, a massive stampede and suffocation incident unfolded.
In just one day, around 2,500 people lost their lives. This disaster shocked not only China but the entire world.
A New Beginning for 18 Stairs
Over time, 18 Stairs entered a new phase of transformation.
- Late 1990s: As a large labor market formed near Nanjimen (南纪门), workers from other regions flocked to this area seeking job opportunities and began settling in the 18 Stairs neighborhood. Meanwhile, longtime local residents gradually moved out to other areas.
- After 2008: Chongqing launched a major urban redevelopment project. The old houses and alleys of 18 Stairs were refurbished and reorganized, preserving the historic look of the streets and buildings while creating pleasant spaces for people to enjoy. In doing so, 18 Stairs began to regain its vitality, carrying the traces of time into a new future.
📷 Top 6 Highlights of 18 Stairs
① 18 Stairs Observation Deck
十八梯观景台 · Shíbā Tī Guānjǐngtái
Located near the north entrance, just a short walk from 🚇Jiaochangkou Station (较场口).
This is the best viewpoint to see the entirety of 18 Stairs at a glance. It’s especially famous for its night views.
If you start your walk here, you can follow the downhill route through 18 Stairs.
Want amazing photos? Don’t miss this spot. 🌃📸
② 18 Stairs Memory Hall
十八梯记忆馆 · Shíbā Tī Jìyìguǎn
This immersive space brings the history and culture of Chongqing to life.
You’ll find exhibitions of famous calligraphy, paintings, folk relics, and traditional handicrafts —
plus dynamic 3D projection shows, digital holograms, and an interactive 3D map created using advanced technology.
It’s a visually engaging and highly interactive experience.
③ 18 Stairs Old Street
十八梯老街 · Shíbā Tī Lǎojiē
This old street, at the heart of 18 Stairs, is steeped in the unique atmosphere of Chongqing. The worn stone steps and aged wooden buildings still bear the marks of time, allowing you to feel the charm of the past with every step. Small shops and traditional-style souvenir stores line the alleyways, making it a pleasant place to stroll and explore at a relaxed pace.
④ 18 Stairs Tunnel Ruins
十八梯大隧道遗址 · Shíbā Tī Dà Suìdào Yízhǐ
This is a historical site that served as an air-raid shelter during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It holds memories of one of the darkest chapters in Chongqing’s history.
Even during wartime, people made weapons, studied, and dreamed of the future in this place. Amid despair, they held on to one another and survived. The indomitable spirit of “growing stronger under bombardment” still lingers here.
⑤ Well Square
古井春风 · Gǔjǐng Chūnfēng
This is the very spot where the well that gave 18 Stairs its name still remains.
In the past, villagers would draw water here and climb exactly 18 steps to reach the city above—thus the place came to be called “18 Stairs.”
Take a moment to relax on a bench and look around the lively square filled with local shops and food stalls.
You can really feel the energy and everyday life of Chongqing in this vibrant space.
⑥ Main Stairway
主梯道 · Zhǔtīdào
This spot is famous as a filming location for the movie “I Belonged to You” (从你的全世界路过).
It’s a must-visit photo zone for fans of the film.
🚶♀️ How to Get There
🚩 重庆市渝中区中兴路1号
No. 1 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
🚇 Line 1 / Line 2 — Jiaochangkou (较场口) Station, Exit 4 or 11
① By Subway
Take the subway to Jiaochangkou Station (较场口).
- Exit 11: Walk for about 3–5 minutes and you’ll arrive at the north entrance viewing platform of 18 Stairs.
- This is the starting point of the downhill route, which is the most recommended way to explore 18 Stairs.
- The viewing platform at the north entrance is the best photo spot in 18 Stairs. Be sure to take your photos here before you start exploring!
② From Jiefangbei (解放碑)
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Jiefangbei Square.
- From the center of Jiefangbei, walk slowly downhill in the direction of Jiaochangkou Station, and you’ll naturally reach the north entrance of 18 Stairs.
- Along the way are lots of shops, cafes, and charming alleyways — perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Jiefangbei → toward Jiaochangkou Station Exit 11 → 18 Stairs North Entrance Viewing Platform
③ After Visiting Mountain City Trail (山城步道)
It’s about a 20-minute walk from Mountain City Trail.
- A popular itinerary is to visit Mountain City Trail in the afternoon and then naturally continue to 18 Stairs in the evening.
- If you start from the trail, you’ll arrive at the south entrance of 18 Stairs.
- This route goes uphill, but there’s an escalator at the end so it’s not too strenuous.
- Mountain City Trail → South Entrance → climb up through 18 Stairs → finish at North Viewing Platform
🔖 Good to Know Before You Go
🌞 Season: Chongqing is nicknamed the “Furnace of China (火炉)” for a reason — summer heat is extreme. Avoid visiting in summer!
🥾 Walking: There are many stone steps and slopes, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
🛍️ Shopping: Snacks and souvenirs are generally cheaper outside the tourist area.
💡 Downhill Route Tip: Start your journey from the north entrance for a comfortable downhill route. There’s even an escalator near the end if you’re coming uphill — not too exhausting!
📸 Best Photo Spot: The viewing platform at the north entrance is the best photo spot in 18 Stairs. Don’t miss the wide shot looking down the entire stairway!
🌃 Visit Time: Visiting at night is highly recommended — the lights make the atmosphere magical and photos come out beautifully. Perfect spot for night views!
🌉 Places to Visit Nearby
- Mountain City Trail 山城步道
A charming walking trail following Chongqing’s hilly terrain
🚩 重庆渝中区佳实养老院领事巷8号
No. 8, Consulate Lane, Jiashi Nursing Home, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
🚶♀️ About a 20-minute walk from 18 Stairs
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌞 Best in the daytime
💰 Free admission
The Mountain City Trail is perfect for a sunny daytime walk. In contrast, 18 Stairs shines at night when the lights come on. Since both are around 20 minutes apart by foot, they’re perfect to visit together as a one-day walking course.
- Jiefangbei 解放碑
Chongqing’s busiest commercial area for shopping, food & night views
🚩 重庆市渝中区民族路177号
No. 177 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
🚶♀️ About a 15-minute walk from the north entrance of 18 Stairs
⏰ Open 24 hours
🌙 Best visited in the evening or at night
💰 Free admission
📍 One-Sentence Summary
A place where Chongqing’s history, architecture, hidden stories, and dazzling night views all come alive — a space where the city’s past and present coexist.
🚀 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
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