Chongqing: Skywalk, Air-Raid Shelter, Hidden Alley& Teahouse

Exploring Chongqing: Skywalks, History, and Local Charm

This detailed tour review looks at an experience designed to showcase the essence of Chongqing, a city famed for its striking mountain scenery and vibrant street life. While we haven’t personally taken this exact walk, the combination of panoramic views, underground history, and authentic local encounters makes it stand out as a well-rounded way to see the city’s diverse sides.

What draws us in? First, the Eling Skywalk promises breathtaking views of Chongqing’s layered skyline. Second, the chance to peek through the famous Liziba train passing through a building from a lesser-known cliffside viewpoint sounds uniquely memorable. Third, the opportunity to explore historic air-raid shelters offers a tangible connection to the city’s resilience. The only potential snag? The tour’s walking-heavy nature and the fact it’s not wheelchair accessible might limit some visitors. This experience suits travelers eager for an authentic, balanced mix of city vistas, history, and local culture.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views from the Eling Skywalk reveal the city’s mountainous landscape and dense architecture.
• Unique perspectives of the Liziba train passing through a building from a quiet cliffside point offer a fresh take on a famous sight.
• Historical insight through underground air-raid shelters lets you connect with Chongqing’s wartime past.
• Authentic local experience at a traditional teahouse, enjoying Gàiwn Chá and possibly live crosstalk performances.
• Walking through Shancheng Alley introduces you to a hillside neighborhood bursting with character and local life.
• Private group setting ensures a more personalized experience, guided by knowledgeable locals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Eling Subway Station and Eling Park

Your journey kicks off at Jiaochangkou Underground Station, conveniently accessible via Lines 1 and 2. Meeting here allows for an easy start before heading to Eling Park, a popular spot with panoramic views and peaceful green spaces. From the park, you walk along the Eling Skywalk, a suspended pathway that offers breathtaking vistas of Chongqing’s mountain cityscape. As you stroll, you’ll see layered buildings, winding rivers, and the sprawling city all laid out beneath you — a highlight for photography lovers and urban explorers alike.

The Eling Skywalk: Elevated Perspectives

The skywalk itself is designed to maximize the sense of being ‘above it all’. We loved the way the transparent floor sections provide a thrilling view straight down to the bustling streets below. This elevated vantage point is not just about the views but about feeling connected with the city’s landscape. Tour guides often share insights into the city’s geography, making this stop a perfect way to get your bearings.

Hidden Cliffside View of Liziba Train

From the skywalk, your guide leads you to a lesser-known cliffside viewpoint where you get an entirely different perspective of Chongqing’s most Instagram-worthy train passage. Unlike the crowded street-level spots, this vantage point offers a peaceful, almost secret, look at the Liziba train line, suspending through a residential building. One reviewer described it as “a completely different perspective” that’s well worth the small detour. It’s a moment that combines urban engineering marvel with scenic tranquility, making it a memorable photo opportunity.

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Exploring the Historic Air-Raid Shelters

A visit to underground air-raid shelters takes you into Chongqing’s wartime past. The stone chambers, once vital for civil defense, are surprisingly well-preserved. Walking through these tunnels, you can imagine the resilience of the city’s inhabitants during turbulent times. The guide shares stories of how these shelters were used, giving a tangible feel for the city’s history of survival and adaptation.

Traditional Gàiwn Chá at a Local Teahouse

After the historical and scenic parts of the tour, it’s time for a peaceful break. A visit to a local old-style teahouse allows you to unwind while sipping Gàiwn Chá, a traditional covered-bowl tea. The experience is simple but authentic: you are served a single cup per person, along with snacks like sunflower seeds or peanuts. Many reviewers mention the live crosstalk performances, which animate the space and add a touch of local flavor, making this more than just a tea break — it’s a window into Chongqing’s cultural life.

Strolling Through Shancheng Alley

The tour concludes with a walk through Shancheng Alley, a hillside neighborhood with narrow staircases, old houses, and glimpses into everyday Chongqing life. This area feels both lively and intimate, giving visitors a sense of the city’s mountainous charm and traditional architecture. It’s a great way to end the experience, feeling like you’ve truly stepped into local life rather than just tourist spots.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, making it suitable for a morning or afternoon outing.
• Meeting Point: Jiaochangkou Underground Station, at coordinates 29.553056716918945, 106.57441711425781, makes for an easy start.
• Group Size: Private groups ensure a more personalized experience and the ability to ask questions freely.
• Guidance: The tour is available in multiple languages — Chinese, English, Russian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Italian — so language barriers should be minimal.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the itinerary involves some walking, stairs, and uneven surfaces.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, due to the terrain and stairs involved.

Cost and Value

The tour’s pricing offers good value for those interested in a comprehensive look at Chongqing beyond the typical attractions. The combination of scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and local culture, guided by knowledgeable locals, makes it a well-rounded experience for a single fee.

What to Consider

While the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s primarily focused on walking and outdoor exploration, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with urban terrain. If you’re seeking a relaxed, low-impact experience or are in a wheelchair, this might not be the best fit.

Why This Tour Works

This experience provides a balanced mix of outdoor vistas, underground history, and local culture, making it ideal for travelers who want immersion without feeling overwhelmed. The guided element ensures you learn about Chongqing’s unique features and history, enriching the visual experience with stories and insights. The private group setting makes it flexible and tailored, especially if you want to linger longer at certain spots or ask questions.

Overall, it’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic local encounters, stunning city views, and a touch of history. It’s especially suited for visitors who enjoy walking, photography, and exploring neighborhoods off the beaten path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best for adults and older children comfortable with walking and stairs. The terrain isn’t wheelchair accessible, and younger children might find it tiring.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, with stops at each key site, including the skywalk, cliffside viewpoint, tunnels, teahouse, and alley.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential since you’ll be on foot most of the time. Weather-appropriate clothing is advisable—bring an umbrella in case of rain, and sun protection if sunny.

Can I get good photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The skywalk and cliffside viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities, especially with panoramic cityscapes and the Liziba train.

Are snacks or drinks included?
The teahouse experience includes one cup of traditional Gàiwn Chá per person, with optional snacks like sunflower seeds or peanuts.

Is there a guide available in my language?
Yes, guides speak Chinese, English, Russian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Italian, catering to diverse travelers.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

How accessible are the sites visited?
Most stops involve walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Can I customize this tour?
It’s a private tour, so questions or requests for minor adjustments can typically be accommodated.

What is the main benefit of this tour?
It offers a genuine glimpse of Chongqing’s layered cityscape, historical resilience, and local life in a manageable and engaging way.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtful and varied glimpse into Chongqing’s urban character. It’s particularly valuable for travelers seeking a mix of scenic vistas, history, and authentic local culture, all guided by knowledgeable locals in a private setting. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about Chongqing’s unique mountain city vibe, this experience is a compelling way to deepen your understanding of this vibrant metropolis.

You can check availability for your dates here: