CHONGQING City Guided Hiking Day Tour: Lens, Bites & Hidden Steps

The Liberation Monument, located in the heart of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, is a historic landmark and cultural symbol of Chongqing. Originally built in 1945 to commemorate victory in World War II, it stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and enduring spirit. Today, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and vibrant commercial energy, it represents both Chongqing’s past and its dynamic present—a must-visit site where history and urban life converge.

Our tour will start with gathering here. During our stay, you will learn about the city's past and present over the past half-century. This is also a prime photo spot, and you will capture a vibrant urban landscape to add to your album.

After a 20 mins City Walk, we will be at our second stop, Kuixing Lou. As one of Chongqing's most iconic buildings widely celebrated on TikTok and social media, Kuixing Tower has become a must-visit for international travelers. It exemplarily reflects the architectural uniqueness of this mountainous city—you will see multiple buildings and hillsides connected by soaring skybridges, making it almost impossible to tell which floor you're actually on. Within the city's limited footprint, planners have maximized space for leisure, entertainment, and daily commuting. Whether it's the rooftop plaza or the elevators that serve as vital transport links between the upper and lower city levels, you will experience the multidimensional urban development and the human-centered design that prioritizes convenience for residents.

This church, first built in 1893 and later expanded, reflects the cultural exchange between French missionaries and Chongqing. Nestled among traditional homes, it blends into the city’s daily life. Damaged in WWII and soon rebuilt, it highlights the local respect for historical and religious heritage.

As a local resident and a true food enthusiast, I will select a nearby restaurant based on factors such as the weather, guiding everyone to experience Chongqing’s most renowned street food—Xiaomian. The name "Xiaomian" (literally "small noodles") comes from its modest portion size and absence of meat, making it suitable as a snack at any time of day. Despite its simplicity in appearance, the preparation is complex: Chongqing people love spice and emphasize seasoning, with more than ten different spices often blended into the bowl. The perfectly balanced flavors in this noodle dish are sure to leave you with a deeper impression of Chongqing’s unique branch of Chinese cuisine.

After lunch, we will continue our journey. A ten-minute walk will take us to the Tongyuanmen Ancient City Wall ruins. Tongyuanmen Ancient City Gate Located in central Chongqing, Tongyuanmen is one of the few surviving sections of the ancient city wall from the Ming Dynasty. Historically serving as the western gateway of old Chongqing, it was a vital passage connecting the city to the outside world and played a significant military role. Today, it stands as a quiet contrast to the surrounding modern high-rises, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's layered history. The site has been preserved and integrated into a public park, where locals stroll and relax, making it a peaceful yet historically rich stop in the urban core.

We will walk about 20 minutes to reach Shancheng Lane, passing through old neighborhoods such as Jintang Street and Consulate Alley. Strolling along the stepped streets and alleys, you can experience the quaint charm of the mountain city and may even encounter authentic local snacks.

At Shancheng Lane, we will visit the site of a French church. During the War of Resistance, it served as a relief station, aiding the sick and orphans, and holds significant importance for the development of modern medicine in China. The preserved ruins stand as a reminder of history and the spirit of humanitarianism.

Afterward, you can explore freely or relax at a café or tea house. Midway through the tour, everyone will gather to experience Chinese handicrafts, such as paper-cutting or calligraphy, and enjoy afternoon tea. The cost of the experience is already included.

After leaving Shancheng Lane, we will walk along the main road of Chongqing's Lower City to the Eighteen Ladders Traditional Style Area. The walk takes no more than 20 minutes, offering glimpses of the Yangtze River and the scenic views across the bank through gaps between the towering buildings.

Shibati Located at the heart of Chongqing, the Shiba Ti (Eighteen Ladders) Traditional Style Area is a revitalized historic district that preserves the authentic charm of old mountain city life. Its network of steep stone staircases, traditional wooden houses (Diaojiaolou), and narrow alleys once connected the city's upper and lower parts. Today, after careful renovation, it offers a vivid glimpse into local culture, teahouses, and snacks, earning its status as a national-level tourist leisure street in 2025.

Here, you can also see air-raid shelters from World War II. We will then ascend the steps at a leisurely pace and return to our dismissal point—Liberation Monument.

Our tour is coming to a close. Our walking route has already covered many popular attractions and hidden gems of the city. For the final leg of our journey, we will pass through Bayi Road Food Street on our way back to Liberation Monument. Along the way, if needed, your guide will be happy to provide food recommendations or assist you with the most convenient route back to your hotel.