Shapingba

Among Chongqing’s central districts, Shapingba brings together Hongyan history, everyday neighborhood life, and arts and culture. Compared with busy Jiefangbei, it is a good place to slow down and discover old Chongqing on foot.

• Ciqikou Ancient Town: This thousand-year-old town in the traditional Bayu region retains its stone-paved streets and stilt houses. Leave the main street to explore side lanes and backstreets for a glimpse of local life, or visit Baolun Temple for views of the Jialing River.

• Zhazidong: Once used as a secret prison, this site now displays barred windows, old instruments of torture, and other exhibits that help visitors understand its wartime history. Book through the Hongyan Museum’s official channels before visiting.

• Baigongguan: A little over ten minutes’ walk from Zhazidong, this site sits in quiet, wooded surroundings. Visiting the cramped cells and learning about the child known as Little Radish Head are important parts of understanding this history.

• Luo Zhongli Art Museum: Located on the Huxi campus of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, this building stands out for its facade of broken ceramic mosaics. Look out for the landmark work *Father* inside, and avoid Mondays, when the museum is closed.

• Chuanwai Railway Walk: Converted from a disused railway, this distinctive neighborhood has a tree-shaded route and Japanese-style scenery. It was also a filming location for *Better Days* and is a good spot for walking and photography.

• Mafangwan Colorful Alley: Old residential buildings here are painted in bright colors, with graffiti walls dotted along the lanes. Young visitors interested in street photography can find plenty of angles to explore.

Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Hongyan History and Old-Town Lanes
  • Morning: Take Metro Line 1 to Lieshimu Station, then transfer to the Hongyan Bus. Visit Zhazidong followed by Baigongguan to learn about Hongyan history.

• Midday: Start by trying the local Gele Mountain spicy chicken around Gele Mountain, then head to Sanxia Square or the Shapingba shopping district for lunch.
  • Afternoon: Choose either the Chuanwai Railway Walk or Mafangwan Colorful Alley for a leisurely stroll and photos, taking in the neighborhood’s nostalgic, artistic atmosphere.
  • Early evening: Take Metro Line 1 directly to Ciqikou Ancient Town. Explore its old stone-paved streets, then head to the river to enjoy the evening breeze and see the town lit up.

• Day 2: Campus Art and Riverside Walking
  • Morning: Take Metro Line 1 to University Town, making Luo Zhongli Art Museum the main focus of your art visit.
  • Midday: Have lunch at University Town Xijie, where affordable snacks and popular restaurants offer a taste of the area’s youthful atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Return to the older part of Shapingba and walk a section of the Banshan Yaxian Trail. From the clifftop viewing platform, look out over the Jialing River and Hongyancun Bridge.

• Evening: Finish your two-day visit with local flavors at a long-established hotpot restaurant on the ground floor of one of Shapingba’s residential buildings.

Where to Eat in Shapingba

Beyond the restaurants at tourist sites, Shapingba’s streets and lanes have plenty of small eateries popular with local students.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay: Consider staying near Sanxia Square, Jinsha Paradise Walk, or Xiaolongkan metro station. These areas are in Shapingba’s main shopping district, where Metro Lines 1 and 9 meet, with convenient access to Ciqikou, Gele Mountain, and University Town. There are also plenty of restaurants and late-night food options nearby.
• Getting around: Most sights are along Metro Line 1, so rail transit is a good first choice. For visits to Zhazidong and Baigongguan, a Hongyan Bus pass costs RMB 20 per day. The shuttle between sites reduces the amount of uphill and downhill walking.

Before You Go and Visiting Tips

• Reservations: Popular sites such as Zhazidong, Baigongguan, and Luo Zhongli Art Museum offer free admission but require advance reservations using your real name. During holidays, book early through official channels and check for Monday closures at some venues.
• Footwear: Chongqing’s terrain is hilly, and Shapingba has plenty of slopes and steps, especially around Gele Mountain and Ciqikou. Wear comfortable, flat athletic shoes rather than high heels.
• Exploring the old town: Ciqikou’s main street is heavily commercialized. For a glimpse of old Chongqing’s neighborhood life, turn into the side lanes or head to the backstreets and Baolun Temple. Some popular snacks on the main street are expensive, so compare prices before buying.
• Outdoor protection: The Chuanwai Railway Walk and Gele Mountain have dense tree cover and plenty of mosquitoes, so carry insect repellent. The itinerary also includes several outdoor walks, so use sun protection.