Mountain City Trail

The Charm of Chongqing | The Past and Present of the Mountain City's Trails

If Yunnan boasts the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, then Chongqing's Mountain City Trail is a must-see. Walking along the winding stone path, nestled against the hillside and facing the water, you'll find residential buildings, small shops converted from private homes, and historical relics, allowing you to experience the true charm of a mountain city.

The starting point of the Mountain City Trail is Zhongxing Road at the bridgehead of the Shibanpo Yangtze River Bridge. Along the way, you will pass by old buildings and landmarks such as Shikumen, Ren'ai Hall, plank road, the First Water Plant Tower, Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, Kangjian Hall and Zhongshan Hospital. The total length is more than 1,700 meters.

The alleys of the mountain city are becoming more and more literary and artistic. There are not only some photographic works that highlight the characteristics of Chongqing, but also these 3D pictures to embellish them, becoming the coordinates for every tourist to take photos.

There are still some historical relics on the Mountain City Trail. The first one we encountered was Houlu, built in the 1930s. It is a building in the style of the wartime capital. It is made entirely of stone and brick. It was the residence of Lan Wenbin, a general of the Sichuan Army during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It is also a typical representative of mountain architecture in Chongqing. In order to better showcase this trail to the public, the Chongqing government decided to renovate this traditional style area and build it into the most beautiful river view place in Chongqing and Chongqing’s century-old street, becoming Chongqing’s new business card. I look forward to seeing this brand new Mountain City Trail next time I come to Chongqing.

The predecessor of Ren'aitang was the "Ren'aitang Hospital" built by the French. It was bustling with people during the Anti-Japanese War. Now the scene of bustling crowds no longer exists, but its history is deeply imprinted in the hearts of Chongqing people.

Tips:

1. Get off at Zhongxing Road Station and you will find the Yuzhong District People's Court, next to the entrance to the trail.

2. Take Metro Line 1, Qixingang Exit 2, and walk 300 meters to the left across the road to reach the entrance.

The third trail in the mountain city goes from Guanyinyan via Shibanpo to Zhongxing Road.



Along the way, there are historical attractions with unique old Chongqing flavor, such as Kangjian Hall, Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, First Water Plant Pagoda, ancient city wall, Ren'ai Hall, Houlu Shikumen, and Shancheng Lane.



In the stone slope section, a suspended plank road with a view of the river was built on the cliff.



The starting point of the third trail in the mountain city is at the entrance of Zhongshan Hospital (now People's Hospital) on Zhongshan 1st Road, and the end point is at Zhongxing Road.



Because the trail intersects with the highway near Zhongshan Hospital, and the Shibanpo area is undergoing urban renewal, it can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the roads to find their way. However, the trailhead at Zhongxing Road has a clear stone gate entrance and a "Mountain City Trail" sign, so most people use this as the entrance.



Hiking routes

Entrance to the third trail of Zhongxing Road -- Shancheng Lane -- Ren'ai Hall -- Hanging Plank Road -- Yuqi Rock -- Yanzi Rock -- Pipa Mountain Back Street -- Bodhi Vajra Pagoda -- Kangjian Hall -- Guanyin Rock Zhongshan Hospital



The entire hike takes about half an hour, while a full tour takes about 1-3 hours.



Reference time for each segment (minutes):



Entrance - 5' - Plank Road Entrance - 5' - Stone Table and Bench - 5' - Fish Rock - 5' - Swallow Rock - 5' - Light Rail Station Intersection - 5' - Zhongshan Hospital

It's a bumpy, hilly street with old houses on both sides. There are actually many such places in Chongqing, but this one is quite popular. There's a section with a river view, but the river view isn't as good as other riverside roads in Chongqing. It's still worth a visit. The entrance isn't very conspicuous. When you come from Jiaochangkou and see the court gate, you should pay attention to it. The entrance is right next to it.

Chongqing, the mountain city, is a 3D fantasy city—or even a 4D one. Due to the terrain, there are no bikes or Mobikes. Public transportation is limited to bus No. 11. Following the navigation system is practically useless. When you're near a certain point, ask a local; they'll usually give you directions. Deeper in the trail, the area is almost deserted, with only tourists passing through. While the trail itself is tiring, the lush greenery and distant scenery are truly captivating. It's not necessary to hike the entire trail; a short walk will suffice.

We also plan to explore the mountain city trails and experience the true nature of mountain climbing in the old mountain city.

However, the entrance was incredibly difficult to find. Perhaps even the locals couldn't tell the trail numbers apart; I asked several residents, but none of them could clearly point it out. I could only rely on the confusing map and continued my journey. Finally, I caught sight of the trail: the Vajra Bodhi Pagoda, said to have been built to suppress the evil spirits of Qixinggang. Finally, I saw the landmark for the third trail. I ascended the stone steps hidden among the dilapidated old houses and finally saw the trail itself. The trail was tranquil, flanked by modern residential buildings on one side and dilapidated tiled houses currently being demolished on the other, hinting at the old Chongqing. I followed the stone steps all the way to Biwashan Park. I realized I'd probably only walked the northern section of the trail, and the suspended plank road with its river views I'd been hoping to see was probably on the southern section. Time was limited, so I regretfully missed it.

Take a walk along the mountain city trails and you can steal a little time to relax.

With the development of Chongqing, a place has faded from the public eye, but it still retains the last traces of Chongqing's urban life: Shancheng Lane. Built on the mountainside, facing the Yangtze River, and climbing up the slope, Shancheng Lane connects the upper and lower parts of the city, embodying the typical Chongqing mountain city style.

It happened to be the last day of the photography exhibition, and the pictures were posted on the old wall, echoing the story and the scenery.

The highlight of the trail is that you can see the whole picture of Chongqing, and it is a unique experience to listen to the stories of the tour guides.

Because it is an old trail, the direction signs are not very comprehensive. I followed a group of tourists in a daze and ended up stopping halfway.

I thought there would be some authentic hot pot there. But… so many restaurants had moved, leaving them empty and devoid of anything to eat. The four of us could only climb the mountain hungry, thinking of hot pot. The driver was even stunned when he heard about the Mountain City Trail, unsure where it was. We used our phone navigation, so maybe it's not that popular with Chongqing locals. After we got there, I thought, hmm… so-so, nothing particularly delicious. Why are all the people online saying it's so beautiful? It must be because I don't have an artistic flair.

Small towns are full of stories, and in mountain towns, the stories are even more numerous in their alleys. Shancheng Alley, a century-old alley that shares its name with the mountain town itself! A long stone stairway begins at Nanji Gate in the lower city, then continues along the inner side of the city wall towards Tongyuan Gate to Consulate Alley in the upper city. The often-mentioned Third Steps is located here. Shancheng Alley, primarily composed of steps, embodies the unique character of the mountain town, preserving the last traces of the old city's urban life.

Compared to Gulou Alley, this area is much busier, with tourists taking photos along the way. Due to its topography, Shancheng Alley has experienced both prosperity and loneliness, preserving distinctive architecture from various periods. It's a miniature museum of Chongqing's mountainous urban architecture—typical stilt houses, locally adapted quadrangle courtyards, ancient stone gates, makeshift "anti-Japanese war houses," and the Shanghainese-style Shikumen buildings can all be seen here.

Many alleys in the area have been demolished, and there are almost no people living in the houses. It is very deserted, and there are not many tourists. People walk aimlessly on the trails in groups of three or two, which is also a feature of the old city. After all, Shibati and Xiahaozheng Street have all been demolished, and there are not many places where you can see the old Chongqing. So I must walk the Mountain City Trail once, and the Mountain City Trail did not disappoint me. Although it is dilapidated, there are still a few families. There is an old lady sitting in the sun feeding her chicks. Walking down the trail, I can still feel the extraordinary human touch of the old city.

Unlike the fate of Shibati, the Mountain City Trail area has been deeply protected. Now, the Mountain City Trail built along the mountainside allows you to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the memories of Chongqing's mountain city; you can also climb up to look far into the distance and take in the scenery of the Yuzhong Peninsula.

So we walked up the moss-covered stone steps onto the mountain city trail to explore the ancient city scenery of old Chongqing.

Along the mountain city trail, you will pass by cultural attractions such as Houlu, Ren'ai Hall, Dam Water Tower, Jingang Tower, Tongyuan Gate, Kangjian Hall, the Legislative Yuan of the National Government, and the ruins of the Anti-Japanese War Literature and Art Association.

There are also many interesting graffiti or spray paintings on the mountain city trails, and many houses on both sides of the trails are still inhabited.

Feeling the river breeze, strolling along the trail, and looking at the houses full of traces of time, the mountain city trail is very suitable for a stroll to feel the hard work and wisdom of the mountain city people who are not afraid of the difficulties of the Shu Road.

The Mountain City Trail was my favorite part of my entire Chongqing trip. Many houses had government requisition signs on their doors, marking them for demolition. The environment was quiet, and it was once home to the old Chongqing residents, where you could still see them strolling. The mottled walls gave off a sense of age, and some windows had iron bars. Graffiti was everywhere, vividly portraying the authentic lives of the old Chongqing residents, giving them a sense of everyday life.

Although this trail is quite famous, to be honest, when I went there, there were not many tourists or nearby residents walking back and forth on the cobblestone road.

As for local Chongqing tourists who come to Yuzhong District for sightseeing, they basically go to various business districts and shopping malls, and naturally will not come to this trail for sightseeing. Therefore, sometimes you may not necessarily understand the besieged city even if you are in it.

After all, everything here is just life for the locals, not leisure and entertainment.

For example, this third trail was actually my first time here, but luckily I came early - because the old houses here are about to be demolished and rebuilt.

The entrance to Chongqing Third Trail is quite inconspicuous, located next to the court on Zhongxing Road in Yuzhong District. Simply search for "Mountain City Trail" on your navigation. There's a Panda Mansion apartment nearby with parking available, but you'll want to take a taxi or walk.

Shancheng Lane is known as the "Architecture Museum" of Chongqing. It houses the old city wall built in the early Ming Dynasty, foreign consulates, churches and hospitals built during the late Qing Dynasty when Chongqing was opened as a port, as well as stilt houses, quadrangles and Shanghai-style stone houses from the Anti-Japanese War period. It is one of the few remaining original residential buildings in Chongqing. After renovation, it has been restored to its original state, maintaining the style of the remaining buildings and changing the dilapidated remains, making it a place for sightseeing and leisure.

Red lanterns, horse lanterns, cobblestone streets... this is the nightscape of old Chongqing in Shancheng Alley. Located in Nanjimen, Yuzhong District, Shancheng Alley is the only street in Chongqing named after the city. This century-old street offers a microcosm of Chongqing's historical transformation.



The streets are built along the mountainside, with views of the Yangtze River. Shancheng Lane was once poetically nicknamed "The Street Market in the Sky." It wasn't until the early 20th century, when French missionaries set up poles and lit lanterns here to illuminate passersby, earning the name "Sky Lantern Lane." It was renamed Shancheng Lane in the 1970s. Here, you'll find stilt houses, courtyard houses, ancient city walls, and buildings from the last century, including churches, schools, hospitals, and mansions. Dotted throughout the streets are small shops selling local delicacies and handicrafts, making it a truly worthwhile stroll.

The third trail in the mountain city is at Exit 5 of Jiaochangkou Station on Lines 1 and 2. Walk down Zhongxing Road and the trail entrance is next to the Yuzhong Court.

Chongqing is a mountainous city, and its trails are often filled with steps, known locally as "ladders." The most typical example is the Chongqing Third Trail. This is the longest and steepest ancient trail, running north to south along the south-facing slope of the Yuzhong Peninsula from Guanyin Rock to Shibanpo Road, connecting historical sites of old Chongqing such as Kangjian Hall, Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, the First Water Plant Tower, the ancient city wall, Ren'ai Hall, Houlu Shikumen, and Shancheng Lane. At the Shibanpo section, a suspended plank road has been built into the cliff face, offering stunning river views.

A great place for hiking. The mountainside plank road offers views of the other side of the river (currently under construction). There are cute graffiti on the walls of the trail, as well as nostalgic little shops. It's a great place to take a walk, take pictures, and relax.

This place was completely different from what I'd imagined. I'd expected to visit the old streets and alleys, witnessing the lives of the people of old Chongqing. I wasn't expecting it to have been transformed into a vibrant, artistic district. There were guides carrying small flags, leading tour groups, making for a somewhat noisy experience. There were also many small restaurants, all decorated in an artistic style, reminiscent of a scenic area. The guide led the group back here, and the rest of the way was much quieter. The small shops were gone, but the walls on either side displayed old photos explaining the history of old Chongqing. While I didn't have the patience to stop and look at them all, the atmosphere was quite pleasant. The other end of the trail leads to the former French Consulate, and many people were walking the other way. The trail isn't long, perhaps only a few hundred meters, so it wasn't very strenuous, and the cool weather was a pleasant experience.

This is the memory of the old city, allowing you to see the most authentic Chongqing. However, please note that this place is closed for renovations, so if you want to visit it, you can consider going at the end of the year.

The old trail has been demolished and is being built into a new commercial community. Then, there is nothing else. You can go to a photography exhibition called "Mountain City Reappearance Plan" inside, which contains some photos and models of the old trail. The navigation on the trail is useless. There is a road leading to the subway ahead, which you have to find.

A very interesting trail, built along the mountain road, there are still many indigenous residents living there, but they are all old houses, very historical, and the greening along the mountain is also good.

The mountain city lanes, with their layers upon layers, climbing up the slopes, are the places with the most Chongqing characteristics.

The third trail in the mountain city offers a cliff-side experience and beautiful river views, so it is known as the most beautiful trail.

Just search on Baidu Maps and you will easily find the entrance.

I originally thought it was just a clichéd pedestrian street, but I unexpectedly discovered that it was a rare old street scene. I especially recommend a small shop on the road, it was very comfortable. I ordered a bowl of scallion oil noodles for 8 yuan and got a 10 yuan jelly as a gift. The dried radish was amazing, you can add WeChat to send it by mail, the chili oil, the hot pot base, it was especially good

The Mountain City Trail offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Quietly strolling through the residential area, watching children playing and neighbors chatting, it's a tranquil experience you won't find in other cities. Further back, there's a wooden plank road offering stunning views of the Chongqing River.

The third trail is commonly known as the Chongqing Mountain City Trail.

We walked the third trail backwards because not everyone in Chongqing knows that these steps climbing the hillside along the Yangtze River have names.

The mountain city trails are well-maintained, with smooth, safe steps and shade from the trees. Walking in the shade feels refreshingly cool, not even a bit hot. Even more thoughtfully, the unshaded steps are covered with wooden shelters, each with a bench for rest. This warm, humanistic touch permeates every corner.

Chongqing is a mountain city, where the mountains are the city and the city is the mountain. From ancient times to the present, trails have been built along the mountains, connecting different communities and becoming the bond that maintains people's social life.



The Mountain City Trail usually refers to the third trail of the mountain city. It is the longest and steepest historical trail with a total length of 1,748 meters and a height difference of 79.5 meters.



Before my trip, I looked at photos online and felt a sense of déjà vu, as if I'd seen it in some movie scene. On the evening of April 30th, I flew to Chongqing and took a taxi from the airport to Jiefangbei. From the Yangtze River Bridge, I spotted the illuminated trail on the opposite hilltop. I hadn't expected our first encounter to be so fleeting. Nor had I anticipated the ancient mountain roads to have such a romantic and fashionable side.



On May 4th, I used AutoNavi's walking navigation app and walked all the way from Jiefangbei to explore the trail. The entrance to the Mountain City Trail is next to the old courthouse at 234 Zhongxing Street. Bougainvilleas were in full bloom on the walls on either side of the memorial archway.



Go up the stairs and turn left. As you climb up, you'll see many modern elements. This section has a new name - Shancheng Lane, and some specialty shops have already settled in.



As we walked, we came across a cultural relic site in Yuzhong District - the Changle Yongkang Shichao Gate. This old house has now become a small exhibition hall, displaying many old photos and old objects, full of the atmosphere of life.



In a house further ahead, we saw a photography exhibition from the "Mountain City Revitalization Project." Hanging on the dilapidated walls were pictures of moments along the Mountain City Trail, some beautiful, some heartwarming, some vibrant. One could sense the Trail's determination to transform and renew itself within its old state.



The trail is lush with yellow poplar trees, which are everywhere. In the summer, the houses next to them must be quite cool. Their thick roots grow against the stone walls, winding and intertwining.



I didn't see many of the historical sites along the supposed trail. I did find a sign for the French Ren'ai Tang (Ren'ai Tang) church: "The old site of Ren'ai Tang still stands, its splendor still faintly visible." Chongqing's ancient city wall, however, remains remarkably strong. "Outside the long pavilion, beside the ancient road, lush green grass stretches to the horizon..." Seeing the lyrics inscribed on the wall, I inexplicably recalled that war-torn era.



Looking back west, beyond the shade of the trees lies the Yangtze River and the city on the other side. War could not destroy this city's stubborn and resilient character. Look, it continues to forge ahead.



Tips:

1. From the entrance of Zhongxing Road, go up Jindao. It is mainly uphill and quite strenuous. It is recommended to go down from the top near Xinglong Street to save more effort.

2. Find a sunny afternoon near dusk and watch the Yangtze River, which is illuminated by the setting sun and turned golden, from the suspended trail. It should be a wonderful experience.

3. As the night falls, strolling through the alleys of the mountain city, feeling the cool breeze by the river, and watching the fluorescent lights on the opposite bank is probably a very romantic scene.

4. If it rains a little, hold a transparent umbrella or a red umbrella to make the photos more interesting.

I feel that the scenery gets better the further down you go. The bookstore on the second floor of the elementary school is very beautiful and a great place to relax.

Shancheng Lane has a typical mountain city space and traditional Bayu style, and is a microcosm of Chongqing's history, culture and landscape characteristics.

Compared to crowded tourist spots, this place is much more comfortable and closer to Jiefangbei and the surrounding area. You can take the bus from Zhongxing Road or Shibanpo. From there, you can see the Yangtze River Bridge and Caiyuanba Bridge. The scenery is even more beautiful in the evening. In the summer, mosquitoes are common, so bring mosquito repellent like Fengyoujing or Qingcao ointment.

With children and an elderly person, we were glad we didn't start at the Mountain City Trail starting point next to the Yuzhong District Court, as that would have required climbing stairs all the way up, which would have been much more tiring. Instead, we walked from Jintang Street next to Tongyuanmen Ruins Park to Consulate Lane, where we could walk down. It was much easier and highly recommended. However, some buildings on the Mountain City Trail are currently under repair, so please be careful.

Chongqing's old neighborhood is undergoing renovation. The plank road offers a view of the river.

My favorite spot on this trip to Chongqing is the quietness.

The starting point is right next to the B&B where I stayed. Because I was in a hurry, I exited from Tongyuan Gate. Many places in the trail are being renovated, and it seems that many residents have moved away. There are a few people on holidays, but otherwise it is still great to walk on the quiet trail.

It is a great experience to watch the night view in the evening, and it is also great to have an art exhibition when you come.

If you want to experience the local life in Chongqing, you must climb the stairs, go up the old stone steps step by step, visit the old sites, eat some snacks, and keep fit. Hahaha~

A trail full of memories of the mountain city. Climb up the steps and savor it carefully. The mountain city trail has become an indispensable landscape...

A very distinctive old street with cats, dogs and old houses. When the weather is good, you can invite friends to come here to climb the mountain and see the scenery. There are few hot pot tables, so you need to make an appointment in advance. After eating, take a look at the night view of Nanbin Road. It is a beautiful day.

There are many ways to access Shancheng Lane or the Shancheng Trail. The route we chose was to walk from Jiaochangkou toward Mati Street. This route takes you to the entrance of Shancheng Lane, the 1,748-meter-long Shancheng Third Trail, while also being on the Mati Street trail. We then exited through the Tongyuan Gate at Qixingang. I think this route captures all the best of the area.

Walking along Shancheng Lane, you'll find two branches. One branch leads outwards, called the Shancheng Trail (Cliff Plank Road). Its plank road railings, painted in goose-yellow, rise into the air, and some say this stretch of road feels like a city in the sky.

The inward route features typical stilt houses, locally adapted quadrangle courtyards, ancient stone front gates, and makeshift "anti-Japanese war houses"—a truly authentic mountain city alley. I've walked both routes, each with its own unique charm and character.

The third trail of the mountain city is under renovation. There are some old buildings here. If you have time, you can slowly walk around and experience the life of the mountain city.

It's not a popular tourist destination, but I personally love it. The sunset over the river, the bridge, and a few tourists. Others were elderly people strolling, children returning home. We climbed a long staircase and realized, wow, this is another neighborhood (they really climb a lot every day!). Twisting alleys, old houses, homes filled with the smell of fireworks. Outside, the scorching sun, the bustling crowds, the sizzling hot pot, but here, it's just the daily grind of rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea, the hustle and bustle of life. Perhaps this place, even more than Eighteen Ladders or the like, has a more old-fashioned Chongqing feel.

It was a very interesting trip. We walked through the mountain city lanes and onto the mountain city trails. The whole way was full of Chongqing characteristics. It was the most Chongqing flavor to go deep into the residential area where the locals lived. The scenery of the trails allowed us to see the scenery of Chongqing South Bank and the Yangtze River Bridge.

The distance from Jiefangbei to the Mountain City Trail is about one kilometer. Walking there, I was struck by the fact that maps are 2D, while navigation in Chongqing is 3D, is completely useless. Even if I take the wrong turn, the scenery along the way is still stunning. The city is built on the hillside, with houses arranged in a staggered pattern. Every corner offers a photo that feels like a vintage photograph.

The Mountain City Trail is right next to Jiaochangkou, very close to the Panda Mansion where we stayed on our first night. The entrance is a very small alley. The only sign is "Mountain City Trail." After navigating to the end point, we asked the sanitation worker to find it. The trail was still quite empty on a Thursday. We leisurely ascended the trail, past old houses in the mountain city, many of them uninhabited and slated for demolition. The few that still had residents were elderly. A short distance up, we could see the river. As expected of the foggy city, it was truly foggy. But the river view from this point was still stunning.

Compared to Shibati, where only the houses with characters written on them remain, the Mountain City Trail does indeed have a more old Chongqing atmosphere.

Walking along the mountain city trails, I saw some people still living in these old houses, which looked a bit shabby but still solid. I walked past a house and peeked through the crack in the door. I saw a small TV from the 1970s on. An elderly man sat in a chair, fanning himself with palm leaves, staring intently at the screen.

We then headed to the third trail. I had originally planned to go to Xiahao Old Street, but it's been demolished. The third trail has nice scenery and is relatively cool. If you have enough energy, I recommend hiking.

Come and experience the morning exercise of Chongqing people. Although the mountain city trail is not very long, it really made me very tired. To be honest, the mountain road left a very bad impression on me. I don’t want to come here again in my life because it’s too tiring.

A road with mountain city characteristics. It has been confirmed that it will be renovated. If you don't go there soon, it will disappear.

This is a must-see trail to experience the old Chongqing mountain city.

On the way to the Mountain City Trail, everything reminded us that Chongqing is a mountain city. I really love the old-looking houses. We ascended the mountain from the entrance next to the old courthouse on Zhongxing Road. True to its name, the fog was unusually thick the day we visited. It felt like something out of a fantasy film. You might as well have seen a Tesla popping out from behind a skyscraper. I really find this shabby, run-down feel quite beautiful. The side roads near the trail are also quite artistic.

The mountain city trail wasn't too strenuous to hike up, as there were always views along the way. It was just a constant climb, and towards the end, fewer and fewer people were there. It was raining, and the road seemed endless. So, at a certain step leading down, I quickly pulled him down. At that moment, I couldn't help but think, if the people here worked or lived across the mountain and had to climb this trail every day, how devastated they would be...

Very Chongqing. This is my second time here. Fortunately, it is still alive, but things and people have changed. I feel a kind of inexplicable sadness. There are more graffiti and fewer people. I can't describe the melancholy. Chongqing has really changed. I hope that the culture can be passed on and it will not be turned into a big shopping mall and food city. People are always the most important.

This walk slightly makes up for the regret of not being able to see Eighteen Ladders. Walking here, you are greeted by the strong old Chongqing style. Eighteen Ladders is no longer there, and Xiahao Old Street has been mostly demolished. Only this trail tells visitors the thousand-year story of those old neighborhoods.

It's easy to go up but hard to go down. You can walk around to experience it. There's a lot of dog poop on the road. The scenery on both sides is still good. Many historical houses seem to be demolished.

In fact, you can finish the mountain city trail by walking around for less than an hour.

But! It takes a long time to walk to the exit. If you don’t know the exit, it will probably take 20 minutes to find it.

I personally like the mountain city trail because it has the feel of old Chongqing. There are many old houses, but most of them are uninhabited and may be demolished soon.

There is also a plank road where you can see the Jialing River.

Even if there are mosquitoes, don't forget to spray mosquito repellent

The scenery is good, but I got lost while walking around, and got off directly to the highway

From Eighteen Ladders, it's a short walk down to the Third Trail of the Mountain City. This area is worth a visit, showcasing the architecture and residential areas of old Chongqing. You can wander freely, without following the crowds or setting a destination, and you might discover authentic Chongqing life. I love the retro feel of the buildings, where there's virtually no distance between them.

The entrance to the third trail of the mountain city is very small, just a small door, but it is very long inside.

I chose the outer trail, which allows me to see the structure of the mountain city.

When I went there, I wanted to check out Chongqing's old architecture. I had originally wanted to see the Eighteen Steps, but unfortunately, they've all been demolished. Later, I went to the Mountain City Trail, which is also slated for demolition, though it's still standing. I suspect it will be demolished again in the future. As I ascended the stairs, I was surrounded by old buildings, some deserted, some dilapidated, and others demolished. The higher I went, the fewer people there were. I had no idea if there were other ways to go, but I had to go back the way I came. If you want to see how locals lived in their old houses, the Mountain City Trail offers a more immersive experience of that era and the atmosphere of that place.

When you approach the Yuzhong District People's Court, you can see a two-meter-wide archway with the words "Mountain City Trail" written on it.

Enter, ascend the stairs, and walk left to the "Nanjimen-Guanyinyan Section." The right side of the road is lined with houses reminiscent of old Chongqing. Most residents appear to have relocated, though a few older residents still live in smaller houses, some still running small shops or selling snacks. The further you go in, the more houses are sealed with signs declaring demolition. If they weren't being demolished, you might see children chasing and playing, or neighbors chatting outside their homes to escape the summer heat. But now, the alley is deserted, feeling particularly lonely and empty.

This old man pushes a cart and sells glutinous rice cakes, 20 for 3 yuan each. He shakes the handle with his left hand, and white glutinous rice cake balls fall out of the metal bucket. With his right hand, he tosses these balls in brown sugar, attracting a swarm of bees. I ate and watched as he sold 10 bowls in a short time, easily earning several hundred yuan a day. The texture is soft and tender, and the powder supposedly contains soybean flour, making it very sweet and cloying.

Continue walking forward and you will reach the wooden river-viewing trail, where you can take in the panoramic view of the Yangtze River. It is said that this trail is also the hardest to find in Chongqing. Along the way, you will see attractions with unique old Chongqing flavor, such as the Kangjian Hall, Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, the First Water Plant Pagoda, Ren'ai Hall, Shikumen and Shancheng Lane. It takes about 2 hours to walk back and forth.

Going up the steps, you can see the beautiful river view. The mountain city trail is full of old houses in Chongqing. Many walls have big "征" characters written on them. Most of the residents have moved away, and there are still many who are holding on. Some things must be sacrificed for the city to have better development.

After parking the car and looking for the elevator, we realized we had no idea which floor to go to. We were already on the first floor, and from the first floor up, there were office buildings. The fourth floor below was Binjiang Road, so we decided to go down and take a look. From the first floor below to the fourth floor below, we found ourselves on another road. Back at the first floor below, we walked directly out of the parking lot. Fortunately, the uphill slope wasn't too steep.

The trail entrance next to the courthouse is small. If someone hadn't been exiting there, we might have passed it by without noticing. Looking out, we see endless staircases ascending. To the right is a residential area, home to the older generation of Chongqing residents. Despite its vibrant atmosphere and rich urban culture, it can't escape demolition. Further on, a gap appears on the left. Those who prefer not to climb the stairs can turn onto the plank road here. From the plank road, you can see the Yangtze River.

The 2,300-year-old city wall divides the plank road from the mountain path. Continuing up the mountain path and ascending the steps, you can see the original residential buildings, but not the Yangtze River. Walking on the plank road, you can see the Yangtze River, but not the original buildings.

At the end of the plank road, there's a platform where people rest and cool off. Just when we thought we'd reached the summit, we saw another path leading up. This one was deserted and deserted. The sun had already set, but we bravely continued upward. It turned out to be a larger platform above, but unfortunately, the overgrown branches of a large tree blocked our view of the Yangtze River. Further up, we found buildings perched on the mountaintop. As the sun set, the lights began to illuminate the Yangtze River and the Yangtze River Bridge. Before we even descended, it was already pitch dark. There were no streetlights, and the entire residential area seemed to have lost power. We could only use our cellphone flashlights to illuminate the arduous descent.

The third trail offers a panoramic view of the entire Chongqing city. However, it will be tiring because you will be climbing all the way up the mountain. If you take a taxi, be sure to tell the driver that you are going to the third trail, because there are many trails. Be sure to pay attention.

We stumbled upon an entrance through a gable wall that was being fenced off. We climbed the steps, and after a few attempts at reaching the end, we saw only houses and no passageway. Suddenly, a woman sat in front of a house and said, "This is it," and we walked through it. Halfway up the mountain, some of the old houses had been relocated, leaving only a few elderly people standing. Passing through the old houses, we came upon a stone plank road that winds around the mountain. It felt like a sudden, open journey, and we occasionally encountered groups of other tourists like us. From the plank road, we could enjoy the views of the river and the scenery on the other side.

We came across a small shop next to a church deep in the alley. Although it was simple, it was small and exquisitely decorated. The owners were two young men from Chongqing. They would introduce the history and stories of this place to any tourists who stopped by, and they even took us into the Ren'ai Hall for a visit.

We paused in front of the cabin, listening to stories about Chongqing, petting cats, reading, enjoying a bowl of the mountain city's unique handmade ice powder, and taking selfies. A delightful afternoon unfolded. Our plans to visit Nanshan for the evening, enjoying the scenery and hotpot, were abandoned. Following the young man's suggestion, we walked back to the plank road after dinner, enjoying the cool river breeze and admiring the night and river views of Chongqing.

It truly shows the old Chongqing. You can have a good view of Jiangbei from the trail. It is still a place worth visiting!

It's a bit dirty, but not crowded. It's suitable for leisure and relaxation. It's very quiet.

The Mountain City Trail offers the impression of a mountain city I've always wanted to see. As time passes, the bluestone steps will likely slowly disappear amidst the towering skyscrapers of the city. For Chongqing residents, the Mountain City Trail is a place to hike up the mountain in the morning or evening for exercise. Ascending the stone steps, the old houses on the left are rarely occupied. Many doors bear signs of demolition or expropriation. After walking about a hundred meters, the path forks. To the right is the pedestrian plank path, mentioned in many travelogues. To the left are bluestone steps and old houses. I assumed the inner and outer paths would intersect, so I took the outer wooden plank path. This proved to be a mistake. The two paths never intersected. Besides, at five or six in the morning, the sun was still shining brightly in Chongqing, and the heat was sweltering. Walking along the wooden plank path was incredibly hot. However, I could see a panoramic view of the Nan'an District across the river. Ascending the steps, I looked up to see the buildings still standing on the mountain. I was curious about how the residents of those buildings managed to get up and down the mountain.

When we reached the top, we saw the tourists ahead of us heading back. Just as we were about to head back, we met a man heading up the mountain. He told us not to go down, but to take the light rail from the top. My friend and I were delighted to hear that and followed him. Sure enough, after a short while, we came across a driveway. Walking along it, we found ourselves in another neighborhood.

The trail retains some of the old Chongqing life atmosphere. A turn leads you into a hidden residential area. There are grandfathers taking a nap, people returning from shopping, and busy vendors in the surrounding shops.

Of course, the main tourist area is marked with signs of demolition. I saw that these will be repaired in the later announcement. In the future, it will have a new look and may welcome tourists like Hongyadong. Now you should enjoy the atmosphere of the moment - the quiet riverside. If you want to experience the old Chongqing again, please come as soon as possible.

I have only walked less than one-third of the scenery here, but it is also a unique scenery in my memory pocket. The scenery I passed by represents a kind of mood of mine.

This is a quiet city trail amidst the hustle and bustle. Although it may be demolished and rebuilt in the future, most residents living along the trail have moved away. If you enjoy hiking, don't miss this spot. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of both sides of the Yangtze River.

You will pass by this trail when returning to Yuzhong from Huangjueping. You can take bus No. 223 and transfer to No. 476 to get off at Heping Road. The entrance to the trail is on Zhongxing Road, next to the Yuzhong District Court.

Overall evaluation

Must recommend

*Scenery

Exceeding expectations

*Local characteristics

Exceeding expectations

* Public services

Exceeding expectations

The mountain city trail is a long road with occasional vendors selling oranges along the way.

The entrance is next to the Chongqing Yuzhong District People's Court and is a bit difficult to find.

It is recommended that friends go during the day.

The third trail of the mountain city is about to be demolished. It retains the style of old Chongqing. If you have the chance, you can go there.

Following the mobile phone navigation, we walked through the old city and found the entrance to the mountain city trail next to the Procuratorate on Zhongshan Road.

Getting up early and taking a walk along the mountain city trail is indeed a very pleasant thing.

Standing on the trail, the Chongqing Yangtze River Bridge is in the distance.

Walking on the trail, you can enjoy the scenery along the river, which is quite beautiful.

This is the perfect place to appreciate the harmonious blend of mountains and houses in Chongqing, a mountain city. Many of the old houses are still inhabited. Along the way, you'll also get spectacular views of the river and the city. Chongqing's architecture is truly captivating.

The entrance is really inconspicuous, so it’s better to go to the court next door.

The line connection looks simple, but in fact we gave up halfway...

I thought this trail was a "shawl" that circled the mountain, but I didn't expect it to go all the way up.

Although we didn’t see the legendary Bangbang Army, we did see old men painting, dilapidated old houses, and old alleys that seemed to have been bustling once... On this painting of old Chongqing, the circled word "demolition" casts a veil over these ruins, making it difficult to see their true appearance. This inevitably reminds us of the disappearance of Eighteen Ladders, which is really a pity.