In southwestern China, there’s a megacity that defies all the rules of conventional urban planning. Chongqing , a metropolis little known outside of Asia, is considered by many to be the strangest and most fascinating city on the planet . Its vertical structure, trains that traverse buildings, and subway buried more than 140 meters underground have made it a global phenomenon, especially on social media and alternative travel platforms.
If you thought you’d seen it all in cities like Tokyo or New York, wait until you discover this hidden gem in China. Here, bridges float in the air, gas stations are hidden on rooftops or basements, and it’s easy to get lost on highways that resemble urban slides. Welcome to Chongqing, the city that looks more like a science fiction movie than a real place.
What makes Chongqing so unique?
With over 32 million inhabitants (including its rural areas), Chongqing is one of the world’s largest cities by area. Its growth has been limited by its mountainous and uneven terrain , which has forced engineers and architects to be extremely creative in solving problems of space, mobility, and urban functionality.
During World War II, Chongqing served as China’s temporary capital and was heavily bombed by Japanese troops. During that time, an extensive network of underground air-raid shelters was built , many of which are now used as parking lots, gas stations, and even restaurants .
Today, that same topography is what makes Chongqing a vertical, chaotic, surprising, and modern city. Its design baffles visitors: you can enter a building through one door and find yourself on the first floor… but exit through another and find yourself on the 22nd floor.
5 reasons why Chongqing is considered the strangest city in the world
- A train passing through a residential building
- The famous Chongqing Monorail literally passes through the interior of a 19-story building. It was designed with independent structures to minimize vibrations and noise, so residents barely notice it.
- The deepest subway in the world
- One of its stations is located 141 meters underground . You have to descend more than 800 steps to reach it, making it deeper than even the lowest station in the Moscow Metro.
- Suspension highways and circular bridges
- Chongqing has more than 4,000 bridges and tunnels , many of them elevated and with up to five levels of traffic. It’s easy to get confused and end up on a completely different level than you intended.
- Underground and rooftop service stations
- Filling up with gas can be a surreal experience. You can do it on a rooftop or in an underground parking garage that was once a bunker.
- Restaurants with robot waiters
- In some establishments, humanoid robots take your order and serve your food. Although some are actors in costume, artificial intelligence in restaurants and stores is a growing reality in this city.
How to explore Chongqing without getting lost? Practical steps for visitors
- Download updated digital maps
- Apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode Map (AMAP) are much more accurate than Google Maps in China. They’ll help you understand the levels and access to each area.
- Avoid driving if you are a tourist
- The road system can be extremely complex and confusing. It’s best to get around by metro, monorail, or taxi.
- Use the monorail for spectacular views
- The line, which passes through buildings or over elevated bridges, offers some of the best urban panoramas in the world.
- Take your time getting off the subway
- If you plan to use the world’s deepest subway, wear comfortable shoes and be patient: just getting to the platform can take more than 15 minutes to walk.
- Take advantage of the local cuisine
- You can’t leave without trying Chongqing’s famous spicy hot pot , served with meat, fish, and lots of chili peppers. You can also experiment with traditional therapies like chili foot massage or ear cleaning, a widespread local custom.
Key tips to enjoy the experience to the fullest
- Stay in elevated areas for panoramic views of the city. Remember that many hotels are built on extremely high floors, making them appear to be ground level.
- Wear light clothing , especially if you’re going to be walking through endless stairs and deep stations.
- Take advantage of less touristy places like old air-raid shelters, many of which have been converted into unique urban spaces.
- Try local traditional medicine , including spicy foot baths and energetic massages.
- Don’t forget your chargers , as some interactive robots really need power to keep running (and so do you!).
This city seems like another dimension
Chongqing isn’t just another city. It’s a blend of China’s historic past, its fast-paced urban present, and a future filled with technology and innovation. Despite its colossal size, its essence lies in the small details: a girl acting like a robot in a restaurant, a train passing through a building, or a simple cup of tea while someone cleans your ears as part of an ancient tradition.
This is the most complex, confusing, and wonderful city on the planet , and it’s waiting to be discovered. If you’re passionate about extreme architecture, authentic cultural experiences, and cities that challenge convention, Chongqing is your next destination .
Ready to explore a city that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie? Don’t miss the chance to experience the world’s most surreal 5D experience. Start planning your trip to Chongqing today.
