Liziba Station

The subway passes through the 8th floor of the residential building.

Liziba Station is the first monorail station in China built alongside a mixed-use residential and commercial building. Construction began in 2000, and it was completed in March 2004. The station cleverly passes through a 20-story residential building. It occupies the 6th to 8th floors, with shops below and residences above. This design is not only a first in China but also quite rare worldwide. The design team overcame many technical challenges to ensure the monorail operates normally without affecting the safety and daily life of residents. This unique design showcases innovative thinking in urban development and adds a distinct mark to Chongqing.

The scene of trains passing through residential buildings at Liziba Metro Station in Chongqing.

Tourists love to stand below, cameras and phones ready, waiting for the moment the train passes through the building. To enhance the viewing experience, a “Liziba Viewing Platform” was built across from the station. Here, visitors can capture this wonder from every angle, enjoying a 360° view.

The subway train is emerging from within the residential buildings at Liziba Metro Station.
The subway train is slowly approaching Liziba Metro Station in Chongqing from a distance.

Practical Travel Tips

  1. Drones are prohibited at Liziba Monorail Station.
  2. If you take the subway from elsewhere to Liziba Station, you can choose a front car seat to directly capture the train entering the Liziba Light Rail Station.

Hours and Fees

Hours

  • The subway line passing through Liziba Station is Line 2, operating from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Admission

  • If you’re just taking photos outside, no ticket is needed. However, if you want to enter Liziba Station to ride the subway, you’ll need to purchase a subway ticket.

How Visitors Rate the Liziba Station

Local tourists from China

I had heard about the monorail that goes through a building in Chongqing. On the second day of my Chongqing trip, I went to see it. Standing at the entrance where the train passes, many people held up their phones, waiting for the train to arrive. The train came from the river, making a turn and heading straight for the building. In no time, it passed through the doorway. The eager crowd didn’t want to leave; many waited for the next train to come by again, while others wanted to capture the train returning through the opening. We braved the heat and took several photos. We only left when my daughter’s phone warned us it was overheating. Finally, we climbed to the fifth floor and experienced the monorail station for ourselves.
Chuyi
I specially visited this famous monorail station during my trip to Chongqing. Outside, tourists were everywhere, snapping photos excitedly. Everyone was amazed by the train passing through the building. I found myself wondering which came first—the monorail or the building! We took the subway there, but since we weren't familiar with the area, we were asking for directions as we walked. It was a lot of uphill and downhill. I have to say, the roads in Chongqing are really complicated. It’s no wonder navigation apps can get you lost here! To make matters worse, I was wearing high heels in the summer heat.
Lion