Chongqing's Old Streets
Experience the Life and Culture of Old Chongqing.
Chongqing has many historic old streets. These streets are like the hutongs in Beijing, preserving the city’s original style and cultural customs. Unlike other more commercial attractions in Chongqing, the old streets allow you to see local daily life up close and feature many historical buildings and traditional sights. If you want to deeply understand Chongqing’s culture, these old streets are a must-visit destination for Chongqing travel.
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The Three Most Popular Old Streets in Chongqing
Xiahao Old Street (Chinese Name:下浩老街)
If you’re struggling to find a peaceful spot amid the crowds during peak tourist season, Xiahao Old Street is worth a visit! It feels like a quiet guardian, lacking the hustle and bustle of Hongya Cave but embodying the unique tranquility and charm of Chongqing, the old mountain city.
Walking along Xiahao Old Street, you’ll be captivated by its brick-and-tile structures, with teahouses, bookstores, and coffee shops creating a relaxed afternoon atmosphere. Find a quiet corner, order a rich coffee or a pot of tea, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
The distinct stilt houses blend beautifully with the lush greenery, showcasing the typical style of mountain residences. Here, you can stroll along the flagstone path, appreciating the ancient Chinese architecture on either side. Most of these buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring exquisite wood carvings and stone sculptures that reflect the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.
Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街)
Longmenhao Old Street is the best-preserved and largest historical cultural old street in Chongqing’s main urban area. Built against the mountain, it features a height difference of nearly 50 meters, showcasing the unique characteristics of a mountain city. Its history dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty, when it was named “Longmen” after the giant rocks in the Yangtze River, gradually evolving into an important dock and commercial center.
In 1890, after Chongqing was opened as a trading port, various countries established consulates, trading houses, and factories here, making Longmenhao a hub of cultural exchange between East and West. The architectural style along the old street reflects a blend of traditional Ba Yu elements and foreign influences from the opening period.
The star-viewing platform here is the best spot to admire the urban landscape of Chongqing, offering a breathtaking 270° view of the river. Additionally, Longmenhao Old Street features a City Memory Museum that showcases old artifacts and photos, allowing visitors to feel the evolution of Chongqing’s history. You’ll also find many small shops selling traditional Chinese crafts and food stalls offering authentic Chongqing snacks.
For photography, Longmenhao Old Street provides numerous fantastic spots. Standing at the entrance, you can capture the entire street with a wide-angle lens, feeling the blend of the old and the new. The ancient buildings, weathered walls, and old window frames make for great photo elements. In the afternoon or evening, sunlight filtering through the leaves creates beautiful light and shadows, making it the perfect time for photos.
Baixiang Street (白象街)
Baixiang Street is one of the oldest and most historically significant streets in Chongqing, reflecting half of the city’s history. After Chongqing opened as a trading port in 1891, Baixiang Street became known as “Financial Street,” with foreign trading houses from Britain, America, and Japan setting up shop here. In 1886, the first telegraph office in Chongqing was established on this street.
Once a bustling commercial center, Baixiang Street features many well-preserved historical buildings, such as the Qing Dynasty Post Office and the Li Yaoting Residence, which witness Chongqing’s evolution over time. The street showcases a mix of architectural styles, including traditional Chinese courtyards and Western-style villas.
Baixiang Street also frequently hosts various cultural events, such as traditional Chinese craft demonstrations and folk art performances, enriching the cultural experience for visitors.
Practical Travel Tips
- Chongqing is a mountainous city, so be ready for a lot of uphill walking in Xiahao Old Street and Longmenhao Old Street. Comfortable shoes are a must, but don’t worry—some parts have elevators.
- Xiahao and Longmenhao Old Streets are in the same area and close to each other, making it easy to visit both. The night view in Xiahao is beautiful, so it’s best to go to Longmenhao in the afternoon and head to Xiahao before dark.
- The greenery in these old streets attracts quite a few mosquitoes, so be sure to prepare for that.
- The night lights in the old streets turn off at 11 PM, so please don’t stay out too late.
- If you visit Baixiang Street, consider wearing a Republic of China-style qipao for a better fit with the surroundings.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open all day.
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to the Old Streets in Chongqing
By Bus
You can take bus lines 304, 318, 320, 0321, 321, 354, 376, or 338 to get to Xiahao Old Street. Just get off at Dongshuimen Bridge Station(东水门大桥站) and walk to the old street.
For buses 338, 373, or 375, get off at Dongshuimen Bridge Station(东水门大桥站) and walk to your destination.
- To reach Baixiang Street, take buses 141, 372, 382, or 871. Get off at Wanglongmen Station(望龙门站) and it’s about a 9-minute walk to Baixiang Street.
By Subway
- Take Metro Line 6 to Shangxinjie Station(上新街站). Exit at Exit 1, and you can walk to Xiahao Old Street.
- Get off at Shangxinjie Station(上新街站) on Metro Line 6, and it’s about a 300-meter walk to Longmenhao Old Street.
- To get to Baixiang Street, take either Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station(小什字站). Exit at Exit 7, and it’s a short walk from there.
How Visitors Rate Chongqing's Old Streets
Local tourists from China
The viewing platform on the glass deck is amazing, with staff managing it. We received free shoe covers to walk on the platform. From there, we could see the Yangtze River Cableway gliding by on the left, while the light rail on the right crossed the river and went into a tunnel. The river views and the beautiful skyline of modern Chongqing across the way are great for photos.
We slowly made our way down the winding bluestone paths, taking our time to explore and snap pictures, admiring the charming old buildings that made us feel like we’d stepped back into the Republic of China era. There are also must-visit cafes for artsy types. The street is lined with trendy shops—coffee shops, restaurants, snack places, and creative craft stores—perfect for shopping and snacking.
Exploring Longmenhao Old Street can be a bit tricky with its ups and downs. While there’s an elevator to one level, some paths are narrow and steep, so you have to be careful to avoid tripping or slipping. In the future, I’d love to visit Chongqing again with family and friends and definitely check out the night market at Longmenhao Old Street.
