Welcome to Chongqing – China’s Real-Life Cyberpunk City
When you scroll through Instagram or TikTok, chances are you’ve seen the futuristic glow of Chongqing — neon lights, skyscrapers floating in fog, and a train running through a building.
This surreal scene isn’t from a sci-fi movie — it’s real. Welcome to Chongqing, one of the most cyberpunk cities in China and home to some of the most mind-blowing Chongqing tourist attractions.
This guide will take you to all the viral Chongqing cyberpunk photo spots, plus a few hidden corners locals love.
1. Guanyinqiao — The Trendy Heart of Chongqing
📍 Navigation: North City Street East Gate No.1
Guanyinqiao is a must-visit Chongqing tourist attraction, filled with high-end shops, cool cafes, and fashion-forward locals. At night, the reflections of neon lights turn this area into a glowing cyberpunk paradise.
Local Tip: Walk three minutes to Starlight 68 Plaza — the view of the skyline here is often called “Chongqing’s Manhattan.”
2. Hongya Cave — The Best Night View of Chongqing
📍 Navigation: Search “Chongqing Grand Theatre,” then walk down to the riverside.
Hongya Cave is one of the most famous Chongqing tourist attractions and an icon of Chongqing cyberpunk culture. Skip the crowds inside the building — head across the river to photograph the entire illuminated complex with Qiansimen Bridge in the background.
Photo Tip: Come around 7:30 PM when the lights first turn on for the best cyberpunk night shots.
3.Raffles City — Chongqing’s Cyberpunk Landmark
📍 Navigation: Search “Gangyu Square,” not the shopping mall entrance!
Raffles City, with its futuristic “sky bridge” design, perfectly represents the Chongqing cyberpunk skyline. Its glowing glass architecture looks like a spaceship floating above the Yangtze River.
Photo Tip: Go between 4–5 PM for golden hour shots. Afterward, walk to Chaotianmen Pier to see where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet — another iconic Chongqing tourist attraction.
4. Baixiangju — Experience Chongqing’s 8D City Vibes
📍 Navigation: “Pangge Tea House” (胖哥茶馆)
Baixiangju captures the unique topography that defines Chongqing tourist attractions — layers of buildings built into cliffs, with stairways zigzagging in all directions.
Photo Tip:
3rd-floor walkway for the Yangtze Cable Car view.
2nd-floor platform for the famous zigzag stairs.
1st floor by the river for that real Chongqing cyberpunk cityscape.
⚠️ Please be respectful — this is a residential area.
5. Liziba Station — The Train Through a Building
📍 Navigation: “Lansheng Pavilion” (揽胜亭)
You can’t talk about Chongqing tourist attractions without mentioning Liziba. The train passing directly through an apartment building is one of the most viral images of Chongqing cyberpunk architecture.
Photo Tip: Check Line 2’s train schedule (every 5 minutes). From Lansheng Pavilion, you can capture the train entering the building — or walk 20 meters down for a river view angle.
6. Shibati — The Nostalgic Side of Chongqing
📍Navigation: “Shibati Upper Entrance”
Shibati offers a totally different vibe — it’s where old Chongqing meets modern cyberpunk. Walk through stone stairways and traditional wooden houses that climb the mountain like a time capsule.
Photo Tip: Start from the top for panoramic views, then descend for cinematic alleyway shots. Wear sneakers — it’s all stairs!
7. Dongshuimen Bridge — Where Past Meets Future
📍 Navigation: “Huguang Guild Hall Parking Lot” or “Dongshuimen Bridge North Entrance”
Dongshuimen Bridge beautifully connects Chongqing’s ancient charm with its futuristic skyline. The glowing bridge and reflections on the Yangtze River make it a dream spot for Chongqing cyberpunk photography.
Best Time: Dusk, when the city lights begin to sparkle.
Planning Your Chongqing Trip
Best time to visit: October to April (cooler weather, less humidity)
Getting there: Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an
Where to stay: Jiefangbei or Guanyinqiao — easy access to top Chongqing tourist attractions
Explore More with Big Panda Tours
Want to explore Chongqing and other amazing China destinations?
Check out our 14-Day China Highlights Tour, covering Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai —perfect for first-time visitors who want to see China’s modern charm and ancient culture in one trip.
