- Updated on March 18, 2026
If you rely solely on 2D maps in Chongqing, you will get lost. Known as China’s “Mountain City” (or more accurately, the “8D City”), Chongqing defies standard navigation. You might enter a building on the ground floor, take an elevator up 12 stories, exit, and find yourself on the “ground” floor of a completely different street. In this vertical maze, the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) isn’t just a convenience; it is a survival tool. This Chongqing metro guide breaks down exactly how to navigate the monorails that bank like rollercoasters, where to find the famous “train through the building,” and how to pay without fumbling for cash.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways for Your Trip
- Navigation: Standard map apps struggle with Chongqing’s verticality. Use the station exit numbers (e.g., Exit 6) strictly as guided by Amap or Baiku; guessing will leave you stranded on the wrong cliffside.
- Payment: Cash is obsolete. Activate the “Transport” code in your Alipay or WeChat app before you arrive to scan directly at the turnstiles.
- Must-Ride Lines: Line 2 (Green) is the scenic monorail with the famous Liziba station; Line 6 (Pink) offers the best night views crossing the river.
- Operating Hours: Generally 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Note that the “Loop Line” stops earlier than radial lines.
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Getting Connected: The Prerequisite
Before you even step into a station, you need reliable data. Chongqing’s metro stations are often deep underground or encased in concrete, and public Wi-Fi is spotty at best. To access maps and payment QR codes, you need a connection that bypasses the Great Firewall.
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How to Pay for the Chongqing Metro
In 2026, purchasing physical plastic tokens at a kiosk is a waste of time and often frustrating, as many machines only accept Chinese ID cards or mobile payments anyway.
The Alipay/WeChat Method (Recommended)
This is how 99% of locals travel. Open your Alipay app (which should already be linked to your international credit card). Tap on “Transport” at the top left. Select “Chongqing” as the city. This generates a QR code. hold this code over the scanner at the turnstile to enter and exit. The fare is automatically deducted from your linked card.
Physical Tickets
If you must use physical tickets, look for the machines labeled “Ticket Vending.” You will likely need small denomination cash (1 RMB coins or 5/10 RMB notes). Select your destination station on the screen, pay, and receive a plastic token. Keep this token safe—you tap it to enter, but you must insert it into the slot to exit.
Riding the “Rollercoaster”: Scenic Lines and Attractions
Unlike Shanghai or Beijing where the subway is purely functional darkness, Chongqing’s CRT is a sightseeing experience. The terrain forces the trains to run along cliffs, over massive bridges, and through skyscrapers.
Experience Chongqing’s ingenuity firsthand! The Line 2 monorail slicing directly through the Liziba Station building is not just a transit stop, but a testament to how this ‘vertical city’ integrates infrastructure, making every ride a unique spectacle.
Line 2: The Liziba “Train Through the Building”
You have seen the viral videos. Here is how to experience it properly. Liziba Station is on Line 2 (Green Line).
- The Ride: Riding the train through the building is actually underwhelming—you just see darkness for a few seconds. The thrill is the approach. Sit on the side facing the river for incredible views before you hit the station.
- The Photo Op: To get the famous photo, you must get off at Liziba. Follow the signs for “Viewing Platform” (usually Exit A). You will walk down several flights of stairs to the street level.
- Insider Tip: The viewing platform gets incredibly crowded with tour groups by 11:00 AM. Go at 9:00 AM or during the “Golden Hour” (5:00 PM) for better lighting and slightly thinner crowds.
Line 6: The Best Night Views
For the cyberpunk aesthetic Chongqing is famous for, take Line 6. The section between Grand Theater and Xiaoshizi crosses the Qiansimen Bridge. As you glide over the Jialing River, you get an unobstructed, moving view of the illuminated Hongyadong complex and the Raffles City “sail” buildings.
Navigating the Stations: What to Know Before You Go
The “Deep” Stations
Be prepared for long commutes inside the stations. Hongtudig station is over 94 meters underground—it takes roughly 8 minutes just to ride the escalators to the surface. Do not budget a “quick transfer” here.
Security Checks
Security is tight in 2026. You must put all bags through an X-ray machine. If you are carrying a water bottle, the guard will ask you to take a sip of it to prove it is not a volatile chemical. Keep your water accessible to speed up this process.
Reaching Hongyadong by Metro
Many travelers make the mistake of trying to take a taxi to Hongyadong at night; traffic is often at a standstill. The metro is faster, but requires a strategic walk.
No visit to Chongqing’s ‘vertical city’ is complete without marveling at the dazzling Hongyadong complex, especially by night. Its unique multi-layered architecture truly captures the essence of the city’s topography, which the efficient Chongqing Metro helps you explore effortlessly, connecting you right to this famous landmark.
Option 1 (The Crowd Route): Take Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station. Take Exit 4A or 9. From here, it is a 10-15 minute walk down to the top level of Hongyadong. Warning: The crowds here can be suffocating on weekends.
Option 2 (The Photographer’s Route): Take Line 6 to Grand Theater Station (across the river). Walk out to the riverside promenade. From here, you look back at Hongyadong across the river. This is where you get the panoramic photo of the stilt houses glowing against the skyline without fighting thousands of people for elbow room.
Practical Metro Tips for 2026
- Fares: Rides cost between 2 RMB and 7 RMB depending on distance. It is incredibly cheap.
- Rush Hour: Avoid Line 3 (Blue Line) between 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. It is one of the busiest monorail lines in the world and you will be physically pressed against the glass.
- The “Loop” Line: The Yellow Loop Line connects the major rail stations (Chongqing North, Chongqing West). It is the best way to bypass the congested city center if you are just moving between transit hubs.
Common Questions About Navigating Chongqing
How do tourists pay for the metro in Chongqing?
In 2026, the easiest way to pay is by using the Alipay or WeChat app. Activate the “Transport” code within the app, select Chongqing as the city, and scan the QR code at the turnstiles. Physical ticket machines are available but often require small change.
Which station has the train that goes through a building?
The famous “train through a building” is located at Liziba Station on Line 2 (the Green Line). For the best photo opportunities, exit the station and head down to the viewing platform at street level.
What are the operating hours for the Chongqing Rail Transit?
The Chongqing metro generally operates from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. However, specific lines, such as the Loop Line, may stop service earlier than the radial lines, so it is best to check schedules if traveling late at night.
Is the Chongqing metro difficult to navigate for foreigners?
Chongqing is known as the “8D City” due to its vertical terrain, which can confuse standard maps. To navigate successfully, rely on specific station exit numbers provided by navigation apps like Amap and be prepared for deep stations with long escalator rides.
Conclusion
Mastering the Chongqing metro is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it is about accepting the three-dimensional nature of the city. Whether you are zooming through a residential high-rise on Line 2 or descending deep into the earth at Hongtudi, the commute is part of the adventure. Download Alipay, keep your walking shoes on, and don’t panic when the map says you are underground while you are looking at the sky.
