In the magical city of Chongqing, surprises are everywhere. The city’s three-dimensional terrain of slopes and steps is one thing—but even everyday transit becomes a sightseeing experience.

Chongqing’s rail transit has become a social-media favorite for good reason. Many stations feel like built-in “check-in spots,” with sky-high engineering moves and dramatic turns that are genuinely impressive.

Chongqing has many unique rail stations—let’s take a look at the standouts.

Liziba Station

Features
The track passes through the building. Liziba is a complex building composed of 8 floors. Floors 1-7 are occupied by shops and residences, while the 8th floor integrates the metro system, all functioning independently without interference. This unique design features a straddle-type monorail train that reduces both vibration and noise.

Transportation
Metro Line 2

Photo Spots
This station is a long-time internet sensation, with a photo of the train passing through the building once dominating "half the space" on major social media platforms. There are 2 photo spots at this station.

  1. Standard Spot: Exit from Exit A, look up, and you can capture a close-up shot of the train passing through the building.

  1. Advanced Shooting Spot: Exit from Gate B, and go up to the top floor of the old residential building on the far right. Note that the door on the top floor is usually locked, but you can extend your camera or phone through the door crack to take photos.

Niujiaotuo Station

Highlights
Two Trains Intersecting

Transportation
Metro Line 2 or Line 3

Photo Spot
At the transfer passage between Line 2 and Line 3, patiently wait for 20 to 30 minutes to capture the scene of two trains intersecting on different levels. Feel free to admire the shot (a telephoto lens is recommended). Additionally, Niujiaotuo Station is located near the Jialing River, and standing on the bridge to enjoy the beautiful river view is also a delightful experience.

Daxigou Station

Features
90° Aerial Sharp Turn

Transportation
Metro Line 2

Photo Spots

  1. A train arrives approximately every 5-7 minutes. When it enters the station, you can capture a photo of the 90° T-shaped turn at the far end of the platform. However, please ensure safety while taking photos and shoot from behind the yellow line.
  2. Board the train (heading towards Niujiaotuo) and use a GoPro to record the dynamic process of the turn through the cockpit glass.

Xiejiawan Station

Features
One side railway, one side bridge

Transportation
Metro Line 2

Photo Spot
Exit from Exit A, and head towards Yucai Middle School. There is a pedestrian bridge nearby. Walk up the bridge, and you can capture a photo with the railway on one side and the Egongyan Bridge on the other. It’s a scene that seems like it’s straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki manga, and it’s absolutely worth experiencing!

Haitangxi Station

Features
Best for night photography

Transportation
Loop Line of the Rail Transit

Photo Spot
As night falls, the Yuzhong Peninsula and the "Twin Towers" of the Sheraton are brilliantly lit. At the end of the Haitangxi Station, you can capture the scene of a train speeding by against the backdrop of Chongqing's nightscape, reminiscent of the anime Ghost in the Shell.

Lianglukou Station

Features
The track spans over the interchange.

Transportation
Metro Line 3

Photo Spot
Exit from Exit 3 and walk towards the direction of Caiyuanba Bridge. When you reach the Lianglukou Bus Station, the 8D spiral interchange will immediately catch your eye. Suddenly, the train unexpectedly zooms through the Y-shaped interchange, leaving you in awe: "Chongqing is just this bold~" You can take photos from the viewing platform next to the bus station or walk down a few steps on the nearby staircase for another angle.

How to arrange the itinerary to visit all these attractions in one day?

First, take Metro Line 2, board at Daxigou Station—Niujiaotuo—Liziba—Xiejiawan; then take the opposite direction back to Niujiaotuo Station, transfer to Line 3 to Lianglukou Station, continue on Line 3 to Sigongli Station, and then transfer directly to the Metro Loop Line to reach the final destination—Haitangxi Station.