Chongqing - On May 8, seven Italian artists launched an immersive exploration of Chongqing's fantastical cityscape, deeply engaging with the mountain city's unique charm.

Italian artists took a group photo at Liziba Rail Station. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

When witnessing the rail trains zipping through residential buildings, the artists exclaimed in amazement and creatively posed with "monorail-eating" gestures for photos. "Chongqing's multidimensional layers ignite my creativity," said cross-disciplinary artist Maria Iole Serreli.

Carlo Pizzichini and Nicola Boccini checked in at the iconic site, striking the "monorail-eating" pose. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

The architectural shock continued at Kuixing Tower, where the convergence of "1st floor" and "22nd floor" challenged conventional spatial perceptions. Italian multidisciplinary artist Lorenzo Alessio Deidda marveled: "I've never seen such wonders! Chongqing's architecture is unbelievable!"

Lorenzo Alessio Deidda at the Kuixing Tower. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

The Raffles City became a highlight for housing POP MART, a beloved brand among the group. As a collector, Lorenzo shared, "POP MART's wildly popular in Italy but prohibitively expensive." Nicola Boccini, Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts of Perugia and Professor at the Italian Design Institute, carefully selected trendy toys as souvenirs: "This is for my daughter."

Italian artists went shopping at POP MART. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

At Chaotianmen, designers braved the 200-meter glass observation deck despite acrophobia, captivated by the Yangtze-Jialing confluence and the city's cyberpunk vitality.

Lorenzo Alessio Deidda and Maria Iole Serreli on the 200-meter glass deck. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

The Eighteen Steps Historic District left lasting impressions with its layered stairways, nostalgic architecture blending with urban landscapes, and a showcase of Chongqing's cultural heritage.

Eighteen Steps Historic District. (Photo/Yang Liwei)

This 8-day cultural immersion continues through Jiangjin, Dazu, Rongchang, Yongchuan, and Yunyang counties, where artists will learn intangible heritage crafts and gather design inspiration for cultural creative projects.

(Yang Liwei and Huang Shuyun, as interns, also contributed to the report.)