Chongqing — Built in the early 1990s, Baixiangju reflects the steep geography that defines this southwestern metropolis. The buildings were constructed without elevators, instead linking directly to streets at three different levels. Inside, staircases crisscross through corridors and courtyards in a design that often leaves newcomers unsure whether they are climbing up or down.

The site gained national attention after appearances in films including "Chongqing Hot Pot" and "Better Days." Social media later amplified its reputation, turning the compound into a popular stop for tourists exploring the city, often called China's "8D magical city." The Sky Bridge, with sweeping views of the Yangtze River cable car and Chongqing’s skyline, has become its most photographed spot.

But Baixiangju's fame has come at a cost. Heavy crowds once disrupted daily life, with residents facing blocked passageways and noise that made rest difficult. In response, authorities launched a co-governance model where residents, volunteers, and community workers help manage safety and visitor flow.

What began as an unremarkable housing project is now an international sensation. For many, Baixiangju embodies the paradox of Chongqing itself — a city where ordinary life and global attention converge, and where the mountain landscape continues to shape how people build, live, and imagine their future.