Mountainous Chongqing Redefines Urban Space, Wins Tourist Applause

Tourists enjoy the city view at a scenic area in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 2, 2025. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chongqing - Renowned for its complex vertical terrain and "8D" spatial experience, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has added another dimension to its urban landscape by recently transforming the space under its Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge into a vibrant hotpot festival venue.

Within just six days, this festival drew over 180,000 visitors, not merely to savor spicy delicacies but also to enjoy the unique ambiance of this spot nestled beneath the iconic bridge.

The bridge had already captured the imagination of netizens via its avant-garde design, namely giant droplet-shaped hollow piers that resemble portals from sci-fi films.

"To enhance the visitor experience, we repurposed the previously overlooked space under the bridge, constructing a viewing platform and introducing bazaars and camping sites to enrich the overall experience," said Long Xiaomei, head of the publicity department of Dadukou District, where the bridge is located.

Such innovative moves have turned the bridge into a must-see tourist attraction, with events like light shows and hotpot festivals becoming instant hits among visitors during the just-concluded National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

"It feels wonderful to enjoy hotpot under the bridge, with the gentle river breeze and the captivating night view as company. It's a unique experience that can hardly be replicated elsewhere," said Zhang Li, a tourist from central China's Hunan Province.

With over 20,000 bridges of various shapes and sizes, Chongqing has been gradually revitalizing the spaces under its bridges. Visitors might stumble upon a park, a basketball match -- or even a concert as they explore these under-bridge areas.

Chongqing's innovative spatial utilization extends even further into the depths of the city.

Hongyancun Metro Station in Yuzhong District, the deepest metro station in China, features a vertical height of 141 meters from the lowest point inside the station to the exit.

Normally, it takes about 10 minutes to reach ground level by riding eight different escalators, or one can climb 860 steps, equivalent to ascending a 50-story skyscraper. Recently, this station was transformed into a vertical marathon venue, attracting tourists from around the world.

"Through the vertical marathon, everyone can measure the 'depth' of the city with their own steps. It's both a physical challenge and an immersive experience to appreciate the charm of Chongqing as an '8D magical city,'" said Chen Ping, deputy head of Yuzhong District.

Alexander, from Belarus, recently completed the vertical marathon in just 8 minutes and 32 seconds. "It was much more arduous than running on flat ground, but I experienced the distinct urban charm of Chongqing in this process," he said.

Beyond underground areas, Chongqing has also maximized its "airborne" spaces. The utilization of rooftops is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and ingenious aspects of its urban planning.

The night view of Chongqing has garnered widespread attention on overseas social media, with high-rise rooftops becoming prime viewing spots. At Chongqing's Raffles City complex, a "horizontal skyscraper" connects four 250-meter towers.

Stretching 300 meters, this structure offers an open-air elevated walkway where visitors can experience a thrilling "skywalk" and take in panoramic views of the mountains, rivers, city and bridges.

"I was attracted by the night scenery of Chongqing on YouTube, so I came here. But I never expected I could view the scenery from such an amazing perspective," said Chris from Brazil. "In Chongqing, you can discover surprises anywhere and from any angle. No wonder it's called a magical city."