Chongqing - Time flies, but the bond between cinema and Chongqing only grows stronger. Over the past decade, more than 500 films have been shot across this sprawling mountainous municipality, from gritty urban dramas to sweeping romances. Now, a new travel series invites visitors to explore the city through its most iconic cinematic backdrops - starting with the historic heart of downtown: Yuzhong district.

Kuixing Tower: 22 Floors Above the Street

First stop: Kuixing Tower, the gentle spot where a young protector vowed, "You protect the world, and I will protect you" in the Oscar-nominated drama Better Days (2019). The suspended skywalk, immortalized by that touching line, offers visitors a quintessentially Chongqing experience: stepping onto what feels like street level, only to realize you are actually 22 floors above it.

Few know that Kuixing Tower, which has over two centuries of history, was originally built as a shrine where Qing-dynasty scholars prayed for success in imperial examinations. Reconstructed as a modern cultural and commercial landmark, it now perfectly captures the city's legendary three-dimensional terrain - a mind-bending feature that draws tourists from around the globe.

"I saw it on Instagram and TikTok - that's why we came," said a visitor from Netherlands. "Not anywhere. You think you've just climbed a few stairs, and suddenly you're 22 floors up," said a visitor from Spain. Added another tourist from the Italy: "It's crazy. No words."

Jiefangbei: From Wartime Symbol to Bustling CBD

A short walk away stands Chongqing's spiritual icon: the People's Liberation Monument, commonly known as Jiefangbei. Here, in the romance I Belonged to You (2016), a lovelorn radio DJ's story unfolded on a rainy night. But the monument's true significance runs far deeper.

Construction began on Oct. 31, 1946, and was completed in August 1947. Renamed the People's Liberation Monument in 1950, it stands as China's only monument dedicated to commemorating the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–45). It is a powerful symbol of the city's wartime legacy and unyielding spirit.

Today, Jiefangbei anchors Chongqing's bustling central business district, where gleaming skyscrapers and century-old buildings stand side by side, offering a lively mix of high-end retail and authentic street-level energy. Every New Year's Eve, thousands gather beneath the monument to count down together - a tradition now famous nationwide.

Shibati: A Stairway to Old Chongqing

From the modern bustle, follow the everyday rhythm of the city to Shibati - or "Eighteen Steps" - the ancient stone-paved path connecting upper and lower Yuzhong. Featured in I Belonged to You as the backdrop for a tender romance, this historic lane is a living time capsule of Chongqing's old-town culture.

The name "Shibati" dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, when the area served as a busy hub for merchants and travelers. After a thoughtful renovation that preserved its original layout of seven streets and six alleyways, the area has regained its status as a cultural magnet. Visitors can walk the same stone steps seen on screen, savor authentic local snacks, and experience the gritty yet warm atmosphere that defines Chongqing's urban soul.

From the astonishing illusion of Kuixing Tower to the historical gravitas of Jiefangbei and the earthy charm of Shibati, every filming location in Yuzhong District is etched with the unique character of this remarkable city.

(Dong Baoxu, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)