INTRODUCTION
Chongqing’s 18 Steps (十八梯 Shibati) is a traditional-style scenic area located in Yuzhong District of Chongqing. It is a modern reconstruction of an old-style street, much like that of Danzishi Old Street and Longmenhao. 18 Steps is an old and famous location in Chongqing and the area has been closed for renovations for many years before finally opening back up to the public on September 30th, 2021. The area is divided into five sections, A, B, C, D, and E, each area focusing on either traditional culture, creative experiences, food, etc. 18 Steps is a great location for photography as well, as the old-style buildings look great in contrast to the more modern city that surrounds it.
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
BACKGROUND & HISTORY
The origin of Chongqing’s 18 steps can be traced back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. At this time, Chongqing was the gateway to what is modern-day Sichuan Province, with open lands and access to the water, it was a busy hot spot for merchants, travelers and migrants. The upper and lower halves of the city were separated by a steep hill, difficult to easily get up and down and these 18 flights of stairs were constructed to ease that transportation burden.
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
After opening as a port city in 1891, the city of Chongqing grew into a major commercial town and saw rapid development. The population number surged, and it quickly became necessary to not only expand but change the city’s infrastructure. City walls were demolished, roads were built, urban traffic started to develop. In more modern times, after the opening and development of the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street in the early 2000s, the 18 steps gradually fell silent and over the years became less and less visited. Finally, the renovation work started in 2017, and areas A, B, and C opened up to the public on September 30th, 2021, with the remaining two areas to be opened to the public in 2022.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Architectural Style
The Shibati Traditional Style area in many ways is reminiscent of old-style Chongqing. While obviously being a newer and more modern construction, the buildings are built on the preserved steps and made to look as they did in ancient times. Despite the commercial nature of the area now, it is still filled with scenic beauty, and smaller areas such as a well square, and other old relics have been persevered and highlighted. The area also has historical museums where you can further study the history and architecture of the place.
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
18 Steps Traditional Style Area in Chongqing. Photo by Mikkel Larsen /iChongqing
Hot Pot History
Fenghuantai was once a slaughterhouse in Chongqing as well as a wholesale market for hot pot ingredients in the old days. In this place, you can trace back the history of Chongqing Hot Pot through physical displays and scene recreations. Chongqing Hot Pot is, of course, ingrained into Chongqing's local culture.
Bayu Family
No. 35 Shanguo Alley is a well-preserved building dating back to the original construction of the 18 steps. It was a courtyard house holding 5 generations of a family in Chongqing. The site is now a demonstration attraction for urban architectural and cultural tourism.
Experience Walking the Traditional Fishbone Layout of Newly Restored 18 Steps - James' Vlog