When visiting Chongqing, don’t just think about going to Hongyadong.
We’ve discovered a place with scenery that rivals Hongyadong – Xiahaoli Old Street.
📍 Xiahaoli Old Street
Xiahaoli was once described by National Geographic as “another world.”
Xiahaoli Old Street is located near the south station of the Yangtze River Cableway, right next to Longmenhao Old Street. The two streets are adjacent to each other.
Xiahaoli Old Street is situated along the Yangtze River. Across the river, you can see the bustling urban landscape with light rail trains passing by, contrasting with the stilted buildings of the old street. It’s a living memory of old Chongqing, vibrant and tangible, offering a glimpse of the entire city in miniature.
Walking along this street, you can feel the fusion of history and modernity, the collision of tradition and innovation.As night falls and the lights come on, you can witness the charming night scenery of Xiahaoli Old Street. Strolling through the dimly lit streets fills your heart with romance and tranquility.
Surprises are everywhere, with giant character walls dancing with graffiti art.
The murals are weathered, and giant character walls stand tall. The colorful patterns and text on these walls have become popular photo spots for tourists, adding a lively and vibrant atmosphere to the entire old street.
In Xiahaoli Old Street, there’s also a mysterious area with a southern Chinese town ambiance, known as the “Time Tunnel.” This area feels like a surreal time-space tunnel, transporting visitors to a water town in southern China.
The ancient architecture, traditional carved windows, and winding bridges over flowing water all exude a strong southern Chinese charm. Every detail reveals the rich atmosphere of a southern water town. Walking through this area feels like traveling through time, experiencing a way of life from another era, leaving visitors feeling refreshed and inspired.
Although Xiahaoli has undergone commercial renovation, it still retains many traces of the original residents’ lives.
Here, you can see elderly people sitting at their doorsteps, sunbathing and chatting, while children wash dishes in the alleys, giving you a strong sense of daily life.
As you stroll through the old street, you’ll discover many small but exquisite shops and studios. The owners of these establishments are mostly young artists and entrepreneurs.
📍 Huangge Ancient Path
Named after the Huangge trees, this ancient path is built along the mountain. One side clings tightly to the cliff face, while the other side is a precipice. Along the cliff edge are century-old Huangge trees, interwoven and lush. Walking up the stone steps, the fresh air is invigorating and refreshing.
🚘 Transportation
You can drive or take a taxi directly to the location using GPS navigation. Parking is quite convenient.
Take Metro Line 6 or the Loop Line to “Shangxin Street” station, exit from Exit 1, and walk about 20 meters to reach the destination.
Bus routes: Take bus lines 304, 318, 320, 0321, 321, 354, 376, 338, etc., and get off at Yitian Gate or Dongshui Gate Bridge station.
If time allows, you can also visit nearby attractions.
🥞 Food Recommendations
We recommend visiting nearby Danzishi, which is very close to Xiahaoli and accessible by metro or bus. Danzishi is one of the most beautiful places in Chongqing, great for taking photos, and as an old residential area, it offers a wide variety of local cuisine.
Following the recommendations of our local friends, here are some places to eat:
1️⃣ Xiaolu Hotpot (average 72 yuan per person)
2️⃣ Xiaobei Wei (average 13 yuan per person)
3️⃣ Yuan Shifu BBQ (average 78 yuan per person)
4️⃣ Salt Water Duck Skewer Hot Pot (average 15+ yuan per person)
5️⃣ A’liang Cold Jelly (average 9+ yuan per person)
6️⃣ French Navy Camp (a popular spot visited by Wang Yuan, also an excellent place for coffee and photo-taking)
