A must-see in Chongqing: the unique Danzishi Old Street
🏙️ Changjiahui Danzishi Old Street, a perfect blend of a century-old street and modern cityscape. Although the ancient charm has faded after recent renovations, it still represents the architectural characteristics of Chongqing's mountain city and remains a must-see destination.
🏗️ Danzishi Old Street carries Chongqing's century-old history of opening up as a port and its rich historical memories. More than 200 years ago, this was the earliest wharf in the area.
🏞️ With its advantageous location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it's an excellent spot to view the night scenery of the two rivers and four banks, and to overlook the Qiansismen, Dongshuimen, and Chaotianmen bridges.
🚶♂️ How to explore: As a unique leisure block in Chongqing, Danzishi Old Street is not a horizontal street, but a vertical one similar to Hongya Cave, ranging from the 5th to the 10th floor. The block connects different platforms through a vertical transportation system of "elevators + stairs", allowing you to experience the mountain city's charm while "climbing slopes and steps".
‼️ Recommended route (all downhill): Baisui Archway → Yide Church → Tu Shan Yao Kiln → Zhengjue Buddha → Wang Family Courtyard → Qingyun Bridge → Changjiahui Shopping Park Viewing Platform → Guan Yun Gallery → Nanbin Road.
✅ Must-see spots:
1️⃣ Take the elevator directly to the 10th floor, the top floor and entrance of Danzishi Old Street, where the magnificent and exquisitely carved Baisui Archway stands.
2️⃣ Opposite the Baisui Archway is the rebuilt Yide Church. The layout of the church resembles a TV drama set, with dazzling stained-glass windows. Church activities and weddings are held here. To visit the interior, you need to go during the daytime.
3️⃣ Continuing downwards, you'll see a wall of stone carvings imitating the Dazu Rock Carvings. The Zhengjue Buddha in the center is solemn and kind, and the relief texture is lifelike, definitely a high-quality replica of the Dazu Rock Carvings.
4️⃣ Further down are the rebuilt Bayu ancient residential buildings, such as the Wang Family Courtyard, Xia Family Courtyard, and Qingyang Mansion, all used for commercial purposes. You can take photos of the building exteriors.
5️⃣ At the bottom of Danzishi Old Street is Changjiahui Shopping Park, home to Madame Tussauds Chongqing, Chongqing Haichang Ocean Park, and more, a place for shopping and dining. Continue downwards to Nanbin Road, known as the "Bund of Chongqing", for a close-up view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
🎫 Tickets: Open 24 hours a day, free of charge. Night visits are recommended.
⏰ Duration: 2 hrs.
🏮 Lighting time: 19:00–22:00
📍 Address: No. 69, Taichang Road, Nan'an District, Chongqing. Take Metro Line 6 to Danzishi Station, Exit 4. For self-driving, park in the parking lot on the ground floor of Changjiahui Shopping Park.