1. Arrival in Chongqing: First Impressions of the “3D Magic City”

As my plane descended over Chongqing, I braced myself for the urban labyrinth I’d heard so much about. Known as China’s “3D Magic City” for its dramatic hills, rivers, and skyscrapers, Chongqing’s geography alone promises chaos. But nothing prepared me for its transport system—a symphony of bridges, monorails, escalators, and cable cars that defies logic.

Stepping out of Jiangbei International Airport, I was hit by the humid air and the roar of traffic. My hotel was in Yuzhong District, a 20-minute drive away… or so I thought. The driver weaved through elevated highways that spiraled like rollercoasters, past neon-lit skyscrapers jutting out of cliffs. “This isn’t a city,” I muttered. “It’s a vertical theme park.”

Why visit? Chongqing’s transport isn’t just functional—it’s a spectacle. Every ride feels like a scene from a sci-fi movie.

2. The Monorail That Dances Through Buildings: Lianglukou Station

My first “wow” moment came at Lianglukou Monorail Station, home to the legendary Line 2. As the train emerged from a tunnel, it didn’t just glide above streets—it sliced through a residential building. Passengers casually boarded while residents on the 6th floor sipped tea by their windows.

“How is this legal?” I asked my guide, laughing. She shrugged. “Chongqing doesn’t believe in ‘impossible.’”

The monorail’s route offered postcard views: the Yangtze River, forested hills, and bridges stacked like giant’s Lego. At Huanghuayuan Station, the train curved so sharply it felt like a theme-park ride. Locals joked that Chongqing’s monorail maps should come with motion-sickness warnings.

Pro tip: Ride Line 2 during sunset for golden-hour views of the river and cityscape.

3. Escalators to the Sky: The World’s Longest Urban Escalator System

Next, I tackled Crown Escalator, a 112-meter (367-foot) outdoor escalator system in Lianglukou. Built to help locals conquer the steep hill between the railway station and business district, it’s free to ride and feels like ascending a mountain in minutes.

As I climbed, vendors sold spicy skewers and iced tea to passengers. At the top, I turned around—the escalator stretched endlessly downward, a metallic snake swallowed by the city’s concrete jungle.

“This saves us 30 minutes of climbing,” my guide explained. “But tourists come just for the photo ops.”

Fun fact: Chongqing has over 13,000 escalators—more than any other city globally.

4. Cable Cars Over the Yangtze: A River Crossing Like No Other

No visit to Chongqing is complete without riding the Yangtze River Cable Car, a rusty-red gondola connecting the Yuzhong and Nanbin districts. As we soared 110 meters above the river, I gripped the bar, half-terrified, half-thrilled. Below, ferries and cargo ships chugged past, while the city’s skyline pierced the clouds.

The cable car’s history added to the charm: built in 1986, it’s one of China’s oldest urban transit lines. Locals use it daily, but tourists flock here for the adrenaline rush and panoramic shots.

Best time to ride: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture soft light.

5. Bridges That Defy Gravity: Chongqing’s Architectural Marvels

Chongqing’s bridges aren’t just crossings—they’re art. The Caiyuanba Bridge, a 1,387-meter (4,550-foot) steel arch spanning the Yangtze, looks like a giant’s bowtie. Then there’s the Qiansimen Bridge, a glass-bottomed walkway suspended 120 meters above the river. Walking on it, I swore I could feel the wind whooshing below.

But the crown jewel is the Suijiang Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 600 meters. At night, it lights up like a rainbow, reflecting off the water below. Locals call it the “Bridge of Light,” and it’s easy to see why.

Insider tip: Download a bridge-spotting app to learn about each structure’s engineering feats.