Liziba Station

Historical Overview

1998: Construction of the residential-rail integration project initiated, pioneering China’s "rail-in-building" design.

2004: Line 2 begins operations, with Liziba Station becoming a viral sensation after videos of trains passing through the building go global.

2018: Upgraded observation platforms and a "Light Rail Culture Museum" open to showcase the station’s engineering and history.

2020: Listed as a "Must-Visit Spot in China" by Trip.com, attracting 5 million annual visitors.

Structural Layout

The station spans two zones:

Upper Zone (Observation & Culture)

Observation Decks: Two platforms (6th and 8th floors) for panoramic views of trains piercing the building.

Light Rail Culture Museum: Interactive exhibits on the station’s design, including a scale model and engineering blueprints.

Photo Zones: Themed backdrops (e.g., "Train in the Sky," "Chongqing Skyline") for social media-worthy shots.

Lower Zone (Street Life & Souvenirs)

Liziba Street: Pedestrian alley with local snacks (spicy crayfish, dan dan noodles), artisan shops, and street performers.

"Train-Through-Building" Souvenir Shop: Miniature models, postcards, and quirky gifts (e.g., "I Survived Liziba" T-shirts).

Jialing River Viewpoints: Stairs leading to riverbank trails for sunset photography.

Supporting Structures

Escalators: Direct access from the street to observation decks (6th floor).

Café & Bar: "Skyline Brew" serves local craft beer and "Railway-Themed" snacks (e.g., "Train Track" fries).

Major Attractions

Train-Through-Building Spectacle: Time your visit to catch trains arriving every 5–10 minutes (peak hours: 7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).

Light Rail Culture Museum: Learn about noise-reduction technology and seismic-resistant design.

Jialing River Panorama: Photograph the Yangtze River’s tributary with trains as a backdrop.

Street Art Murals: Colorful graffiti depicting Chongqing’s culture and the station’s history.

Suggested Itineraries

1-Hour Quick Visit

Arrive at the 6th-floor observation deck → Photograph trains entering the building → Explore the Culture Museum → Shop for souvenirs.
Highlights: Iconic photos, engineering insights.

2-Hour Cultural & Culinary Tour

Morning: Museum visit → Train-watching at 8th-floor deck → Lunch at "Spicy Lane" (local hotpot bites).

Afternoon: Stroll Liziba Street → Riverbank photography → Coffee at "Skyline Brew."
Highlights: Street food, sunset views.

Half-Day Urban Adventure (4–5 Hours)

Morning: Join a guided tour of the building’s engineering (book in advance) → Train photography workshop.

Afternoon: River hike → Visit nearby "Eling Park" (hilltop temple with city views) → Evening: Street performances.

Highlights: Behind-the-scenes access, hiking.

Ticket Purchase

Free Entry: Observation decks and street areas are open to the public.

Guided Tours: ¥50/person (includes museum access and engineering Q&A session).

Combo Tickets: Available with "Eling Park" (¥80) or "Hongya Cave" (¥120).

Transportation

By Subway: Line 2 to Liziba Station (Exit 1 for observation decks, Exit 2 for street access).

By Bus: Routes 210, 215, or 219 to Liziba Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to "Liziba Light Rail Station" (¥30 from Jiefangbei CBD).

Departure: Nearby attractions include Eling Park (10-minute walk) or Hongya Cave (20-minute drive).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (tour groups); visit 7–9 AM or 5–7 PM for optimal lighting.

Crowds: Weekends and holidays are packed; weekdays are quieter.

Weather: Clear days offer the best visibility for photography.

• Essentials:

Bring a wide-angle lens for epic shots.

Wear comfortable shoes (stairs to riverbank).

Photography allowed (no tripods on observation decks).

Prohibited Items: Drones, loudspeakers, and bicycles.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Eling Park for temple architecture or Hongya Cave for traditional "diaojiaolou" (stilted buildings).