The Real Cyberpunk City
Forget Tokyo. Chongqing is where cyberpunk actually lives. Built on mountainous terrain at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, this city of 32 million defies conventional urban planning. Monorails pass through residential buildings. Elevators serve as public transport. Roads exist on multiple vertical levels simultaneously.
Hongya Cave at Night
The Hongya Cave complex (Hongyadong) is an 11-story structure built into the riverside cliff face, resembling a scene from Spirited Away. At night, thousands of golden lanterns illuminate its stacked terraces against the backdrop of Chongqing’s glittering skyline across the river.
The Hot Pot Trail
Chongqing is the undisputed capital of Chinese hot pot — the numbing, fiery málà variety that makes your lips tingle. Head to Jiefangbei for upscale options or dive into the back alleys of Nanshan for hole-in-the-wall spots where locals queue for hours.
Getting Around
The city’s light rail system is an attraction in itself. Line 2 famously runs through the Liziba residential building — passengers literally ride the train through someone’s apartment complex.