Chongqing 18 Steps Travel Tips: A Complete Guide from the USA
I. Why Chongqing 18 Steps?
Chongqing, a mountain city in southwest China, is famous for its unique three-dimensional cityscape and spicy food. As one of the most representative old neighborhoods in Chongqing, the Chongqing 18 Steps perfectly demonstrates the original style and culture of the mountain city. It used to be the main passage connecting the upper and lower halves of Chongqing, consisting of eighteen stone steps lined with hammock buildings and old-fashioned houses built on the hillside, full of the living atmosphere of old Chongqing.
For American tourists, the Chongqing 18 Steps is not only a sightseeing attraction, but also a window into the history of China’s cities and the daily lives of local residents. After careful restoration, the Chongqing 18 Steps has retained its traditional style and incorporated modern commercial elements, making it an excellent place to experience Chongqing’s “3D Magic City” character.
Transportation from the U.S. to Chongqing
1. International Flight Options
Currently, there are no direct flights from major U.S. cities to Chongqing, so it is usually necessary to change planes in other major cities in China:
- West Coast Departure (Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle):
- Recommended connecting cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong
- Airline options: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, United Airlines
- Total flight time: approximately 16-20 hours (including connecting flights)
- East Coast Departure (New York/Chicago/Washington):
- Recommended connecting cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu
- Airline options: Air China, United, Delta
- Total flight time: approximately 18-22 hours (including connecting flights)
2. Arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKIA)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is an important aviation hub in Southwest China, about 20 kilometers from the city center. The airport facilities are modern, with signs in both English and Chinese, and some staff are able to communicate in basic English.
III. Transportation from the airport to the city center
1. Airport Express (recommended)
- Route K01: Directly to Jiefangbei business district (near the 18th staircase)
- Operating hours: 8:30am – last flight arrival
- Fare: 15 RMB (about 2 USD)
- Travel time: about 50 minutes
- Boarding Location: T3 Arrival Level Exit 4
Cab
- Fare: about 60-80 RMB (8-11 USD)
- Taxi: 60-80 RMB (8-11 USD) 30-40 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Tips: Please prepare the Chinese address of your hotel to show to the driver, or use the international version of DiDi (滴滴出行国际版)
3. Subway
- Line: Line 10 (T3) → Hongtudi Station to Line 6 → Xiaoshizi Station
- Fare: about 6 RMB (1 USD)
- Travel time: about 1 hour
- Tips: suitable for travelers with less luggage, some sections need to walk!
Four, Chongqing 18 Steps tour guide
1. Basic Information
- Address: No. 1 Zhongxing Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City
- Opening time: Open all day (stores usually 10:00-22:00)
- Ticket: Free
- Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours (best in the evening)
2. How to get to Chongqing 18 Steps
From Jiefangbei Business District (the area most tourists choose to stay):
- Walk: about 15 minutes, straight south along Minquan Road
- Subway: Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, about 8 minutes walk from Exit 5A.
- Taxi: Starting at 10 RMB.
3. Chongqing 18 Steps Must Experience
- Stone Steps Walking: Walk slowly down the original stone steps to experience the unique topography of the mountain city.
- Viewing Platform: Take a panoramic view of Chongqing from the highest platform.
- Traditional Architecture: Enjoy the restored foot-hanging towers and Republican-style buildings.
- Authentic Cuisine: Try Chongqing Noodles, Hot and Sour Noodles, Shancheng Soup Dumplings and other snacks.
- Creative Shops: browse through specialty bookstores, handicraft stores and teahouses
- Night Scenery and Lights: After nightfall, the Eighteen Stairs is decorated with lights, which has a unique flavor.
4. Recommended Sights in the Neighborhood
- Jiefangbei: Chongqing’s landmark commercial center (10-minute walk)
- Yangtze River Ropeway: an airbus across the Yangtze River (15-minute walk)
- HongYaDong: a cluster of internet-renowned foot-hanging buildings (20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride)
- Chaotianmen Wharf: where the two rivers meet (25-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride)
V. Practical Travel Tips
- Best travel season: spring and fall (March-May, September-November), avoid summer heat
- Money payment: Prepare Alipay/WeChat payment (more common), or a small amount of cash
- Language communication: download translation app (e.g. Google Translate), major scenic spots have English signs
- Internet connection: It is recommended to buy a local SIM card or use international roaming.
- Dietary Note: Chongqing cuisine is famous for its spiciness, so you can ask for “slightly spicy” or “not spicy” when ordering food.
- Dressing Suggestion: Comfortable and non-slip walking shoes (there are many slopes and steps in the mountain city).
VI. Recommended Itinerary (3 days 2 nights)
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive Chongqing, check in to hotel near Jiefangbei
- Afternoon: Sightseeing in Jiefangbei and Bayi Yummy Street.
- Evening: Night view of Eighteen Stairs and dinner
Day 2:
- Morning: Yangtze River Ropeway, Longmenhao Old Street
- Afternoon: Li Ziba Light Rail through the building, Goose Ridge No. 2 Factory Cultural and Creative Park
- Evening: Hongyadong Night View
Day 3:
- Morning: Magnetic Weapon Port Ancient Town
- Afternoon: Flexible arrangement according to the flight time to the airport
Chongqing Eighteen Stairs is not only a tourist attraction, but also a living history book of the city. Travelers who come all the way from the United States can feel the most authentic Chongqing living atmosphere and the unique charm of the mountain city here. We hope this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Chongqing!