Chongqing’s Landmarks: A Guide to the City’s Hidden Alleyways

Chongqing, China’s sprawling megacity, is famous for its fiery hotpot, misty mountains, and the dramatic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. But beyond the postcard-perfect skylines and bustling tourist hubs lies a labyrinth of hidden alleyways—narrow, winding paths that tell stories of the city’s past and present. These alleyways, or hutong (though locals might call them longtang or xiaoxiang), are where Chongqing’s soul truly resides.

The Allure of Chongqing’s Alleyways

Unlike Beijing’s hutongs or Shanghai’s shikumen, Chongqing’s alleyways are uniquely shaped by the city’s mountainous terrain. Staircases cut through steep slopes, and homes cling to cliffsides, creating a vertical urban maze. These hidden passages are where you’ll find old teahouses, family-run noodle shops, and street art that blends tradition with modernity.

Ciqikou’s Backstreets: A Step Back in Time

Ciqikou, often dubbed "Old Chongqing," is a well-known ancient town, but its charm lies in the quieter alleys branching off the main tourist drag. Wander away from the souvenir stalls, and you’ll stumble upon:

• Qinglong Alley: A narrow lane where artisans still hand-make suancai (pickled vegetables) and la jiao (chili paste).
• Stone-Step Paths: These weathered stairs lead to tucked-away courtyards where elderly locals play mahjong under banyan trees.

Pro tip: Visit early morning when the mist rolls in, and the alleyways feel like a scene from an old Chinese painting.

Shancheng Alley: Where History Meets Hipster Culture

Near Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s Times Square equivalent, Shancheng Alley is a fascinating blend of old and new. Once a dilapidated neighborhood, it’s now a hotspot for:

• Vintage Bookstores: Like Wan Nian (Eternity), where you can sip tea while flipping through decades-old magazines.
• Street Art Murals: Local artists have transformed crumbling walls into vibrant canvases depicting Chongqing’s bangbang (porters) and 1980s street life.

Don’t miss the hidden xiaomian (noodle) joints here—order a bowl of xiaomian with er jing tiao chili, a Chongqing staple.

The Secret Food Havens

Chongqing’s alleyways are a goldmine for foodies. Forget fancy restaurants; the best flavors are found in unassuming spots where locals queue daily.

Hongya Cave’s Hidden Bites

Hongya Cave’s glittering stilted houses draw crowds, but the real magic is in the shadowy lanes behind it:

• Alleyway Barbecue: Skewers of chuanr (grilled meat) sizzle over charcoal, served with a side of ma la (numbing-spicy) seasoning.
• Breakfast Stalls: Steamed baozi (buns) stuffed with fuqi feipian (spicy sliced beef and offal) are a local favorite.

Nanshan’s Mountain-Side Eateries

The alleys winding up Nanshan hill are dotted with laozao (old-school) eateries. Try:

• Yanwo Xi’s Spicy Frog: A tiny joint where the shuizhu (water-boiled) frog dish will make you sweat—in the best way.
• Alleyway Hotpot: Smaller, family-run versions of the city’s famed hotpot, often with secret broth recipes.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

For travelers tired of crowds, these lesser-known alleyways offer solitude and surprises.

Tongyuanli’s Time Capsule

This nearly forgotten alley near Chaotianmen feels frozen in the 1990s. Highlights include:

• Abandoned Factories: Now repurposed as indie galleries showcasing Chongqing’s industrial past.
• Rooftop Gardens: Climb the rickety stairs to find residents growing chongcai (potherb mustard) in recycled containers.

Dafosi’s Spiritual Side

Tucked behind the grand Dafosi Temple, these alleys are lined with:

• Incense Workshops: Where monks and locals still hand-roll sandalwood sticks.
• Calligraphy Scribes: Elderly masters write chunlian (spring couplets) for Lunar New Year.

Navigating the Alleyways Like a Local

Chongqing’s alleys can be disorienting, but that’s part of the fun. Here’s how to explore like a pro:

• Follow the Smells: If you catch whiffs of chili oil or roasting chestnuts, you’re on the right track.
• Look for Red Lanterns: Often marking hidden teahouses or family-run xiaochi (snack) stalls.
• Ask the Bangbang: These porters know every shortcut and hole-in-the-wall spot.

Chongqing’s alleyways are more than just shortcuts—they’re living museums, culinary hubs, and quiet escapes from the city’s breakneck pace. So next time you’re in Chongqing, ditch the map and let the alleys lead the way.