Chongqing, one of China’s most fascinating megacities, is often described as a city built in layers, where the concept of a “ground floor” barely exists. Nestled within the hilly Sichuan Basin and surrounded by the mighty Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, this city defies conventional urban planning. With buildings that connect to different roads on multiple levels, bridges that appear to float in the sky, and streets stacked atop one another, Chongqing feels more like a real-life Escher painting than a traditional metropolis.
The Geography that Shaped a Vertical City
Chongqing’s topography is the primary reason behind its unusual urban design. The city is built on a landscape of steep hills, cliffs, and deep valleys. Unlike flatland cities where roads and buildings align neatly, Chongqing’s infrastructure has adapted to the uneven terrain. As a result, the same building might have different entrance levels depending on which side you approach it from. What appears to be the ground floor from one street might be the fifth floor from another.
This unique geography has led to some of the most distinctive urban planning features in the world. The roads twist and turn, often crossing over each other at staggering heights. Some buildings have entrances at different altitudes, making it possible to step out from one level onto a street and later exit from another level onto a completely different road.
Buildings Without a True Ground Floor
Many of Chongqing’s buildings appear to have no clear ground floor. Skyscrapers built into the hillsides often have their main entrance located in the middle of the structure. An example of this phenomenon is the Chongqing Raffles City complex, where one can enter at street level on the 30th floor and then take an elevator down to reach the lower floors.
Another famous example is the Hongya Cave, a traditional-style multi-level complex that seems to defy logic. Depending on where you enter, you might feel like you’re walking into the first floor or the tenth. This structure, which is perched on the side of a cliff, is a major tourist attraction due to its unique design and breathtaking views of the riverbanks.
Multi-Level Roads and Bridges
Chongqing’s roads are another marvel. The city boasts one of the most complex and intricate multi-layered highway systems in the world. The Huangjuewan Interchange is an engineering masterpiece with five levels of roads that can take drivers in multiple directions. First-time visitors often struggle with navigation, as GPS applications may fail to recognize which level of the road a vehicle is actually on.
Bridges in Chongqing are also a sight to behold. Since the city is interwoven with mountains and rivers, massive bridges are necessary to connect different districts. The Qiansimen Bridge, which links the bustling Jiefangbei area with Hongya Cave, looks as if it’s suspended in mid-air, adding to the city’s sci-fi aesthetic.
A Subway That Passes Through Buildings
One of the most famous and viral images of Chongqing is the Liziba Monorail Station, where the city’s light rail system literally passes through a residential building. The train enters and exits the structure without disturbing the residents, as soundproofing techniques ensure minimal noise. This station has become an iconic representation of how Chongqing’s urban planning seamlessly blends modern transport solutions with its challenging topography.
A City That Redefines Urban Living
Chongqing’s urban planning challenges traditional notions of how a city should be built. Its multi-level roads, towering bridges, and buildings without clear ground floors make it one of the most unique metropolises in the world. While navigating Chongqing can be a challenge for newcomers, it is precisely this complexity that makes the city an exhilarating place to explore.
For those seeking a cityscape that defies gravity and conventional logic, Chongqing stands as a testament to human ingenuity in urban design. It is a city where up and down are relative, where the streets are stacked, and where the concept of a ground floor is, quite literally, up in the air.