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Liziba Monorail Station Chongqing

4.5
·205 reviews·, China

Witness the iconic Chongqing monorail glide through a residential building, a marvel of urban engineering born from a mountainous landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Good lookout viewpoint

Liziba Monorail Station Chongqing

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the iconic Chongqing monorail glide through a residential building, a marvel of urban engineering born from a mountainous landscape.

4.5
(205 reviews)

"The famous 'train through the building' is an interesting and unique sight that attracts many visitors."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Find the designated viewing platform for the best angles. Be patient, trains are frequent!

☀️ Sun Protection Needed

The viewing area has no shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during sunny days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Train Through the Building

The Train Through the Building

Liziba Station

Witness the iconic sight of a monorail train gliding directly through a 19-story residential building. A true marvel of engineering!

Photo Opportunity

Photo Opportunity

Viewing platform near Liziba Station

Capture the surreal moment of the train entering or exiting the apartment block. Many visitors strike a pose to 'eat' the train for a fun shot.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Trains pass through Liziba Station every few minutes, making it easy to catch the spectacle. However, this also means it can get crowded with tourists vying for the perfect photo. Arrive early or be prepared to share the space.

Chongqing's Unique Terrain

Liziba Station is a testament to Chongqing's innovative urban planning, born out of its challenging mountainous landscape. The monorail's integration into a residential building is a clever solution to maximize space.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Unique city lights glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

CHINA TRAVEL TIPS 🇨🇳 A sight to behold! If you’re planning to visit the Liziba Station 李子坝站 in Chongqing, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Iconic sight of Chongqing: Known for its unique design with the metro line passes directly through a residential building. It’s one of the iconic symbol of Chongqing’s unique terrain. 2. Photo opportunity: a popular photo spot 打卡点. While ground floor ...
@cassakating
403.8K likes • 7.8M views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Find the designated viewing platform for the best angles. Be patient, trains are frequent! InstagramReddit

☀️ Sun Protection Needed

The viewing area has no shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during sunny days. Reddit

📍Liziba Station 🚉 in Chongqing 🇨🇳 #zawshinehtet #shine #chinatrip #chongqing #trainstation
@zawshinehtet15
30.6K likes • 223.3K views
Did you know that Chongqing’s Liziba Station is built directly through a 19-story residential skyscraper, allowing trains to pass through the building’s sixth to eighth floors? Opened in 2004 as part of Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2, this engineering marvel was designed to maximize land use in the city's mountainous and densely populated terrain. Instead of demolishing buildings for railway expans...
architecturediscuss
376 likes • 31.3K views

🚶‍♂️ It's a Quick Stop

Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here. It's a unique sight, but not an all-day attraction. Reddit

🚇 Use the Metro

Liziba Station is easily accessible via Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. TikTok

Chongqing’s iconic Liziba Metro Station is a marvel of urban engineering! It’s one of the few places in the world where the metro line passes directly through a residential building. 📍Chongqing - China
shanghai.dre
22.5K likes • 410.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Find the designated viewing platform for the best angles. Be patient, trains are frequent! InstagramReddit

☀️ Sun Protection Needed

The viewing area has no shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during sunny days. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ It's a Quick Stop

Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here. It's a unique sight, but not an all-day attraction. Reddit

🚇 Use the Metro

Liziba Station is easily accessible via Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. TikTok

🚫 Not Permanently Closed

Despite some rumors, Liziba Station is operational and a popular tourist spot. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(205 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Liziba Station is celebrated for its incredibly unique engineering and the surreal sight of a monorail passing through a residential building. Visitors love the frequent trains and the excellent photo opportunities, making it a memorable stop in Chongqing. However, be prepared for significant crowds, which can sometimes make capturing the perfect shot challenging.

"The famous “train through the building” in Chongqing is an interesting and unique sight that attracts many visitors. It’s definitely a must-visit spot for photo taking, as the view of the train passing directly through the apartment block is unlike anything else. The good part is trains come every few minutes, so you don’t need to wait too long to catch the moment. However, the area can be quite crowded with tourists all aiming for the same shots, which may limit your angles. Overall, it’s worth seeing at least once, but be prepared for some crowding and limited photo space."

LEE

"The Liziba Viewing Platform is one of those must-see spots in Chongqing where you truly appreciate the city’s unique engineering and urban design. Standing on the platform, you get a clear view of the light rail line literally passing through a residential building — something you won’t find in many other cities around the world.

It’s a short stop but definitely worth the visit. The trains run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long before catching the surreal sight of them gliding smoothly through the building. The platform itself is well-maintained, with ample space for visitors to take photos and enjoy the spectacle.

This place perfectly sums up Chongqing’s reputation as a city of hills, bridges, and innovative urban planning. A quick visit, but one that leaves a lasting impression."

Crumpled Nomad

"Instagram worthy place. Go here if you must take that perfect shot of the train going into the building. Be prepared for the crowds and souvenir sellers trying to bug you to buy their stuff.

Liziba is noted as China's first light rail overhead station built through and packed with a block of flats on Chongqing Rail Transit 2 (CRT 2)."

Donovan Leong

What People Like

Unique engineering feat
Iconic photo opportunities
Frequent train schedule

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Liziba Station is by taking Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. Alight at the Liziba Station itself. It's a well-known stop, so it's hard to miss! TikTok

Yes, Liziba Station is a prominent landmark and a popular tourist destination. Signs are usually clear, and it's a direct stop on Line 2 of the Chongqing Metro. TikTok

While driving is possible, parking can be challenging in such a dense urban area. Using the metro is generally more convenient and recommended for tourists. Reddit

The best experience involves taking Line 2 to the station, getting off, and heading to the viewing platform to watch the trains pass through the building. InstagramReddit

Yes, the monorail station is built directly into the residential building, so public transport is integrated right there. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You do not need a separate ticket to visit the viewing area around Liziba Station. However, you will need a metro ticket to ride Line 2 to get there. Reddit

The station itself operates according to the metro's schedule. The viewing area is accessible whenever trains are running, typically from early morning to late evening. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to see the train pass through the building. It's a public spectacle. Reddit

No, you cannot enter the residential apartments. The station is built through specific floors, and access is restricted to the public viewing areas and the train platform. Instagram+1

No, Liziba Station is not permanently closed. It remains an active and popular tourist attraction. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The dedicated viewing platform offers the clearest and most iconic shots of the train passing through the building. InstagramReddit

Trains run frequently, typically every few minutes, so you won't have to wait long to capture the moment. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed from the public viewing areas. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Instagram

You can capture the unique engineering feat of the train entering and exiting the building, as well as creative shots like tourists pretending to 'eat' the train. Instagram

Surprisingly, it's not very noisy. The station floors are designed to minimize sound, and locals report it's quieter than a refrigerator. Reddit

ℹ️ 💡 General Tips

Bring your camera or phone for photos, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, and comfortable shoes as you might do some walking. Reddit

Yes, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends, as many people come to see the unique sight. Reddit

You might find some souvenir vendors in the vicinity, but the primary attraction is the station itself. Reddit

It's famous for being a monorail station built directly through a residential apartment building, a unique solution to Chongqing's dense and hilly terrain. Instagram+2

For its unique engineering and photo opportunities, it's considered a must-visit for many tourists in Chongqing. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Liziba Station offers a unique and exciting visual for children. The sight of a train going through a building is often captivating for younger visitors. The frequent train schedule means kids won't have to wait long to see the main attraction. It's a relatively short visit, making it manageable for families. Remember to bring sunscreen and hats, as the viewing area can be exposed to the sun. Reddit

While there aren't specific play areas, the novelty of the station itself serves as entertainment. It's a great spot for a quick, memorable photo opportunity that kids will talk about. Ensure children stay within designated viewing areas for their safety. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Liziba Station is a dream location for photographers and content creators seeking unique shots. The iconic train-through-building view is highly photogenic, especially when the train is in motion. Experiment with different angles from the viewing platform to capture the scale and engineering marvel. Instagram+1

Consider visiting during different times of day to play with lighting. Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots, while evenings can provide interesting city light backdrops. Be prepared for other visitors, and be patient to get your perfect frame. The 'eating the train' pose is a popular trend for social media content. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

As a solo traveler, Liziba Station is an easy and rewarding stop. It's directly accessible via the metro and requires no special booking. You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here, soaking in the unique atmosphere and capturing photos without needing a travel companion. TikTokReddit

It's a great place to observe local life and fellow tourists. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations or ask others to take your photo. The frequent train schedule means you can manage your time efficiently, fitting it into a busy itinerary. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Engineering Marvel in a Mountain City

Liziba Station is more than just a quirky tourist spot; it's a brilliant example of Chongqing's innovative urban planning. Due to the city's extremely hilly terrain and limited flat land, engineers had to get creative. Instead of demolishing a 19-story residential building to make way for the monorail line, they ingeniously routed the tracks directly through floors six to eight. This solution not only saved valuable space but also became an iconic symbol of the city's ability to adapt and build vertically. The construction of the railway and the building began concurrently, ensuring that the integration was seamless and soundproofed for residents. InstagramReddit+1

The result is a station that is remarkably quiet. The noise from passing trains is often compared to the sound of people talking, a testament to the thoughtful design that prioritizes the well-being of the building's inhabitants. This unique approach to urban development is a key reason why Chongqing is often referred to as a 'mountain city' with a futuristic feel. Visitors are often amazed by how seamlessly the modern infrastructure blends with the existing urban fabric, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to city living. Reddit

This engineering feat has made Liziba Station a must-see attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe who are fascinated by its unconventional design. It's a perfect illustration of how cities can overcome geographical challenges with creative solutions, making it a compelling stop for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, or simply experiencing something truly unique. TikTokInstagram

The Tourist Experience at Liziba

Visiting Liziba Station is a quintessential Chongqing experience, often highlighted in travel vlogs and social media posts. The primary draw is, of course, the iconic sight of the monorail train passing directly through the residential building. Tourists gather at a designated viewing platform, cameras ready, to capture this surreal spectacle. Trains run frequently, usually every few minutes, so the wait is minimal, allowing for multiple photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Many visitors engage in playful photo sessions, striking poses to mimic 'eating' the train or standing in awe as it glides by. This has become a popular ritual for social media sharing, adding a fun, interactive element to the visit. While the views are spectacular, it's important to be prepared for crowds, as this unique attraction draws significant numbers of tourists, especially during peak hours and seasons. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the main event, the area around Liziba Station offers a glimpse into the daily life of Chongqing. While the station itself is a marvel, the surrounding neighborhood provides context for the city's dense urban environment. It's a relatively quick stop, with most visitors spending around 30 to 60 minutes to witness the train and snap photos. Reddit

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