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Chongqing Travel Guide: Yangtze River Cableway & Liziba Station

Why Chongqing Is China's Weirdest City

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation: 32 million
Why Chongqing Is China's Weirdest City
Alessandro Ippati15 min

Why Chongqing Is China's Weirdest City. This was filmed by Alessandro Ippati. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

This will be Episode 2 of Chongqing. It was most probably the best trip of my life. The Kids loved it! In this episode I will show you our last two days in Chongquing. Stay tuned 'cause every Tuesday at 7:00 PM there will be a new Episode. Episode 3 LESHAN and the Great Budda. Or, at least I will try...

--- Alessandro Ippati
November 11, 2025, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Alessandro Ippati calls Chongqing China's weirdest city and the final two days of his family's trip the best of his life. The family rides the Yangtze River Cableway, seeing the layered city from above, and watches the Liziba light rail pass through a residential building. After dinner at the Rings Mall and its indoor garden and waterfall, they visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. There Alessandro sees Ming and Qing architecture, tea houses, Sichuan opera and local food, and describes a moment of inner peace. The family also visits a capybara cafe, which the children enjoy, and Raffles Tower. Alessandro mentions that vertigo keeps him in the mall with his younger child while his wife and older daughter go up the tower. He explains that a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN helped them reach internet and social apps such as Instagram and WhatsApp during the trip. They finish with a swim in the hotel pool overlooking Chongqing's night lights.

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Why Chongqing Is China's Weirdest City

Cableway, Liziba and the old town

Alessandro Ippati calls Chongqing China’s “weirdest” city and describes these as the final two days of his family’s trip, which he considers the best of his life. They ride the Yangtze River Cableway and look over the city’s layered buildings and the river. During the ride, they notice someone swimming below, a sight that surprises them. At Liziba, the family watches a light-rail train pass directly through a residential building, one of the city’s striking transport features.

The family has dinner at the Rings Mall, where they see an indoor garden and waterfall. Before bed, they also stop for a massage. The next morning they visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, with its Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, traditional tea houses, Sichuan opera and local street food. Alessandro describes a feeling of inner peace and positive energy during the visit. The family later goes to the Capibara Cafe, where the children meet the animals.

Raffles Tower and the final evening

At Raffles Tower, Alessandro’s vertigo means he and his younger child stay in the mall while his wife and older daughter go up the tower. The building offers views over Chongqing, and the family ends the evening with a swim in their hotel pool overlooking the city lights. These stops round out the last two days with a mix of the cableway, transport, old-town culture, a cafe and a high-rise landmark.

Alessandro says his family used a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN during the trip to stay connected and access services such as Instagram and WhatsApp. He says the service helped them get online during transit as well as at their destinations, and that the children could stay connected while traveling. The episode also closes with Alessandro thanking viewers and promising more China travel, including a later video about Leshan and the Great Buddha. His account moves from Chongqing’s layered cityscape to Ciqikou’s historic streets and back to the modern skyline, while keeping the family’s specific stops and experiences at the center.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing about Chongqing?
A: Alessandro was surprised by Chongqing’s unusual urban layout, with layered streets and buildings. He also highlights the Liziba light rail passing through a residential building and the city’s steep, multi-level terrain.
Q: What is a notable way to see Chongqing from above?
A: Alessandro rides the Yangtze River Cableway and describes its panoramic view over the city’s layered landscape.
Q: How did Alessandro’s family stay connected in China?
A: He says they used a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN to access the internet and social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
Q: What did the family see in Ciqikou Ancient Town?
A: They visited an area with Ming and Qing architecture and Bayu culture, and saw tea houses, Sichuan opera and street food.
Q: What did Alessandro say about the trip?
A: He called it the best trip of his life and describes feeling inner peace and positive energy during the visit to Ciqikou.

Previous travel video:

Chongqing Travel Guide: Yangtze River Cableway & Liziba Station

This will be Episode 2 of Chongqing It was most probably the best trip of my life. The Kids loved it! In this episode I will show you our last two days in Chongquing. Stay tuned 'cause every Tuesday at 7:00 PM there will be a new Episode. Episode 3 LESHAN and the Great Budda. Or, at least I will...

Chongqing Travel Vlog: Weirdest City Adventures & Tips

Embark on a journey to Chongqing, China's most fascinating metropolis! This video plunges you into the heart of a city that defies expectations, offering a glimpse into its unique urban landscape and vibrant culture. From breathtaking cable car rides over the Yangtze River to the iconic Liziba train station that cuts through buildings, Chongqing promises an unforgettable adventure. Explore ancient alleyways and modern marvels, experiencing a city that truly lives up to its 'cyberpunk' reputation.

Attractions in this video: Yangtze River Cableway, Liziba Train Station, Chikiku Ancient Town, Raffles Tower, Hongya Cave