Few sights say Chongqing quite like the Liziba monorail passing through a residential building. Line 2 of the Chongqing rail transit runs on an elevated monorail track, and at Liziba the train enters the middle floors of a high-rise apartment block and stops at a station inside it. The image went viral and has become a must-see, but it is also a practical demonstration of how the city was built: on steep terrain with limited flat land, so that transport, homes and roads occupy several levels at once. The best place to watch the train arrive is from the public viewing platform across the road, where visitors queue for pictures as the carriages disappear into the building and re-emerge on the far side. Chongqing's monorail is also a genuinely scenic way to ride, with views over the Jialing River and the hillside neighbourhoods. The private day tour we link names the monorail, a ferry crossing and other quirky landmarks, so you can see the multi-layered city through one guided day.
How to visit
Liziba is on Line 2 and is easy to reach by metro. For the photograph, head to the dedicated viewing platform opposite the building, which is a short walk from the station exit, and wait for the next train. Trains run frequently, so you will not wait long. The linked tour combines the monorail with a ferry and other landmarks, so check the details for the route, the group size, the pick-up and any entry costs.
What to expect
A small, busy viewing area with other photographers, residents going about daily life in the tower above and a train that passes every few minutes. You can also ride through the building yourself and step off at the station. Be considerate of the people who live there, avoid pointing cameras into windows and keep voices down. The surrounding streets are ordinary neighbourhood streets, which makes the whole stop a good glimpse of everyday Chongqing.
Making the most of it
Ride the monorail instead of only looking at it. The elevated line gives views across the river and into the hillside districts, and a ride from Liziba toward the Jialing River is an easy scenic bonus. Midday and early evening are the busiest for photographers. Daylight is best for seeing the structure, while dusk gives you glowing carriages.
Combine it sensibly
Liziba pairs well with Eling Park, Jiefangbei and Hongyadong, and the ferry crossing in the linked tour gives you a different perspective on the rivers and the city's multi-level layout.
What to expect
The experience
A short metro ride and a viewing-platform stop, or a guided private day that adds a ferry and other landmarks.
Best time
Daylight for the structure, dusk for glowing carriages; avoid the busiest midday crowds if you can.
How long
One to three hours depending on whether you ride the line and add other stops.
Tips
Respect residents, ride the monorail as well as photographing it and keep your payment app ready.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers, families and photographers who like a quirky urban landmark.
- Families
- Children enjoy the train disappearing into a building and a ferry ride is an easy extra.
- Couples
- Ride the monorail at dusk for river views and city lights.
- Pair with
- Eling Park, Jiefangbei and a Hongyadong evening.
- Time needed
- Under half a day.
Good questions
What is special about Liziba?+
At Liziba, a monorail train passes through the middle floors of a residential tower and stops at a station inside it. It shows how Chongqing builds in layers on steep terrain.
Where is the best viewpoint?+
A public viewing platform sits across the road from the building. It is a short walk from the station exit and trains pass every few minutes.
Can I ride through the building?+
Yes. The station is part of the normal metro network, so you can board and step off like any other passenger.
Is it free to watch?+
Watching from the platform is free. You pay only the metro fare if you ride, and any fee for a guided tour.
How should I behave there?+
People live in the tower, so keep noise low and do not point cameras at windows. Treat it as a neighbourhood rather than a theme park.