Chongqing's Hidden Slum: A Journey into Unseen China

The Real China Nobody Shows You (Chongqing’s Slum)

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
The Real China Nobody Shows You (Chongqing’s Slum)
Homeless Pelican2025-06-1521 min

In this video, I’ll show you The Real China Nobody Shows You – Chongqing’s hidden slum district. Chongqing isn’t just the biggest city in China — it’s the largest in the world. But beyond the towering skyline and modern streets lie untouristic, shady areas that few outsiders ever see. I take you deep inside one of these places — a district China would rather keep off the map. Locals call them urban villages — poor neighborhoods where migrants from the countryside live in their own way, disconnected from the city’s rules and image. Life here is raw, rough, and completely different from what you expect in modern China. Inside this slum, I witnessed things most travelers never do: street gambling, animals sold in open markets, and women offering “special services.” Is it safe? Can you really find happiness here? Watch to find out.

--- Homeless Pelican
June 15, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Entering the slum area
  2. 0:35Introduction by Homeless Pelican
  3. 1:12Meeting Polish friends
  4. 2:12Unique entrance to the area
  5. 4:33Inquiring about rent prices
  6. 6:00Friendly local interactions
  7. 7:04Public toilet and police presence
  8. 8:18Local gambling spot
  9. 9:17Police station in the neighborhood
  10. 10:44Snakes sold on the street
  11. 12:12Animals in the market
  12. 15:36Mahjong game in progress
  13. 16:25Women offering services
  14. 20:33Concluding thoughts

Homeless Pelican explores Chongqing's hidden slum, revealing surprising contrasts and heartwarming encounters with locals. A raw, authentic look at life beyond China's modern facade.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Be cautious of exposed wires in older areas of Chongqing, as they can be dangerous. A recent fatality highlights this risk. (2:24)
  2. Tip 2Rent in this Chongqing slum district ranges from 500 to 1000 yuan per month, according to local residents. (5:47)
  3. Tip 3Despite appearances, this Chongqing slum is surprisingly safe, with constant CCTV monitoring and police patrols, both day and night. (7:26)
  4. Tip 4While the area is characterized by local food, you can still use QR code payments, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern commerce. (11:24)
  5. Tip 5While gambling is illegal in China, it is openly practiced in some areas. Be mindful of local laws and regulations. (15:43)
  6. Tip 6Prices for certain services in this area range from 30 to 100 yuan, approximately $4 to $13 USD. This is based on online research and should be taken as an observation, not a recommendation. (20:03)

Homeless Pelican takes us on an unexpected journey through Chongqing's hidden slum district, revealing a side of China rarely seen by tourists. He navigates narrow alleyways, encounters friendly locals, and witnesses a unique blend of traditional and modern life. The video offers a glimpse into the daily lives of residents, their resilience, and the surprising safety of this often-misunderstood area. It's a captivating exploration of urban contrasts and human connection.

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The Real China Nobody Shows You (Chongqing’s Slum)

This vlog by Homeless Pelican offers a unique perspective on Chongqing, China, venturing beyond the typical tourist trail into a hidden slum district. The video begins with a description of the area as "shady," with rats running around. Homeless Pelican, along with Polish friends, interacts with locals, highlighting the unexpected friendliness and safety of the neighborhood despite its appearance.

The exploration reveals a multi-layered city, where seemingly ordinary buildings conceal complex inner neighborhoods. The contrast between old, dilapidated structures and modern condos is striking, showcasing the juxtaposition of poverty and affluence within Chongqing. Homeless Pelican's observations highlight the daily lives of residents, including street gambling, open-air markets selling animals, and the presence of women offering services.

Despite the initial impression of danger, Homeless Pelican emphasizes the safety of the area, noting the presence of police and CCTV cameras. The video also showcases the warmth and curiosity of the local residents, who engage with Homeless Pelican and his friends. Homeless Pelican documents the unique experiences, including the cost of rent (500-1000 yuan), local food, and games like Mahjong. The video ends with a reflection on the resilience of the community and the surprising happiness found within the slum. Homeless Pelican’s journey challenges preconceived notions of China and provides a compassionate and insightful portrayal of a community often overlooked.

The video's unique value lies in its raw and authentic portrayal of life in Chongqing's hidden slum, offering viewers a glimpse into a side of China rarely seen. Homeless Pelican's interactions with locals, his observations on the contrasts within the city, and his emphasis on the safety and friendliness of the community create a compelling narrative. The video concludes by questioning whether this area truly constitutes a slum, leaving the viewer to ponder the complexities of defining such a term. The exploration of this hidden part of Chongqing offers a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the rent like in this area?
A: It's around 500 to 1000 yuan a month, depending on the place.
Q: Is it safe there?
A: Yeah, surprisingly! There are police and cameras everywhere, and everyone was friendly.
Q: What's the most unusual thing you saw?
A: Probably the snakes and chickens being sold right on the street!
Q: What did the locals think of you filming?
A: Most were curious, some asked where we were from. One group didn't want us to film their boss.
Q: What about the services offered by some women?
A: I heard the prices can be as low as 30 yuan, but I didn't go into much detail.

Chongqing's Hidden Slum: A Journey into Unseen China

In this video, I’ll show you The Real China Nobody Shows You – Chongqing’s hidden slum district. Chongqing isn’t just the biggest city in China — it’s the largest in the world. But beyond the towering skyline and modern streets lie untouristic, shady areas that few outsiders ever see. I take you deep...

Chongqing's Hidden Slum: Urban Village Life in China

Venture into the hidden side of Chongqing, China's largest city, a place rarely seen by tourists. This isn't the gleaming metropolis of skyscrapers; it's a sprawling slum, an urban village where migrant workers live outside the city's polished facade. Experience the rawness of street life, from gambling to open-air animal markets and other unexpected sights. Discover a side of China that challenges perceptions and reveals a different kind of reality.

Attractions in this video: Zhu Long Cave