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 Ippati2025-11-1115 min

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

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 1:32Lady covering her mouth
  3. 2:16Yangtze River Cableway
  4. 3:27Liziba Light Rail Station
  5. 4:01The Ring Mall
  6. 5:29Massage before bed
  7. 5:45Ciqikou Ancient Town
  8. 10:06Capibara Cafè
  9. 10:52Raffles Tower
  10. 13:28Driving home and swim in the pool
  11. 14:18Outro

Alessandro Ippati explores Chongqing, China's "weirdest" city, experiencing its unique attractions like the Yangtze River Cableway and Liziba train. He discovers ancient towns, enjoys local food, and shares travel tips for staying connected.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1China has extended its free visa for 2026 for many EU countries, making it an ideal time to plan a trip. (1:00)
  2. Tip 2The Yangtze River Cableway is a must-see attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of Chongqing's unique cityscape from above. (2:25)
  3. Tip 3Visit the Liziba light rail station to witness the fascinating experience of a train passing directly through a building. (3:38)
  4. Tip 4Explore Chikiku Ancient Town for a journey back in time, immersing yourself in traditional Bayu culture and Ming/Qing Dynasty architecture. (5:50)
  5. Tip 5Chikiku Ancient Town offers authentic experiences like traditional tea houses, Sichuan opera, and delicious local street food. (7:00)
  6. Tip 6Ensure you have a reliable way to stay connected in China, like a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN, to access social media and the internet. (9:07)
  7. Tip 7Raffles Tower provides incredible views of Chongqing; consider visiting the skybridge for a unique architectural perspective. (10:54)
  8. Tip 8Enjoy a final evening with a relaxing swim in a hotel pool offering spectacular night views of the city. (13:54)

Alessandro Ippati's travel vlog dives into the unique charm of Chongqing, a city he dubs China's "weirdest." This episode captures the final two days of his family's unforgettable trip, highlighting experiences that made it the "best trip of my life." From the breathtaking views on the Yangtze River Cableway, offering an aerial perspective of the city's layered architecture, to the fascinating Liziba light rail that runs through a building, Chongqing continuously surprises. The journey also includes a visit to the vibrant Chikiku Ancient Town, a glimpse into traditional Chinese life with its Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, bustling tea houses, and delicious street food. A moment of profound inner peace was felt, an energy Alessandro will cherish. Practical tips emerge, like the importance of a Holafly e-SIM with VPN for staying connected and accessing blocked social media. The adventure culminates with a visit to Raffles Tower, offering stunning city views, and a relaxing final night by the hotel's pool.

More about the current video:( 3 / 4 )

Why Chongqing Is China's Weirdest City

Alessandro Ippati's exploration of Chongqing, dubbed China's "weirdest city," reveals a truly unforgettable family adventure. This episode covers the final two days of their trip, which Alessandro describes as the "best trip of my life." The journey begins with a breathtaking ride on the Yangtze River Cableway, offering panoramic views of Chongqing's unique, layered cityscape, a truly "thrilling" experience. A surprising sight was someone swimming in the river below, prompting a moment of lighthearted disbelief.

Next, the vlog highlights the iconic Liziba light rail, famous for passing directly through a residential building, a testament to Chongqing's innovative urban planning. As the sun began to set, the family enjoyed dinner at the Rings Mall, captivated by its indoor garden and waterfall. The following morning was dedicated to stepping back in time at Chikiku Ancient Town. This thousand-year-old hub, with its Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, offers a vivid glimpse into authentic Bayu culture, complete with bustling tea houses, Sichuan opera performances, and an array of tempting street food.

Alessandro shares a profound personal moment, describing a powerful sense of inner peace and positive energy felt during his visit, an experience he will carry with him always. He also offers a crucial travel tip for navigating China: the necessity of a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN. This service ensures connectivity and access to social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, which are otherwise blocked. The family utilized this service extensively, allowing the children to stay connected even during transit.

The exploration continues with a visit to the unique Capibara Cafe, where the children delighted in meeting the animals. The trip culminates at Raffles Tower, an architectural marvel offering spectacular views of the city. Alessandro, battling vertigo, explored the mall with his younger child while his wife and older daughter ascended the tower. The evening concluded with a relaxing swim in the hotel's pool, overlooking the glittering city lights, a perfect end to their Chongqing adventure. Alessandro expresses gratitude for his viewers and promises more China content, including an upcoming episode on Leshan and the Great Buddha.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing about Chongqing?
A: The city's unique urban planning, like the train going through a building, and the sheer layered architecture were incredibly surprising and fascinating.
Q: What is a must-do experience in Chongqing?
A: Riding the Yangtze River Cableway is a must-do for incredible panoramic views of the city's dramatic skyline.
Q: What's the best way to stay connected in China?
A: Using a Holafly e-SIM with a VPN is highly recommended to access the internet and social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
Q: What can you experience in Chikiku Ancient Town?
A: You can step back in time with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, enjoy traditional tea houses, Sichuan opera, and sample delicious street food.
Q: What was the overall feeling of the trip?
A: Alessandro described feeling an incredible sense of inner peace and positive energy, making it a truly memorable experience.

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