Hidden Gems in Chongqing: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Xiahaoli ScE

The CHINA You Have NEVER SEEN Before!

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
The CHINA You Have NEVER SEEN Before!
Malina's Vibe2025-05-0917 min

In this vlog, Malina’s Vibe guides you through three hidden spots in Chongqing that reveal a quiet, less touristy side of China. We start in Ciqikou Ancient Town, wandering through traditional lanes, sampling snacks, and soaking in local music and shops that echo the old China vibe. Then we move to Xiahaoli Scenic Area for a calm nature walk among green hills, with a forest waterfall tucked away for a peaceful, almost magical moment. The journey ends at the Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint, where sweeping city lights and the Yangtze River bridge offer a fresh angle on the city’s modern and historic blend. Let’s hear which spot you’d pick and what one surprising thing about China you’ve never seen is. See you on the next adventure.

--- Malina's Vibe
May 9, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro music and plan
  2. 01:31Arrives at ancient city Ciqikou
  3. 02:22Snack samples and umbrella fashion
  4. 09:58Second destination Xiahaoli Scenic Area
  5. 12:44Waterfall view and waterfalls nearby
  6. 14:55Matcha break and rain delay
  7. 16:04Final arrival at Grand Theatre Viewpoint

Malina explores three hidden Chongqing spots: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Xiahaoli Scenic Area with a secret waterfall, and the Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint, mix

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Use AliPay or WeChat to pay for rides; always confirm safety prompts in-app before starting a ride to ensure a smooth trip. (00:40)
  2. Tip 2Shop the Ciqikou stalls for samples and small gifts; try the local snacks and tea, and don’t miss the umbrella culture that helps shade both sun and rain. (02:27)
  3. Tip 3Explore Xiahaoli by wandering the stair-maze of cafes and shops; follow the river path for a calm nature break and end with a tasting at a茶馆 tea house. (10:00)
  4. Tip 4Take time at the waterfall view cafe; the view is worth the climb, and grab a matcha or tea with a front-row seat to the water. (13:50)
  5. Tip 5From train exit to the Grand Theatre area: follow crowds and signage, turning right after exit to reach Hungadong and the final overlook. (16:20)

Malina’s Vibe spends a day in Chongqing chasing three distinctly different vibes that reveal a quieter side of China. The adventure begins in Ciqikou Ancient Town, where traditional lanes buzz with snack samples, umbrella fashion, and photo shoot vibes, all set against a mix of old architecture and modern touches. She explains how shopping here works, from sample tastings to gifting, and even tries local teas and a few bites, all while navigating the maze-like streets and clever ways locals use umbrellas for sun and rain. After a long wander through the ancient street maze, she moves to Xiahaoli Scenic Area, a green hillside escape with hidden nooks, a forest waterfall, and a city view that feels almost magical. The day continues with coffee, tea houses, and a playful chase through a maze-like district that blends coffee culture with small bakeries and art, before culminating at the Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint. From high-energy lanes to serene water views, Malina shares her tips,

More about the current video:( 3 / 13 )

The CHINA You Have NEVER SEEN Before!

Malina begins her day in Chongqing, explaining how she orders a ride and pays through AliPay, noting the driver’s safety prompt audio. She explores Ciqikou Ancient Town, admiring its mix of old architecture and new retail, sampling snacks, and observing locals under colorful umbrellas. She comments on tea culture and small gifts, and even tries a pork snack as she wades through a labyrinth of shops. After a long wander, she shifts to Xiahaoli Scenic Area, describing a calm nature walk and a hidden waterfall, matched with cafes and matchesa stops along the way. The afternoon brings a final destination, a modern yet historic blend at the Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint, where lights and river views cap the day. She ends by asking viewers which spot they’d pick and what one surprising, unseen aspect of China they’ve encountered would be. The episode balances intimate local moments—umbrellas, tea rituals, and sample tastings—with sweeping cityscapes and a treasure-hunt-like exploration of a maze-like district. Traveler Malina mentions sharing the favorites and invites comments for the next adventure.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What’s the vibe of Ciqikou Ancient Town?
A: A lively maze of traditional lanes, sampling stalls, with a modern twist—perfect for photos and tasty bites.

Hidden Gems in Chongqing: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Xiahaoli ScE

Unseen China: 3 Hidden Gems in Chongqing! In this vlog, we explore 3 beautiful places in Chongqing, China that many people don’t know about! Come with me as we walk through the China you have NEVER SEEN before! We will discover an old town, find a secret waterfall and enjoy amazing city views! 🎥...

Three Hidden Chongqing Spots That Blend Old and New in One Day

Malina’s Vibe takes viewers on a three-spot journey through Chongqing to reveal the unseen side of China. The video opens with a stroll through Ciqikou Ancient Town, where time seems to slow down among traditional houses, local snacks, live music, and bustling small shops that paint a vivid picture of old China. Next, we drift into Xiahaoli Scenic Area, a tranquil escape into green hills and birdsong, where a hidden waterfall invites a peaceful moment of natural magic amid forest paths. The finale offers a sweeping perspective from Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint, capturing the city’s luminous skyline, the Yangtze River bridge, and a striking blend of modern architecture with cultural heritage. Throughout, the host invites viewers to weigh in on their favorite spot and to share one thing about China they’ve never seen before, setting a curious, adventure‑driven tone for more explorations of the unseen China.”

Attractions in this video: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Xiahaoli Scenic Area, Chongqing Grand Theatre Viewpoint, Yangtze River Bridge, Hungadong View