Chongqing: The Multi-Level ‘Cyberpunk’ City Taking the World by Storm

Writing Time: August-06-2025, 14:00 (U.S. Eastern Time)

Chongqing, China – Once an under-the-radar destination, Chongqing has emerged as one of China’s most visually stunning and structurally unique cities, attracting a growing wave of international visitors. Known as the “8D City” for its mind-bending, multi-level architecture, this mountainous metropolis blends futuristic design with rich history, vibrant street life, and sizzling culinary traditions.

For first-time visitors, navigating Chongqing can feel like stepping into another dimension — and that’s exactly what keeps tourists coming back.

A City That Exceeds Expectations

Canadian travel content creator Joshua Guvi first saw Chongqing on social media and feared reality might fall short. But when he arrived last November, the city far exceeded his expectations.

“Chongqing feels like peering into the future,” Guvi shared on his YouTube channel. “The neon is soaked and alive with motion. This city has its own pulse.”

Located in southwestern China, Chongqing covers an area roughly the size of Austria, with its urban core built on steep hills and riverbanks. Space constraints have forced the city to expand vertically, creating an intricate, multi-layered landscape — even incorporating a functioning train line that passes directly through a residential building.

From Hidden Gem to Global Hotspot

In the past, international travelers often bypassed Chongqing for more famous Chinese cities like Beijing, Xi’an, or Shanghai. But in recent years, word has spread fast — especially on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

One viral post showing a building where “the ground floor is actually the 12th floor” has drawn more than 17 million views. The visual spectacle has become a major selling point for younger travelers seeking destinations off the traditional tourist circuit.

According to the Chongqing government, inbound tourism reached 1.3 million visitors in 2024, a 184% increase compared to the previous year. In the first two months of 2025 alone, foreign entries rose by 60% year-on-year.

Local travel agencies are adapting quickly. Li Tian, a manager at a major tour operator, says international visitors now make up around 10% of their annual 20,000 clients. To meet demand, the agency has introduced tours in English, Spanish, Thai, Japanese, and Korean.

The Rise of Boutique Tourism

American travelers represent the fastest-growing segment, despite limited direct flights from the United States — currently only a once-a-week route on Hainan Airlines.

Chen Ming, founder of a boutique travel company launched in late 2024, says U.S. visitors now account for about 20% of his clientele. His company offers personalized half- and full-day itineraries for small groups, with experiences ranging from old-town walking tours to scenic hiking routes.

Some tours even retrace the viral Chongqing trip of American YouTuber IShowSpeed, including stops at a hillside outdoor escalator, a dramatic 20-story overpass, and the famed Kui Xing Building, whose rooftop plaza doubles as a public space.

A ‘Cyberpunk Dream’ in Real Life

Chongqing’s striking architecture has often been compared to scenes from cyberpunk films. American expat Matthew Blair, who has lived in the city since 2009, describes it as “a futuristic movie set” by day that transforms into “a true cyberpunk dream” at night.

The city’s steep topography has dictated an unusual approach to urban planning. Entrances to the same building may be located on the 1st, 12th, or even 20th floor, depending on street elevation. Transportation, commercial spaces, residential areas, and public plazas are stacked vertically to maximize space.

One of the most famous examples is the Liziba Monorail Station, where a train line passes directly through a residential complex before emerging alongside the Yangtze River.

Culture, Cuisine, and Character

Beyond its jaw-dropping skyline, Chongqing offers an equally compelling cultural and culinary scene.

The city is famous for its hotpot — a fiery, numbing delicacy beloved by locals and visitors alike. Street food stalls, late-night barbecue vendors, and round-the-clock eateries create a vibrant nightlife that keeps the city buzzing until dawn.

“Chongqing’s people are as spicy as their food,” Blair jokes. “They’re generous, loud, and full of life.”

An Economic Powerhouse with Historic Roots

Chongqing is one of China’s four municipalities directly governed by the central government. It has quietly become the nation’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Guangzhou in recent years.

During World War II, the city served as China’s wartime capital, leveraging its mountainous terrain as a natural defense. Today, remnants of military tunnels and air raid shelters have been transformed into cultural attractions — including hotpot restaurants in former bomb shelters.

A City Built for the Future

The municipal government has invested heavily in infrastructure to support both residents and visitors. In June 2025, Chongqing opened a massive high-speed rail station covering 1.22 million square meters, potentially the largest in the world built in a single phase.

Night tourism is also a key focus. Since 2019, the city has installed extensive LED lighting across its skyline and developed multiple observation decks. Regular drone shows, holiday fireworks, and seasonal light displays add to the spectacle.

During peak tourist seasons, locals even receive messages from authorities asking them to avoid busy areas to ensure visitors can enjoy the city without overcrowding.

Visa-Free Travel Boosts Arrivals

China’s recent expansion of visa-free entry has significantly benefited Chongqing’s tourism sector. Since late 2023, citizens from 47 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia, can enter without a visa. Simplified entry policies now cover travelers from 54 nations.

Data from the Chongqing Immigration Bureau shows visa-free arrivals increased by 245% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

A Destination Like No Other

For travelers like Joshua Guvi, Chongqing’s magic lies in its blend of natural landscape, vertical design, and cultural vibrancy.

“I wish we stayed longer,” Guvi admits. “It’s unlike anywhere else in the world.”

With its unique architecture, thriving food culture, and warm, resilient people, Chongqing is poised to become one of Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations for years to come.

Source: CNN – The mindbending ‘cyberpunk city’ in China that exists on so many levels