Liziba Station in Chongqing

Station Address: 39 Liziba Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, floors 6-8 of the commercial-residential building. 
Operating Hours: Chongqing Rail Transit typically operates from 06:30 to 23:49, but schedules may vary on holidays. 
Reason to Visit: To witness and experience the unique “rail through building” design.

Liziba Station in Chongqing is a unique and fascinating stop on Chongqing’s Rail Transit Line 2. Known for its remarkable design where the light rail passes directly through a residential building, Liziba Station has become a popular tourist attraction. Situated in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, the station occupies the 6th to 8th floors of a 19-story residential building, showcasing the innovative and adaptive urban planning necessitated by Chongqing's mountainous terrain. This distinctive architectural feat has made Liziba Station a must-visit spot for both tourists and photography enthusiasts.

Design Highlights of Liziba Station

Liziba Station’s most famous feature is the light rail train passing through a residential building. This design is not an accident but a product of Chongqing's unique geographical conditions and city planning. As a mountainous city with limited land resources, Chongqing’s urban construction and transportation planning require innovative solutions. When designing Rail Transit Line 2, engineers decided to run the light rail through the building to minimize land use and maximize the efficient use of urban space.

To ensure the residents' normal lives and the train's safe operation, the design team employed advanced vibration and noise reduction technologies. The building and the light rail are separated by an independent structural framework, so the light rail tracks do not directly touch the residential building. The noise produced by the train passing through the building is comparable to that of a washing machine, barely affecting the residents' quality of life. This design successfully meets urban transportation needs while preserving the building's functionality.

What to See and Do in Liziba Station

Liziba Station is not only an essential part of Chongqing’s rail transit system but also a viral tourist attraction due to its unique design. Many visitors come to Liziba specifically to witness the spectacle of the light rail train emerging from a residential building, capturing the dramatic moment in photos or videos.

Capture the dramatic moments from Liziba Viewing Platform

Next to the station is a dedicated viewing platform where visitors can watch and photograph the entire process of the train passing through the building, set against the picturesque backdrop of Chongqing's layered architecture and lush vegetation. This platform offers a visually stunning experience. 

Besides the viewing platform, the No. 2 entrance of Liziba Station is another excellent spot. From here, walk down the road for about 200 meters to get a closer view of the train passing through the building and take selfies with the monorail train. 

Additionally, the viewing point on North Binjiang Road allows visitors to appreciate the light rail traversing the building from a distance, providing a broader perspective of Line 2’s construction and the city's layout.

Experience the "Train Through the Building" Yourself

Visitors can also ride Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 to experience the sensation of traveling through a building. This line winds along the Jialing River, offering scenic views of the river and the city. Passing through Liziba Station gives passengers a firsthand experience of the unique “rail through building” phenomenon.

Explore the attractions around Liziba Station 

Beyond its unique transportation landscape, Liziba’s charm extends to its historical context. From Liziba, visitors can ascend to a historic district known as "Three Level Road." This area highlights Chongqing’s history during the Anti-Japanese War, reflecting diplomatic, military, cultural, and political elements. Climbing the Three Level Road, visitors can explore historical sites such as the Stilwell Museum and the site of the Chongqing Negotiations, immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Liziba Viewing Platform: Location and Access

The viewing platform is located opposite Liziba Station and covers an area of about 1,500 square meters, with a photography and viewing area of 840 square meters. The platform design considers photographic aesthetics, utilizing the "golden triangle" composition principle to position the shooting spots at a 33° angle to the rail entrance, ensuring visitors can capture the perfect “rail through building” shot. At night, ground lighting changes in sync with the train’s arrival and departure, creating a unique "light follows rail" effect.

How to Get There:

After exiting Liziba Station, take the stairs down to the ground floor and cross the road to the viewing platform.

Getting to Liziba Station

Liziba Station is conveniently located in downtown Chongqing. Visitors can easily reach it via the following methods:

Rail Transit: Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 and get off at Liziba Station. Line 2 runs through Chongqing's main urban area, connecting several major attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, making it ideal for tourists exploring the city.

Bus: Several bus routes stop near Liziba, providing easy access for visitors from various parts of the city.

Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Mornings or evenings offer the best lighting conditions for photography. Due to high foot traffic, weekends and holidays may require queuing for the best photo spots at the viewing platform. 

Safety Note: As Liziba Station is a busy transportation hub, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings while taking photos to ensure safety and avoid accidents.