Chongqing Travel Beyond the Hype: Escalators, Old Towns, and

Beyond The Hype of China's Social Media Darling - Chongqing

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
Beyond The Hype of China's Social Media Darling - Chongqing
Chris Kermis2026-01-1830 min

This video pulls back the curtain on Chongqing, showing what life in China’s sprawling metropolis is really like beyond the hype. Beginning with the Liziba viewing platform, the tour moves through dramatic river views, massive escalators, and vibrant street life. Highlights include the bustling Hongya Dong folk area, the city’s beloved zoo, and the Yangtze River Ropeway. The journey continues with the historic Kuixinglou and the Mountain City Trail, before wandering through apartments near the cable car and the Liberation Monument district. A stop at Chongqing Haochi Street satisfies street food cravings, followed by a stroll through Ciqikou ancient town. The visit culminates with a waterfront drone show near Nanbin Zhonglou Square, delivering a modern finale to a city with deep roots. This video captures the rhythm of Chongqing, balancing iconic sites with everyday moments, and invites viewers to experience its layered character beyond the filters and selfie sticks.

--- Chris Kermis
January 18, 2026, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 00:50Liziba Viewing Platform
  2. 01:37Lianglukou Crown Big Escalator
  3. 02:05Hongya Dong Folk Area
  4. 03:25Chongqing Zoo
  5. 03:59Yangtze River Ropeway
  6. 06:06Kuixinglou
  7. 06:46Mountain City Trail
  8. 08:34Apartment building near cablecar
  9. 12:28Liberation Monument
  10. 13:00Chongqing Haochi Street
  11. 13:50Ciqikou Ancient Town
  12. 18:17Near Datianwan Stadium
  13. 22:03China Plaza by Lianglukou Crown Big Escalator
  14. 23:37Panda Residence
  15. 26:04Jiaotong Tea House Yangshengcha Gaiwancha
  16. 28:28Drone Show from Nanbin waterfront

More about the current video:

Beyond The Hype of China's Social Media Darling - Chongqing

Chris Kermis invites you to look beyond Chongqing’s glittering hype and social media buzz to discover a city that hides in plain sight along the Yangtze. This video guides you through the practical, everyday side of China’s “world’s biggest city you’ve never heard of,” pairing adrenaline with culture and a touch of cyberpunk flair. You’ll ride the iconic Yangtze River Ropeway, stroll the cliffside Hongya Dong, and peek into historic streets like Ciqikou, all while the drone show over Nanbin Square crowns the experience. The host peels back the postcard gloss to reveal real neighborhoods, delicious street eats on Haochi Street, and the urban textures that make Chongqing feel alive. It’s not just about selfie moments; it’s about moving through the city’s layered identities—from buzzing markets and ancient towns to modern escalators and sweeping river views. If you’ve heard Chongqing’s name but never felt its pulse, this video makes the case for a deeper, more engaging visit.

From theLiz

Chongqing Travel Beyond the Hype: Escalators, Old Towns, and

In this video, I'll show you what they call "The world's biggest city you've never heard of". The social media darling of Chongqing, China! I'll show you the truth of the viral itinerary and I'll try my best to get past it and uncover the city hiding just out of view from the cameras and selfie...

Attractions in this video: Hongyadong, Yangtze-river, Cable-car, Ciqikou, Pandas, Drone-show