Liziba Monorail Station Guide: Train Through a Building in Chongqing

Liziba Monorail Station is one of the most photographed sights in Chongqing, a city known for its gravity-defying urban landscape often described as "8D." The station sits on Rail Transit Line 2 and is famous for a single surreal image: a monorail train sliding directly through the middle of a 19-story residential apartment building. This fusion of public transit and daily life has become a symbol of Chongqing's practical ingenuity and a must-photograph stop for travelers.

But unlike many tourist attractions, Liziba is not a contrived set piece — it is a fully functional metro station that serves real commuters. Understanding how it works, the best ways to experience it, and the context behind its design will help you get the most out of a visit.

Why Go, When to Skip, and Who It Suits

Why Go

Liziba offers a spectacle that is difficult to match anywhere else in the world. The sight of a multi-car monorail disappearing into a high-rise apartment block captures the essence of Chongqing's vertical urbanism. The station itself is free to view from a dedicated street-level platform, making it an accessible activity for budget travelers.

Those interested in architecture, engineering, or urban planning will find the station a compelling case study in creative problem-solving. Photographers come for the forced-press photos that make it look like the train is entering a mouth or being held in the palm of a hand.

When to Skip

If you dislike crowds, avoid weekends and public holidays, when the viewing platform can become packed. The spectacle is also less dramatic on heavily overcast days or during heavy rain, though Chongqing's frequent mist can sometimes add atmosphere. Travelers with limited mobility should note that the viewing platform is reached via steps or a short downhill walk from Exit A; there is no elevator from the street directly to the viewing area (the station itself has elevators only within the paid area).

Who It Suits

Liziba works for almost all types of travelers: solo adventurers, families, couples, and group tours. It is a quick stop — most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes on the viewing platform. The station is also a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding hillside neighborhoods, particularly the "Three-Level Road" (San Ceng Ma Lu) trail that leads up to Eling Park and the TESTBED 2 creative district.

Budget travelers appreciate that there is no entry fee. Photographers and architecture enthusiasts will want to allocate extra time.

The Engineering Behind the Marvel

Chongqing's topography is notoriously difficult: steep hills, deep river valleys, and little flat land. When planners designed Rail Transit Line 2 along the cliffs of the Jialing River, they encountered a problem: a residential building already occupied the path.

Demolishing the building was not an option, so engineers proposed running the track through it. The solution required simultaneous construction of the station and the building, but with a key structural separation.

The station occupies floors six through eight of the 19-story building. The floors above (nine through 19) are residential apartments, while the ground floor contains commercial spaces and road access. Crucially, the station's structure and the residential tower's structure are physically independent, separated by a gap of about 20 centimeters (eight inches).

This gap prevents vibrations from passing between the two structures. Additionally, the monorail uses rubber-tired wheels rather than steel-on-steel contact, which further reduces noise. Residents report that the passing trains are barely audible inside their apartments.

This engineering decision has made Liziba a case study in transit-oriented development and adaptive infrastructure. It is not the only example of a train passing through a building — similar configurations exist in Japan, Germany, and the United States — but Liziba stands out because the building was not designed for the station; rather, the station was integrated into the existing residential block retroactively.

Best Viewing Spots and Photography Tips

Street-Level Viewing Platform

The official viewing platform is located at the base of the building, accessible from Exit A of the station. Walk down the steps or ramp until you reach the wide paved area directly below the track opening. This is the classic angle: looking upward as the train emerges from or vanishes into the building's facade.

The platform is free and open to the public, though there are no official opening hours posted. Most visitors report good light in the morning (sun hits the building front) and late afternoon (warm tones). Trains pass roughly every two to three minutes during peak hours, but exact intervals vary.

Riding the Train for the Interior View

To experience the train enter the building, board Line 2 heading towards Yudong or Jiaochangkou. Sit on the left side of the train when traveling from the direction of Qishikou (the station before Liziba). As the train approaches Liziba, the view through the windows shifts from the river to the concrete face of the building.

Within seconds you pass through the station, then see daylight again on the other side. Sitting at the very front or rear of the train offers the best glimpse of the transition.

Photography Tips

• Forced perspective: Stand several meters back from the building, angle your camera upward, and frame the track opening so that it appears as if the train is entering your mouth or resting in your hand. This requires a wide-angle lens or smartphone with a wide setting.
• Timing: Aim for a train coming from the right (toward the river side) for the most dramatic entry. You can check the direction by noting which way the train faces when it stops at the station.
• No drone permission: The source data does not confirm whether recreational drone use is allowed. Given the dense urban environment and potential privacy concerns, assume that flying a drone without a permit is prohibited. Check with local authorities.
• Crowds: Arrive early on weekdays to avoid lines. The platform area can hold about 50–100 people comfortably.

Riding Line 2: What to Expect

Line 2 is a 31.3-kilometer (19.4-mile) line that runs from Jiaochangkou in the east to Yudong in the west. It mostly follows the Jialing River, providing excellent views of the water and the distant mountains. The trains are lightweight monorails with large windows, and the ride is generally smooth and quiet.

The stretch between Qishikou and Liziba is particularly scenic because the track hugs the cliffside. Some passengers ride Line 2 specifically for the river panorama.

If you board at Qishikou (one stop before Liziba), sit on the left side. After Liziba, the line turns inland and passes through more typical urban neighborhoods. The entire one-way trip from Jiaochangkou to Yudong takes about 40 minutes. Fares are based on distance, and you can tap a Chongqing Transit Card or use a QR code via the Alipay or WeChat app. A single ride from the city center to Liziba costs around 3–5 yuan (less than one US dollar).

Nearby Attractions and How to Extend Your Visit

Liziba Station is a convenient hub for exploring the hillside area of Yuzhong District. A short walk uphill from Exit A leads to the "Three-Level Road" (San Ceng Ma Lu), a historic staircase and trail that connects the river level with the upper plateau. This path passes old residential buildings, small shops, and a few cafes. Climbing the trail brings you to:

• Eling Park: A hilltop park with a panoramic view of the Jialing River and the Yangtze River confluence. The park contains a pagoda, gardens, and a small observation tower. Entry fee is modest (about 10 yuan).
• TESTBED 2: A creative industrial park converted from a former printing factory. It features art galleries, designer stores, and rooftop bars overlooking the city. It is about a 15-minute walk from the top of the Three-Level Road.

Alternatively, you can ride Line 2 one more stop to Daping or Yangjiaping to explore shopping districts and local food streets. The Chongqing Zoo (with its famous pandas) is also on Line 2, about 20 minutes west of Liziba.

Practical Information

Location and Access

Liziba Station is on Rail Transit Line 2, Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the city center (Jiefangbei area). From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), take Line 10 to Hongtudi, transfer to Line 6 to Xiaoshizi, then transfer to Line 2 to Liziba. Total travel time approximately 50 minutes. From Chongqing West Railway Station, take a taxi or bus to the nearest subway station.

Cost

Viewing the train from the platform is free. Riding Line 2 requires a metro ticket. There are no bundled tickets or guided tours required for the station itself.

Safety and Accessibility

The viewing platform is at street level with no barriers except a low rail, so keep children close. The station building has elevators and escalators within the paid concourse, but accessing the viewing platform from outside requires descending steps. No altitude sickness issues (elevation approximately 215 meters / 705 feet). No special permits needed for general photography.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and clearer light. Summer is hot and humid, but early mornings or evenings are still manageable. Winter can be grey, but the mist sometimes enhances the moody urban photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Liziba Station located?
It is on Liziba Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, on Rail Transit Line 2.

Do people actually live in the building?
Yes. The building has 19 floors. The station occupies floors 6–8, while floors 9–19 are residential apartments.

Is it noisy for the residents?
Surprisingly, no. The train uses rubber tires, and the station's structure is physically separated from the residential building's structure by a small gap to prevent vibration transmission.

How do I get the best view?
For the outside view, go to the viewing platform on the street level under Exit A of the station and walk down. For the riding experience, sit by the window on Line 2.

Is there an entrance fee?
No. Viewing the train from the platform is free. You only pay the standard metro fare if you ride the train.

What are the best times to see the train?
Trains run frequently from early morning until around 23:00. Morning and late afternoon light are best for photography. Avoid midday during summer due to harsh shadows.

Can I use a drone?
No verified data is available on local drone regulations. In dense urban areas, drones are often restricted. Contact the Chongqing municipal government or check local signage before operating a drone.

How long should I stay?
Most travelers spend 15 to 30 minutes at the viewing platform. If you also ride the train and explore the Three-Level Road trail, budget 1 to 2 hours total.

Liziba Monorail Station is a brief but unforgettable stop in Chongqing. Its blend of everyday commuters and tourist spectacle, of practical engineering and viral photography, captures the city's spirit. Whether you snap the perfect forced-perspective photo or simply watch the trains slide in and out of the tower, it's a moment that encapsulates why some people call Chongqing the most futuristic city you've never heard of.