Ting Chen
What You'll Learn Here
You've seen the viral photos—a train punching straight through a residential building. It looks surreal, like a Photoshop joke. But it's real, and it's right here in Chongqing. I've guided dozens of foreign visitors to this exact spot, and almost everyone makes the same mistake: they show up at noon, squint into the sun, and leave with mediocre shots. Let me save you the trouble.
Here's the short version: the best time to see the monorail pass through the building at Liziba Station is between 4 PM and sunset. The light hits the building's facade perfectly, and the trains run every 3–5 minutes. Now let me walk you through everything you need to know.
Pro Tip: Don't bother going inside the station itself—the view from the street-level observation deck is much better.
Where Exactly Is the Monorail Through the Building?
Liziba Station is on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2, which runs along the Jialing River. The building is located at No. 62 Liziba Street, Yuzhong District. The train enters the building on the 6th to 8th floors—yes, residents live above and below the tracks. The station exit is on the ground floor, but the famous photo spot is outside.
To find it: exit the station from Exit B, cross the street, and walk toward the riverside. You'll see a small elevated plaza packed with people holding up phones. That's the main observation deck.
Insider Advice: The building is not a tourist attraction—it's a residential and commercial complex. Please keep noise down and respect locals.
Best Spots to Watch and Photograph
There are two main spots to catch the train, and they offer completely different vibes. Here's a quick comparison:
| Spot | Angle | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liziba Observation Deck (elevated plaza) | Front-on, train entering building | Classic shot, most popular | Free, 24/7, from Exit B |
| Riverside walkway (Jialing River bank) | Side profile, train + river | Creative compositions, fewer people | Free, 5 min walk from deck |
Liziba Observation Deck
This is the iconic spot you see on Instagram. It's an elevated platform right across the street from the building. Arrive by 3:30 PM to claim a good railing position. The trains come from left to right (heading toward Jiaochangkou). Use a zoom lens or your phone's 2x optical zoom for the best framing.
Riverside Walkway
Walk down the stairs from the observation deck toward the river. This path offers a lower angle, with the building and the Jialing River in the background. It's also much less crowded. I personally love this spot for video—you can pan with the train as it slides into the building.
How to Get to Liziba Station
By Metro (Line 2)
Chongqing's metro is the easiest way. Take Line 2 and get off at Liziba Station. The station is on the viaduct, so you'll already get a sneak peek of the view as you approach. Use Apple Maps or AMap Global (search "Liziba Station") for navigation—Google Maps is unreliable here.
Pro Tip: If you're coming from Jiefangbei or Hongyadong, take Line 1 to Jiaochangkou, then transfer to Line 2 toward Qishan. The whole trip is about 20 minutes.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Show the driver this address in Chinese: 李子坝站 or 渝中区李子坝正街62号. The fare from downtown is usually around ¥15–25. Note: most drivers accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, but cash is tricky—they often don't have change. Make sure your payment apps are linked to an international card.
Tickets and Practical Info
Seeing the monorail pass through the building is completely free. The observation deck is public space, open 24/7. However, the metro station itself requires a ticket to enter the platform area—but you don't need to go there to get the view. If you want to ride the train through the building (yes, you can!), just tap your metro card or buy a single journey ticket at any station. Foreign credit cards work at some ticket machines, but not all. I recommend buying a Chongqing Transportation Card from a convenience store (¥20 deposit) or using Trip.com to purchase a metro pass.
Insider Tips to Avoid Crowds
Weekends and Chinese holidays are a nightmare. The deck gets so packed you can barely move. Visit on a weekday if possible. If you must go on a weekend, arrive before 9 AM or after 6 PM. The golden hour (4:30–6 PM) is still crowded, but the light is worth it.
Here's another hack: stand on the small staircase at the west end of the deck. Most tourists cluster in front of the building's entrance. That staircase gives you a slightly elevated, unobstructed view—and you won't have people's selfie sticks in your frame.
What Else to Do Nearby
Liziba is in a great location. After you've got your shots, walk along the river toward Eling Park (about 15 minutes). The park offers panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers converging. Alternatively, head back to Jiangbei District for some of Chongqing's best hotpot—try Zhu Wa Tou Hotpot (Address: 江北区北城天街), famous for its spicy broth. Remember, Chongqing hotpot is numbing and fiery—order a split pot with mushroom broth if you can't handle the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
Okay, this was my favorite random stop in Chongqing. I'm not a big transit geek, but watching the magenta/white monorail glide straight into a residential tower made me laugh out loud. There's something surreal about seeing laundry and AC units right next to the train track. I found a spot on the small pedestrian bridge above the road that gave an amazing front-on view. It's free, it's insane, and you can grab a bubble tea from the shops below after. Five stars from me—bring your camera and a bit of patience.
Maybe I expected too much from all the videos. The monorail did pass through the building, and yes it's a neat novelty, but the viewing area is tiny and absolutely jammed with influencers taking the same shot over and over. You're standing behind a fence, the train comes, everyone screams, it's over in like three seconds. No info signs or actual 'best spot' guidance. I got a decent photo but wouldn't make a special trip again. If you're nearby and have 20 spare minutes, fine. But don't expect a wow moment.
Solid sight and an easy stop if you're already doing Chongqing. I found the observation deck after a bit of walking—it's a little hidden but just follow the crowd. The train comes every few minutes, so it's not a long wait. I'd say it's a fun 20-minute visit, but it's basically one thing to see and then you're done. Wish the deck had a little more shade, since it gets hot in the summer. Still, if you want a classic Chongqing photo, this is the place.
One of the most unique transit moments I've experienced. Liziba isn't just a station—it's this bizarre, wonderful 'train in a building' thing. I took Line 2 here and rode through the building myself, which was oddly quiet and normal, then went outside to watch the next train do it. The platform gets busy but everyone was patient and happy. Best spot is by the railing near the monument; you can see the monorail emerge perfectly from the apartments. Go in late afternoon when the light makes the building glow. Genuinely magical.
Checked this off my bucket list! I went to the viewing platform opposite the Liziba building, and the moment the monorail came through the hole I got chills. The acoustic thump and the strobe-like shadow flicker as the carriages pass through the dark opening is oddly dramatic. I shot photos from the lower plaza too; the contrast of the residential tower, the curved track, and the river behind is stunning. Tip: ask a local or use your maps to find the small outdoor viewing deck above the road—it's the one everyone crowds around, for good reason. I waited maybe four minutes. 100% recommend.