Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street

Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street, or literally Bodhisattva Bridge, is Chongqing's northern economic and cultural center.

If visitors insist want to get a sample of urban Chongqing that isn't too skewed toward one social segment, Guanyinqiao, north of the Jialing River, is an ideal place to go.

The pedestrian street boasts many popular plazas, theaters, restaurants, bars, and hotels, making it a perfect place for people watching, as well as to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Chongqing.

Here, visitors will encounter swarms of local shoppers and strollers. The mix of pedestrian-only streets, retail establishments, and park facilities provides so much comfort and convenience that visitors can find virtually anything in a wide price range.

Few places in Chongqing showcase the gregarious nature of locals better than Guanyinqiao. Under dense foliage, the retired play chess or cards while couples ramble past a wall inscribed with "I Love You" written in scores of languages.

Guanyinqiao is unique in that it functions as an island encircled by several streets of non-stop traffic. Those demarcated streets create an oasis of foot traffic for a lively scene.

Getting There: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Guanyinqiao Station