The Ultimate Guide to Chongqing Liziba Station

Introduction: The Peak of Magical Reality

If you are looking for the architecture that best defines the "8D Magical City" of Chongqing, look no further than the Liziba Light Rail Station. This location is the traffic center of countless viral videos, a visual spectacle for international tourists, and a perfect example of the integration of Chongqing's unique topography with modern engineering.

Located on Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) Line 2, Liziba Station presents a scene that seems to defy the laws of physics to first-time visitors: a green monorail train whistles along the mountainside and drives directly into the "stomach" of a residential building. The train passes through the building, the station is inside the building, and the building houses the station. This unique "train passing through the building" design has transformed Liziba from a mundane commuter stop into a world-famous internet celebrity landmark, witnessing the shift in Chongqing’s urban development and lifestyle.

Engineering Secrets: Will the Train Wake the Neighbors?

When standing on the viewing platform marveling at this wonder, the most common questions are: "Is it noisy for the residents?" and "Will the building collapse?" To understand Liziba like a pro, you need to know the engineering secrets behind it.

1. The "Chicken or the Egg" Dilemma Did the building exist first, or the station? The answer is: They were born together. The station and the commercial/residential building were designed, constructed, and put into use simultaneously. This innovative approach successfully realized the intensive utilization of urban land resources, allowing the station and the building to coexist in harmony.

2. The "Station-Bridge Separation" Technology Although it looks visually like the train is running on the building's floor, they are actually "neighbors" who do not touch each other. The station utilizes a unique "Station-Bridge Separation" structural form. This means the structural support system for the station's bridge is set up entirely separately from the structural support system of the building. You can imagine that the train has its own "legs" and the building has its own "legs." Although their spaces overlap, their load-bearing forces do not interfere with one another, effectively solving problems related to structural force transmission and vibration.

3. The Silence of the Monorail Many visitors mistakenly call this a "subway," but strictly speaking, Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 is a Straddle-type Monorail. Unlike traditional subways that use steel wheels on steel rails, this monorail uses inflatable rubber tires and air springs to support the vehicle body. This design maximizes the reduction of vibration and noise caused by the train's movement. Therefore, when the train passes through the building, it is more like a car driving over asphalt than a train clacking on tracks, ensuring minimal impact on the residents.

The Local Perspective: From Commute to Glory

Before Liziba became an internet sensation, it held no special status for most Chongqing "natives." Rail Transit Line 2 was the earliest rail line to open in Chongqing, carrying the daily commuting memories of countless citizens.

In the eyes of locals, this was just an ordinary stop on the way home, no different from a bus ride. In the past, if someone specifically said they wanted to go see the "light rail passing through the building," locals might jokingly say they should be "sent to Geleshan" (implying they were acting crazy/mental, as Geleshan is known for a psychiatric hospital). However, as the internet popularized the site, locals began to re-examine this familiar station. Today, seeing Liziba explode in popularity online, that feeling of normalcy has shifted to a sense of inexplicable pride in their hometown's unique charm.

Riding Guide: How to Navigate Like a Local

Visiting Liziba isn't just about looking up from the street; riding Line 2 to experience the crossing is a mandatory course. Here are practical tips for using the Chongqing Rail Transit.

1. Understand the "Monorail" vs. "Subway" Chongqing's system includes both straddle-type monorails and standard subways. There is a big difference: monorails (like Lines 2 and 3) run on concrete beams with rubber tires, while subways run on steel rails. Knowing this helps you appreciate the technology as you ride.

2. Temperature Control in Carriages To handle Chongqing's heat and pandemic ventilation needs, the rail system uses automatic air conditioning modes. However, due to frequent door openings and passenger density, temperatures can fluctuate. Note that some lines (like the Loop Line and Line 3) feature "Strong Cold" and "Weak Cold" carriages.

• If you are sensitive to heat, look for the "Strong Cold" (强冷) signs.

• If you are with children or prefer a milder temperature, choose the "Weak Cold" (弱冷) carriages.

3. Decoding Carriage Numbers At the connection point of train carriages, you will see a 6-digit number. This is your "GPS." For example, in the number "010231":

• The 1st-2nd digits ("01") represent the Line number (Line 1).

• The 3rd-5th digits ("023") represent the Train Set number.

• The 6th digit ("1") represents the Carriage number. You can use this number to quickly locate your exact position if you need to meet friends or seek help.

Touring Strategy: The Best Angles

To fully experience Liziba, adopt a "Down then Up" strategy.

• Phase 1: The Upward Gaze (Viewing Platform). After exiting the station, take the elevator down to the street-level viewing platform. This is the spot for the classic "swallowing the train" forced-perspective photo. You can open your mouth wide and, using the perspective, look like you are eating the train.

• Phase 2: The Parallel View. Since Liziba Station is on the mountainside, you can explore the station interior. Large glass windows offer views of the Jialing River below. Due to the terrain, you will find yourself inside a building, yet the cars outside are flowing beneath your feet—a spatial confusion unique to Chongqing.

Conclusion

Liziba Light Rail Station is a microcosm of Chongqing's topography and a crystallization of Chinese infrastructure wisdom. It perfectly blends the hardcore nature of reinforced concrete with the daily life of the city. Here, you are not just watching scenery; you are reading a story about a city overcoming geological difficulties to achieve harmonious coexistence.