Guanyin Bridge Pedestrian Street is located in the Guanyinqiao Subdistrict and Huaxinjie area of Jiangbei District, Chongqing. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a famous commercial street in China. The pedestrian street covers an area of 70,000 m2, with 300,000 m2 of public landscape space and 1,850,000 m2 of commercial and office floor space (including 1,280,000 m2 of retail space and 570,000 m2 of office space). The street consists of 30,000 m2 of commercial buildings and a 400?meter?long commercial walking strip, with a total length of 3,000 meters. It features 1,500 large trees, 7,000 m2 of water features, and a greening rate of 40%, making it the largest, widest, and most verdant pedestrian street in Southwest China.
History and Culture
On September 30, 2002, the Jiangbei District Party Committee and Government made a historic decision regarding urban development in the Guanyinqiao area, planning to build the Guanyinqiao commercial district into a “well?zoned, well?infrastructured, pedestrian?friendly, smoothly connected, and ecologically beautiful” commercial center within three years. Construction began in April 2003, with the demolition of 400,000 m2 of buildings through six large?scale controlled blasts. Through these efforts, the commercial district gradually took its current shape and has become the political, economic, and cultural center of Jiangbei District, Chongqing.
Major Attractions
Guanyin Bridge Square
The square features a large landscape installation named “Guanyin Bridge,” carved from 800 m3 (over 1,800 tons) of natural granite. Majestic and elegant, it serves as the landmark of the Guanyinqiao commercial center. Other highlights include the “Ancient Banyan Screen,” the “Jiangbei Dragon” sculpture, the “Nine?Dragon Fountain,” the “Chongqing Dialect” sculpture wall, cascading pools, and musical fountains, creating a lively urban atmosphere with unique visual appeal.
Beicheng Tianjie
Beicheng Tianjie is the largest shopping mall in Chongqing to date, operated on the international SHOPPING MALL concept that integrates shopping, leisure, dining, and entertainment. It houses two flagship department stores, two large supermarkets, three leisure plazas, a multiplex cinema, and a large parking garage with hundreds of spaces. It accommodates various retail formats—department stores, supermarkets, specialty stores, and hypermarkets—and hosts numerous internationally renowned brands, making it a hub for international fashion trends.
Jialing Park
Located on the west side of the pedestrian street, Jialing Park covers about 70,000 m2 and offers a green oasis in the bustling downtown area. Rich in vegetation with diverse trees and flowers, it provides walking paths, pavilions, and lawns for relaxation. The park also preserves some historical features, which contrast with the surrounding modern architecture, exemplifying the harmonious coexistence of nature and the city.
Guanyin Bridge Snack Street
Situated around the pedestrian street, this snack street is about 300 meters long and gathers a wide variety of local Chongqing specialties and national snacks, such as hotpot, noodle dishes, sour?and?spicy noodles, and grilled skewers. The street is lined with densely packed shops, each with distinctive décor, receiving over 100,000 visitors daily. It is an important destination for experiencing Chongqing’s food culture, allowing visitors to sample authentic local flavours while strolling.
Beicang Cultural and Creative Block
Located near the pedestrian street, Beicang covers about 15,000 m2 and was transformed from an old warehouse, preserving its original structure and character while incorporating cultural, artistic, and design elements. The block features independent bookstores, cafés, handicraft workshops, art galleries, and regularly hosts creative markets and art exhibitions. It is a gathering place for young artists and culture enthusiasts, showcasing the diverse cultural charm of Guanyinqiao.
Suggested Itinerary：
Starting from Guanyin Bridge Metro Station, walk about 300 meters to enter the pedestrian street. First, visit Guanyin Bridge Square to see the Nine?Dragon Pillars and the musical fountain (if the performance time coincides), spending about 1 hour. Then head to Chongqing Times Square for shopping and modern commercial ambience, about 1?2 hours. Have lunch at Guanyin Bridge Snack Street, sampling local specialties, about 1 hour. In the afternoon, walk to Jialing Park for a relaxing stroll and nature experience, about 1 hour. Then proceed to Beicang Cultural and Creative Block to visit creative shops and art exhibitions, about 1?2 hours. The total walking distance is about 2 km, and the entire visit takes about 5?7 hours, offering a comprehensive experience of the commercial, cultural, and leisure atmosphere of Guanyinqiao.
Travel Tips：
If you are keen on shopping and gourmet food, plan at least half a day for Beicheng Tianjie and Guanyin Bridge Snack Street.
When walking along Yeshuifang Trail, take your time to enjoy the scenery and experience the charm of old Chongqing; allow 1?2 hours.
In the evening, enjoy the glittering night view of Guanyinqiao, which is very beautiful.
The best time to visit is from afternoon to evening, when the street is brightly lit, crowded, and vibrant with commercial activities, offering a great urban nightlife atmosphere.
Food lovers should reserve ample time at the snack street; it is recommended to try stalls frequented by locals for a more authentic taste.
For shopping, check for promotions at major malls, especially during holidays when discounts are common.
Art and culture enthusiasts are recommended to visit Beicang Cultural and Creative Block, where you can read at independent bookstores or join creative events to enjoy the artistic vibe.
Precautions：
Be cautious if someone offers free gifts in exchange for scanning a QR code, to avoid leaking personal information.
When taking photos at the “I Am in Chongqing” landmark, mind the photo?taking etiquette and do not be disturbed by commercial photographers; select your photos after shooting.
Guanyinqiao is crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings.
When out at night, stay on well?lit, busy streets to ensure personal safety.
Observe public order, do not spit or litter, and take care of public facilities and greenery.
Some snack stalls may be crowded, so watch your step and avoid collisions.
Transportation：
Take Metro Line 3 or Line 9 to Guanyin Bridge Station. Exit 3 is near Zone B of the snack street; Exit 4 provides convenient access to Darongcheng, Beicheng Tianjie, and more.
You can also take a bus to nearby stops such as Jiangbei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, then walk to the pedestrian street.
Opening Hours：
Guanyin Bridge Pedestrian Street is open 24 hours a day.
Guanyin Bridge Snack Street operates daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Jialing Park is open from 6:00 to 22:00.
Shops in Beicang Cultural and Creative Block are generally open from 10:00 to 21:00.
Specific hours may vary by brand and season.
Admission：
Guanyin Bridge Pedestrian Street is free of charge and open to all.