Josh Slavin in Yu Zhong Qu, Chong Qing Shi

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Planning notes for Yu Zhong Qu

Must-try foods in Yu Zhong Qu

• Chongqing Old Hotpot (Jiugongge)
  Chongqing Old Hotpot (Jiugongge)The quintessential Jiefangbei experience, characterized by a 'nine-grid' (Jiugongge) iron frame that divides the boiling beef tallow broth. Trending in 2026 are 'community-style' spots like Xuan Hotpot (煊火锅), where the focus is on traditional hand-fried soup bases and fresh-cut beef, tripe, and duck intestines.
• Hao Chi Jie Suan La Fen
  Hao Chi Jie Suan La FenThese 'Hot and Sour Glass Noodles' from Bayi Road (Hao Chi Jie) are iconic. Made from sweet potato starch, the noodles are hand-tapped into boiling water, resulting in a chewy texture served in a broth heavy on vinegar, chili oil, and crispy soybeans. Eating them while standing on the street is a local rite of passage.
• Waxberry Ice (Yangmei Bing)
  Waxberry Ice (Yangmei Bing)The viral dessert pairing of 2026. Often served at 'hole-in-the-wall' hotpot joints like Chunhong, this refreshing treat features whole waxberries frozen into slushy ice. It provides the essential 'fire extinguisher' effect for the palate after a spicy hotpot session.
• Hand-Torn Roasted Rabbit
  Hand-Torn Roasted RabbitA specialty snack frequently found near the Jiefangbei pedestrian zone. The rabbit is marinated in a complex blend of spices, roasted until the skin is paper-thin and crispy, and then hand-shredded and tossed with fresh chili oil and toasted Sichuan peppercorns.
• Silver Thread Noodles (Yinsi Mian)
  Silver Thread Noodles (Yinsi Mian)For those seeking a break from spice, these incredibly fine, thread-like noodles are served in a clear, nourishing chicken or tripe broth. Hidden gems like the 24-hour Hengming Yinsi Mian in the Minsheng Road alleys offer a glimpse into the city's delicate, non-spicy culinary heritage.

Trip guide

• About Yu Zhong Qu
  About Yu Zhong QuJiefangbei, located in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, is a pedestrian commercial zone centered around the People's Liberation Monument. As of 2026, it remains a primary hub for commerce and historical observation in Southwest China. Historical Heritage The district’s focal point is the People's Liberation Monument, an octagonal concrete structure standing 27.5 meters tall.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Jiefangbei is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and the city’s signature fog is less oppressive. Avoid the summer months of July and August, as Chongqing is one of China’s "Three Furnaces" with extreme heat and humidity, and winters can be uncomfortably damp and grey. For the best experience.
• Getting around
  Getting around Yu Zhong Qu

  • Chongqing Rail Transit (Metro) Take Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station (Exit D) for direct access to the monument, or use Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station and walk approximately 5-10 minutes. The metro is the most efficient way to avoid the.
  • Walking & Local Exploration Jiefangbei is a massive pedestrian-only zone, making walking the primary way to get around the immediate area. It is centrally located within walking distance of other major attractions like Hongya Cave.
  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Didi) Yellow taxis and Didi are plentiful for direct travel to the Yuzhong district. Note that Jiefangbei is a pedestrian square.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Download a reliable offline map or navigation app because the city's multi-level '8D' terrain often renders standard GPS elevation data inaccurate.
  • Request 'wei la' (mild spice) when ordering local hot pot, as the standard Chongqing spice level is significantly higher than in other regions.
  • Avoid sticking your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this gesture mimics incense at a funeral and is considered very unlucky.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Yu Zhong Qu

  • The 4th Chongqing Urban Art Festival: A month-long 'Open June' event featuring the 'Riverbank Art Scene' with outdoor performances and fashion shows along the Jiefangbei waterfront.
  • ACCOLADE Hotel Opening: A new French-style luxury aesthetic landmark near the People's Liberation Monument, trending for its high-end design and 58-square-meter suites.