Why is Chongqing so confusing and unique?
The three-dimensional Rubik's Cube of China, twisting mountains, waters, people and the city into a vertical maze. Here, the residents shuttle among high-rise buildings just like Spider-Man, and elevators have become daily means of transportation. In the "Fog City" (雾都), it smears haze as makeup in the daytime, washes its face with neon lights at night, and sprays chili peppers as antiperspirant.
In this "3-Dimensional magical city",
The passion is like hot pot, the individuality is as spicy as it can be,
And the chivalrous spirit is the inborn city perfume.
✨Complex Terrain
In Southwest China, Chongqing's hilly & undulating terrain means buildings hug mountains.
Chongqing (重庆) is located in the southwest of China. It is mountainous with a terrain that has large undulations and scarce plains. Such terrain conditions require buildings to be constructed along the mountains, resulting in numerous building complexes standing beside the mountains. For example, Hongyadong (洪崖洞) has its bottom facing the river and its upper part connecting to the roads, forming a unique elevation difference landscape.
🚇Three-dimensional Transport
Constrained by the land, Chongqing's transport is ultra-3D. Light rails slicing through buildings and roads coiling around them amp up the city's magic vibe.
It's not uncommon to see light rails passing through buildings and roads winding around buildings in Chongqing. This three-dimensional transportation system adds to the city's magical charm.
🏛️Diverse Styles
From rustic stilted houses to modern skyscrapers, Chongqing's architecture is a melting pot of styles, echoing its rich culture and packing a visual punch.
Chongqing boasts diverse architectural styles, ranging from traditional stilted houses to modern skyscrapers, creating a multicultural and inclusive architectural and cultural landscape. This diversity not only reflects Chongqing's cultural heritage but also enhances the city's visual impact.
💡Innovation & Adaptability
Architects here think out of the box, ditching flat layouts for multi-level, 3D structures.
The architectural design in Chongqing fully takes into account the adaptability to the terrain and climate. Many buildings break through the traditional planar layout in design and present a multi-level and three-dimensional spatial structure. For instance, the design of the "light rail passing through the building" at Liziba Light Rail Station (李子坝轻轨站) is an innovative example.
🌆Urban Planning
Geologically fit for high-rises, Chongqing's skyline is a forest of skyscrapers, upping the city's mystique. And with space at a premium, development extends up and down, adding depth and dimension.
Skyscrapers Everywhere: Chongqing's geological conditions are suitable for constructing high-rise buildings. As a result, skyscrapers are densely packed in the city, forming a "concrete jungle" landscape. This urban landscape with dense high-rises also adds a magical touch to Chongqing.
Space Utilization: Due to the dense population and the needs of urban development, Chongqing's buildings have expanded both upwards and underground, forming an urban layout that makes efficient use of space. This layout not only meets the requirements of urban development but also adds a sense of layering and three-dimensionality to the city.
