Danzishi Old Street
Danzishi Old Street, nestled on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Chongqing, is a cultural enclave where centuries of history meet contemporary creativity. Once a bustling 19th-century port during the Qing Dynasty’s treaty era, the street has been meticulously restored to showcase Baroque-style mansions, stone-paved steps, and hidden courtyards. Today, it offers visitors a journey through Chongqing’s maritime past, architectural ingenuity, and vibrant local culture.
Historical Overview
First developed during the Ming Dynasty’s Great Yu’s Flood Control era, Danzishi gained prominence in 1891 as a foreign trade hub after Chongqing’s opening. The Wang Family Courtyard, built by merchant Wang Xinwen, became a symbol of wealth, while the Yide Church (1902) reflected Western influence. During WWII, the area sheltered refugees, blending resilience with its multicultural roots. Reopened in 2018 after a decade-long revival, the street now balances preservation with dynamic arts and dining scenes.
Architectural Layout
The street cascades over 80 meters of elevation, following a “front river, back city” design:
- Lower Section: Baroque-style mansions like Wang Family Courtyard, with carved wooden beams and stone carvings.
- Middle Tier: Gothic Yide Church, featuring stained-glass windows and a bell tower.
- Upper Level: Qingyun Bridge and Huachaomen Gate, connecting tiered lanes lined with tea houses and art galleries.
Key structures include the Coastal Stone (marking the port’s edge) and the Two Rivers Confluence Viewing Platform.
Major Attractions
- Wang Family Courtyard: A Qing Dynasty merchant’s mansion with free daily cultural performances.
- Yide Church: Chongqing’s only Gothic church, offering Sunday services and wedding photography.
- Two Rivers Confluence Viewpoint: Panoramic vistas of the Yangtze (golden) and Jialing (emerald) rivers merging.
- Coastal Stone: Historic marker of the 1891 treaty port.
- Tushan Kiln: Remnants of a Song Dynasty porcelain workshop.
- Qingyun Bridge: A stone archway linking old and new street sections.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Entrance → Wang Family Courtyard → Yide Church → Two Rivers Viewpoint → Coastal Stone → Exit
Highlights: Architecture, river views, and history. - Cultural Route (4 hours):
Entrance → Tushan Kiln → Wang Family Courtyard → Huachaomen Gate → Art Galleries → Exit
Highlights: Ancient crafts and modern art. - Nightscape Route (Evening):
Entrance → Two Rivers Viewpoint (sunset) → Night Markets → Yide Church (illuminated) → Exit
Highlights: Light shows and local snacks.
Ticket Purchase
- Free Entry: Street access and core attractions (Wang Courtyard, Yide Church exterior) are free.
- Paid Exhibits: Special exhibitions (e.g., Tushan Kiln artifacts) cost ¥49–¥178 via Ctrip or on-site kiosks.
- Tips: Book combo tickets online for discounts.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 6 to Danzishi Station, then 10-minute walk.
- Bus: Routes 119, 338, or 375 to Nanbin Road Station.
- Taxi: Direct to “Danzishi Old Street Entrance.”
- Parking: Available at Changjiahui Mall (¥5/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid weekends 11 AM–3 PM; visit weekdays or after 5 PM.
- Ideal Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) for blossoms, autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for steep steps.
- Bring a light jacket for river breezes.
- Photography allowed except in church interiors.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags.
- Local Insight: Combine with Changjiahui Mall for shopping and dining.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
