Introduction & Historical Significance
The Chongqing 131 Bus Stop is intrinsically linked to the iconic Sky Platform 131, a 56-60-floor urban high-altitude observatory atop Yuzhong District’s Chongqing World Trade Center. This 280-meter-high vantage point, crowned by the "Two Rivers Four Districts" panoramic view, epitomizes Chongqing’s "mountain-city-river" symbiosis. Originally the tallest building in western China, its transformation into a cultural-tourism landmark in 2024 merges architectural heritage with modern urban aesthetics. The 131 bus route, operated by Chongqing Southern Public Transport, connects key districts like Shuanggu Community to Sikongxi Hub, while the adjacent Sky Platform 131 has become a UNESCO-recognized cultural space blending history, ecology, and cutting-edge design.
Architectural Layout & Design
- Sky Platform 131: Features a 360° Glass Walkway, 270° full-glass curtain wall observatory, and suspended "Cloud Bridge" offering unobstructed vistas of the Yangtze/Jialing Rivers, Hongya Cave, and Qiansimen Bridge. The 56th-floor observation deck houses a 60-meter-high "Lucky Cat" sculpture symbolizing prosperity.
- Sustainable Integration: Solar-powered lighting, rainwater recycling systems, and temperature-regulating stone benches minimize environmental impact. The 60th-floor "Sky Garden" integrates native flora with vertical greening.
- Cultural Zones: Themed spaces include a Barbie-inspired pink gallery, "From Your Global Passage" film set replicas, and a seasonal autumn foliage corridor.
Major Attractions
- Sky Observation: Sunrise/sunset golden-hour lighting transforms the cityscape into a "cyberpunk" masterpiece, while nighttime reveals a "hotpot-shaped" river confluence illuminated by thousands of lights.
- Adventure Activities: 60-floor exterior rope descent ("Sky Rappelling") and high-altitude swing experiences offer adrenaline-fueled perspectives.
- Cultural Exhibitions: Rotating art installations, weekend star-gazing cinemas, and historic photo galleries tracing Chongqing’s evolution from ancient Ba-Yu to modern metropolis.
- Culinary Oasis: Rooftop tea houses serve ¥9.9 mint lemonade, while street-food stalls offer local snacks like "Xiaomian" (spicy noodles).
Ticket Information
- Entry Fees: ¥98 adult ticket (10:00-23:00, last entry 22:00); discounts for students/seniors (¥50); free for children under 1.2m.
- Combined Packages: ¥180-280 with nearby attractions like Hongya Cave or Liberation Monument.
- Transport Cards: Chongqing Public Transport Card holders enjoy ¥10 discounts.
Transportation Guide
- Public Transit: Take Metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station (Exit 3), then walk 150m to World Trade Center. Bus routes 114/151/401 stop at Jiefangbei Station, a 10-minute walk away.
- Bus 131 Routes: The Sikongxi-Shuanggu Community line (07:00-18:00, 18 stops) connects to D008/D027/D019 routes for seamless transfers.
- Self-Drive: Park at World Trade Center underground garage (¥5/hour). GPS: "Yuzhong District Zourong Road 131".
- Air/Rail: Direct flights to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport; high-speed trains to Chongqing North Station, followed by metro transfers.
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Seasons: Autumn (Oct-Nov) for foliage; spring (Mar-May) for mild weather. Avoid summer humidity and winter fog.
- Photography: Dawn for misty river vistas; sunset for golden-hour lighting. Use polarizing filters for color saturation. Best photo spots: glass walkway, 56th-floor "Lucky Cat", and rooftop Barbie gallery.
- Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes in themed zones; respect silent hours during cultural performances.
- Packing: Sturdy shoes for glass walkways; polarized sunglasses; reusable water bottles. Winter requires thermal layers; summer needs mosquito repellent.
- Safety: Acclimatize to heights; avoid unmarked trails. Carry emergency contacts and oxygen tanks (¥30) for altitude adjustments.
Nearby Attractions & Itineraries
- Combined Tours:
- Morning: Sky Platform 131 observation + Liberation Monument photo stops + Hongya Cave night cruise.
- Afternoon: Cultural workshops (Bamboo weaving, calligraphy) + local tea house experience.
- Evening: "Impression Wulong" outdoor show or Nanbin Road promenade light shows.
- Multi-Day Routes:
Sky Platform 131 embodies Chongqing’s identity as a "mountain-city-river" symbiosis. It bridges ancient traditions with modernity, where historic trade routes coexist with skyscrapers. As a UNESCO gem, it invites global travelers to witness the harmony of nature, history, and human creativity—a true sanctuary of China’s southwestern grandeur.