Eighteen Steps at Shibati 🪜

History of Shibati – Chongqing’s Historic Old Street
Shibati, meaning “Eighteen Steps”, is one of Chongqing’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods. Known for its steep stairways, traditional architecture, and vibrant street life, Shibati represents the essence of old Chongqing and its transformation from a mountain city into a modern metropolis.

📜 Origins & Early Development
📅 Ming (1368–1644) & Qing Dynasties (1644–1912) : The area where Shibati stands today was originally a settlement for local traders and laborers. Due to Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, the city developed along staircases, and Shibati became one of the most famous. The "Eighteen Steps" were built to connect the upper and lower parts of Yuzhong District, making it a key pathway for trade and daily life.

📅 Late Qing Dynasty – Early Republic of China (1800s–1930s) : By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shibati had developed into a bustling commercial and residential area. The area was filled with teahouses, small shops, traditional stilted houses, and street food vendors. It became a place where locals, merchants, and travelers gathered, making it one of the most authentic and lively neighborhoods in Chongqing.

⚔️ Wartime & Refuge for Immigrants
📅 Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) : During World War II, when Chongqing served as China’s wartime capital, Shibati became home to many refugees from eastern China fleeing Japanese invasions. Due to its hidden alleyways and hilly landscape, Shibati was relatively safe from air raids, attracting many new residents. The neighborhood became known for its dense population, vibrant street markets, and traditional Chongqing-style courtyards.

🏙️ Post-War Decline & Urban Transformation
📅 1950s–1990s : After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chongqing underwent rapid urbanization, and modern roads and buildings were constructed. However, Shibati remained largely unchanged, keeping its old wooden houses, narrow alleys, and staircases. Over time, as more residents moved to modern apartments, Shibati began to decline, becoming a forgotten yet nostalgic part of Chongqing’s history.

🏗️ Modern Restoration & Revival
📅 2017–Present : In 2017, the Chongqing government launched a major renovation project to preserve and restore Shibati as a cultural landmark. The project aimed to retain the traditional architecture while modernizing infrastructure to make it more accessible for tourism.

Today, Shibati has been transformed into a cultural and historical attraction, featuring:
- Restored old streets & stilted houses
- Traditional teahouses & street food markets
- Art galleries & cultural exhibits on Chongqing’s history

How to get here:
🚇 By Metro (Fastest & Easiest Option) : Take Metro Line 1 or Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station and take Exit 5, then walk about 10 minutes to Shibati. OR Take Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Linjiangmen Station. Walk around 10–15 minutes downhill to Shibati.

🚌 By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option) : Several buses stop near Shibati: Bus Routes: 111, 114, 132, 151, 181, 262