A must-visit in Chongqing! Longmenhao vs. Xiahaoli, which is more photogenic? Here’s your guide～

How can you miss these two hidden gem old streets in Nan’an when you come to Chongqing? Longmenhao and Xiahaoli are separated by just the Dongshuimen Bridge, yet they showcase completely different mountain city vibes! This detailed comparison guide helps you unlock both streets in one go, with a super detailed itinerary at the end👇

🏮Distinct Architectural Styles

🌟Longmenhao: A blend of Republican-era charm and modern aesthetics

• Over 200 buildings built along the mountain, combining Chinese and Western styles with blue bricks, gray tiles, and carved doors and windows, as if stepping back into old Shanghai.

• Recommended photo spots:

◦ Mountain City Frame: Uncle Bao’an personally guides your composition, capturing river views, bridge views, and cityscapes all in one shot! 📸

◦ Flower Corridor: The same spot favored by Eason Chan, with a pink rose waterfall paired with bluestone steps, full of artistic vibes～

◦ Moon Viewing Terrace: At night, the bright moon reflects on the river, mingling with the lights of Yuzhong Peninsula, creating an unbeatable atmosphere!

🌿Xiahaoli: A living museum of old Chongqing

• Preserving authentic stilt houses, winding bluestone paths, and clothes fluttering in the breeze from every household, full of local life and charm.

• Recommended photo spots:

◦ This is Chongqing Wall: The first thing that hits you when you exit the subway station, a mountain city declaration with its own BGM!

◦ Panoramic Viewing Platform: Pass through the back door of Haoyue Bookstore to see layers of old houses, perfect for photos day or night～

◦ Intangible Cultural Heritage Bamboo Weaving Tunnel: Sunlight filters through bamboo weaving casting mottled shadows, with the cable car passing overhead, like a movie scene!

📸Photo Style Guide

• Longmenhao: Suggest wearing French floral dresses or vintage qipao, posing on the café terrace or in front of the old foreign trading company site, every shot looks like a magazine cover.

• Xiahaoli: Recommend Japanese-style workwear or vintage denim, capturing moments of elders playing chess or artisans repairing rattan chairs in the alleys, full of cultural depth!

🍜Food Map Revealed

🍴Longmenhao: A mix of refinement and local flavor

• Shiwai Jiangjing Hong Kong-style Restaurant: 270° river view terrace facing Dongshuimen Bridge, authentic pineapple buns and silk stocking milk tea!

• Houge Rice Noodles: Sour cabbage and shredded pork rice noodles, sour and spicy to whet your appetite, only 15 yuan per person to eat until full, a local hidden gem old brand～

• Wuyinmen Coffee: A Chinese-style teahouse converted from an old residence, cold brew jasmine tea paired with Chinese pastries, full of ambiance!

🍢Xiahaoli: Authentic mountain city taste

• Peijie Private Garden: The same hotpot favored by Eason Chan, beef tallow broth so fragrant it’s soul-stirring, remember to reserve river view seats in advance!

• Duan’s Specialty Noodles: Pea and minced pork noodles and mixed sauce noodles are the signature dishes, spicy and satisfying, paired with a bowl of iced jelly to cool down perfectly～

• Puji Sweet Soup: Traditional red bean soup, sweet but not greasy, a super healing bowl after hiking!

🚶♀️Recommended Itinerary

One-day fast tour:

• Morning: 9:00 Subway Shangxinjie Station Exit 1 → Xiahaoli “This is Chongqing” wall → Panoramic viewing platform → Haoyue Bookstore → Peijie Hotpot (off-peak dining)

• Afternoon: 14:00 10-minute walk to Longmenhao → Mountain City Frame → Flower Corridor → Jixia Mountain Guesthouse Viewing Terrace → Shiwai Jiangjing Restaurant afternoon tea

• Evening: 18:30 Haoyue Square drone light show (starts every Saturday at 20:30) → Stroll along Nanbin Road to enjoy the night view

In-depth exploration:

• Xiahaoli → Young Bird Coffee (minimalist dark style specialty drinks) → Itchy Shop (funny cultural and creative shop you can’t stop browsing) → Haoyue Bookstore for secondhand books

• Longmenhao → Chongqing Opening Site Park → Lidele Foreign Trading Company Site → MR.T Cliffside Restaurant with river view paintings → Danzishi Old Street

📍Practical Tips

1. Transportation: Both streets are accessible via Metro Line 6/Loop Line to Shangxinjie Station; Xiahaoli is a 10-minute downhill walk, Longmenhao is more convenient with an elevator.

2. Costs: Dining in Longmenhao averages 60-150 yuan per person; snacks in Xiahaoli cost 10-20 yuan; coffee 30-50 yuan, student-friendly～

3. Accommodation:

◦ Longmenhao: Jixia Mountain Guesthouse (river view rooms from 200+ yuan per person), Yumeng.YM River View Guesthouse (100+ yuan, best value)

◦ Xiahaoli: LaMAISON Banshan Guesthouse (renovated old foreign house), 20 yuan university student experience dormitory (charity-based, super affordable)

4. Off-peak tips: Longmenhao is crowded on weekends, better to visit on weekdays; Xiahaoli has fewer tourists before 10 am, ideal for empty shots.

💡Hidden Experience

• Drone Light Show: Held every Saturday and holidays at Haoyue Square in Longmenhao, arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot; best viewing near the Moon Viewing Terrace!

The bustling Longmenhao and tranquil Xiahaoli are like Chongqing’s A and B sides. Whether you want to feel the local mountain city life or experience the clash of modern art, these two streets fulfill all your Chongqing imaginations! In short, only kids make choices—adults, quickly save this guide and set off with your friends～