A recent family trip to Chongqing included some new adventures for us but one of our favorite spots in the city was Shibati (石碑台) or the “18 Steps” in Chongqing. With narrow alleyways, old stone steps, ancient Chinese architecture, and a bustling street culture, this old neighborhood is a gem for families who want to explore the history and charm of this part of Chongqing.
We packed our things and hit the streets with our little one in tow, ready to discover the area’s past and present. In this post, we will tell you what we loved and learned about the “18 Steps” and some tips on how to make a family trip to Shibati the most memorable one possible.
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Chongqing (Near Shibati)
Budget: Mcsrh Hotel – Chongqing Jiefangbei – Simple and cozy, within walking distance to Shibati and local eateries. Perfect for budget travelers.
Mid-Range: Glenview ITC Plaza Chongqing – Popular choice with spacious rooms, pool, and gym. Just a short walk to Jiefangbei and within easy reach of Shibati.
Premium: Niccolo Chongqing – Luxury high-rise hotel with stunning Yangtze River views, modern rooms, and top-notch facilities.
👉 Check live prices and book on Expedia.com — rooms near Shibati go fast, especially on weekends!
A Small History Lesson: Why is Shibati (the “18 Steps”) Special?
Shibati, also known as the “18 Steps,” is one of the most historical areas in Chongqing. The area was developed because it became a major route for people and traders to move up and down the city on the mountain and the steps were literally cut out of the hill. Now it’s a special place where old Chongqing meets the new.
On the one hand, it has maintained its traditional architecture, old buildings, narrow alleys, and culture. On the other hand, it’s filled with bright lights, large neon signs, and art installations. Walking down the 18 Steps made us feel like we were in a movie from the past. The steps were all preserved to look and feel like they did many years ago. You can even imagine what life was like for people living in Chongqing, China before!
Getting to Shibati (18 Steps): An Easy Subway Journey
Shibati is easy to get to if you use Chongqing’s reliable subway system. The main stop in Shibati is called Jiao Chang Kou). It took us about 24 minutes including the 2 quick line transfers, which were also pretty simple and fast. The subway stations had lots of signs in Chinese and English, so it was easy to follow directions even with our daughter. The trains were also spotless and on time.
If you are a family visiting Shibati, I suggest taking the subway. It’s a budget-friendly way to get around the city and feel like a local.
Our First Impressions of Shibati
As we arrived in Shibati, the first thing we saw was a row of traditional Chinese lanterns on the streets. They were red and yellow with designs on them and they hung down from buildings. The lanterns were reflecting off the ground on the cobblestone paths which added to the cozy atmosphere of Shibati. The older buildings and decorative signage around Shibati gave it a quaint, almost wistful feel that transported us to another era of Chongqing.
Walking Down Shibati (the 18 Steps)
Shibati’s “18 Steps” is a famous set of stairs in Shibati and the walk down to them was a literal and figurative journey. We walked our way to the 18 Steps that got steeper at times and required some navigating. On the way, we passed by small shops that sold traditional snacks, souvenirs, and other handmade items. We even saw some vendors dressed in traditional clothing.
Every few steps we’d see something to stop and look at: carved wood doors from the past, a wooden balcony, or a painted wall mural with a story about Chongqing history. It was like being in an outdoor museum. Our daughter was an adventurous little explorer but needed a hand or two to go up and down the stairs.
Family Fun: Photo Ops on Shibati (The “18 Steps”)
Shibati is also a famous place for unique photos and since we were visiting with our daughter, we came across lots of fun photo opportunities. We saw statues and murals and quirky art pieces. My favorite one was this massive dog that had a stern face. It made my daughter laugh and made for a hilarious photo!
The Neon Nights: Shibati at Night
Once the sun went down, Shibati lit up. We were surrounded by blinking neon lights, colorful signs, and images reflected on the ground. The Chongqing Chinese characters on the signs were backlit in glowing light and gave Shibati a movie-like feel. It was energetic and lively so we found ourselves also getting swept away by the excitement of Shibati. Our daughter was mesmerized by the bright colors too!
Local Vibes: Shibati Culture
I love when we get to experience Chongqing culture on our trips and Shibati was no different. We saw street performers playing traditional instruments, pop-up shops with handmade jewelry, and vendors grilling up local snacks and treats. A fun part was seeing our daughter splash around in this small traditional water fountain. The simplicity of the fountain and her wonder and joy made it a special moment for us.
Food Finds: Eating at Shibati
We also had to try the famous local food from Shibati while we were there. We tried Chongqing noodles, a spicy delicacy that many locals say is to die for. We also tried some skewered snacks from street vendors. The area is known for spicy hotpot dishes and unique flavors and we had fun hunting down a few family-friendly places our daughter could try a few mild dishes.
Note to parents traveling with kids in Chongqing: Ask for no or less spice or milder side dishes, as the local food here is spicy!
Shibati Tips and Etiquette for Families
Practice Respect for Locals
Shibati is a historical district, and while it welcomes tourists, it’s also a place where people live and work. Remember to be considerate of local residents, keep noise levels down, and be mindful of your surroundings.
Crowds Are Normal
Shibati is a popular spot, and crowds can be expected, especially at night. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy it during the day and again in the evening when the lights come on.
Don’t Miss the “Balloon” Landmark
Our last stop was a large, hot air balloon installation with the word “Chong Qing” written in big letters on top. This symbolizes the city’s future and ambition, with lots of energy behind it. This giant balloon sculpture was a representation of Chongqing as a whole and really made us feel like we were a part of a bigger picture than ourselves.
It was the last stop on our Shibati adventure and to me, it seemed like a reminder that we are all made of star dust and we all have a place and a purpose in this universe. I also noticed this YOLO word which seems to give the message that Chongqing is a place you must visit in your lifetime, because you only live once, so don’t miss it!
Conclusion
Our evening walk with the family to Shibati is an adventure we will remember for years. We got to see history, culture, and modern fun, all in one. Walking down the “18 Steps” felt like we traveled back in time, and the neon lights and street food brought us right back to the present.
Shibati is a fantastic place to visit for any family who wants to experience the heart and soul of Chongqing. There are cute photo ops, delicious food, and each corner of Shibati will delight your little one and you. If you are going to Chongqing with your family, don’t forget to save the night for Shibati!
It’s a journey back in time that will impress both kids and adults.
Evening Walk in Shibati Chongqing: Discovering the Historic 18 Steps