Tourists visit the traditional Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing, on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A woman poses for a photo on a rooftop of the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A Chinese dragon sculpture is displayed at a silverware store of the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A cat climbs up a stairway at the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A sculpture of Buddhist Palm is seen at the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A man cooks hot pot broth at the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
Tourists watch a traditional opera performance at the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
A teahouse counter at the Eighteen Stairs district of Chongqing is seen in this photo taken on July 11, 2024. /CGTN
After years of conservation and renovation, the Eighteen Stairs or Shibati traditional district of Chongqing, which features ancient stairways and traditional buildings, has become one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the southwest Chinese city.
The Eighteen Stairs area was one of the earliest residential settlements in Chongqing about 2,300 years ago. The area connects mountain city's upper half with lower half from north to south and has been a flourishing place since ancient times. After years of renovation, this well-preserved attraction is now divided into five sections, each offering a range of traditional historical and cultural elements, local delicacies, internet-famous shops, and more. Tourists flock here to enjoy its charming blend of tradition and modernity at different times of the day and night.