Chongqing: Nightlife in a Chinese Megacity
Explore Chongqing's nightlife and unique urban landscape with local guide Zhen Jili and designated driver Shen Xun.
This documentary from DW Documentary takes viewers to Chongqing, a megacity in southwestern China with a population of about 32 million. The city is known for its unique photo spots, such as a train that runs through the eighth floor of a high-rise building, and has become a tourist magnet thanks to social media influencers.
City guide Zhen Jili, who has witnessed Chongqing's transformation from a "big village" to a megacity, leads viewers through the city's remarkable and confusing layout, where GPS is often useless because you never know which floor your destination is on. Professional designated driver Shen Xun also appears, giving insight into the city's nightlife and transportation.
10 Comments
Reader notes and reactions to this story.
Maya Chen 2 hours ago
This story captures something I noticed in Shanghai too: young people treat the city almost like a shared living room.
Leo Park 3 hours ago
The point about low-cost identity is sharp. It explains why small habits can feel bigger than entertainment.
Anika Rao 5 hours ago
I would love a follow-up about second-tier cities. Chengdu and Hangzhou probably have different versions of this.
Jonas Miller 6 hours ago
The examples feel familiar even outside China. Urban life is becoming more improvised everywhere.
Yuki Tanaka 8 hours ago
Museum visits, cycling routes, pop-up stores - that mix says a lot about how cities are changing.
Clara Wu 9 hours ago
The article makes the trend feel human instead of just lifestyle branding. Nice angle.
Samir Patel 11 hours ago
I like that the piece does not frame this as Westernization. It feels more locally invented.
Nina Roberts Yesterday
The writing around public streets becoming social spaces is especially strong.
Eric Zhou Yesterday
This reminds me of weekend markets near university areas. Very accurate.
Helen Garcia 2 days ago
Would be great to see photos from the routes mentioned in the article.