Kuixinglou: Chongqing's 8D Magical Landmark and a Journey to the "22nd Floor on the First Floor" Wonder

The Name "Kuixing" – From Imperial Examination Worship to Symbol of Literary Fortune

The name "Kuixing" originates from the deity in ancient Chinese mythology who presides over literary fortune. Legend has it that a talented but ugly scholar, relying on his profound learning, moved the emperor during the palace examination and was appointed as the top scholar. Later generations revered him as Kuixing. Kuixing holds a red brush in his right hand, symbolizing "dotting the names of successful candidates," and an ink box in his left hand. His right foot stands alone on the head of a mythical turtle, symbolizing "standing alone at the top." In ancient times, Kuixing Towers were often built near Confucian temples, where scholars came to pray for success in the imperial examinations.

The original Kuixing Tower in Chongqing was built in the third year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1725 AD), located near the Confucian Temple at Fuzichi. In 1953, this ancient structure, which had witnessed centuries of imperial examination culture, was demolished due to disrepair. In 1991, Kuixing Tower was relocated to Linjiangmen and rebuilt on a larger scale, becoming today's urban landmark that blends antique architectural style with modern commercial functions.

The Path to Magic – From Traditional Pavilion to 8D Landmark

The contemporary legend of Kuixing Tower began with its astonishing three-dimensional architectural structure:

Traditional Period (1725-1953): As an auxiliary building of the Fuzichi Confucian Temple, Kuixing Tower stood 30 meters high, featuring a four-eave, eight-sided pyramidal wooden structure, and was once an important cultural relic and scenic spot in Chongqing.

Reconstruction Period (1991): After the old tower was demolished, a new, enlarged structure was built near the original site in Linjiangmen, forming the current antique-style commercial complex.

Magical Rebirth (Recent Years): Due to its unique three-dimensional design—where "the first floor is ground level, and the 22nd floor is also ground level"—Kuixinglou has become an internet-famous landmark, joining Hongyadong, the Yangtze River Cableway, and others as core attractions of Chongqing's 8D magical cityscape.

Dive Deeper: Explore More Magical Landmarks in Chongqing >>Hongya Cave | Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway | Liziba Light Rail Station

Architectural Wonder – A Folded Spatiotemporal Experience

The architectural charm of Kuixinglou lies not in its height, but in its mind-bending spatial layering.

The "First Floor" Wonder on the 22nd Floor – The Ultimate Expression of Mountain City Magic
Two suspended skybridges connect Kuixinglou Square with the 22nd floor of the adjacent office building. Entering Kuixinglou from Binjiang Road along the Jialing River, you are on the first floor. Take the elevator to the 22nd floor, step out, and you find yourself back on a ground-level square. This magical experience of "thinking you're on the 22nd floor, but turning around you're on the first" perfectly captures the essence of Chongqing's 8D magical city.

Suspended Skybridge – An Aerial Corridor Connecting Two Buildings
The two suspended skybridges are approximately 23 meters long and hang 65.8 meters above the ground. One end connects to Kuixinglou Square, the other to Xin'an Building. Through the glass floor of the skybridge, you can see traffic weaving 60 meters below. Standing on the bridge, with the gorge beneath your feet and the Jialing River and Yuzhong Peninsula in the distance, when the lights come on at night, it resembles the fantasy world of "Spirited Away."

Architectural Features – A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The existing Kuixinglou adopts an antique architectural style, covering an area of 600 square meters. The main building features four eaves and an octagonal shape, with flying eaves and dougong brackets subtly arranged in the pattern of the Big Dipper. Although a modern reconstruction, its design continues the architectural language of traditional Kuixing Towers, serving as an important example for studying modern antique-style architecture in Chongqing.

Human Imprints – The Modern Legacy of Imperial Examination Culture

Kuixing Statue – The Classic Image of "Standing Alone at the Top"
A Kuixing statue stands in the square: a golden body with a blue face, red hair, and bulging eyes, holding a red brush in his right hand and an ink box in his left. His right foot stands alone on the head of a mythical turtle, while his left foot kicks backward, echoing the shape of the character "kui." The base of the statue is inscribed with "Kuixing Dots the Name, Standing Alone at the Top," making it a popular spot for visitor photos.

Imperial Examination Cultural Remains – A Historical Witness to Enduring Scholarly Fortune
Although the original building no longer exists, Kuixinglou, as a symbol of Chongqing's imperial examination culture, still carries the aspirations of ancient scholars for official success. Exhibition panels within the tower introduce the legend of Kuixing and the ancient imperial examination system.

Filming Location for "Better Days" – Cinema Comes to Life
The staircases and corridors of Kuixinglou served as a filming location for the movie "Better Days." The stairs walked by actor Yi Yangqianxi have become a popular spot for fans to take photos. Wearing dark-colored clothing is recommended to capture photos with the same mood as the film.

Scenic Vista – An Aerial View of the Two Rivers' Confluence

The viewing platform on the 22nd floor of Kuixinglou offers a broad panorama. To the west, you can overlook Chaotianmen at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. To the east, the Qiansimen Bridge spans the river. To the south, the high-rise buildings of Jiefangbei are visible. At dusk, as the sun sets and city lights begin to twinkle amidst the river mist, waiting here for a mountain city nightscape is a uniquely charming experience.

Photography Tips:
The best panoramic spot is on the 22nd-floor suspended skybridge, capturing the gorge, traffic flow, and city skyline simultaneously.
Shoot the skybridge with a wide-angle lens during the morning mist (before 8 am) or after 6 pm for fewer people and soft light, yielding the best results.
Shoot from a low angle at the exit of the Kuixinglou B1 parking lot for a composition full of architectural scale.
Wearing dark-colored clothing on the skybridge helps blend into the magical atmosphere.
Selfie sticks are prohibited on the skybridge; be mindful of safety when taking photos.

Five Must-Do Activities for a Complete Kuixin glou Journey

1. Experience the "22nd Floor on the First Floor" Magical Illusion

Time: Any time; an evening visit is recommended.

Experience: Enter Kuixinglou from the Binjiang Road entrance, take the elevator to the 22nd floor, and step out—you're back on ground level! This "folded spacetime" experience is the unique magical charm of the mountain city.

Tip: Pay attention to the feeling of height change in the elevator; the visual impact when the doors open on the 22nd floor is strongest.

2. Stroll the Suspended Skybridge, Overlook the Traffic 65 Meters Below

Experience: Step onto the suspended skybridge connecting the two buildings. Through the glass floor, traffic 65 meters below looks like crawling ants. The adventurous can stand in the middle for a "suspended" photo; the faint-hearted should hold the railing.

Best Time: Evening, when the skybridge lights up and the distant lights of Hongyadong begin to glow, creating a stunning scene.

3. Visit the "Better Days" Filming Location

Experience: Find the stairs where actor Yi Yangqianxi walked in the movie and take a photo from the same spot. Wearing dark clothes helps capture the film's mood.

Tip: The stairs are on one side of the square. Daylight is better; it gets darker after evening.

4. Explore the Kuixing Statue, Pray for Academic Success

Experience: Find the Kuixing statue in the square. The vivid image of the brush-wielding, ink-box-holding, turtle-standing deity is lifelike. Silently make a wish for academic or career success.

Culture: According to local custom, touching the turtle's head sculpture while making a wish can bring good luck.

5. Taste the Nearby Guodao Douhua

Must-Try: Guodao Douhua is a popular food near Kuixinglou, with locals lining up for it. The tofu pudding is smooth and tender, served with spicy dipping sauce. Average cost per person is about ¥20.

Where to Find: A 5-minute walk from Kuixinglou; ask locals or use a navigation app for the exact location.

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day "Magical Landmark" Essence Tour:

Arrive at Kuixinglou at 3:00 PM → Enter from the Binjiang Road entrance, experience the "first floor" ground → Take the elevator to the 22nd floor, experience the "first floor illusion" → Stroll the suspended skybridge, photograph the gorge scenery → Explore the Kuixing statue, learn about imperial examination culture → Find the "Better Days" filming location stairs for photos → Walk around the square area to soak in the urban atmosphere → Head to nearby Guodao Douhua around 5:30 PM → Return to the skybridge or 22nd-floor platform around 7:00 PM to wait for the night view → Depart around 8:00 PM.
*IntoTravelChina Tip: Kuixinglou is open free of charge 24/7. Crowds increase after 6 pm; secure your shooting spot early.*

One-Day "Yuzhong Magic" Combined Tour:

Day 1: Kuixinglou + Jiefangbei + Hongyadong + Yangtze River Cableway

2:00 PM: Arrive at Kuixinglou, follow the essence tour route

3:30 PM: Walk to Jiefangbei, visit the city landmark, explore Bayi Snack Street

5:00 PM: Walk to Hongyadong, explore the stilted building complex, have dinner nearby around 5:30 PM

7:00 PM: Hongyadong lights up, photograph the night scene

8:00 PM: Head to the Yangtze River Cableway, experience viewing the river from above

9:30 PM: End the tour, return to hotel

IntoTravelChina Advantage: We can provide detailed transportation guidance, time management suggestions, and recommendations for quality nearby restaurants and viewing spots.

Expert Guidance: IntoTravelChina offers private customized itineraries with dedicated guides, transportation, and activity coordination for a deep, worry-free experience. >>Consult now for customization

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
Kuixinglou is located in the heart of Yuzhong District, Chongqing, with extremely convenient transportation access.

Metro: Take Rail Transit Line 2 to "Linjiangmen Station," Exit B, and walk about 5 minutes. Or take Line 1/6 to "Xiaoshizi Station" and walk about 10 minutes.

Bus: Take buses 461 or 465 to "Kuixinglou Station." Alternatively, take buses 105, 111, 112, 114, 135, 151, 181, 262, 401, 461, 466, 601, 862, 866, 881, etc., to "Linjiangmen Station."

Self-Drive: Navigate to "Kuixinglou Parking Lot." The square has a parking lot with relatively ample spaces, but public transportation is recommended on holidays.

Nearby Walking Distance: About 5 minutes from Jiefangbei and 10 minutes from Hongyadong, allowing for a combined tour.

Important Return Reminder: Kuixinglou is an open square, open 24 hours a day. The last metro trains run approximately 22:30-23:00; please plan your schedule accordingly.

Best Time to Visit
Kuixinglou is pleasant year-round, but an evening visit to view the nightscape is the optimal experience, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable weather.

Golden Spring & Autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, good air quality, high evening visibility, and the most beautiful night views.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot weather, but the evening river breeze makes the skybridge a good place to cool off. Summer is often misty, adding a unique charm to both morning mist and night views.

Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold weather may affect visibility, but there are fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful viewing experience. Overcast days enhance the "Fog City" atmosphere.

Accommodation Options

Yuzhong District (First choice for convenient access):

A wide selection of hotels near Jiefangbei, Linjiangmen, and Jiaochangkou, from budget to upscale. Choose accommodations within walking distance of Jiefangbei or Hongyadong for easy touring.

There are also hotels near Kuixinglou itself; some rooms offer direct views of the skybridge.

Nan'an District / Jiangbei District (Choice for views from the opposite bank):

Hotels along Nanbin Road and Beibin Road offer views of the Yuzhong Peninsula nightscape from across the river.

Access requires crossing the Qiansimen or Dongshuimen Bridges, approximately a 15-20 minute drive to Kuixinglou.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Advice:
We recommend planning and booking your trip 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for holidays and weekends. Booking through us provides real-time availability and discount information. Tell us your budget and needs, and we will match you with the most suitable accommodation options. >>Consult now for customization

Kuixinglou is the perfect starting point for exploring the culture of Chongqing's mother city.

Half-Day Magical Landmark Route: Kuixinglou → Jiefangbei → Hongyadong. Experience the most classic magical sights of the mountain city.

1-Day Mountain City Panoramic Tour: Kuixinglou → Jiefangbei → Hongyadong → Yangtze River Cableway → Longmenhao Old Street. Experience the beauty of Chongqing's three-dimensional cityscape.

The story of Kuixinglou concerns three centuries of legacy in scholarly fortune, the folding of time and space in magical architecture, and the splendid transformation from a traditional pavilion to an internet-famous landmark. IntoTravelChina specializes in creating deep, personalized, and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can:

Tailor-Make Your Itinerary: Design the perfect route including Kuixinglou and surrounding attractions based on your interests and schedule.

Provide One-Stop Service: Secure tickets, unique accommodations, transportation connections, local guides, and activity arrangements.

Arrange Exclusive Experiences: Optimal viewing time guidance, magical architecture photography tips, and more.

Let your Kuixinglou journey transcend sightseeing—embark on a three-dimensional exploration of the mountain city through time and space.

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