Haixialu Station

Haixialu Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Chongqing’s Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Haixialu Station (海峡路站) is a pivotal modern transit hub within the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) network, located in the bustling Nan’an District. As part of both the Loop Line and Line 10, it provides seamless access to Chongqing’s city center, commercial districts, and major transportation nodes, including direct connections to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. Opened between 2018 and 2023, Haixialu Station embodies Chongqing’s innovative spirit—navigating mountainous landscapes with advanced multi-level architecture and integrating monorail and subway systems to enhance urban mobility.

The station operates daily from early morning to late evening, offering affordable, distance-based ticketing and multiple payment options, including mobile QR codes and contactless transit cards. Its barrier-free design, tactile paving, elevators, and bilingual signage ensure accessibility for all travelers, with staff assistance and English-language support available for international visitors. Strategically situated near vibrant shopping streets, renowned culinary hotspots, and historical sites such as Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town, Haixialu Station is an ideal gateway to experience Chongqing’s unique blend of tradition and modernity (EastChinaTrip; CQNews, 2023; Yangtze River Cruises).

Introduction
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Station Architecture and Accessibility
Passenger Facilities and Amenities
Connectivity and Nearby Attractions
Historical and Cultural Context
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media
References and Further Reading

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Operating Hours:
Haixialu Station operates daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with frequent train departures every 3–7 minutes during peak periods (sg.trip.com).

Ticketing Options:

Fares: Distance-based, starting at ¥2 for short trips and up to ¥7 for longer journeys.
How to Purchase: Tickets are available at self-service machines and staffed counters. Payment is accepted via cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major Chinese bank cards. International credit cards are increasingly accepted at major stations (travelchina.tips).
Transit Cards: The Chongqing Transportation Card (rechargeable) offers fare discounts and faster entry for frequent users.
Mobile Ticketing: The official CRT app provides mobile QR ticketing, real-time schedules, and alerts.
Discounts: Seniors, students, and children are eligible for reduced fares.

Station Architecture and Accessibility

Design:
Haixialu Station’s multi-level, island platform layout is engineered to suit Chongqing’s mountainous topography. Bright lighting, durable materials, and bilingual (Chinese/English) signage create a safe, accessible, and user-friendly environment. Climate-controlled waiting areas and real-time information displays are standard (EastChinaTrip).

Accessibility Features:

Barrier-Free Access: Elevators, ramps, and tactile paving connect all levels.
Accessible Facilities: Wheelchairs on request, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance via hotline or WeChat mini-program (ichongqing.info).
Guide Dogs: Certified guide dogs are welcome.
Limitations: Some exits may have stairs due to challenging terrain; plan ahead if you have mobility needs.

Passenger Facilities and Amenities

Automated ticketing machines and staffed service counters
Real-time digital train schedule displays
Clean restrooms and seating in paid zones
Retail kiosks and vending machines
Lost and found services
Free public Wi-Fi and mobile charging stations
Security features: CCTV, baggage screening, and emergency intercoms

Connectivity and Nearby Attractions

Metro Connections:

Loop Line: Circulates Chongqing’s urban core
Line 10: Direct access to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, major railway stations, and multiple transfer points

Other Transportation:

Bus stops and taxi stands at station exits
Ride-hailing apps (Didi Chuxing) widely available
Luggage-friendly trains for airport transfers

Nearby Attractions:

Hongya Cave (洪崖洞): Iconic cliffside complex with stilt houses, folk culture, and night markets (Travel China Guide)
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street: Chongqing’s commercial heart, with luxury malls and local food streets (Living Nomads)
Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇): Historic area with Ming/Qing architecture, teahouses, and artisanal shops (Living Nomads)
Liziba Station: Famous for the metro line passing through a residential building (MyTravelBuzzG)
Eling Park (鹅岭公园): Scenic park with panoramic river and city views

Historical and Cultural Context

Chongqing, one of China’s four direct-controlled municipalities, is famed for its rapid urbanization and its “3D Magic City” landscape. The CRT network, launched in 2005, is now among the world’s largest, combining heavy-rail and monorail systems to overcome the city’s complex terrain (People’s Daily, 2005; factsanddetails.com). Haixialu Station supports the city’s goals for sustainable mobility, economic vitality, and transit-oriented development (CQNews, 2023; Guan et al., 2018; Bao et al., 2019).

Cultural Experiences Nearby:

Bayu Heritage: Explore local markets and sample specialties such as Chongqing hotpot, noodles, and street snacks (Yangtze River Cruises).
Handicrafts: Find Shu embroidery, Rongchang porcelain, and Xiabu folding fans at nearby markets (Yangtze River Cruises).

Practical Visitor Tips

Avoid peak travel hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:30 PM) for a more comfortable ride.
Use a rechargeable CRT transit card or mobile payment for efficiency.
Request accessibility assistance in advance via hotline or WeChat.
Carry your destination in Chinese or use a translation app for ease of communication.
Wear comfortable shoes for navigating steep streets and stairways.
Free public Wi-Fi is available in most stations; consider a local SIM card for broader coverage.
Prepare for Chongqing’s humid climate; the station is air-conditioned, but outdoor transfers can be warm.

Best Time to Visit:
September to June, when the weather is mild and comfortable (Yangtze River Cruises).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Haixialu Station’s operating hours?
A: 6:30 AM–10:30 PM daily.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Fares are distance-based, typically ¥2–¥7 per journey.

Q: Is Haixialu Station accessible for passengers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance.

Q: Can I use mobile payments?
A: Yes, Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at machines and counters.

Q: Is English spoken at the station?
A: Basic English is available at information desks; signage and announcements are bilingual.

Q: Are there historical sites nearby?
A: Yes, including Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and Jiefangbei CBD.

Visuals and Media

For more visuals, virtual tours, and detailed metro maps, visit the official CRT website.

References and Further Reading

Haixialu Station exemplifies Chongqing’s modern, accessible, and sustainable urban transit ambitions. It is not just a transportation hub, but a gateway into the heart of Chongqing’s vibrant culture, economic vitality, and historic charm. For more travel tips and metro updates, download the official CRT and Audiala apps, and follow CRT on social media.