Xietaizi Station

Xietaizi Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Chongqing Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Xietaizi Station (歇台子站), centrally located in Chongqing, serves as a major gateway to the city’s vibrant districts, historical sites, and modern urban attractions. As a critical interchange in the Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) network, Xietaizi connects multiple metro lines and provides visitors with seamless access to renowned destinations like Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave, and Chongqing Zoo. This comprehensive guide delivers up-to-date details on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for both commuters and tourists (iChongqing; Chongqing Metro Official; EastChinaTrip).

Xietaizi Station Overview
- Strategic Location
- Structure and Accessibility
Visiting Information
Connectivity and Transfer Options
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights
Historical and Urban Context
Travel Tips
Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Highlights
References and Further Reading

Xietaizi Station Overview

Strategic Location

Xietaizi Station is situated at the intersection of Chongqing’s Yuzhong, Jiulongpo, and Shapingba districts. As an interchange for Lines 1, 3, 5, and 18, it serves as a pivotal node for both daily commuters and visitors, enabling quick transfers and direct routes to major business, residential, and recreational districts (Chongqing Metro Official).

Structure and Accessibility

The station’s multi-level, underground design is tailored to Chongqing’s mountainous terrain. It features wide platforms, barrier-free routes, elevators, tactile paving, and multilingual signage, ensuring accessibility for all travelers. Multiple entrances and exits connect directly to surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas. Safety is a priority, with surveillance systems, clear emergency exits, and round-the-clock staff presence (Baidu Baike).

Visiting Information

Operating Hours

Daily: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
(Operating hours may vary slightly by line or day; check the official CRT website or app for real-time updates.)

Ticketing and Fares

Purchase Options:
- Automated vending machines (accept cash and mobile payments)
- Staffed counters (accept Chinese and international cards)
- CRT mobile app (QR code e-tickets, day passes, recharge cards)
Fare Range: Starting at approximately 2 RMB, price varies by distance
Payment Methods: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, major bank cards (Asia Odyssey Travel)

Passenger Amenities

Restrooms (including accessible stalls)
Waiting areas with seating and air conditioning
Digital train information displays
Customer service desks with basic English support
Security screening at all entrances

Connectivity and Transfer Options

Xietaizi Station’s role as an interchange hub enables seamless transfers among Lines 1, 3, 5, and 18 without exiting the paid zone. The station is well-integrated with Chongqing’s bus network, and taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available nearby. Trains run every 2–4 minutes during peak hours, ensuring minimal wait times (Chongqing Metro Map).

Airport Access: Direct on Line 3 to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Major Transfers:
- Line 1: East-West axis (e.g., Shapingba, Jiefangbei)
- Line 3: North-South axis (e.g., airport, Yudong)
- Line 5 & 18: Further connectivity across the expanding CRT network

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Highlights

Times Tianjie (时代天街)

Distance: Short metro ride
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry: Free
Asia’s largest single shopping complex, with a renowned underground food court.

Chongqing Zoo (重庆动物园)

Line: Metro Line 2, Zoo Station (two stops from Xietaizi)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Ticket: ~25 CNY
Giant pandas and native wildlife; wheelchair accessible (Chongqing Zoo Guide).

Huangjueping Graffiti Street (黄桷坪涂鸦街)

Access: Taxi/bus from Xietaizi
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entry: Free
Expansive urban murals and contemporary art scene.

Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇)

Access: Metro (~30 minutes)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry: Free (some museums may charge)
Ming and Qing architecture, teahouses, and Sichuan opera.

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (解放碑步行街)

Access: Metro
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry: Free
Chongqing’s premier shopping and dining corridor.

Eling Park (鹅岭公园)

Access: Taxi/public transport
Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ticket: ~10 CNY
Panoramic city and river views; morning tai chi sessions.

Liziba Station (李子坝站)

Line: Metro Line 2
Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Famous for its monorail running through a residential building.

Hongya Cave (洪崖洞)

Access: Metro
Hours: 11:00 AM – Midnight
Entry: Free (restaurants and shops charge)
Iconic stilted architecture and lively nightlife.

Shibati and Shan Cheng Xiang (十八梯 & 山城巷)

Access: Bus/taxi
Hours: 24 hours; shops 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Historic neighborhoods, WWII air raid shelters, and traditional housing.

Historical and Urban Context

Xietaizi Station is a product of Chongqing’s ambitious rail transit vision, conceived in the 1940s and realized through extensive engineering to overcome the city’s steep topography. Officially opened as part of Line 18 in December 2023, the station’s robust, multi-level design addresses geological challenges and supports Chongqing’s urban growth and transit-oriented development (CQNews; Railway Technology).

Travel Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM for a less crowded experience.
Accessibility: Elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms are available.
Navigation: Bilingual signage and digital screens make transit easy for non-Chinese speakers.
Payment: Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted; staffed counters accept international cards.
Local Experience: Explore the Nanfang Huayuan Night Market near one of the station exits for authentic Chongqing cuisine.

Future Developments

Planned metro expansions, including the North Extension Project of Line 18 and additional upgrades, will further boost Xietaizi Station’s role as a major transit hub, enhancing connections to northern Chongqing and supporting the city’s “15-minute city” vision (CQNews; Chongqing Metro Expansion).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Xietaizi Station’s operating hours?
A: Generally 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM, but check the official CRT app for any changes.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use automated machines, staffed counters, or the CRT mobile app. Payment options include cash, mobile payment, and major cards.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, it features elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are nearby attractions wheelchair accessible?
A: Many modern sites are, but historical areas may present challenges due to stairs or cobblestones.

Q: How do I transfer to other metro lines?
A: Transfers are within the paid zone—follow clear signage for seamless navigation.

Visual Highlights

References and Further Reading

Summary and Final Tips

Xietaizi Station exemplifies Chongqing’s commitment to accessible, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban transportation. It is more than a transfer point—it is a launchpad for cultural discovery, historical exploration, and modern urban experiences. Whether you’re a commuter or a first-time visitor, use the CRT app for real-time updates, plan your metro journeys efficiently, and immerse yourself in the dynamic spirit of Chongqing.

For more travel insights, download the Audiala app, explore our other guides, and follow us on social media for updates and exclusive tips. Start your Chongqing adventure at Xietaizi Station and experience the city’s unique blend of heritage and innovation firsthand!