Address: Min Zu Road, Yu Zhong Qu, Chongqing, China
What to buy: Fashion clothes, local snacks, hi-tech productions
When Chongqing locals refer about commercial center, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street will be their fist place for shopping. It is a fashionable district that tells you what the trend in Chongqing is.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Liberation Stele is located in the road interchange of Minquan Road, Minzu Road and Zourong Road, Yuzhong district. The full name of Liberation Stele is “People Liberation Stele”, it represents the peace and liberation. Commerce center of Yuzhong district is here, around 300 meters of Liberation Stele has the city's biggest snack street. Jiangbei Pedestrian Street is one of the largest pedestrian street in western China, therefore is called "western China First Street".
Jiangbei Pedestrian Street is always the most prosperous commercial center in Chonqing. There are numerous department stores, hotels, restaurants, etc., is a good place for shopping, food, and stroll around, and it is one of the fashionable landmarks in Chongqing. Liberation Stele is the center of the Pedestrian Street, including Minquan road, Minzu road, Zourong road, Baiyi road and Wuyi road, etc.
Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street
Many malls, many snacks, and many beauties, is the character “three many” of the pedestrian street. You can go shopping in the department stores here, like Meimei Times Department, Metro Plaza, Chongqing Department Store building and the Pacific Department Store; You can get almost all Chongqing food and snacks in this pedestrian street. Bayi Road Snack Street in the famous Chongqing delicious street hawker centers. Business is so prosperous because of the near Jiefangbei Street, so there are many people here looking for snacks. Cheap and delicious hot and sour rice noodle, small Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) and Chaoshou can be found here.
1. Nie Facai Jianghu Cuisine (聂发财江湖菜)
Tucked away in a narrow alley near the old residential area of Datong Lane, this humble eatery serves up bold and spicy Jianghu cuisine, a category of Chongqing home-style cooking. Their signature dish—Laifeng Fish, made with freshly killed Qingjiang river fish—hits your tastebuds with a wave of numbing spice and savory aroma. The Spicy Chicken bursts with wok-fried flavor, while the green chili chicken is perfect for those who enjoy a fresher chili kick. End your meal with a traditional chilled Tremella rice dessert, or try the hawthorn rice balls for a sweet and soothing finish.
2. Chen Chen Hotpot (陈陈火锅)
This classic Chongqing hotpot spot is hidden under a residential building—blink and you might miss it. The secret? A rich beef tallow broth that becomes more flavorful the longer you cook. The must-try beef tripe is springy and absorbs just the right amount of spice, while the marinated beef and squid bring satisfying textures to the table.
3. Shancheng Trail Iron Cake (山城步道熨斗糕)
Sold by an elderly couple near the Shancheng Trail, this traditional snack is made from rice batter grilled in a cast iron mold. The result is a snack that's crispy outside and sticky-soft inside. Pair this with a walk along the historic trail for the full old-Chongqing experience. It's best enjoyed hot and fresh!
4. Juntun Guokui (军屯锅盔)
Don’t be fooled by the small storefront—this place is a local favorite. Made with a pan-fried then oven-baked method, the guokui (crispy stuffed flatbread) maintains a crunchy, flaky crust without being overly greasy. Choose between savory pork or the fiery beef version, depending on your spice tolerance. A perfect breakfast or snack with great value.
5. Wu Wontons (吴抄手)
A legendary local chain with over 70 years of history, Wu Wontons is to Chongqing what ramen is to Tokyo. Their wontons, known locally as "chaoshou", are plump, tender, and drenched in fragrant red chili oil. Try it with a side of pan-fried dumplings and start your day the Chongqing way.
6. Sanyangzi (三样子)
Craving something sweet after a spicy meal? This dessert shop offers cool, handmade treats that are the perfect antidote to Chongqing’s chili heat. Their ice jelly with mango is refreshing and loaded with toppings, and the brown sugar jelly cake is both chewy and comforting.
7. Liao Erwa Skewers (廖二娃串串香)
If you're into hotpot but prefer your ingredients on a stick, this is your spot. A champion among skewer shops, Liao Erwa offers dozens of options dipped into spicy, bubbling broth. Locals swear by the cilantro beef and pickled chili beef—bursting with flavor and perfectly tender.
8. Li Bandeng Noodles (李.板凳面)
No tables? No problem. This no-frills noodle stall is famous for its wooden bench seating and flavorful, affordable bowls of noodles. The dry pea paste noodles come topped with minced meat, fragrant oil, and springy noodles. For something heartier, try the braised beef noodle soup.
9. Aunt Fan’s Glutinous Rice Balls (范嬢嬢糯米团)
This beloved stall serves hand-rolled sticky rice balls, dusted in toasted soybean flour and filled with delicious surprises like crispy fried dough and savory fillings. Soft, chewy, and nostalgic—these are snacks that remind locals of childhood.
10. Jiujiu Tofu Pudding Restaurant (九九豆花馆)
An old-school gem full of local charm, Jiujiu Tofu Pudding might not look fancy, but it wins hearts with flavor. A bowl of tofu pudding with chili oil costs just 2 RMB and goes great with a plate of steamed pork ribs or braised pork belly rice. Expect simple seating and a deliciously authentic experience.
Final Tips:
From on request
From $ 327