沙坪坝 Shapingba

Because of its concentration of educational facilities ranging from dingy cram schools to some of the most prestigious universities in Southwest China, Shapingba is often summarized as the “student district”. To most, a “student district” in China is a place where people sing karaoke in the afternoon, drink milk at dinner and go to bed before 11:00. Thank God, this place is so much more.

First and foremost, Shapingba is the center of the Chongqing music scene. It is home to one of the offshoots of the old Nuts Club, with the other one located in Jiefangbei. Ciqikou's Bystreet 16 is also keeping the dream alive. The district is full of music schools, practice rooms and shops selling all kinds of musical intruments.

Shapingba is also a place to buy stuff. Its center, Three Gorges Square (Sanxia Guangchang - 三峡广场) boasts at least five malls offering everything from high-end clothing brands to electronics and world foods. Underground, a gigantic mall will fix you up with cheap clothes, shoes, bags and more electronics.

The “ancient” town of Ciqikou also makes Shapingba a tourist district. Get your old China kicks here with teahouses, Sichuan opera, a temple and tons of souvenirs…