Overview of Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station
Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station, located at No. 19 Tianchen Road in the Shapingba District, serves as a crucial hub for travelers in southwest China. Established in 1979 and renovated in 2018, it is a stopover station on the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, providing access to various destinations, including Chengdu and other cities in Sichuan Province. This article offers essential information for foreign tourists visiting Chongqing and utilizing Shapingba Railway Station.
Getting to Shapingba Railway Station
Transportation Options
- Light Rail:
- Line 1 connects directly to Shapingba Railway Station. Tourists can transfer from Line 3 at Lianglukou Station after arriving at Jiangbei Airport.
- From Chaotianmen Port, take Line 1 from Xiaoshizi Station to reach the railway station.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available and provide a convenient option for reaching the station from various points in the city, including the airport (approximately 40 minutes away).
- Public Buses: Local buses also serve the area, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Distance and Travel Times
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport: Approximately 28 km (about 40-50 minutes by taxi).
- Chongqing West Railway Station: Approximately 21 km (30-60 minutes by taxi).
- Downtown Chongqing: About 15 km (20-30 minutes by taxi).
Facilities and Services
Station Layout
- Ticket Offices: Two ticket lobbies for booking, altering, collecting, and canceling tickets. Foreign tourists must use dedicated counters as automatic machines only recognize Chinese ID cards.
- Waiting Hall: Equipped with six checking gates and electronic boards displaying train information.
- Amenities: Restrooms, drinking fountains, snack shops, and seating areas are available for passenger convenience.
High-Speed Train Services
Shapingba Railway Station operates approximately 10 daily high-speed trains to Chengdu East Railway Station and other cities like Zizhong and Neijiang. The travel time to Chengdu is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
| Departure Station | Destination | Train Type | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shapingba | Chengdu | G | 1.5-2 hrs | 10 |
Tips for Foreign Tourists
Booking Tickets
It is advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the station. For ticket modifications or cancellations, visit the designated counters with your passport.
Payment Options
- UnionPay POS machines: Available at many transit stations, including Shapingba, allowing payments with foreign bank cards.
- Mobile payment options:: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted.
Cultural Attractions Nearby
- Ciqikou Ancient Town: A historic area with traditional architecture and local snacks accessible via public transport.
- Hongya Cave: A scenic spot featuring shops and restaurants built into a cliffside.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
