In most modern megacities, the movement of goods is invisible—handled by conveyor belts, trucks, and drones. In Chongqing, it has long been carried out on the sweating backs of men.

Known locally as the “Bang Bang” men, these itinerant porters get their nickname from the sturdy bamboo pole (bangzi) they carry. For over a thousand years, they have been the lungs of this vertical metropolis, transporting the weight of the city through a labyrinth of stairs and slopes where wheels cannot go.

Who are the Bang Bang Men?

The Bang Bang men are primarily migrant workers from the countryside who came to the city to trade their physical strength for a better life for their families. Equipped with nothing but a bamboo pole and two lengths of green nylon rope, they are available for hire by anyone—shopkeepers, tourists with heavy suitcases, or locals moving house.

At their peak, they numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Today, they are a vanishing breed.

The Life of a Porter:

• The Load: A typical porter can carry up to 80 kilograms (176 lbs) on his shoulders, navigating thousands of stone steps in a single shift.
• The Pay: It is grueling work for meager pay, often just a few dollars per assignment.
• The Adaptation: Centuries ago, they carried water from the riverbanks to the mountain neighborhoods. Later, they moved to the docks to haul goods from the ships.

A Symbol of Resilience: The Story of Ran Guanghui

If you want to understand the heart of this culture, look for the story of Ran Guanghui. In 2010, a photograph of Ran went viral across China. It showed him shirtless, carrying a massive sack on his back while tightly holding his young son’s hand as they navigated a crowded market.

The image became a national symbol of paternal love and the “hardworking spirit” of Chongqing. In 2024, fourteen years later, a follow-up photo showed Ran still working at the Chaotianmen market, his son now a tall 18-year-old preparing for college. Ran’s years of labor successfully earned enough to buy a home for his family, proving that these men are not just carrying cargo—they are carrying the future.

Why They Are Disappearing

As you walk through the neon-lit Jiefangbei district, you will see a sharp contrast: high-speed couriers whizzing by on motorcycles while an elderly Bang Bang man passes by, seemingly out of place.

• Modernization: Elevators, better roads, and the rise of professional courier companies have made manual porters less essential.
• Aging Population: Most remaining porters are now over 50 years old. Younger generations are seeking more lucrative, less physically demanding careers in the city’s tech and service sectors.
• The Numbers: There are estimated to be only about 10,000 of them left today.

Where to Find and Observe Them Responsibly

The Bang Bang men are a proud part of the city’s identity—so proud that Chongqing has even erected a massive statue in their honor.

If you wish to see them at work or capture a portrait:

1. Chaotianmen Wholesale Market: This is the best place to observe the hustle. You will see porters moving massive rolls of fabric and boxes of clothing through narrow alleys.
2. Jiaochangkou and Jiefangbei: You will often find them waiting for work near the entrances of malls or at the bottom of steep residential stairs.
3. Etiquette: Please be respectful. These men are working hard to survive. If you want to take a close-up photo, a polite nod or asking “Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?” is appreciated. If they help you with your luggage, a generous tip is a direct way to support a dying tradition.

Traveler’s Perspective: To many, the Bang Bang men are a reminder of Chongqing’s “grit.” In a city that is rapidly turning into a futuristic sci-fi dream, they are the human pillars that hold up the history of the Mountain City.

If you want a deeper look at what Chongqing offers culturally and historically, our 2026 Chongqing Travel Guide provides a complete overview of the city’s main sights and experiences.