[2] Line 1 runs 16.4 km (10.2 mi) from Chaotianmen in downtown Chongqing west to Shapingba, and eventually all the way to Shuangbei for a total length of 22.4 km (13.9 mi).

It is the city's first all-heavy rail metro line and the second completed in Western China.

In 1992, the Chongqing government had signed a Build-Operate-Transfer in 1992 with a Hong Kong company, and provided the land for the project, but work ceased in 1997 due to legal issues.

[citation needed] Work resumed on the first stretch of the line (from Chaotianmen to Shapingba) on 9 June 2007, and opened to limited operation on July 28.

Line 1 has 25 stations, including from east to west: Chaotianmen, Xiaoshizi, Jiaochangkou, Qixinggang, Lianglukou, Eling, Daping, Shiyoulu, Xietaizi, Shiqiaopu, Gaomiaocun, Majiayan, Xiaolongkan, Shapingba, Yanggongqiao, Lieshimu, Ciqikou, Shijingpo, Shuangbei, Laijiaqiao, Weidianyuan, Chenjiaqiao, Daxuecheng (University Town), Jiandingpo and Bishan stations.