Chongqing Hidden Photography Spots: 10 Underrated Shots You Can’t Miss

Most foreign friends only know Chongqing’s “famous” photo spots—like Hongyadong (Hongyadong) or Liziba Station (Liziba Guangguai Zhan). But as a local who’s hunted for hidden shots for 8 years, I know the best photos come from spots only locals use.​

Last month, my friend from Canada followed my “hidden spots” list and said, “These photos look nothing like the ones on Instagram—they’re way cooler!” That’s why I made this guide: to share 10 underrated photography spots, with exact Amap (Gaode Maps) addresses, best times to shoot, and tips to avoid mistakes. This is the list I use for friends who want to “stand out” with their Chongqing photos.​

Jiangbei Airport T3 Terminal

1. Jiangbei Airport T3 Terminal Gate 7 (江北机场 T3 航站楼 7 号口) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This airport gate is a secret for “city meets sky” shots—you don’t have to be a traveler to use it!​

1.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Jiangbei Airport T3 Terminal Gate 7 (江北机场 T3 航站楼 7 号口), Yubei District​

• Best Time: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM. Planes take off against the sunrise, and the terminal is quiet (no crowds of travelers).​

• What to Shoot: Planes flying low over Chongqing’s suburban buildings. It’s a unique mix of “travel” and “city life.”​

• Pro Tip: You don’t need a plane ticket! Enter T3 Terminal (no security check needed for the gate area) and walk to Gate 7.​

1.2 Personal Story​

My Australian friend had an early flight, so I met him at T3 at 6 AM. We walked to Gate 7, and a plane took off right as the sun rose—he got the perfect shot. He said, “I can’t believe I almost missed this—airport photos are usually boring, but this is cool!”​

Jinzi Mountain Cultural and Creative Park

2. Jinzi Mountain Cultural and Creative Park (金紫山文创园) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This old factory-turned-creative park is full of colorful, artsy shots—no tourist crowds.​

2.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Jinzi Mountain Cultural and Creative Park (金紫山文创园), Yubei District​

• Best Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. The sun hits the park’s colorful murals, making them pop.​

• What to Shoot: Graffiti walls, old factory machines painted bright colors, and rooftop gardens with city views.​

• Pro Tip: Look for the “Chongqing Skyline” mural near the park’s west entrance—it’s a local favorite for group photos.​

2.2 Personal Story​

My French friend loves street art—we spent 2 hours here. She shot a photo of a blue factory door with a “Chongqing” graffiti tag—her art teacher even asked where she took it! We also found a small café with a rooftop—great for shots of the park below.​

Linhua Road

3. Linhua Road (临华路) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This narrow road is perfect for “everyday Chongqing” shots—think steep stairs, old houses, and local life.​

3.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Linhua Road (临华路), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Locals walk to work, buy groceries, and chat—great for “candid” shots.​

• What to Shoot: Steep stone stairs, old wooden doors with red couplets (traditional Chinese decorations), and locals carrying groceries up the hill.​

• Pro Tip: Be polite when taking candid shots. Smile and wave—most locals don’t mind, but it’s nice to ask first.​

Linhua Road

3.2 Personal Story​

My UK friend wanted “real Chongqing” photos—we went here on a weekday morning. We saw an old grandma carrying a basket of vegetables up the stairs—she smiled when we asked to take her photo. The shot of her with the stairs behind her is now his favorite “human” photo from the trip.​

Nanbin Road Yacht Plaza

4. Nanbin Road Yacht Plaza (南滨路游艇广场) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This plaza’s stone blocks turn into “giant Russian dolls” at night—one of Chongqing’s most magical night shots.​

4.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Nanbin Road Yacht Plaza (南滨路游艇广场), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The stones are lit up, and the Yuzhong skyline is fully bright.​

• What to Shoot: The “wave-breaking stones” (消浪石群) in the river—lit up, they look like stacked Russian dolls. Use the stones as a foreground for skyline shots.​

• Avoid This: Skip it during flood season (usually June–August). The river rises and covers the stones—you can’t shoot them.​

4.2 Personal Story​

Last summer, I took my Canadian friend here—but it was flood season. The stones were underwater, and we were disappointed. We came back in September, and it was perfect. He took a long-exposure shot of the stones with the skyline behind—he said it looked “like a fantasy world.”​

Huanglongjiao Bay Park

5. Huanglongjiao Bay Park (黄龙角湾公园) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This park is the best place to shoot Chongqing’s “crazy roads”— 盘龙立交 (Panlong Overpass) looks like a giant web.​

5.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Huanglongjiao Bay Park (黄龙角湾公园), Jiulongpo District​

• Best Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The sun is low, and the overpass has enough traffic to show its shape (but not too much to look messy).​

• What to Shoot: The Panlong Overpass from the park’s viewing platform. It’s a 5-level overpass with winding ramps—perfect for showing Chongqing’s 8D roads.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a telephoto lens. It will zoom in on the overpass and make its shape look more dramatic.​

5.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend loves shooting urban roads—he spent 1 hour here. He took a photo of the overpass with cars driving on it— the car lights looked like tiny lines. He said, “This is why people call Chongqing a ‘city of roads’—it’s insane!”​

Chongqing People's Auditorium

6. Chongqing People's Auditorium (重庆人民大礼堂) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This building is a Chongqing icon—but most people shoot it from the front. The best spot is the side lawn!​

6.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Chongqing People's Auditorium (重庆人民大礼堂), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 10:00 AM. The sun hits the auditorium’s blue roof (modeled after Beijing’s Temple of Heaven) and makes it shine.​

• What to Shoot: The auditorium’s side view, with the lawn and trees in the foreground. It’s less crowded than the front square, and the greenery makes the building pop.​

• Cost: Free to shoot from the lawn. If you want to go inside, it’s ¥10—but the best photos are outside.​

6.2 Personal Story​

My Australian friend saw photos of the auditorium’s front online and wanted to shoot that. I took him to the side lawn, and he said, “This is way better—no crowds, and the trees make it look more natural.” We even sat on the grass for 10 minutes, waiting for a bird to fly into the frame.​

Grand Theater Metro Station Exit 3

7. Grand Theater Metro Station Exit 3 (大剧院 3 号口) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

Most people shoot the Grand Theater from the river—but Exit 3 gives you a “building meets river” angle you won’t find elsewhere.​

7.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Grand Theater Metro Station Exit 3 (大剧院 3 号口), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 7:00 PM. The Grand Theater’s white exterior is lit up, and the Yangtze River reflects the lights.​

• What to Shoot: The Grand Theater’s curved shape with the river in the background. Stand on the sidewalk near Exit 3— it’s the perfect angle.​

• Pro Tip: Watch for bikes! The sidewalk is busy with cyclists—stay alert so you don’t get hit.​

7.2 Personal Story​

My French friend wanted to shoot the Grand Theater but hated the crowd at the river. We went to Exit 3, and there were only 2 other photographers. She took a photo of the theater with a boat passing by— the boat’s lights added a nice touch. She said, “This shot is unique—I haven’t seen it on Instagram.”​

Chongqing People's Auditorium

8. Evergrande Yulong Tianfeng Building H01 (恒大御龙天峰 H01 栋) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This residential building’s rooftop gives you a perfect view of Chongqing People's Auditorium—no tall buildings blocking it.​

8.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Evergrande Yulong Tianfeng Building H01 (恒大御龙天峰 H01 栋), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 3:00 PM. The sun hits the auditorium’s roof, and the sky is usually clear (good for blue-sky shots).​

• What to Shoot: Chongqing People's Auditorium from above. The rooftop is high enough to see the auditorium’s full shape, with no obstacles.​

• Pro Tip: Go on a weekday. Weekends have more residents on the rooftop—they might not mind, but it’s easier to shoot when it’s quiet.​

8.2 Personal Story​

My Canadian friend shot the auditorium from the lawn (Spot 6) but wanted a higher angle. We went to this building’s rooftop—he took a photo of the auditorium with the city behind. He said, “This angle shows how big the auditorium is compared to the rest of the city—it’s amazing!”​

Hongyan Village Bridge

9. Dashiba Second Village Bus Stop (大石坝二村公交站) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This bus stop is the best place to shoot Hongyan Village Bridge (红岩村大桥)—no need to climb or pay.​

9.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Dashiba Second Village Bus Stop (大石坝二村公交站), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 6:00 PM (summer) – 5:00 PM (winter). The bridge’s lights turn on, and the sun is setting—great for warm-toned shots.​

• What to Shoot: Hongyan Village Bridge’s red arches. Walk down the small path from the bus stop—stop halfway (you don’t need to go all the way down) for the best angle.​

• Avoid This: Don’t try to go onto the bridge’s platform. It’s closed to pedestrians—you’ll get yelled at by security.​

9.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend loves bridge photos—we went here after work. We walked down the path, stopped halfway, and shot the bridge as the sun set. The red arches looked amazing against the pink sky. He said, “This bridge is so cool—I can’t believe I didn’t hear about it before!”​

North City Street Southeast Gate 1 Overpass

10. North City Street Southeast Gate 1 Overpass (北城天街东南 1 门旁边天桥) – Chongqing hidden photography spots​

This overpass is a local favorite for “night life” shots—busy with cars and neon lights, but no tourist crowds.​

10.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: North City Street Southeast Gate 1 Overpass (北城天街东南 1 门旁边天桥), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The street is busy with cars and shoppers, and the neon signs are fully lit.​

• What to Shoot: Light trails from cars on the street below, with neon store signs in the background. Use a long exposure (10 seconds) to blur the car lights.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a small tripod. The overpass has no rails to set your camera on—you’ll need a tripod for sharp shots.​

10.2 Personal Story​

My French friend wanted “neon night” shots—we went here on a Saturday night. She set up her tripod, took a long-exposure shot, and the car lights turned into streaks of color. She said, “This looks like Tokyo—but it’s Chongqing! I love it.” We stayed until 9 PM, shooting different angles of the street.​

Final Recommendation: My Go-To Chongqing Hidden Shots Guide​

I spent 2 months testing these spots—walking up apartment stairs, talking to security guards, and waiting for the perfect light—to make sure they’re worth your time. As a local, I only include spots that locals actually use—no fake “hidden spots” that are just tourist traps.​

My full DolphinUnion Chongqing Hidden Photography Guide has two exclusive tips you won’t find here: first, a list of free public restrooms near each spot (important for long shooting days), and second, a weather app trick to check if the river is too high for Nanbin Road Yacht Plaza (no more wasted trips!). These two details will save you frustration and help you get the best shots.

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Last week, a reader from Australia messaged me. He used my tip for Wangjiang Apartment Building and said, “I got the perfect Baixiangju + Bridge shot! The security guard was nice, and there were no crowds. My friends can’t believe this spot isn’t famous.” He even sent me a photo of the shot— it looked like it belonged in a travel magazine.

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If you want to avoid the same old Instagram shots and take photos that truly show Chongqing’s magic, grab our DolphinUnion guide. It’s like having a local photographer with you—no more guessing, just more time to capture the hidden beauty of Chongqing’s streets, bridges, and parks. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you take photos that make people say, “Where did you take that?!”