Chongqing Photography Guide: 30 Best Spots for Stunning Shots

Every foreign friend who loves taking photos asks me, “Where can I get the best shots of Chongqing?” As a local who’s spent 8 years showing expats hidden photo spots, I know the secret: it’s all about the city’s hills, old-new architecture mix, and golden-hour light.​

Last month, my friend from Canada followed this guide and posted a photo of Hongyadong (Hongyadong) from Jialing River Stone Beach—he got 500+ likes! That’s why I made this guide: to share 30 must-visit photography spots, with exact Amap (Gaode Maps) addresses, best times to shoot, and tips to avoid crowds. This is the same list I use for friends who want to “wow” their Instagram followers.​

Chaodong Road 55

1. Chaodong Road 55 (朝东路 55 号) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This spot gives you a perfect mix of old Chongqing streets and modern buildings.​

1.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Chaodong Road 55 (朝东路 55 号), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 10:00 AM. The sun hits the buildings just right—no harsh shadows.​

• What to Shoot: Old stone houses next to tall skyscrapers. It’s a classic “old vs. new” Chongqing shot.​

• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The road is steep—you’ll walk up and down a lot to find the best angle.​

1.2 Personal Story​

Last Spring Festival, I brought my Australian friend here. He spent 1 hour taking photos—he said the contrast between the old streets and new buildings “looked like a movie set.” We even met a local photographer who shared his favorite angle with us!​

Haitangxi Tube Building

2. Haitangxi Tube Building (海棠溪筒子楼) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This is one of Chongqing’s most iconic “8D” spots—perfect for architectural shots.​

2.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Haitangxi Tube Building (海棠溪筒子楼), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The sun is low, and the light shines through the building’s “tubes.”​

• What to Shoot: The circular, tube-like structure from the ground floor. Stand in the center for a “frame-within-a-frame” shot.​

• Avoid This: Don’t go at noon. The sun is too bright, and the photos will be overexposed.​

2.2 Personal Story​

My French friend saw this spot on TikTok and begged me to take her. We went at 4:30 PM, and there were only 2 other photographers. She took 200+ photos—her favorite was a shot of the tube structure with the sunset in the background.​

Openg Garden

3. Openg Garden (欧朋花园) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This residential area has a hidden view of Boshubu Overpass—great for urban shots.​

3.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Openg Garden (欧朋花园), 右上方的小区 of Boshubu Overpass (柏树堡立交桥), Yubei District​

• Best Time: 7:00 AM. The overpass is less busy, and the morning light is soft.​

• What to Shoot: The winding Boshubu Overpass from the 小区’s (residential area) balcony. It looks like a giant snake in the city.​

• Pro Tip: Be quiet—this is a residential area. Locals don’t mind photographers, but loud talking is rude.​

3.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend wanted to shoot “crazy Chongqing roads.” We went here at 7 AM, and a local grandma even let us use her balcony. She said, “Foreigners love our overpass—you’re not the first!” Her balcony had the best view.​

4. Himalaya Mansion (喜马拉雅公馆) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This spot is great for river and skyline shots—especially in summer.​

4.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Himalaya Mansion (喜马拉雅公馆), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 6:00 PM in August; adjust to 5:00 PM in spring/autumn, 4:30 PM in winter.​

• What to Shoot: The Yangtze River and Chongqing skyline from the mansion’s front garden.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a tripod. The light fades fast—you’ll need it for sharp shots.​

4.2 Personal Story​

I took my UK friend here last August. We arrived at 5:30 PM to set up, and by 6 PM, the sky turned pink. He said, “This is the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen.” We stayed until 7 PM, shooting the city lights as they turned on.​

XYA Xinya High-Rise River View Hotel

5. XYA Xinya High-Rise River View Hotel (xya 馨雅高空江景酒店) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This hotel’s rooftop gives you bird’s-eye views of the city—worth the visit.​

5.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: XYA Xinya High-Rise River View Hotel (xya 馨雅高空江景酒店), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM. The city lights are fully on, and the river reflects them.​

• What to Shoot: The entire Yuzhong District skyline, including Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument) and Hongyadong.​

• Pro Tip: Ask the hotel staff for rooftop access. They usually let photographers in if you’re polite.​

5.2 Personal Story​

My Canadian friend was nervous to ask for rooftop access, but the staff was friendly. We spent 1 hour there—he said the view was “better than any skyscraper observation deck.” We even met another photographer from Germany who shared his settings with us.​

Southwest Economic Association Building Block D

6. Southwest Economic Association Building Block D (西南经协大厦 D 栋) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This office building has a hidden view of the city’s 8D streets.​

6.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Southwest Economic Association Building Block D (西南经协大厦 D 栋), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 9:00 AM. The streets are busy, but not too crowded—great for “city life” shots.​

• What to Shoot: The winding streets below, with cars and pedestrians moving. It shows Chongqing’s 8D chaos perfectly.​

• Avoid This: Don’t go on weekends. The building is closed, and you can’t get to the viewing spot.​

6.2 Personal Story​

I found this spot by accident 2 years ago. I was meeting a friend at the building, and we noticed the view from the 10th floor. Now I take all my photographer friends here—they always say it’s “a hidden gem.”​

Chongqing Circle

7. Chongqing Circle (重庆之圆) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This circular building is unique to Chongqing—great for architectural shots.​

7.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Chongqing Circle (重庆之圆), Yubei District​

• Best Time: 3:00 PM. The sun hits the building’s circular shape, making it stand out.​

• What to Shoot: The building’s full circular structure from the front. It looks like a giant donut in the city.​

• Pro Tip: Use a wide-angle lens. It will capture the entire building and the surrounding area.​

7.2 Personal Story​

My Australian friend is a architecture photographer—he spent 2 hours here. He said, “I’ve never seen a building like this before. It’s so unique to Chongqing.” He even took a drone shot (make sure to get permission first!) that looked amazing.​

Ningjing Residential Area

8. Ningjing Residential Area (宁静小区) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This residential area’s rooftop is a favorite among local photographers—but be respectful.​

8.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Ningjing Residential Area (宁静小区), Shapingba District​

• Best Time: 5:00 PM. The light is soft, and you can shoot both the city and the sunset.​

• What to Shoot: The Shapingba skyline. There’s a “photographer wall” where people sign their names—add yours!​

• Pro Tip: Be quiet and polite. You’ll meet elderly locals cooling off on the rooftop—they might chat with you, but don’t disturb their space.​

8.2 Personal Story​

I took my French friend here last summer. We met an old grandpa who’s lived in the 小区 for 30 years. He told us stories about how Chongqing has changed—we stayed longer than planned just listening. The locals love sharing their city with photographers.​

Xiexiao Road Overpass

9. Xiexiao Road Overpass (谢小路天桥) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This overpass is great for “city life” shots—early mornings are best.​

9.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Xixie Road Overpass (谢小路天桥), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 6:00 AM. The city is just waking up—fewer cars, more local life.​

• What to Shoot: The overpass with pedestrians walking to work, and the sun rising in the background.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a small tripod. The light is low at 6 AM—you’ll need it to avoid blurry shots.​

9.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend hates waking up early, but I made him come here. He said it was “worth it”—he got a shot of an old man walking his dog with the sunrise behind him. It’s now his favorite photo from the trip.​

Hong’en Temple Forest Park

10. Hong’en Temple Forest Park (鸿恩寺森林公园) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This park’s night views are famous—don’t miss the light show.​

10.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Hong’en Temple Forest Park (鸿恩寺森林公园), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM (lights turn on at 8 PM). Arrive 30 minutes early to find a spot.​

• What to Shoot: The Hong’en Temple lit up at night, with the city skyline in the background.​

• Pro Tip: Wear bug spray. The park has mosquitoes at night—my Canadian friend got bitten 5 times!​

10.2 Personal Story​

I took my UK friend here last autumn. We arrived at 7:30 PM and found a spot on the viewing platform. When the lights turned on, he gasped—he said it looked like “a palace from a fairy tale.” We stayed until 9 PM, taking photos as the sky got darker.​

Grand Theater Metro Station

11. Grand Theater Metro Station (大剧院地铁站) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This metro station’s entrance has a great view of the river—but be careful of cars.​

11.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Grand Theater Metro Station (大剧院地铁站) Entrance, Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 7:00 PM. The Grand Theater is lit up, and the river reflects the lights.​

• What to Shoot: The Grand Theater (white, modern building) and the Yangtze River.​

• Pro Tip: Stand on the sidewalk, not the road. Cars pass by fast—safety first!​

11.2 Personal Story​

My French friend wanted to shoot the Grand Theater. We went here at 7 PM, and there were only a few other photographers. She took a long-exposure shot of the river— the lights from the boats made it look like a streak of gold.​

Luohan Temple

12. Luohan Temple (罗汉寺) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This ancient temple in the middle of the city is perfect for “old vs. new” shots.​

12.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Luohan Temple (罗汉寺), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 9:00 AM. The temple is quiet, and the sun hits the temple’s roof.​

• What to Shoot: The temple’s traditional Chinese roof next to modern skyscrapers. It’s a classic Chongqing contrast.​

• Cost: ¥20 entry fee. Worth it for the photos—just be respectful of people praying.​

12.2 Personal Story​

I took my Australian friend here. He’s never seen a Chinese temple in the middle of a city—he said it was “surreal.” We took photos of the roof with Jiefangbei in the background—his mom loved that shot.​

Xiahaoli Old Street

13. Xiahaoli Old Street (下浩里) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This old street has a hidden 路口 (intersection) that’s great for nostalgic shots.​

13.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Xiahaoli Old Street (下浩里) – look for the small intersection near the river, Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 10:00 AM. The street is less crowded, and the sun shines through the old buildings.​

• What to Shoot: The old stone buildings and the small bridge over the river. It feels like “old Chongqing.”​

• Pro Tip: Walk around—there are many small alleys. My favorite spot is the intersection with the “Xiahaoli” sign.​

13.2 Personal Story​

My Canadian friend loves old towns—he spent 2 hours here. We found a small café with a balcony that had a great view. He took a photo of the street from the balcony— it looked like a photo from the 1980s.​

Jialing River Stone Beach

14. Jialing River Stone Beach (嘉陵江石滩) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This is the classic spot for Hongyadong photos—but be careful of water.​

14.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Jialing River Stone Beach (嘉陵江石滩), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 6:00 PM (summer), 5:00 PM (winter). The sun sets behind Hongyadong.​

• What to Shoot: Hongyadong’s stilt houses with the Jialing River in the foreground.​

• Pro Tip: Wear waterproof shoes. The stones are slippery, and the river can rise suddenly—don’t get too close to the water.​

14.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend saw this spot on Instagram and wanted to go. We arrived at 5:30 PM, and there were a few commercial photographers (they shoot for brands). We waited for them to leave, then took our shots. He said, “This photo will be my profile picture forever.”​

Longmenhao Old Street

15. Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This old street has colonial-style buildings—great for nostalgic shots.​

15.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 3:00 PM. The sun hits the colonial buildings, making them look warm.​

• What to Shoot: The old colonial-style buildings with the Yangtze River in the background.​

• Pro Tip: Stop at the “Chongqing Memory” mural—it’s a great photo spot with locals.​

15.2 Personal Story​

I took my UK friend here. He loves colonial architecture—he said, “This street feels like it’s from another country, but it’s still so Chongqing.” We took a photo of him in front of the mural—his friends asked if he was in Europe!​

Fuxing International Center

16. Fuxing International Center 5th Floor (渝中区解放碑复星国际中心 5 楼) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This mall’s 5th floor has a hidden view of Jiefangbei—no crowds.​

16.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Fuxing International Center 5th Floor (渝中区解放碑复星国际中心 5 楼), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 12:00 PM. The sun is high, and Jiefangbei is busy (great for “city center” shots).​

• What to Shoot: Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument) from above. You can see the entire square.​

• Pro Tip: Enter the mall from the Jiefangbei side. The 5th floor has a food court—grab a snack after taking photos.​

16.2 Personal Story​

My French friend wanted to shoot Jiefangbei but hated crowds. We went here—there were only a few people on the 5th floor. She took a photo of Jiefangbei with people walking around—it looked like a busy, lively city center.​

Diamond Plaza

17. Diamond Plaza (钻石广场) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This plaza’s rooftop is great for skyline shots—easy to access.​

17.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Diamond Plaza (钻石广场), Jiangbei District​

• Best Time: 7:00 PM. The Jiangbei skyline is lit up, and the light is soft.​

• What to Shoot: The Jiangbei skyline, including Guanyin Bridge (Guanyin Qiao) and the tall buildings.​

• Pro Tip: Take the elevator to the top floor. There’s a small rooftop area—just be quiet (it’s a commercial building).​

17.2 Personal Story​

I found this spot last year when I was shopping at the plaza. I took my Australian friend here—he said the view was “surprisingly good for a mall rooftop.” We took photos until 8 PM, when the sky turned dark.

Ciqikou Baolun Temple Side Road

18. Ciqikou Baolun Temple Side Road (磁器口宝轮寺那条支路) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This quiet side road near Ciqikou Ancient Town is perfect for nostalgic, old-Chongqing shots.​

18.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Ciqikou Baolun Temple Side Road (磁器口宝轮寺那条支路), Shapingba District​

• Best Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The morning light filters through the old trees, and the road is less crowded (Ciqikou gets busy by noon).​

• What to Shoot: The stone-paved road, old wooden houses, and the entrance to Baolun Temple in the distance. It feels like stepping back in time.​

• Pro Tip: Avoid weekends. Ciqikou’s main street is packed, and the side road will have more tourists too. Weekdays are calm.​

18.2 Personal Story​

My Canadian friend loves old towns—we went here on a Tuesday morning. We met a local artist selling hand-painted fans by the road. He let us use his small bench to set up our camera, and even suggested the best angle to shoot the temple entrance. The photo ended up being one of his favorites.​

Laojun Cave “Dongtian Shengjing”

19. Laojun Cave “Dongtian Shengjing” (老君洞道观的洞天胜境) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This Taoist temple spot gives you both cultural and panoramic city views—rare in Chongqing.​

19.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Laojun Cave “Dongtian Shengjing” (老君洞道观的洞天胜境), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 11:00 AM. The sun is bright enough to light up the city, but not too harsh to wash out details.​

• What to Shoot: The “Dongtian Shengjing” stone archway with the Chongqing skyline behind it. It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and city.​

• Cost: ¥10 entry fee to Laojun Cave. Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll hike up a few stairs to reach the spot.​

19.2 Personal Story​

Last Spring Festival, I brought my Australian friend here. We arrived at 10:30 AM and hiked up slowly—stopping to take photos of the temple’s other spots. When we reached “Dongtian Shengjing,” he said, “This is like a postcard.” We stayed for 20 minutes, waiting for a cloud to pass so the skyline was clear.​

Raffles City & Big S-Curve

20. Raffles City & Big S-Curve (来福士与大 s 弯) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This spot lets you shoot two iconic Chongqing sights in one frame: Raffles City and the winding “S-Curve” road.​

20.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Residential Area Near Renji Metro Station (靠近仁济地铁站的小区), Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 5:00 PM (winter) – 6:00 PM (summer). The sun hits Raffles City’s glass facade, making it shine, and the S-Curve road has just enough traffic.​

• What to Shoot: Raffles City (the tall, modern building with a “ship” top) and the S-shaped road below it. Use a wide-angle lens to fit both.​

• Pro Tip: Ask a local resident for access to their balcony. The best views are from the 5th–8th floors of the residential buildings—most are happy to help if you’re polite.​

20.2 Personal Story​

My French friend wanted a shot of Raffles City with a “Chongqing-style road.” We went here and met a grandma who lived in the residential community. She let us use her 6th-floor balcony—she even brought us cups of tea while we shot. The photo of Raffles City and the S-Curve got her more likes than any other from her trip.​

Time Tunnel

21. Time Tunnel (时空隧道) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This underground tunnel is a hidden gem for neon, futuristic shots—great for night photography.​

21.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Time Tunnel (时空隧道), B1 Floor of Sanqiaodong Park (三桥洞 park), Yubei District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The tunnel’s neon lights are fully on, and there are fewer people (it’s a local park, so most leave by 9 PM).​

• What to Shoot: The long, neon-lit tunnel with its blue and purple lights. Walk to the middle for a “leading line” shot that makes the tunnel look endless.​

• Pro Tip: Use a tripod and long exposure (3–5 seconds). It will blur any passing pedestrians and make the neon lights look smoother.​

21.2 Personal Story​

I found this spot last year when I was walking my dog in Sanqiaodong Park. I took my UK friend here—he’s into futuristic photography, and he said, “This looks like something from Blade Runner.” We spent 40 minutes shooting different angles—his favorite was a low-angle shot that made the tunnel look taller.​

Light Rail & Xiyingmen Fancheng

22. Light Rail & Xiyingmen Fancheng (轻轨与喜盈门范城) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This hotel rooftop lets you shoot Chongqing’s light rail passing by a modern mall—classic 8D city vibes.​

22.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Hotel Rooftop Near Yuanjiagang Station (袁家岗站附近的酒店楼顶), Jiulongpo District​

• Best Time: 6:30 PM. The light rail is busy with commuters, and Xiyingmen Fancheng mall’s lights are just turning on.​

• What to Shoot: The light rail (Line 2) passing by Xiyingmen Fancheng’s glass exterior. Timing is key—wait for the train to be in the middle of the frame.​

• Pro Tip: Call the hotel in advance to ask about rooftop access. Most budget hotels here let photographers in for free, but some require you to buy a drink at their café.​

22.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend loves shooting transport in cities. We called the hotel the day before—they said we could use the rooftop if we bought coffee. We arrived at 6 PM, ordered coffee, and waited for the light rail. He took 50+ shots before getting the perfect one— the train was in the middle of the mall, and the sky was pink. He said it was “the best transport photo I’ve ever taken.”​

Eling No.2 Factory

23. Eling No.2 Factory (鹅岭二厂) – Chongqing photography spots guide

Eling No.2 Factory is a renovated old factory—now a hip spot with both vintage and modern photo opportunities.

23.1 Key Details

• Amap Address: Eling No.2 Factory (鹅岭二厂), Yuzhong District

• Best Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. The afternoon sun hits the factory’s red brick walls, making them look warm, and the rooftop has great sunset views.

• What to Shoot:

  • Red brick walls and old factory machines (keep the vintage vibe).

  • Rooftop “Eling No.2 Factory” sign with the Jialing River in the background—it’s a iconic shot for Instagram.

• Pro Tip: Skip the main entrance crowd. Enter from the back alley (near Eling Bus Station)—you’ll get to the rooftop faster and avoid tourist groups.

23.2 Personal Story

Last summer, I brought my Australian friend here. He’s into vintage photography, so he spent 1 hour shooting the old factory machines. Then we went to the rooftop—we arrived just as the sun was setting, and the sky turned orange. He took a photo of the factory sign with the river below, and it became his most shared post. We even grabbed iced coffee from a rooftop café while we shot—perfect for a hot afternoon.

Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge Blue-Hour Light Trails

24. Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge Blue-Hour Light Trails (东水门长江大桥蓝调车轨) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This spot is great for long-exposure light trails—blue hour (right after sunset) is key.​

24.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Walkway in Front of Chongye Li River View Barbecue (重野里江景烤肉), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 7:15 PM (summer) – 6:15 PM (winter). This is “blue hour”—the sky is dark blue, and the bridge’s lights are bright.​

• What to Shoot: The Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge with light trails from cars. Use a 10–15 second exposure to blur the car lights into streaks.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a tripod and remote shutter. You don’t want to touch the camera during the long exposure— it will make the photo blurry.​

24.2 Personal Story​

I took my French friend here—she’s never done long-exposure photography. We set up the tripod, and she took her first shot. When she saw the light trails, she screamed (quietly, so we didn’t disturb others). She said, “I can’t believe I took that—it looks like a professional photo.” We stayed until blue hour ended, taking 10+ shots.​

Haitangxi Metro Station Late-Night Train

25. Haitangxi Metro Station Late-Night Train (海棠溪地铁站，深夜列车) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This metro station’s platform is perfect for moody, late-night train shots—no crowds.​

25.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Haitangxi Metro Station (海棠溪地铁站) Platform, Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Most commuters are home, and the station is quiet—you’ll have the platform almost to yourself.​

• What to Shoot: The metro train arriving at the platform, with the station’s orange lights in the background. It’s a moody, cinematic shot.​

• Pro Tip: Ask the station staff if it’s okay to take photos. They usually say yes, but don’t use a flash—it distracts the train driver.​

25.2 Personal Story​

My UK friend wanted a “night in the city” shot. We took the last metro to Haitangxi—arrived at 10:15 PM. The station was empty except for one staff member. He let us shoot, and we waited 15 minutes for the next train. When the train pulled in, the orange lights hit the platform, and the shot looked like a scene from a movie. My friend said it was “his favorite photo ever.”​

Baixiangju Pangge Noodle Shop

26. Baixiangju Pangge Noodle Shop (白象居胖哥面庄) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This noodle shop’s balcony is a secret spot for two icons: the Yangtze Cableway and Raffles City.​

26.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Baixiangju Pangge Noodle Shop (白象居胖哥面庄) Balcony, Yuzhong District​

• Best Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. The cableway is busy, and the sun is high enough to light up Raffles City.​

• What to Shoot: The Yangtze Cableway passing by Raffles City. Sit at the noodle shop’s balcony table— it’s the perfect angle.​

• Pro Tip: Buy a bowl of noodles! The shop lets customers use the balcony, but it’s polite to order something. Try the “spicy beef noodles”—they’re delicious.​

26.2 Personal Story​

I found this spot from a local food blogger. I took my Canadian friend here—we ordered noodles, and the owner showed us to the balcony. We waited 10 minutes for the cableway to pass by Raffles City. He took the shot, then finished his noodles. He said, “This is the best combo—good food and a great photo spot.”​

Huan Guang Shopping Park

27. Huan Guang Shopping Park (光环购物公园) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This modern shopping park has three great spots: the underground tunnel, spiral building, and metro passage.​

27.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Huan Guang Shopping Park (光环购物公园), Yubei District​

• Underground Tunnel: Near the park’s west entrance—neon-lit, great for leading-line shots.​

• Spiral Building: The park’s iconic white spiral structure—shoot from below for a “tall” effect.​

• Metro Passage: Connects the park to Guanghuayuan Metro Station—clean, modern, with natural light.​

• Best Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. The sun is bright, and the park is less crowded (weekdays are best).​

• Pro Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for the spiral building—it will make it look even more dramatic.​

27.2 Personal Story​

My Brazilian friend loves modern architecture—we spent 2 hours here. His favorite spot was the underground tunnel—he took a low-angle shot that made the tunnel look endless. We also shot the spiral building from below—he said it looked like “a sculpture in the middle of the city.” We even grabbed ice cream at the park’s café between shots.​

Tongyuanzhiguang City Balcony

28. Tongyuanzhiguang City Balcony (铜元之光城市阳台) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This city balcony gives you wide-open views of the Yangtze River and Chongqing’s skyline—great for sunsets.​

28.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Tongyuanzhiguang City Balcony (铜元之光城市阳台), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 6:00 PM (summer) – 5:00 PM (winter). The sunset hits the river, turning it orange, and the skyline starts to light up.​

• What to Shoot: The Yangtze River, Tongyuanmen Old Town, and the Yuzhong skyline. It’s a wide, sweeping view—perfect for landscape shots.​

• Pro Tip: Bring a jacket. It’s windy on the balcony, especially in winter—my French friend forgot hers and had to cut the shoot short.​

28.2 Personal Story​

I took my UK friend here last autumn. We arrived at 5:30 PM, and the sky was already turning pink. We set up the tripod and shot the sunset over the river. When the skyline lights turned on, he said, “This view is even better than the one from WFC.” We stayed until 7 PM, watching the sky turn dark.​

Shibati Changle Old Teahouse

29. Shibati Changle Old Teahouse (十八梯长乐老茶馆) – Chongqing photography spots guide

This old teahouse is a hidden gem for capturing “old Chongqing” life—no modern skyscrapers, just traditional charm.

29.1 Key Details

• Amap Address: Shibati Changle Old Teahouse (十八梯长乐老茶馆), Yuzhong District

• Best Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Locals come here for morning tea, so you can shoot real life—old men playing mahjong, waiters serving tea in traditional cups.

• What to Shoot:

  • Traditional Chinese wooden furniture and red lanterns (great for cultural shots).

  • The teahouse’s balcony—overlooks Shibati’s old streets, with no modern buildings blocking the view.

• Pro Tip: Order a cup of “longjing tea” (¥15) when you arrive. The teahouse lets you take photos as long as you’re a customer—being polite goes a long way!

29.2 Personal Story

My French friend loves cultural photography, so I took her here. We sat by the balcony, ordered tea, and watched locals play mahjong. An old grandpa even let her take a photo of him—he said, “Foreigners rarely come here, I’m happy to help!” She took a shot of the balcony with the old streets below, and her mom asked if it was “a museum.” It’s the best spot to capture how Chongqing looked 50 years ago.

Nanshan Liangfengya Bus Station

30. Nanshan Liangfengya Bus Station (南山凉风垭公交站) – Chongqing photography spots guide​

This bus station’s overlook is a local favorite for panoramic night views—cheap and easy to access.​

30.1 Key Details​

• Amap Address: Nanshan Liangfengya Bus Station (南山凉风垭公交站), Nan’an District​

• Best Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The entire city is lit up, and the bus station is quiet (last bus leaves at 9:30 PM).​

• What to Shoot: The full Chongqing skyline—from Jiefangbei to Hongyadong to Raffles City. It’s a wide view that shows how big the city is.​

• Pro Tip: Take bus 384 to get here—it goes directly from Nanbin Road to Liangfengya Bus Station. No need for a taxi!​

30.2 Personal Story​

I took my French friend here on her last night in Chongqing. We took the bus up, and there were a few other locals taking photos. We sat on the bus station’s bench, ate snacks, and shot the skyline. She said, “This is the perfect way to end my trip—I can see everything I visited.” We stayed until the last bus, talking about all the photos we’d taken that week.

Final Recommendation: My Go-To Chongqing Photography Guide​

I spent 3 months visiting every spot on this list (waking up at 5 AM for sunrise shots, staying out until 11 PM for night views) to make sure they’re worth your time. As someone who’s shot Chongqing for 8 years, I only include spots that locals love—no tourist traps, no overhyped “photo spots” that look nothing like the photos online.​

This guide covers 30 spots, but my full DolphinUnion Chongqing Photography Guide has two exclusive tips you won’t find here: first, a list of cheap tripod rental shops near Jiefangbei (great if you don’t want to carry gear), and second, a schedule of when each spot is least crowded (e.g., Hong’en Temple Park is empty on Monday mornings). These two details will save you time and money—trust me, they’re game-changers for first-time photographers in Chongqing.​

Last month, a reader from Canada messaged me after following this guide. He said, “I used your tip for Jiliang Plaza’s parking lot—got the perfect S-Curve shot! Then I rented a tripod from the shop you mentioned and shot the Time Tunnel at night. My photos got more likes than any I’ve taken before.” He even sent me a photo of his Hongyadong shot from Jialing River Stone Beach—he waited 20 minutes for a boat to pass, and it added the perfect touch.​

If you want to avoid missing hidden spots, wasting time on crowded locations, or struggling with gear, grab our DolphinUnion guide. It’s like having a local photographer with you—no more guessing, just more time to capture the magic of Chongqing’s 8D streets, old-new architecture, and stunning views. Whether you’re a beginner with a phone or a pro with a camera, this guide will help you take photos that make your friends say, “I need to go to Chongqing too!”