China Travel Guide
China Travel Guide
Culture Insights

8 Best Chongqing Night Views: Ultimate Photography Guide 2024

04/24/2025

Quick Guide

🌃 Best viewing time: 7 PM - 10 PM, when the mountain city's lights begin to shine, creating layers of buildings that sparkle like a river of stars in the twilight

🌡️ Recommended seasons: Spring (March-May) for pleasant weather, Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage

📍 Transportation: Metro (bilingual signage), DiDi app (English version available), Taxis (Visa/Master cards accepted)

💳 Admission: Most spots are free, some require tickets

📱 Essentials: Camera/phone, tripod, warm jacket

🚕 Recommended travel: Ride-hailing or metro + walking combination

Image

Viewpoint Details

1. Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck

🕒 Best time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Inside Nanshan Park, Nan'an District
💰 Admission: ¥16

This is Chongqing's most famous observation deck, offering a 180-degree panorama of the entire downtown area. Arrive one hour before sunset to experience the complete transition from daylight to night views.

Image

📸 Photography tips:

  • Tripod is essential
  • Recommended aperture: f/8-f/11
  • Keep ISO between 100-400
  • Exposure time: 5-30 seconds

2. Yangtze River Cableway

🕒 Best time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
💰 Fare: ¥5 one-way

Image

3. Hongyadong - Perfect Fusion of Ba-Yu Culture and Modern Art

🕒 Best time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Cangbai Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District (5-minute walk from Hongyadong Metro Station)

🎭 Cultural experience: This is the birthplace of Chongqing hotpot culture, with street food and traditional face-changing performances offering visitors an immersive Ba-Yu cultural experience

🌟 Features: 11-story traditional stilt house complex, blending traditional and modern elements, named "Asia's most stunning night view landmark" by CNN. The architectural style resembles Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki, making it a must-visit landmark for international tourists.

Image

4. Eling Factory No. 2 - Spiritual Corner for Chongqing's Art Youth

🕒 Best time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Eling Zheng Street, Yuzhong District
🎨 Features: A creative park converted from an old factory, filled with local artists' works, with rooftop cafes overlooking the night view of both rivers

Image

Practical Tips

Photography Equipment

  • Camera: Full-frame preferred
  • Lenses: Wide-angle (16-35mm) and standard zoom (24-70mm)
  • Essential: Sturdy tripod
  • Optional: Polarizing filter, ND filter

Weather Selection

🌤️ Best conditions:

  • Clear or slightly cloudy days
  • Good air quality
  • Avoid rain and heavy fog

Transportation Tips

  • Use taxis or private cars between viewpoints
  • Prioritize metro-accessible locations
  • Prepare apps: Gaode Maps, DiDi

Useful Information

🌐 Language Services:

  • Major attractions offer bilingual guides and translation apps
  • Recommended: Google Translate offline package

💳 Payment Methods:

  • International credit cards (Visa/Master) accepted
  • Download Alipay International version

🆘 Emergency Assistance:

  • Tourist information: +86-23-12301 (English available)
  • Emergency numbers: 119/120/110 (English service available)
  • Respect local residents' privacy when photographing
  • Wear comfortable non-slip shoes for the mountainous terrain
  • Bring warm clothing for elevated viewpoints
  • Be careful with photography equipment to avoid damage

Image

Advanced Photography Tips

Camera Settings

  • Aperture: f/8-f/11 for optimal depth of field
  • Shutter: 15-30 seconds for light trails
  • ISO: Keep as low as possible
  • Focus: Use manual focus, set to infinity

Composition Techniques

  • Use foreground framing to highlight subjects
  • Pay attention to layering
  • Apply the golden ratio
  • Use leading lines to emphasize subjects

Image

Share
1088

Explorer's Forum (0)

Log in to comment!

No comments yet!

Related content

The best travel stories from around the world

Your Travel Journey Starts Here

Sign up and we'll send the best deals to you