China Travel Guide
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8 Best Chongqing Photography Spots: Ultimate Guide for Iconic Views

04/25/2025

Quick Overview

📍 Location: Chongqing City Center
🏛️ Highlights: A three-dimensional city blending mountains and rivers, combining Ba-Yu culture with modern charm
🌤️ Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms in alleys, autumn for hotpot with river views
🚇 Transportation: Metro covers major attractions, try the aerial railway
💡 Cultural Experience: Traditional teahouses, riverside food stalls
📱 Essential Apps: Gaode Maps, Douyin (for local food discovery)

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Iconic Photography Locations Explained

1. E'gongyan Bridge - Magical Interchange Views

🎭 Cultural Background: Chongqing's mountain-built urban layout, combined with rapid urbanization in the 1990s, created this traffic marvel dubbed a '3D magical city' by international media
🕒 Best Shooting Time: Evening 17:30-19:30
📍 Specific Location: Longteng Avenue/Xiejiawan Interchange
🎯 Focus Points: Four-level interchange bridge meeting the light rail

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💡 Photography Tips:

  • Tripod is essential
  • Recommended aperture f/8-f/11
  • Exposure time 15-30 seconds
  • Avoid peak traffic hours

2. Liziba Station - Train Through Building

🏗️ Historical Background: Built in 1997, this residential building became famous in 2005 when Line 2 of the light rail innovatively passed through it, perfectly demonstrating Chongqing's "every inch counts" urban development wisdom. CNN rated it as the "world's coolest metro station"
🕒 Best Shooting Time: Morning 9:00-11:00
📍 Specific Location: 18 Liziba Street
🎯 Focus Points: The moment when the train passes through the building

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3. Qiansimen Bridge - City Landmark

🕒 Best Shooting Time: 30 minutes after sunset
📍 Specific Location: Near Jiefangbei Commercial District
🎯 Focus Points: Bridge night view and river reflections

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Practical Photography Tips

Shooting Recommendations

  • For smartphone users: Enable HDR mode, maintain stable composition
  • For camera users: Wide-angle lens recommended, bring tripod for night shots
  • Shooting angles: Find high vantage points, incorporate cultural elements
  • Framing suggestions: Include local life scenes, show street atmosphere

Safety Tips

  • Watch your belongings
  • Avoid shooting from dangerous positions
  • Follow local traffic rules
  • Maintain safe distances

Seasonal Photography Tips

Spring and Autumn (Best Seasons)

  • Spring offers mountain city cherry blossoms and misty urban landscapes
  • Autumn is perfect for hotpot culture, capture misty riverside night scenes
  • Two Rivers cruise views are ideal, experience "mountain city dock culture"

Summer

  • Be mindful of heat protection
  • Bring rain gear
  • Focus on early morning and evening shoots

Winter

  • Frequent foggy days require patience
  • Prepare warm clothing
  • Suitable for capturing city's misty atmosphere

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Transportation Advice

  • Major attractions covered by rail transit
  • Recommend purchasing a transit card
  • Avoid congested routes during peak hours
  • Consider car service (advance booking recommended)

📱 Travel Essentials:

  • Gaode Maps (includes metro lines)
  • Dianping (find authentic food)
  • Douyin (discover hidden photo spots)
  • Xiaohongshu (local recommendations)

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Important Notes

  • Emergency: Dial 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance)
  • Tourist Information: 12301 Tourism Service Hotline (English available)
  • Cultural Etiquette: Avoid loud noise in temples, respect local dining customs
  • Photography Etiquette: Get permission when shooting in residential areas, respect privacy
  • Local Customs: Avoid loud noise in residential areas
  • Safety: Wear non-slip shoes on steep mountain roads
  • Weather Alert: Chongqing is rainy, carry rain gear

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