If you’ve seen videos of trains running through apartment buildings or neon-lit skyscrapers reflecting off foggy rivers, you’ve likely been looking at Chongqing. As a travel blogger who has spent significant time navigating this “Mountain City,” I can tell you one thing: Chongqing is best viewed from above.
But with so many observation decks popping up, where should you actually spend your money? I’ve scouted the top five spots, from the highest skyscraper in Western China to a hidden local “bridge-view” balcony.
Here is my honest breakdown of the five best viewpoints in Chongqing to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your itinerary.
1. WFC Huixianlou: The “Top of the World” Experience
Located at the very heart of Jiefangbei, the Chongqing World Financial Center (WFC) is the heavyweight champion of views. At 590 meters above sea level, it’s officially the highest open-air observation deck in Western China.
The Experience:
You’ll take a high-speed elevator to the 70th floor and then transfer to the 73rd-75th floors. The 75th floor is an outdoor terrace. Standing here, the city looks like a miniature scale model. On a clear day, you can see the “Yuan Yang Guo” (Hot Pot) effect where the Yangtze and Jialiang rivers meet in two different colors.
- Pros: 360-degree unobstructed views; great indoor rest areas on the 73rd floor if it’s too windy.
- Cons: It’s pricey (around 118 RMB). The glass on the outdoor deck is quite high, which can make photography tricky if you don’t have a tripod or a long arm.
- Pro Tip: Go at “Blue Hour” (about 30 minutes after sunset). The way the city lights flicker on is pure magic.
2. Chongqing Cloud Eye: The Photographer’s Favorite
Located in the United International Building, the Cloud Eye (Sky Eye) has become a social media sensation, mostly thanks to its iconic red spiral staircase leading to a rooftop helipad.
The Experience:
This place leans into the “520” theme (which sounds like “I love you” in Chinese), making it a hit for couples. The altitude is 520 meters, and the view is spectacular. Unlike the WFC, the “Red Stairs” offer a brilliant foreground for photos with the skyscrapers in the back.
- Pros: Cheaper than WFC (around 68 RMB); arguably the most “Instagrammable” spot in the city.
- Cons: It can get extremely crowded. Staff might limit your time at the best photo spots to just a minute or two.
- Pro Tip: Wear black or cool techwear. The contrast against the red stairs and the city’s blue/grey tones is incredible.
3. Raffles City Exploration Bay: For the Thrill-Seekers
If just looking at the view isn’t enough for you, Raffles City (The Crystal) is your spot. This is the horizontal skyscraper that looks like a giant tube resting on four towers.
The Experience:
This isn’t just a deck; it’s a “Cloud Park.” You can do the Skywalk—walking outside the building on a narrow path with nothing but a safety rope between you and a 250-meter drop.
- Pros: Incredible architecture; high-tech MR (Mixed Reality) experiences; best view of the Raffles City structure itself.
- Cons: Expensive (120 RMB for sightseeing, up to 195+ RMB for the Skywalk). It’s also quite commercialized and can feel a bit like a theme park.
- Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, this is the best option because of the interactive exhibits and the “Cloud Forest” indoor garden.
4. Rooftop 131: The “Hidden” Spot
Located at the World Trade Center (No. 131 Zourong Road), Rooftop 131 is a newer player that markets itself on “Cyberpunk” vibes.
The Experience:
You take a glass elevator up the outside of the building, which is a thrill in itself. The rooftop is a mix of neon lights, pink Barbie-themed decor, and raw industrial vibes.
- Pros: Best view of the massive “Gree” LED screens on the neighboring buildings—perfect for that Blade Runner aesthetic.
- Cons: 98 RMB is a bit steep for the value. You have to climb quite a few stairs from the 56th floor to reach the 60th-floor rooftop, which might be tough for some.
- Pro Tip: This spot is all about the vibe. Come here if you specifically want that “sci-fi movie” photo with the giant advertising screens in the background.
5. Tongyuan Light: The Local Budget Gem (FREE!)
If you want to save your money for more hot pot, Tongyuan Light (Tongyuanzhi Guang) is a gift from the city. It’s a public “City Balcony” in the Nan’an District.
The Experience:
This isn’t a skyscraper rooftop; it’s a tiered pedestrian platform overlooking the Sujiaba Interchange—one of the highest and most complex highway loops in the world. It looks like a giant concrete rollercoaster.
- Pros: Completely free. It offers a unique perspective of the bridges and the “layered” 8D traffic that makes Chongqing famous.
- Cons: It requires some walking/climbing from the Tongyuanju Metro station. No indoor facilities or fancy elevators.
- Pro Tip: Go at night to catch the light trails of the cars looping through the interchange. It’s a tripod-user’s dream.
Summary: Which one should you choose?
| If you want… | Go to… | Cost (Approx) |
| The Highest View | WFC Huixianlou | 118 RMB |
| The Best Photos | Cloud Eye | 68 RMB |
| Adrenaline & Thrills | Raffles City | 120 – 195 RMB |
| Cyberpunk Aesthetic | Rooftop 131 | 98 RMB |
| Budget / Bridge Views | Tongyuan Light | Free |
Don’t forget: Chongqing is a city of layers. Once you’ve seen it from the clouds, make sure to spend the rest of your evening down in the alleys—that’s where the real soul of the city hides!
My Final Advice:
If you look at a map of Chongqing, you’ll notice that WFC, Cloud Eye, Raffles City, and Rooftop 131 are all clustered together in the same small pocket of the Yuzhong District. While each has a slightly different “hook”—whether it’s a red staircase or a high-speed elevator—the core view is very similar. You’re essentially looking at the same neon-lit peninsula from slightly different angles.
Unless you are a hardcore skyscraper fanatic, I recommend picking just one of those four high-altitude spots to save both your time and your entrance fees (which add up fast!).
Tongyuan Light is the only real outlier here. Because it’s located across the river in the Nan’an District and sits at a lower elevation, it offers a completely different perspective focused on the “overpass maze” rather than just the skyline.
My “Quick Pick” Cheat Sheet:
- Pick WFC if you want the absolute highest point and a premium feel.
- Pick Cloud Eye if you want the best “look at me” photos for social media.
- Pick Raffles City if you have kids or want the thrill of walking outside.
- Pick Rooftop 131 if you’re chasing that specific Blade Runner neon aesthetic.
