Chongqing Eye Observatory Tickets

4.4/5

China – Chongqing

Night cityscape view from Chongqing Eye Observatory with illuminated skyline

Chongqing Eye Observatory offers a stunning cityscape experience from the top of a skyscraper in central Chongqing. Located on the 67th floor, it provides a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. It’s the perfect spot to admire the mountainous skyline, capture the city at night, and snap jaw-dropping high-altitude shots. Whether you’re on a romantic date, a travel photo enthusiast, or visiting Chongqing for the first time, this is a must-visit destination.

Opening Hours & Visitor Information

  • Address: 67th Floor, United International Tower, No. 201 Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM). Hours may vary due to weather or special events—check the official information before your visit

  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours is ideal for sightseeing, photo-taking, and relaxing

  • Best Time to Visit: Around sunset (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) to catch both golden hour and night views in one trip

  • Good to Know:

    • Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends or around sunset hours

    • A valid ID and e-ticket are required for entry

    • Some parts of the observatory feature glass flooring—visitors with a fear of heights should consider this

    • Elevator access is available all the way to the top, making it senior- and family-friendly

Ticket Types & Prices

1-Day Admission Ticket (Adult)

  • CNY 68
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  • CNY 63
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Ticket Information

Chongqing Eye Observatory is also family-friendly. Children who are 1.3 meters tall or shorter can enter free of charge—no ticket required. Parents with young kids should supervise closely, especially near glass-floored areas at high altitude. As long as safety is observed, the entire experience is enjoyable and accessible.

How to Get There

Getting to the Chongqing Eye Observatory is easy, with various transport options available:

  • By Bus: Take bus No. 651 and get off at “Xinhua Road Middle Section.” Walk a few minutes to the building entrance

  • By Metro: Take Line 1 or Line 6 to “Xiaoshizi Station.” From there, walk to the United International Tower

  • Inside the building: First take the elevator to the 47th floor, then transfer to the high-rise elevator to reach the 67th-floor observatory

The route is simple and well-connected—public transport works perfectly, so driving isn’t necessary.

Highlights & Photo Spots

A visit to Chongqing Eye wouldn’t be complete without snapping some incredible photos! This place is a dream come true for urban views and Instagram-worthy shots. Here are the must-know photo spots and tips:

  • Top Photo Spot 1: The Red Spiral Staircase
    Leading up to the 69th-floor helipad, this vibrant red spiral staircase is a popular photo-op. Its unique design, rich color, and open views offer a backdrop of the Yuzhong Peninsula and river convergence below.

  • Top Photo Spot 2: Camera Angles to Try
    Shooting downward from midway up the spiral stairs creates a strong vertical visual. Try framing shots under the round floor signage or take a dramatic upward shot backed by towering skyscrapers. For outfits, solid black, white, or blue clothing works best to help you stand out in photos.

  • Top Photo Spot 3: Best Time for Night Views
    Head up after 7:30 PM, when city lights come alive. The skyline of mountain and river lights resembles a galaxy—no filters needed, every shot glows on its own.

  • Extra Tips:

    • The helipad area can be windy—tie your hair and secure hats, and hold your phone carefully when taking pictures

    • The red spiral staircase has a time limit: each group is allowed about 1 minute, but you can rejoin the queue

    • Sunlight is great for photos on clear days, but bring sunscreen, especially before sunset in summer

Cloud-level view of skyscrapers from the Chongqing Eye Observatory platform
Direction signpost at the top of Chongqing Eye Observatory showing distances to major cities

Visitor Reviews Summary

Many visitors describe the Chongqing Eye Observatory as “the best place in the city center to take in all of Chongqing at once.” The sunset and night views are especially atmospheric and photogenic. The observatory features transparent glass panels, artistic photo zones, and a few interactive installations—perfect for capturing magazine-worthy shots. However, on cloudy or hazy days, visibility may be limited, so visiting on a clear day is highly recommended for the best experience.

Related Guides & Recommended Tours

To help make the most of your visit, we’ve prepared a handy guide that includes suggested photo angles, best times to view the night skyline, and nearby restaurants. You can easily pair this visit with nearby attractions like Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave, or the Yangtze River Cableway to create a half-day or full-day city tour that blends urban views and cultural charm.

FAQ

Q: Can I buy tickets on-site?
A: Yes, but popular times like sunset or weekend evenings may sell out. Booking online in advance is safer.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks?
A: No. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the observatory to ensure cleanliness and safety.

Q: Is it suitable for children or the elderly?
A: Absolutely. The observatory is accessible via elevator with a flat layout. However, some sections have glass floors, which may be unsettling for young children or those with a fear of heights—these can be skipped.

Q: Is there an extra fee for taking photos?
A: Personal photography is free. However, if you choose to use the observatory’s professional photo services (e.g., instant prints or portraits), extra charges apply.

Q: Is it crowded?
A: Weekday visits are usually quiet. Sunset and evening hours can be busier, but the flow is well-managed, and photo spots are spaced out, so there’s still plenty of room for pictures.