Chongqing Chaotianmen Raffles City: A World-Famous Landmark with a Complete Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Having Fun

Chongqing Chaotianmen is located at the confluence of the Jialing River and the Yangtze River on the Yuzhong Peninsula in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It was one of the seventeen ancient city gates of Chongqing. To the left of Chaotianmen, the emerald green waters of the Jialing River collide with the brownish-yellow waters of the Yangtze River, creating the "Horse-Holding Water" spectacle. It flows thousands of miles into the East China Sea, known as the "Golden Water Section" of the Yangtze River.

Chaotianmen Dock is connected to Raffles City, integrating humanities, art, technology, architecture, and urban transportation hubs...

A 24-hour staircase connects Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen Square, marking Chongqing's Zero Kilometer;

Enter the Mountain City Garden to see "Blossom" by Chongqing artist Jiao Xingtao;

At the Exploration Deck·Observation Deck, embark on a Mars exploration journey to discover the future, overlooking the cityscape and the confluence of the two rivers;

Enjoy hotpot with a river view; spend the afternoon with a cup of coffee;

Experience novelty and deliciousness at the Gravity Restaurant;

When tired from shopping, get a manicure;

Then lean out of the window at Ascott to watch distant ships;

Before leaving, pick up some Chongqing souvenirs for family and friends at the shopping mall...

【24-Hour Passage Cultural Corridor, Check in at Chongqing Zero Kilometer】

From Raffles City, you can walk directly to Chaotianmen Square via a 24-hour express passage extending from Xinhua Road to Chaotianmen Square. The route is approximately 273 meters long, spanning 4 floors, connecting the L4 entrance of the shopping mall and the L1 entrance of Chaotianmen Square, with a total of 108 steps. The design of the large staircase embodies Chongqing's characteristic of climbing slopes and the spirit of the mountain city's people striving upward.

In the past, one had to go to Chaotianmen Square via Changbin Road or Jiabin Road, but now you can pass through the shopping mall at any time to reach Chaotianmen Square and enjoy the beautiful views of Chongqing's two rivers.

In the center of Chaotianmen Square, there is a 5-meter-diameter landmark, which is Chongqing's Zero Kilometer, symbolizing the city center of Chongqing.

【Eye of Chongqing, Top of the City·Raffles City Exploration Deck Observation Deck】

This special attraction, backed by National Geographic, is not to be missed. Take the elevator directly to the 47th-floor sky crystal corridor, where you can trace Chongqing's cultural memories and embark on a journey to explore the future of Mars.

The outdoor glass observation platform allows you to overlook the beautiful scenery of the two rivers and four banks of the city from a height of 250 meters.

The observation deck is also an excellent vantage point to view the confluence of the two rivers. To the right of Chaotianmen Square is the Yangtze River, and to the left, the Jialing River joins the Yangtze, forming the unique "Horse-Holding Water" scenery. At sunset, it feels like stepping into a world by Hayao Miyazaki.

It has also become one of the popular photo-check-in spots, especially at sunset, when the cantilevered transparent glass floor reflects the clouds in the sky, making you feel like you have entered a sky city, a realm of glass.

【Mountain City Garden】

The Mountain City Garden is located on the rooftop of the shopping mall's podium, seamlessly connected to Shaanxi Road. It is a public urban garden created by Chongqing Raffles City. It is also a vantage point for viewing the confluence of the two rivers. The Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet here, and due to the different colors of the two river flows, a boundary line is formed, vividly compared by many to the "yuanyang pot" (mandarin duck pot) of Chongqing hotpot.

Upon entering the Mountain City Garden, the first thing you see is the work "Blossom" by Chongqing artist Jiao Xingtao. The prototype of "Blossom" is the camellia, the city flower of Chongqing, symbolizing "rebirth" and "blooming."

There are also attractions such as the stacked spring waterfall showcasing Chongqing's characteristics, the "Blossom" and "Language of Convergence" series of artistic sculptures, and city fountains.

Looking up, you can see China's first horizontal skyscraper spanning four towers and connecting six towers—the "Crystal Corridor"—which is 250 meters high and 300 meters long. It has pioneered many architectural firsts and attracted much international media attention and coverage, making it a "world internet celebrity."

【Chongqing Souvenirs and Food District】

Interestingly, Raffles City incorporates the concept of the "confluence of the two rivers" into its design, using different colors and materials to create three distinct zones: "Jialing River," "Yangtze River," and "Chaotianmen."

The Jialing River zone on L1 is a Chongqing souvenir area focused on local specialties. It features many of Chongqing's famous snacks, including traditional time-honored brands such as Bafangpin, Yuji Laopuzi, Wanqiantang, and Tanggaozu—all flavors of Chongqing.

Chongqing's food district is laid out in the Yangtze River zone on the south side of the shopping mall's L1 floor. It features representative internet-famous foods of Chongqing, including Chongqing's online celebrity restaurant Liziba Liangshan Chicken, Yangpai Sichuan-style lamb spot, Jiucun Kao Nao, Wu Chaoshou (Chongqing Intangible Cultural Heritage), Ciji Grandma's Bridge Snack Shop, and more than 20 other traditional specialty eateries.

【Drink at Starbucks Bar Mixato·First in the Midwest】

Is Starbucks only for coffee? The first Starbucks Reserve Coffee & Wine Bar in the Midwest: a "third space" called Bar Mixato, inspired by coffee, colliding with drinks, and integrating city characteristics, is worth picking. Explore the fusion of coffee, wine, and city features.

Special recommendation: Sicilian Waltz, a blend of five types of wine used instead of hot water to directly pour over Bolivian Geisha coffee beans.

Rosemary Peach is a collision of tea and wine, a peach-flavored cocktail based on bourbon whiskey and white vermouth, garnished with rosemary. Upon entry, it releases the fragrance of herbal tea and lemon, like the taste of love, sweet with shyness and passion.

Besides, the workshop's signature old-fashioned, Kenyan Honey Pomelo craft beer, etc., all have unique flavors.

Be sure to pair with light snacks: deep-sea sardines, 0% fat tortilla chips, crispy cheese breadsticks...

【Kerouac Coffee】

"Forever young, forever weeping."

Everyone knows this famous quote by Kerouac, and this small coffee shop in Raffles City is inspired by it. It is definitely a hidden gem—pure handmade coffee that rivals Starbucks. A cup of coffee and a book can let you enjoy a quiet and leisurely afternoon.

【Gravity Restaurant】

As the seventh Gravity Restaurant in China, not every city can experience it, so it's worth a try.

There are no waiters delivering food here; instead, it slides down to your table like a star orbit in space, "whoosh~";

There are also cute robots delivering food, which attracts children to chase after them.

Tip: Window seats with a river view need to be booked in advance; you can share tables to enjoy the fun together.

【Chongqing 720-Degree River View, Internet-Famous Restaurant·Beso Western Restaurant】

This is the internet-famous restaurant hidden in Chongqing's landmark Raffles City—Beso Western Restaurant, the only one with a large terrace.

720-degree viewing platform, facing the Grand Theatre, overlooking the entire Jiangbei City.

During the day, standing on the terrace, watching the dark green Jialing River water clash with the muddy yellow Yangtze River water in a distinct separation, it looks just like Chongqing's "yuanyang pot."

At sunset, it is most romantic. Whether it's the food on the table, the person sitting opposite you, or the 720-degree river view, all are bathed in warm golden light, showing the most charming and gentle appearance.

When the city lights come on, you can also enjoy the million-level light show of Jiangbeizui from the terrace. The famous mountain city night view unfolds like a scroll here.

The best viewing spots always make you want to be with the most important people, those gatherings and love. The live band performance becomes a seasoning for the food, filled with passionate tenderness~

【Nanbin Impression, River View Hotpot, Bustling Chongqing Old Pier】

No hotpot, no Chongqing. Enjoying the river view while eating hotpot is one of the ways to experience Chongqing. Below is Chaotianmen Dock, across from Nanshan Mountain. A few friends gather together, chatting about family matters, with the most profound friendship rolling in the smoky atmosphere.

This restaurant is called Nanbin Impression Old Pier Hotpot, not on Nanbin Road, but on the 3rd floor of Raffles City, across the river from the splendor of Nanbin.

During the day, watch the boats pass by the river gate; at night, it's a different scene. Eating hotpot by the window, fully enjoying the fiery and boiling taste of the mountain city~

A few Chengdu locals will definitely choose the red soup base as always. The numbness and spiciness are just right—numbness doesn't disturb the palate, spiciness doesn't burn the heart, and the butter aroma is rich.

The dishes are truly fresh and very exquisite. Here's a mermaid for you! Premium buffalo tripe and Nine-Chi memory goose intestines are naturally green and pollution-free. Don't blanch them too long—just nine seconds, and they are crispy, tender, and melt in your mouth.

【Three Lives Three Flavors Secret Sichuan Cuisine】

The art of eating for Chongqing people is probably related to this river. Here you can view the confluence of the two rivers while dining, and also admire the beauty of the four banks—this is their unique food philosophy.

Secret-style Bone Meat is representative of numbness, Rosemary Smoked Charcoal Grilled Meat, Tomato Oxtail Soup, Crispy Fortune Duck are all specialties.

Tip: Window seats must be booked in advance.

【Staying at Raffles City's Cloud Hotel, Enjoying Sunset and River View】

This time we stayed at Ascott Raffles City Chongqing Service Apartment, located in Chongqing's landmark complex—Chongqing Raffles City. You can enjoy the confluence of the two rivers and directly reach Chaotianmen Dock. During the day, shop at the mall; if you feel like it, you can buy ingredients and cook in the apartment at night, fully enjoying delicious food, sunset, and night views.

It feels like a home away from home for guests. Our suite was on the 32nd floor, with two independent bedrooms and bathrooms, suitable for family or friends to have their own space within the same suite.

The supporting facilities are so thoughtful—if clothes accidentally get lipstick stains, luckily there are washing machines and dryers to help;

The kitchen has not only an oven and microwave but also various tableware; buy some fruits from Raffles City downstairs, make a simple salad, just like at home; no need to worry about washing dishes—the dishwasher can handle it with one click.

The bedding is comfortable, and the bathroom amenities are particularly complete, featuring APPELLES, an Australian high-end organic skincare brand. Besides the usual items, there are even lip balm and hand cream.

During work breaks, use the Nespresso capsule coffee machine to make a cup of coffee, gaze at the rolling river, enjoying such a pleasant time.

The first-floor lobby has a restaurant called COLLIN'S, a Singaporean restaurant, the first in China. Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate; lunch or dinner can be ordered à la carte.

In addition to classic Western dishes, COLLIN'S most distinctive Singaporean local food includes representative Singapore chili crab, laksa, prawn noodle soup, bak kut teh, etc. Besides, the grilled chicken chop is a dish that almost sells out every day.

The bak kut teh here is very authentic, with a milder herbal flavor than Malaysia's—a just-right fragrance.

If you haven't been to Singapore, you must enjoy a feast at COLLIN'S. Bak kut teh is eating pork ribs while drinking tea. The ribs are made from high-quality fresh pork ribs wrapped with thick lean meat, then cooked with various seasonings, sometimes adding nourishing herbs, braised until tender.

The restaurant's homemade salad is also a strongly recommended dish. Once you taste it, you'll find it unique. Who knows what sparks will fly when concentrated lemon juice meets crushed black pepper? Only by tasting can you find out.

After the meal, take a rest, wander around Raffles City, and also go to the apartment's gym or swimming pool to exercise. Even on a business trip, you can maintain your original healthy lifestyle—this is the best time to settle down.

The apartment also has a children's playroom, very suitable for families.

All of these can be used for free.

Transportation: About a ten-minute walk from Xiaoshizi Metro Station. It is said that seamless transfers with the metro, airport, and bus transportation will be possible soon.

The apartment is surrounded by complete facilities, with many famous attractions and historical sites, such as Chaotianmen Dock, Yangtze River Cableway, and Hongya Cave.