Embark on an unforgettable experience at Raffles City Chongqing, a landmark that takes pride of place at Chaotianmen, a historic site dating back more than 2,000 years. Inspired by the region’s thousand-year history of waterway transportation, its award-winning design by Moshe Safdie resembles powerful sails upon the river, befitting the site's location at the confluence of two rivers, a unique wonder of nature. 

A picture of Raffles City Chongqing in Yuzhong District. (Photo/Yuzhong District)

Eight years in the making, Raffles City Chongqing was purposefully built to spearhead the renewal of the Chaotianmen riverfront district with world-class live-work-play amenities and improved accessibility. 

Seamlessly integrating the city culture, sightseeing, entertainment, lifestyle, and gastronomy, this megastructure is one the largest single developments comprising over 1 million square meters, almost like a mini-city in itself! Labeled an engineering marvel by the international press, the project is a model in the areas of planning, design, community engagement, execution, and management, transforming an underdeveloped historic site into an accessible, energized public realm. Its distinct silhouette and ground-breaking enclosed sky bridge have captured the imagination of both local and worldwide audiences.

Shopping mall

The shopping mall at Raffles City Chongqing is not just a mall for locals but welcomes visitors from around the world looking for a taste of Chongqing culture. Two unique areas, conveniently located at the east and west atriums on the L1 floor, greet shoppers with an authentic local experience. The Chongqing Souvenir Shop area on the Jialing riverside houses an array of local specialty shops as well as Chongqing and Chaotianmen-inspired creative souvenirs; these memorabilia are perfect gifts to remember Chongqing, while more than 20 traditional Chongqing restaurants and food stalls are located in the food bazaar area on the Yangtze riverside, such as Liziba Liangshan Chicken, Wu Wonton - an iconic representation of Chongqing’s intangible cultural heritage, and other must-try dishes. Savour the authentic flavors of Chongqing!

The Crystal

The Crystal, measuring 300m in length, 32.5m in width, and 26.5m in height with a total gross floor area of 10,000 sqm, is the crowning glory of Raffles City Chongqing. It is also known as Raffles City Chongqing’s ninth “horizontal skyscraper.” Erecting The Crystal was a feat of engineering that took about a year.

Fun facts:

- The Crystal is enclosed by over 3000 individual glass units and 5000 aluminum panels.

- The Crystal cantilevers are 31 meters, including a glass platform beyond the east and west supporting towers.

- The structural steel of the Crystal weighs about 12,000 tons.

- The welded connection for each friction bearing took a team of 3 welders 96 hours to complete.

- The Link Bridges are designed with a “crumple zone,” which accommodates movement as much as 1,500 mm (5 ft) under severe earthquakes.

The Crystal is world-renowned as the “horizontal skyscraper " and the most unique “bridge” in Chongqing, the “bridge capital, " so a visit to the distinguishing glass-bottomed deck at either of its two ends is a definite must-see here at Raffles City Chongqing.

Exploration Deck

The Exploration Deck is located on the Jialing River side of The Crystal and is dedicated to establishing the first-ever urban high-altitude park in southwest China, including:

A unique viewing experience: an outdoor all-transparent glass platform 250 meters in the sky with 270º panoramic views. Amidst the clouds and lush greenery, you can overlook the intersection of the two rivers, take in the breathtaking landscape of the mountain city, and feel Chongqing's 8D magic.

A thrilling high-altitude experience: a suspended trail built on the backbone of The Crystal - Sky Walk lets you walk along the first-ever horizontal skyscraper in China without the cover of any glass, making you feel on top of the city. This is not only a 360º panoramic visual feast but also an exciting sport for the brave and willing.

Southwest China's first urban high-altitude swing: Sky Swing is the first-ever urban high-altitude swing in Southwest China. The highlight of the experience is a couple ride, which will have you and your partner feeling your heartbeats quicken with excitement. As you leap into the sky, you can also take in the beautiful scenery of the confluence of the two rivers and the entire mountain city. Create the most romantic arc with your beloved right here through the clouds.

In the future, the Exploration Deck will continue to introduce innovative and exciting high-altitude fun experiences, shaping into the first-ever urban high-altitude all-encompassing park in southwest China. It is destined to lead the diversified new tourism trend and further consolidate its positioning as a cultural and tourist landmark in southwest China.

Airport & railway city terminal Service

The Raffles City Terminal and Waiting Hall commenced operations in 2020, seamlessly linking travelers to vital transportation hubs like the high-speed rail station and the airport. This multifunctional center amalgamates ticketing, terminal facilities, waiting areas, and tourist services, offering both residents and visitors a comprehensive suite of amenities, from booking tickets and luggage check-ins to road transportation. Its doors are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, including holidays, ensuring uninterrupted service.

For directions

Address: No.8 Jiesheng Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

Contact: 023-63986398

Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT): To reach Raffles City Chongqing, you can take Line 6 and alight at Xiaoshizi (小什字) Station or take Line 1 and alight at Chaotianmen (朝天门) Station.

(Some information is sourced from the official WeChat account of Raffles City Chongqing. This article is updated on October 31, 2023.)