Well-preserved old buildings of TESTBED 2
The TESTBED 2, located on the hilltop of Eling (Yuzhong District), is a cultural and creative park of Chongqing. Nowadays, it has become a must-see landmark for both locals and tourists.
This place was a printing factory half-century ago. During the 1950s to the 1970s, almost all the color prints in this city came from here. After the printing factory moved out in 2012, the whole complex was kept and transformed into the TESTBED 2 arts center.
New materials are used to minimize the environmental impact and retain the character of TESTBED 2
The shops in TESTBED2 are varied (clothing, jewelry, pottery, food, coffee, art galleries, etc) from local brands and independent artists.
The chic and the vintage co-exist in this place.
After a pleasant walk around TESTBED 2, you can head over to nearby bars or cafeterias to have a rest, or you can simply stay at the viewing platform and enjoy the spectacular vista of this multi-level mountain city.
At last, don’t forget to bring your camera because this place is for selfies!
Basic information
A corner of a garden at TESTBED 2
Address: 1 Eling Main Street (Eling Zhengjie in Chinese), Yuzhong District, Chongqing
Opening hours: all-day
Recommended visiting time: 1 to 3 hours, or a whole day if you like
Price: Free
How to get to the TESTBED 2
For tourists, it is recommended to get there by bus or metro.
It's easy to find the sign at the exit of Eling Station (CRT Line 1).
Metro:
Take CRT Line 1 to Eling, and then walk about one kilometer following the signs until you find the TESTBED 2. The price of CRT, starting from RMB 2, depends on the distance you travel.
Bus:
The #829 bus is the only one that stops at TESTBED 2, and the bus stop is just in front of the main entrance to the arts center. The single ticket costs RMB 2.
Featured shops
Riverside Craft Brewing
Ben's bar with his cartoon figure
The signature Sichuan pepper flavor beer is a must-try. The owner Ben, an American expat who has lived in Chongqing for many years, is also an old friend of iChongqing. This place is now more commonly known as "Ben's bar".
Lazyfish Coffee
A yard inside Lazyfish Coffee
Pastry and sweets for the foodie who wants to have an experience in a lazy corner. Have a high-tea time with friends would be a peaceful moment for foodies.
Oblique Roastery
The iconic "How are you" shop sign of Oblique Roastery
This place is always full of visitors not only because of its exquisite decorations but also due to its good selection of coffee. The bubble tea would be a good choice as well.
Dawang Youcha
Youcha
Youcha (in Chinese: 油茶) is a local dish which serves usually as breakfast. The main ingredient is rice pasta, and the topping includes various spicy condiments and the crispy sanzi (in Chinese: 馓子), a kind of deep-fried noodles.
To be numbing or to be spicy
To be numbing or to be spicy (left) & Dawang Youcha (right)
Located next door to Dawang Youcha, in this restaurant you can try the most famous noodle of Chongqing. As the shop name indicates, “numbing” and “spicy” are the two most suitable words for the food here.