Chongqing's Cyberpunk Charm: A Photographer's Dreamscape
Cyber city! It's amazing! That catchy phrase from Jia-Kang-Ge went viral when he recently explored Chongqing. But honestly, the city's nocturnal beauty has long captivated countless photographers. Picture this: a monorail gracefully snaking between towering skyscrapers, a dazzling sea of taxis bathed in neon red and green, and elevated highways bathed in the soft hues of dusk. Every frame here feels like stepping into a cinematic masterpiece.
Below are some of my go-to cyberpunk-inspired shooting locations I've gathered over the past two years. You'll discover both well-known vantage points and hidden gems, ensuring maximum atmosphere in every shot.
Must-Visit Cyberpunk Photo Spots in Chongqing
- Yalan International Tower (29th Floor Rooftop): Entry is RM15 per person. It's the perfect spot for late-night photography, avoiding any distracting coloured lights.
- Guanyinqiao Classic Spot: Head to North City Mall (Beicheng Tianjie), Gate 8. Try a 2�C5 second long exposure to capture those iconic light trails.
- Tangjiayuanzi Monorail Station, Exit 2: A surprisingly atmospheric spot for capturing the city's transit system.
- Daxigou Monorail Station: This station has a charming "small-town Japanese-style" feel, offering a different perspective.
- Qiānfó Temple & Chaotianmen in One Frame: Navigate towards Himalaya Banquet Hall for this stunning combination.
- Chaodong Road: Catch the iconic Raffles City glowing in the distance from here.
- Under the Hongyan Village Bridge: This location is exclusive; you'll need to digitally add yourself in for the perfect shot.
- Xiejiawan Interchange & Egongyan Bridge: Aim for the Longteng Avenue / Xiexiaolu Intersection.
- Skywalk Outside Jiangbei Airport Arrival Hall: Look out for rows of yellow Ferraris perfectly lined up �C a striking sight right after landing. Chongqing truly showcases its forward-thinking spirit here.
- HaiShilù 75 Café Checkpoint: This spot transforms into an even more epic panorama after dark.
- Wangjiang Apartment 8th-Floor Terrace: Offers a unique elevated view of the urban sprawl.
- Three Spots Around Liziba Station: Make your way to Feihu Riverside Hotpot for access to these vantage points.
- Shangqingsi Police Station: Provides an interesting, perhaps unexpected, urban perspective.
- Lansheng Pavilion: Take a taxi to Datianwan Primary School and skip the stairs for the best approach.
- Under Chongqing Grand Theatre by the Riverside: Experience the city's grandeur from this riverside vantage point.
- On the Jialing River Bridge at Zengjiayan: Offers dynamic views as you stand directly over the water.
- Inside Haitangxi Monorail Station: Capture the vibrant pulse of the city from within this busy transit hub.
On my recent trip to Chongqing, I flew Air China, which was incredibly punctual and comfortable. Landing just as the city entered its "golden hour" was magical; the view from the plane window felt like the opening sequence of a blockbuster film. I chose to stay at the Donghewan Hotel in the city center, which was perfectly located for both metro and monorail access, making it a breeze to explore different photo spots. The hotel's lobby and room designs were also incredibly photogenic, adding to the overall experience.
Capturing a great photo in Chongqing isn't difficult; however, truly conveying the city's unique, layered texture might require multiple visits. Each time I wander through its streets, I'm consistently amazed by its depth and vibrant rhythm.
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