Raffles City Chongqing: China’s Sky-High Shopping & Sightseeing Marvel

Raffles City Chongqing

Raffles City Chongqing is located at the intersection point of Yangtze and Jialing River. It has eight towers, two towers of 350 meters and six towers of 250 meters. It has four of them which are connected by a Crystal skybridge, 250 meters above the water. The design was finished in 2019 and it resembled classic sailing boats including curved and tilted towers. You will have 450+ shops in five levels complete with restaurants that overlook the river and an observatory deck that places you directly over the confluence. Others are in pursuit of shopping and others pursuing the Skywalk experience. Whatever, put on good shoes--this is a huge place.

Quick Facts about Raffles City Chongqing

Why Raffles City Chongqing Deserves a Spot on Your Chongqing Itinerary

Night Scene of Raffles City

The majority of the individuals walk in to take a few shots of those tilted towers and walk away. That's a mistake. Raffles City operates at two levels both literally and figuratively. Yes, it is now this Instagram attraction with a queue of people taking the glass floor photo. Nonetheless, it is also the place where the locals do their real shopping on things they cannot find elsewhere in the western China malls. The complex occupies Chaotianmen that once was an imperial gate regulating the traffic at the river when merchants carried silk and tea along the Yangtze. It is now a 24-billion piece of statement that was built by the same architect Moshe Safdie, who had worked on Marina bay sands.

The Moshe Safdie Connection: From Singapore to Chongqing

Safdie's design concept centered on sailing vessels, which makes sense given Chongqing's thousand-year history as a river trading hub. Those curved facades aren't just aesthetic—they're meant to echo sails catching wind on the Yangtze. CapitaLand, the Singaporean real estate group behind the project, called this their largest investment in China. The ¥24 billion price tag included everything from foundation work in notoriously difficult mountain terrain to installing 120+ mature trees inside The Crystal. What strikes me is how Safdie adapted his horizontal skybridge concept to a city built on steep slopes. In Singapore, everything sits flat. Here, different tower bases start at different elevations because the ground itself won't cooperate.

The Crystal Skywalk Experience: Walking on Air at Raffles City Chongqing

The glass ceiling is also transparent but that is when you are 250 meters high. I saw a man stop half-way, and stare down the river confluence. The wind blocks the holes in the building of The Crystal and that damp odor that Chongqing always possesses. Your brain makes you know what there is in the glass, but your legs do not believe you. The muddy brown water of the Yangtze darts in, below, into the greenish flow of the Jialing. They are not mixed the first thing, you can follow the line of the colour a good way down the stream, perhaps twenty or more metres, and then everything is mixed up.

The Raffles City Chongqing observatory TripAdvisor reviews are always rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of comments talk about two aspects: the thrill factor and the perceived safety of the set-up in spite of the height. In one of the reviews I read, it was stated that it has the best views in Chongqing and I agree that this may be slightly an exaggeration, but the view really is unique. You are on top of the very spot where the two great rivers of China meet, and the whole Yuzhong Peninsula is lying around you. On clear days, there are no common here, you see single boats going through the currents.

Sky Observatory: Your 270-Degree Window to Chongqing

The two-river confluence creates this weird natural dividing line that locals compare to yuanyang hotpot—half spicy red, half clear broth. Except here it's muddy brown meeting turbid green. The color separation is sharpest right after heavy rain upstream. Clear days reveal the full cityscape, but honestly, Chongqing's fog days have their own appeal. The city gets roughly 200 foggy days per year. Buildings emerge from mist layers like something out of a cyberpunk movie. That atmospheric haze softens the harsh concrete edges and makes the neon signs pop harder at dusk. If this sci-fi aesthetic catches your attention, Hongya Cave's 11-story stilted structure lit up against the cliffside delivers that same cyberpunk vibe amplified—and it's only a 20-minute walk from here. On sunny and overcast days I have been there. The fog version was more Chongqing, like it is supposed to be.

The Rooftop Skywalk: China's First Open-Air High-Altitude Trail

The Crystal is surrounded by the Skywalk which goes around its exterior over a distance of 380 meters. You are attached to a safety harness that is attached to an overhead rail system, and a guide gives you the introductory moves. I witnessed a lady who was in her sixties totally rejecting to go out initially. The employee did not insist, he simply stood there talking about the weather until she tried one of her feet, and then the other. After five minutes she was taking photos on the edge. The security system is good, two carabiner clips, professional-level harness, and before you begin, the guides inspect each person.

The best time to take photos would be during that period of gold i.e. the period between the sun setting and around 18.00-19.00 in summer and earlier in winter. There is the sunlight striking the glass fronts on the other side of the river so that everything is orange. The wind also gathers around the time and this is a source of drama but also could blur your photos a little.

Sky Swing- The Adrenaline Rush 250 Meters High

The initial high altitude double swing in China. They are two, full-harness, and you just jump off the side of the building. It will have a minimum weight requirement of 40kg, below that, and the safety mechanism will not work correctly. And in case you are afraid of heights, perhaps you should not go to this one. I was able to see a person back out after being strapped in and the staff never made them feel bad about it.

Ticket pricing matters here. Sky Swing is ¥180 on its own, but the full package will cost ¥248 and will include the observatory and the Skywalk experience. Mathematically, that is three activities at an approximate cost of two single tickets. Worth it when you are doing various attractions. The basic ¥120 observatory ticket is adequate in case you are not interested in anything more. Ctrip also offers small discounts in the weekdays.

The Secret Garden in the Sky: 120 Trees Thriving at 250 Meters

The Secret Garden in the Sky

The Crystal has an actual forest, 120 full-grown trees that grow 250 meters above the Yangtze, which most people are not aware of. It is strange to walk in since your mind is used to seeing false vegetation at this level yet the air is filled with soil and leafy air. In comparison, humidity is significantly higher than the floors in the mall. It has a temperature of about 23-25C throughout the year, where it is comfortable since Chongqing has extreme weather.

The trees that included Ilex Rotunda, Terminalia, Jacaranda, tropical palms, were brought in the subtropical provinces of southern China. They took twelve months each to familiarize themselves with indoor conditions and then they were lifted by crews using cranes. Others were more than 10 meters in length. Low-E glass does not heat sunlight up. There are retractable shade sails which are used to adapt to cloud cover and during the frequent foggy days of Chongqing there are grow lights fitted. A water sprinkler system measures and checks the soil moisture at all times. It is not a deceptive landscape, but real indoor ecosystem.

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment at Raffles City Chongqing

The shopping mall spans across five levels having a rough of 450 stores. I've lost count honestly. The highest amount of foot traffic is at ground level, which includes Zara, H&M, Zhou Liufu jewelry, and the snack vendors with vacuum-packed hotpot bases and dried fruit. The unexpected thing was that there were Singaporean brands mixed with the international chains, such as Bee Cheng Hiang (bak kwa jerky shop) and Charles and Keith. I guess the influence of CapitaLand is showing through.

The third floor is the location of the CGV Cinema, an IMAX screen, and sports brands such as Nike and Adidas located close to escalators. Fourth floor bends luxury - watch shops, more expensive fashion. In the case you are in need of groceries, you may visit Ole' Premium Supermarket, which is located in B1, with imported cheese, wines, and crackers that are overpriced and no other stores in western china sell them. Afternoons during weekdays are manageable in terms of crowds. Weekends are a hectic nightmare, particularly during promotional sales towards holidays.

The 5-Floor Shopping Mall: What You'll Find

It is better to come and shop when you have a clue of what you want to get. The organization is not complex yet spreads out. L1 and L2 are dominated by international fast fashion. There are local brands appearing here and there, here a jewelry store, there a tea shop, here Chongqing specialty snack stands with dried tofu and chen mahua paste, twisted pastries. The touches in Singaporean are intentional, as though CapitaLand needed to make their mark in the space. Charles & Keith enjoys good younger customer traffic, who are seeking cheaper shopping handbags.

CGV L3 cinema operates on primarily Chinese films and few Hollywood blockbusters. English text relies on the movie- see times and do not assume. There is a concentration of sports gear around the entrance of the cinema, likely relying on the divide between families as one group of people are watching films. The counters of luxury watches on L4 are less noisy. There is not much surfing around there unless one is shopping.

Where to Eat: Restaurants with Views & Local Flavors

Peijie Hotpot is a good huoguo in proper Chongqing style including that numbing spice level that is popular among locals. Their fresh tripe comes in slices, and cooks in perhaps thirty seconds. Average price is about 100-150 per capita based on the quantity of meat you would place an order. If Peijie's fiery mala flavors catch your interest but you want to explore beyond hotpot, our complete guide to Chongqing food walks you through everything. Since 18:00 the line is long enough to either be punctual or wait. North index 720 is located at the 42 th floor and provides Western cuisine with complete river views. The dinner reservations at the Sunset fill quickly, and you have to reserve your table in advance in case you desire a window table. Prices range between 200-400 per person on mains and a drink.

At Xiting Seafood Buffet, you can relatively afford a good selection of food at about 150-180 including sashimi, shellfish and several hotpot broths. Not high grade but good stuff when you are hungry. L1 food court combines Thai, Japanese, Korean restaurants and restaurants with higher turnover and lower prices between ¥50-80. I would not go during the 12:00 and 18:00 rush hour unless you like to stand and eat. L5 also has lighter cafes, more health-conscious, and are still not very crowded, which is good when you want to be quiet.

Entertainment Beyond Shopping

The LEGO Store at L3 attracts the children as magnets and the adults too hang around. They even have those huge display construction that takes twenty minutes to look at in detail. The IMAX of CGV presents some of the releases on the IMAX with both the English and Chinese audio according to the movie. Check their application to purchase tickets beforehand under the subtitles.

The Private Club is there but you cannot enter it without being a member. That has the 50-meter infinity pool that is suspended at 250 meters. Raffles City Chongqing uses lights to install lights all over the complex during Christmas. Pop-up market stalls are also present around Spring Festival selling decorations and festival snacks. TripAdvisor reviews state that this place is suitable with families and a rainy day backup in case of a miserable weather in Chongqing. Which happens frequently.

FAQ about Raffles City Chongqing

Q: Is Raffles City Chongqing worth visiting if I'm not shopping?

Absolutely. The observatory experience stands alone—you don't need to buy anything to justify the visit. The Crystal's indoor forest, the two-river confluence view, and the building's architecture pull most of the interest anyway. TripAdvisor shows roughly 70% of visitors come primarily for sightseeing rather than shopping. Even skipping the retail floors entirely, budget 2-3 hours for the Skywalk and maybe a meal with river views. The shopping just happens to be there if you want it.

Q: How much time should I spend at Raffles City Chongqing?

Depends what you're after. Quick observatory visit takes maybe 1.5 hours. Standard trip with some shopping or a meal runs 3-4 hours. Full experience—Skywalk, Sky Swing, browsing stores, dinner—easily fills 5-6 hours. I'd suggest arriving around 15:00, catching sunset from the observation deck, then staying for dinner. That timing works well because the afternoon crowds thin out and evening views improve as city lights turn on.

Q: What's the difference between Raffles City Chongqing and Marina Bay Sands?

Same architect, Moshe Safdie, but the Chongqing version goes bigger. Eight towers versus three in Singapore. The Crystal runs 300 meters long compared to MBS's 340-meter SkyPark, but sits higher at 250 meters elevation versus 200 meters. Investment scale is similar—both cost billions—but the concepts differ. Chongqing emphasizes vertical urbanism and mixed-use space. Singapore leans luxury resort. One's a city within a building, the other's a hotel with a famous rooftop.

Q: Can I visit the Skywalk with children or elderly parents?

Observatory works for all ages—elevators go straight up. The Skywalk has restrictions though. Not recommended for kids under six, anyone with heart conditions, or severe height phobia. Sky Swing requires minimum 40kg body weight for safety harness function. Elderly visitors do fine with just the observatory and The Crystal's indoor garden section. That combination still gives great views without physical demands or exposure concerns. Plenty to see without doing the outdoor adventure bits.

Q: What are the best photography spots around Raffles City Chongqing?

External shots work best from Chaotianmen Bridge riverside for full skyline perspective. Danzishi Dock across the river captures night reflections nicely. Some photographers head to Daronghui Building's 12th floor for that sci-fi stacked cityscape angle. Inside Raffles City, the observatory's transparent floor makes for dramatic shots. The Crystal's tree sections photograph well with natural light. Gateway Park has sculpture installations worth framing. Golden hour hits between 18:00-19:00, or wait until after 20:00 when the light show starts.

Q: Is there an English-speaking guide or English signage at Raffles City Chongqing?

Main areas have Chinese-English bilingual signs. The observatory provides English pamphlets, but staff English varies—some speak basics, others not much. Download a translation app before going; it helps. Ticket counter offers English-speaking guide service if you book one day ahead for an extra ¥50. International brand stores in the mall typically have better English-speaking staff than local shops. Overall, navigating solo without Chinese is doable but occasionally awkward.

Q: What's the weather like inside The Crystal? Do I need a jacket?

The Crystal maintains 23-25°C year-round with 60-70% humidity for the trees. Coming in from summer heat feels refreshing. Winter it's noticeably warmer than outside. Comfortable clothing works fine—no jacket needed for indoor sections. The Skywalk is different though, completely exposed to elements. Winter temperatures drop to 0-10°C, summer climbs to 30-40°C. Dress for actual outdoor weather if you're doing the rooftop walk. The indoor-outdoor temperature gap can be jarring.

Q: Can I combine my visit to Raffles City Chongqing with other attractions?

Chaotianmen Square sits right next door, literally a five-minute walk. Hongya Cave is maybe 15-20 minutes on foot, best visited after dark when the lights turn on. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street is another 10-15 minute walk. Suggested route: afternoon at Raffles observatory, dinner as the sun sets, then evening stroll to Hongya Cave around 20:00 when it's fully lit. That sequence keeps you moving with the day's light cycle and hits each spot at its best viewing time.

Q: Are there luggage storage facilities if I'm visiting before my hotel check-in?

Yes, B1 level service center handles luggage storage for ¥20 per piece per day. Operating hours run 10:00-21:00. You'll need to show passport or ID. Large backpacks aren't allowed on the observatory deck anyway, so storing bags first makes sense if you're coming straight from the train station or airport. The locker system is straightforward—drop bags, get receipt, pick up later when you're done exploring.

Q: What's the cancellation policy for Skywalk and Sky Swing tickets?

Standard observatory tickets don't allow same-day cancellation but you can reschedule within seven days if you notify them four hours ahead. Skywalk and Swing experience tickets cancel free up to 24 hours before, 50% refund if you cancel within that window. Bad weather cancellations—thunderstorms, high winds—get full refunds or date changes when staff make the call. Booking through Ctrip or Meituan often gives more flexible policies than buying direct. Check their terms before purchasing.