Nanshan Yikeshu Viewing Platform
南山一棵树观景台
A viewing platform halfway up Nan Mountain with the best view of the Yuzhong Peninsula and the Two Rivers. At night, the lights of thousands of homes look like a golden ocean. It is considered the definitive spot for Chongqing's night views.
Yikeshu Viewing Platform is on the hillside of Nan Mountain in Nan'an District, at an altitude of about 450 meters. It takes its name from a century-old huangjue tree. The platform faces the Yuzhong Peninsula, with a clear view of the Jiefangbei skyscrapers, Hongyadong, the Raffles City Chaotianmen complex, the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Dongshuimen Bridge, and Qiansimen Bridge. Chongqing's night view is often ranked alongside those of Hong Kong and Monaco as one of the world's three great night views, and this is its most classic vantage point. The platform has an upper and lower terrace and a viewing tower (accessible with a ticket). The best time to arrive is half an hour before sunset, so you can capture the full sequence of sunset, blue hour, and the lights turning on. The lights come on at about 7:30 p.m. in summer and about 6 p.m. in winter. Tickets to the viewing platform cost 30 yuan. Transport is the main challenge. Take Metro Line 3 to Nanping Station, then transfer to Bus 347 or 348 to Yikeshu Station (about 40 minutes). Alternatively, take the Yangtze Cableway to Nan'an and then a taxi for about 20 minutes (around 30 yuan). Taxis are hard to find for the trip down at night, so book a ride in advance or share one. Parking for those driving is limited. Nearby attractions you can combine include Huangjueya Old Street on Nan Mountain (free, with Sanmao's former residence and local snacks), the Quanshui Chicken Street on Nan Mountain (spring-water chicken, about 60–80 yuan per person), Tushan Temple, and the Chongqing Museum of Anti-Japanese War Relics. Nan Mountain is often foggy in winter and spring. Before you set out, check whether you can see the Yuzhong Peninsula from home. If you cannot, you will not see the night view either. Bring a jacket, as it is several degrees cooler on the mountain than in the city.
Opening hours
09:00–22:30
Nearby sights
- Laojun Cave Taoist Temple
- Longmenhao Old Street & Xiahaoli
- Yangtze River Cableway
- Huguang Guild Hall
- Nanbin Road
- Baixiangju
- Two Rivers Night Cruise
- Ciyun Temple