How do I get to Nanshan One Tree, and is there a metro?

There is no convenient metro or bus to the deck, so most foreign visitors take a taxi up Nanshan, around 30 to 40 minutes from downtown and roughly 60 to 80 yuan one way. Have your hotel or a Chinese speaker save the destination, or use a ride-hailing app with the Chinese name 南山一棵树观景台. Budget for the return trip too, as taxis can be scarce up top late at night.

When is the best time for the Chongqing night view here?

Aim for 8 to 10 PM, when the whole downtown peninsula is fully lit across the Yangtze. This is the spot behind the classic Chongqing postcard skyline. Crucially, avoid the November to February fog season, when visibility can drop below 200 metres and you may see almost nothing. Check the weather and pick a clear evening; a tripod helps for the long-exposure shots the dark view needs.

Is there an entry fee, and can I pay by card?

Yes, entry to the observation platform is 30 yuan. Bring cash, as the area is effectively cash-only and foreign cards are not reliably accepted at the gate or nearby stalls. The deck is named after a roughly 700-year-old Yellow Joss tree on the site. You can extend the trip into a half-day by adding Nanshan Botanical Garden or Lao Junlong Cave on the same mountain.

Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck, Chongqing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Mountaintop observation deck with the canonical 'Chongqing night view' photo — the entire downtown peninsula laid out.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 南山一棵树观景台 (Nánshān Yī Kē Shù Guānjǐngtái)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Time needed: 2-3 hours (with taxi each way)
Best time to visit: 8-10 PM clear night; avoid Nov-Feb fog
Getting there: Remote — taxi can be tricky
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 1 Nanshan Park Rd, Nan'an District · 南岸区南山公园路 1 号

See Nanshan One Tree Observation Decktickets & tours

Trip.com link · we earn a small commission · disclosure

Nanshan ('South Mountain') at 681m is across the Yangtze from downtown Yuzhong peninsula. The Yi Ke Shu ('One Tree') observation platform was named after a famous 700-year-old Yellow Joss tree on the site. This is the #1 spot for the iconic Chongqing night view — from here you see the entire downtown peninsula glowing across the Yangtze. Entry ¥30. The drive up takes 30-40 min from downtown by taxi (¥60-80) — there's no convenient metro/bus. Best time: 8-10 PM when the city is fully lit. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots. Note: in fog season (Nov-Feb) visibility can be < 200m — check weather first. Combine with Nanshan Botanical Garden or Lao Junlong Cave for a half-day mountain trip.

Highlights

Downtown Night PanoramaThe Chongqing postcard view; entire peninsula
700-year-old Yellow Joss TreeThe 'one tree' the platform is named after

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Arrange your return taxi before you go up; rides thin out fast after 10 PM and you can be stranded.
▸Stand at the right-hand railing for the cleanest sweep of the peninsula without lamp-posts in frame.
▸A tripod is essentially mandatory; the signature shot is a long exposure of the lit downtown across the river.
▸Skip November to February entirely on foggy nights; below 200m visibility means you photograph grey nothing.
▸Carry cash for the 30-yuan entry and snacks; cards and mobile pay are unreliable up here.
▸Weeknights are far calmer than weekends, when the narrow deck packs with tripod-toting photographers.
▸Chain it with Nanshan Botanical Garden or Lao Junlong Cave earlier in the day so one taxi trip covers the mountain.

Photos

Illuminated Chongqing skyline with modern skyscrapers reflecting off the river at night.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing's skyline and illuminated bridge reflecting on the river.

Stunning nightscape of Chongqing's illuminated skyline with iconic architecture reflecting on the river.

Vibrant Chongqing skyline at night with city lights reflecting in Yangtze River.

Stunning view of Chongqing skyline with colorful illuminated skyscrapers at night. A vibrant display of urban architecture.

Stunning view of the illuminated Hongyadong complex in Chongqing at nighttime, showcasing vibrant urban architecture.

Captivating night view of Chongqing skyline, featuring modern skyscraper lighting and vibrant river reflections.

A vibrant view of Chongqing's illuminated skyline reflecting on the water at night.

Captivating view of Raffles City and skyline by the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing cityscape featuring a brightly lit bridge and skyline reflections.

A stunning illuminated bridge in Chongqing at night with a vibrant cityscape in the background.

Stunning night scene of Chongqing's illuminated skyline featuring Qiansimen Bridge.

Vibrant night view of Chongqing skyline featuring the iconic Raffles City illuminated.

Stunning view of the illuminated Chongqing skyline at night featuring modern skyscrapers.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

NightSkyline·TripAdvisor·5/5

The Chongqing night view photo every visitor takes. ¥30 entry. Drive up takes 30 min from downtown (¥60-80 taxi). Best 8-10 PM clear night.

2026-04-15

重庆夜景·Xiaohongshu·5/5

南山一棵树观景台¥30，山城夜景最佳！11-2月雾季慎重。出租车上山¥60-80。

2026-03-25

Greg P.·Google Maps·5/5

681m mountain across Yangtze. Whole downtown peninsula laid out below. Bring tripod. Check weather — fog Nov-Feb kills visibility.

2026-04-22

NightLapse·YouTube·5/5

Long exposures from here — Chongqing peninsula at night looks like Blade Runner. The single most famous Chongqing view.

2026-02-20

Liu T.·Ctrip·5/5

门票¥30，没有公共交通。建议打车上山¥60-80，晚上8-10点拍夜景。雾天别去。

2026-04-05

Watch creators visit Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck

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Frequently asked questions about Nanshan One Tree Observation Deck

How do I get to Nanshan One Tree, and is there a metro?: There is no convenient metro or bus to the deck, so most foreign visitors take a taxi up Nanshan, around 30 to 40 minutes from downtown and roughly 60 to 80 yuan one way. Have your hotel or a Chinese speaker save the destination, or use a ride-hailing app with the Chinese name 南山一棵树观景台. Budget for the return trip too, as taxis can be scarce up top late at night.
When is the best time for the Chongqing night view here?: Aim for 8 to 10 PM, when the whole downtown peninsula is fully lit across the Yangtze. This is the spot behind the classic Chongqing postcard skyline. Crucially, avoid the November to February fog season, when visibility can drop below 200 metres and you may see almost nothing. Check the weather and pick a clear evening; a tripod helps for the long-exposure shots the dark view needs.
Is there an entry fee, and can I pay by card?: Yes, entry to the observation platform is 30 yuan. Bring cash, as the area is effectively cash-only and foreign cards are not reliably accepted at the gate or nearby stalls. The deck is named after a roughly 700-year-old Yellow Joss tree on the site. You can extend the trip into a half-day by adding Nanshan Botanical Garden or Lao Junlong Cave on the same mountain.