What is the horizontal skyscraper at Raffles City Chongqing?

It is The Crystal, a 300-meter glass sky bridge designed by architect Moshe Safdie. It links eight 250-meter towers horizontally near the 47th floor, sitting at the tip of the Yuzhong peninsula where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The complex opened in 2019 and has become a defining landmark of the city's skyline.

How much is the Raffles City observation deck?

The Crystal sky-bridge observation deck costs 158 RMB. From up there you look straight down at the river confluence, where the brown Yangtze and green Jialing visibly merge. If you would rather skip the fee, the lower mall and waterfront are free to walk, and the towers photograph beautifully from the south bank.

Is Raffles City worth visiting, and what is inside?

It is best for architecture fans and skyline views. Beyond the paid observation deck, there is a luxury hotel, restaurants, and a large shopping mall, all free to wander. A small basement aquarium costs 98 RMB but is skippable. Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours, or longer if you add the deck and a meal.

Raffles City Chongqing, Chongqing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Moshe Safdie's 2019 horizontal-skyscraper crystal — 8 towers linked by a 300m sky bridge at the Yangtze + Jialing confluence.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 重庆来福士广场 (Chóngqìng Láifúshì Guǎngchǎng)
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours (3+ with observation deck + meal)
Best time to visit: Evening for lights + sky bridge dusk
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Full English menu
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Chaotianmen, Yuzhong District, Chongqing · 渝中区朝天门

See Raffles City Chongqingtickets & tours

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Raffles City Chongqing opened 2019 at Chaotianmen Square — the very tip of the Yuzhong peninsula where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers merge. Moshe Safdie's design: 8 towers (height 250m) bridged horizontally by a 300m glass crystal sky bridge ('The Crystal') at the 47th floor. The skybridge has an observation deck (¥158) plus a luxury hotel, restaurants. Free to walk through the lower mall + waterfront. Best photo: from the South Bank or from the Yangtze Cable Car. Inside, the basement-level Yangtze Aquarium is small-but-decent (¥98) — not a must. The whole complex is best for architecture fans + the panoramic deck.

Highlights

The Crystal Sky Bridge300m glass observation deck 250m up; ¥158
Confluence ViewingYangtze (brown) + Jialing (green) merge below

What Chinese travelers actually do here

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

▸Skip the 158 RMB deck if budget matters; the best framed shot of the towers is actually from the south bank looking back.
▸Walk through the lower mall and waterfront for free rather than assuming you must pay to experience the building.
▸Come at dusk so the glass facade catches sunset, then watch the towers light up over the river confluence.
▸The basement aquarium is small and easy to skip; spend that time on the rooftop views or the riverside instead.
▸Riding the Yangtze Cable Car gives a striking moving view of these towers, often better than standing beneath them.
▸This is one of the few downtown landmarks taking Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, so save it for any card-only purchases.
▸From the deck, look for where the muddy Yangtze meets the clearer Jialing; the color line is sharpest on dry-season days.

Photos

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

Black and white image of towering skyscrapers showcasing modern architecture in a bustling cityscape.

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

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

View of the futuristic architecture of Raffles City Chongqing, a prominent tourist landmark in China.

Stunning view of Chongqing's skyline with skyscrapers and Yangtze River at sunset.

Chongqing skyline featuring the Qiansimen Bridge over a calm river with modern architecture.

Discover the blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture in Chongqing's breathtaking cityscape.

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

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

Black and white photo of modern architecture and stone formations in an urban setting.

Skyline of Chongqing showcasing modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture under a clear sky.

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

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

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArchFan·TripAdvisor·5/5

Moshe Safdie's 8-tower Crystal mall — sky bridge connects 4 towers at level 42. Free observation deck.

2026-04-15

来福士·Xiaohongshu·5/5

重庆来福士水晶连廊免费上！全景看朝天门 + 长江嘉陵江交汇。必拍。

2026-03-20

Karen L.·Google Maps·4/5

Iconic skyline. The horizontal Crystal at the top is the must-see view.

2026-02-25

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Frequently asked questions about Raffles City Chongqing

What is the horizontal skyscraper at Raffles City Chongqing?: It is The Crystal, a 300-meter glass sky bridge designed by architect Moshe Safdie. It links eight 250-meter towers horizontally near the 47th floor, sitting at the tip of the Yuzhong peninsula where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The complex opened in 2019 and has become a defining landmark of the city's skyline.
How much is the Raffles City observation deck?: The Crystal sky-bridge observation deck costs 158 RMB. From up there you look straight down at the river confluence, where the brown Yangtze and green Jialing visibly merge. If you would rather skip the fee, the lower mall and waterfront are free to walk, and the towers photograph beautifully from the south bank.
Is Raffles City worth visiting, and what is inside?: It is best for architecture fans and skyline views. Beyond the paid observation deck, there is a luxury hotel, restaurants, and a large shopping mall, all free to wander. A small basement aquarium costs 98 RMB but is skippable. Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours, or longer if you add the deck and a meal.