Vista Chinesa
Estrada da Vista Chinesa, Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, 20531-590
The Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) is one of the most striking monuments of the Tijuca Forest, erected in 1903 to honor Rio’s Chinese immigrants. The Chinese-style pavilion perched atop Alto da Boa Vista, some 1,247 feet (380 meters) above the city below, offers a stellar view away from the masses of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado.
The Basics
Regarded as one of the grandest Chinese monuments in South America, the gazebo offers spectacular views over the city, spanning the coastal lagoons and mountaintops, including the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and Leblon. While more general sightseeing tours of Rio de Janeiro rarely make it to Vista Chinesa, this lookout point almost always features on tours of the city’s Tijuca Rainforest, often combined with a tour of the city’s excellent botanical garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget your camera; Vista Chinesa offers one of the most photogenic views of Rio.
- Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to hike or cycle to the top.
- Combine your visit to Vista Chinesa with some time spent exploring Tijuca Forest National Park.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Vista Chinesa is by taxi or tour bus, but adventurous types can also tackle the climb on foot or mountain bike—a steep yet scenic 3.7-mile (6-km) trek that’s not for the faint hearted.
When to Get There
On a clear day, the views from Vista Chinesa are almost always spectacular. The area is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when the ornate gazebo is silhouetted against the colorful morning light.
Best Viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro
Rio’s mountainous terrain means the city has no shortage of stellar views. Just about every traveler visits Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountains, but they’re not the only peaks with worthy views. Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountain affords one of the best sunrise views, while standing atop Pedra da Gavea gives a true bird’s eye view of the city far below. Adventurous travelers can soak up the views while hang gliding from Pedra Bonita.
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