It seems that everyone who visits the Chinese View has the same sense of wonderment. The place is really amazing! Besides all the beauty of the view, the forest that surrounds the place and the architecture of the belvedere, bring a special atmosphere to the Vista Chinesa. It is no wonder that the viewpoint has been increasingly visited by both tourists and Cariocas.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Dandara Siqueira
WHAT IS THE CHINESE VIEW AFTER ALL?
Well, the Vista Chinesa is a belvedere built between 1902 and 1906 in oriental style to honor the Chinese who brought the cultivation of tea to Brazil in the 19th century. The viewpoint is strategically located in a clearing 380 meters high, in the middle of the Atlantic Forest.The view could not be different. The stunning views of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the beaches of Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, the Dois Irmãos Hills, and the Vidigal Slum unveil themselves from the middle of the forest to enchant their visitors. Simply amazing!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Vista Chinesa is inside the Tijuca Forest National Park and its main access is through Rua Pacheco Leão in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. You have to walk almost all the way up the street, almost at the end of the street you will see a sign indicating the beginning of the road to Vista Chinesa (Estrada Dona Castorina).When you enter the Vista Chinesa road you will already feel the change of climate, the forest surrounds the entire road. Right at the beginning there is a guardhouse of the Tijuca National Park where you can get some information. Following the road, not far from the guardhouse, there is a waterfall on your right. A delight! A short trail of about 15 minutes leads to 3 more pools, the last one being a refreshing “shower” (Waterfall).
Although the climb up the Vista Chinesa road is quite steep, it is quite common to see people walking and climbing by bike. So if you’re up for it, let’s go! In all it is almost 3.7 km of climbing on the Vista Chinesa road until you get to the viewpoint.For those coming from Tijuca or the West Zone, Barra da Tijuca, the access to the Vista Chinesa can be made by the Alto da Boa Vista road or the furnas road. All of them have signs indicating the viewpoint.Unfortunately there are no buses that go up there. The closest bus is the 508 line that stops at Rua Pacheco Leão, near the beginning of the road to Vista Chinesa. A cab from the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro to the viewpoint should cost around R$60.00 to R$80.00 depending on how long you stay. If you want to see the Vista Chinesa and the best viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro in an incredible experience, with the comfort and safety that you deserve, take a look at this tour. We’re sure you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of the city from above and will understand why Rio de Janeiro is the Marvelous City.
Main Tips of the Chinese View:
- If you can, go during the week. On weekends, the search for the best angle provokes a fierce dispute for a little space. But the view is still worth it.
- Right after Vista Chinesa, 5 minutes up the street, is the Emperor’s Table, a belvedere where Don Pedro II used to receive constant visits.
- Avoid going to Vista Chinesa at night, because the place is not as policed as it is during the day.
So that’s it. We hope you enjoyed our tips. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment, we’d love to help you. If you think this post might help a friend or acquaintance of yours, pleaseshare it.
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