VISTA CHINESA – A TRIBUTE TO EASTERN CULTURE
Rio de Janeiro doesn’t stop to charm us, and now it’s time to show you a place made as a tribute to eastern culture: VISTA CHINESA. We’ll tell you more details of this place, the best way to get there and more. Come take a look to our post!
VISTA CHINESA AND A LITTLE BIT OF THE HISTORY
This very special place was built in the early twentieth century, between 1902 and 1906. It was intended to honor Chinese culture and people in Brazil, with the cultivation and importation of tea in the country. The creator of the work, architect Luís Rey, had the brilliant idea of building the site in the middle of a clearing and enjoying the beautiful landscape around it. Brilliant idea, right?
THE STRUCTURE OF THE LOOKOUT
The building has a bamboo and cement structure, with 380 meters high. This structure is called PAGODA, which is the central pavilion of space. This is one of the best views of Rio de Janeiro. The monument is the biggest in Latin America made as a tribute to China. And it was elected the best Chinese portal, outside of China. Only success. Vista Chinesa is part of Tijuca Forest.
ATTENTION
As this space is part of the Tijuca Forest that makes up the Tijuca National Park, be aware of the park rules. Read more information in our post about Tijuca Forest!
VERY SPECIAL DETAIL
One interesting thing about Vista Chinesa is that there is an elevation in the ceiling of the space, which allows an air flow and much more light to enter.
THE VIEWS OF THE PLACE
From Vista Chinesa, you have a view full of green. As the place has such amazing views we know it’s well disputed. Many times queues are formed and it is necessary to wait a few minutes to take some pictures in the pagoda.
The points that can be seen on the place are: Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, Guanabara Bay, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon Beaches, Two Brothers Hill and Niterói.
OTHER ATTRACTIVES
Besides so many amazing sights, along the Vista Chinesa path there are some other natural attractions. Examples are:
Chuveiro Waterfall
Gruta Waterfall
Mesa do Imperador
Primatas Waterfall
Jequitibá Waterfall
SPECIAL VISITORS
When visiting Vista Chinesa you may attract some very curious animals that actually enchant us with their presence. Such as the Micos (monkey species). Another frequent visitors is the Macaco-prego, another monkey species. Although these species are not native to the typical Atlantic Forest of the region they are easily found in various parts of the city, very close to vegetation.
REMEMBER
– Don’t feed the animals, even if they are cute. It’s against the rules of Tijuca National Park.
OTHER INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
– The place doesn’t have public toilets neither water fountain.;
– The place doesn’t allow stores neither sellers;
– Bring your snack and water (and what else you may need);
– Since you are taking your snack, be sure to keep it with you until you find a trash bin. Never throw your trash in the wild;
– Be aware of the weather before planning a visit, the view is much better appreciated on sunny days;
– If possible, plan a visit at busy times (beware of your belongings), visit with friends or a tour guide.
HOW TO GET TO VISTA CHINESA
To the adventurers who read our post. You can get to Vista Chinesa by a trail that starts at Parque Lage (see our post about Parque Lage). Access by the trail is well demarcated, but physical preparation is required to perform this activity. The climb is 9 kilometers, and is really steep.
ATTENTION
Every activity with a certain level of difficulty needs care. This activity is recommended with the presence of a guide. Follow the guide’s instructions and recommendations, stay close to your group, and obey the signs.
TIP
Some nature tour companies around the city offer JEEP TOUR. These tours take you to the Tijuca Forest with this vehicle and some points of the tour include Vista Chinesa. Make a search!
SOME OTHER WAYS TO VISIT VISTA CHINESA
FOR THOSE WHO LEAVE FROM SOUTH ZONE
JARDIM BOTÂNICO NEIGHBORHOOD
For those who are coming from South zone of Rio, because of the location, the easiest way to get to Vista Chinesa is from the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, the same as the Botanical Garden. The path has paved roads and in good condition.
The streets that you can use are:
Rua Pacheco Leão
Estrada da Castorina
Estrada da Vista Chinesa
BONUS
In this way you will find two waterfalls with free access to the public. Look how amazing, a complete ride this, is not it?
If you use a private car on this way from the Botanical Gardens, it will take you no more than 20 minutes to get to Vista China. There is a bike lane for cyclists.
BE AWARE
In the beginning of the way you may find some cyclists and people walking on the same road, be aware of your velocity.
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM BARRA OR TIJUCA
Vista chinesa in this case is on the other side, you should take the direction: Boa Vista St or Furnas road, to get to the place. This is one old path used for connection between Botanical Garden and Alto da Boa Vista.
In any case, if you have any questions about the right way, use GPS applications. They will help you with the best way to access the desired location.
HINT
There’s a parking lot in the area. So, if you are going with a private car there’s nothing to worry about it. 😊
BUS OPTIONS
If you prefer to use public transportation such as buses, you should take 409 until Rua Pacheco Leão.
In this street you should take some other transport or climb about 4.5 kilometers (about 4 hours uphill) to Vista Chinesa.
INFORMATION FOR THE ACCESS OF VISTA CHINESA
Address: Estrada da Vista Chinesa, 789 – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro
UBER OU TAXI
You can also use private transportation services for access to Vista Chinesa.
After so many cool things to see from this amazing location, you already have one more option to enjoy the wonderful city! Did you like our tips?