Chaotianmen Square

Chaotianmen Square sits at the very tip of the Yuzhong peninsula, marking the point where the greenish Jialing River meets the sediment-heavy, golden Yangtze — a contrast that’s sharpest on clear days in winter and spring. The ship-shaped square, built directly beneath the Raffles City complex, is where Chongqing’s road network officially begins: a “zero kilometer” marker set into the ground at its center.

Historically, this was the site of Chaotianmen, one of Chongqing’s original city gates and its largest riverside dock, once the main gateway for imperial officials receiving edicts and later the city’s principal port for Yangtze river traffic. Today the square functions as a wide, multi-level viewing platform, with staircases leading down toward the water and expansive views back up toward Raffles City and the surrounding skyline — especially striking after dark, when the square, the towers, and passing cruise ships all light up together.

It’s free to visit and works well as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area, with Hongyadong and Jiefangbei both within easy walking distance.