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.
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.
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.
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.
