In Xiahaoli, you move through a layered hillside of old buildings, greenery, and flowing waterfalls, like walking through a film set. Around each corner, you'll find hidden cafés and artistic stores, perfect for enjoying pretty desserts and browsing fun, design-led finds.
It sets right by the Yangtze River and the Dongshuimen Bridge, next to Longmenhao Old Street. For photo lovers, you'll unlock many photogenic and artistic photo spots here, including the same angles captured by celebrities like IShowSpeed, Xiao Zhan, and TF Family.
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Where to Take the Best Photos in Xiahaoli
There are three classic photo spots you shouldn't miss in Xiahaoli.
I recommend visiting in the evening. You'll see that Xiahaoli looks more beautiful under the lights.
1."It's Very Chongqing" Red Brick Wall
- Location: Entrance 1, behind the guide map
The brick wall at night. I took it around 8 pm.The huge red brick wall, big white characters, and green banana leaves make the color contrast here more striking and photogenic.
Wearing bright colors (like red clothes, bags, or hats) will help your photos stand out even more.
The brick wall during the dayBest photo angles:
- Stand on the lower floor: capture the long staircase with Xiahaoli's graffiti together
- Stand on the stair landing: front-facing shot, the red wall fills most of your background
- The upper landing corner: the stone railing adds a layered structure
2. Dongshuimen Bridge Viewing Platform
- Location: To find this spot quickly, look for Sai Sai, a designed shop right next to the red wall. Walk through the shop, and you'll arrive directly at the viewing platform.
The bridge looks more cyberpunk at nightThe Dongshuimen Bridge is over your head, much more spectacular. With an open view of the Yangtze River, trees and rooftops create layers in your frame, making every shot feel more dimensional.
For night shots, head here after 7:30 pm when the bridge lights up. With the skyscrapers across the river glowing behind you, you'll capture a striking cyberpunk vibe in your photos.
Different feel during the daytime3. Xiahaoli Panorama & Waterfall Viewing Platform
- Location: Navigate to Chiang Mai Thai Food Restaurant or Haoyue Bookstore.
Xiahaoli, viewed from the platform at nightThis is Xiahaoli's most iconic angle (also the most crowded). From here, you can get the layered stilted buildings, shops, and waterfalls all in one frame. Wait until the evening lights come on, and you'll feel like you've stepped into Furong Town in Zhangjiajie.
The best time to visit is during the blue hour, when the lights just turn on. When it's completely dark, your photos will actually look dimmer and not as bright as what you see on social media.
Not sure how to fit Xiahaoli into your city walk?
We can customize a route that connects it with other Chongqing highlights, with an easy private transfer. Get ideas from our Chongqing Tours.
When Does Xiahaoli Light Up and Turn Off?
- Lights on: 7:30 pm in summer, 6:00 pm in winter
- Lights off: 12:00 am
XiahaoliYou can arrive about 30 minutes before the lights turn on to catch the waterfalls lit up during the blue hour, and then take your time strolling around and enjoying a beautiful dinner here.
Alternatively, come around 8:00 pm, when both Xiahaoli and Dongshuimen Bridge are fully illuminated. On Saturday nights, you can even catch a drone show.
Where to Eat & Shop in Xiahaoli
If you like pretty food, aesthetic cafés, and unique little shops, you'll find everything in Xiahaoli.
For couples, friends, and young travelers, it's great to come for an exquisite afternoon tea, have dinner, and stay until the lights turn on, or just browse the stores and snap photos.
Restaurants Worth You a Try
Here are some scenic restaurants and beautifully designed cafés I discovered in Xiahaoli.
If you like local Chongqing flavours
- Fan Ba Tuo: local small-plate dishes like pig feet (IShowSpeed also tried this restaurant)
- Hulu Beef Noodles: great bridge view and nice tomato beef noodles
If you prefer a fun and relaxed meal (great with kids or friends)
- Hooloo Small Copper Hot Pot: cute Hello Kitty pots and drinks. You dine right next to the waterfall view. It's a single portion, great if you prefer separate dining or come alone.
If you want foreign flavors
- Chiang Mai Thai Food: A lush, greenery-filled setting, great for afternoon tea or a full meal. Dishes like tom yum soup and curry chicken are great if you enjoy Southeast Asian flavours.
- THE SABLON: Belgian-style dining. If you're in the mood for Western food, you'll be glad to find the pizza, tomato pasta, steak, waffles, and Chimay beer here.
If you look for desserts & cafés
- Moss: photogenic and cute desserts, such as matcha milk drinks with lamb patterns
- Puji Desserts: Chinese desserts like taro ice and milk custard. Sweet but less sugar, also ideal for seniors or if you want to control sugar intake.
Shops to Browse (and Take Photos)
Anyone else who enjoys browsing boutique stores? Xiahaoli is great to find playful, colourful designs and fun little items like figurines, keychains, and creative décor.
- Sai Sai: Dog and cat-themed items
- Xiyu: Small gifts with Chongqing-inspired retro elements
- Zhiyang Project: Quirky and abstract creative merchandise
- Lingyu Vintage: Vintage dresses and accessories
- YEE Art Store: A mix of art-inspired items, such as CDs and vinyl records
With a private local guide, you'll find these spots more easily and discover even more hidden corners in Xiahaoli. Feel free to contact us.
Which is the Best Walking Route in Xiahaoli
Xiahaoli has three entrances (1, 3, and 4). All routes will take you to the main photo spots, but the walking order and stairs are different.
Start from Entrance 1: Most Popular Route
Find the Map bulletin board→Red brick wall→go through Sai Sai Store→Dongshuimen Bridge Viewing Platform→return to the map bulletin board→follow the white ground graffiti downhill (passing many interesting shops)→waterfall viewing platform→free exploration
Most visitors start here as it's right next to the metro exit. The route is mostly downhill with fewer stairs, so it's ideal for seniors, kids, or if you want less step climbing.
Xiahaoli can be quite maze-like. We lost our way several times, and the detours and extra walking were quite time-consuming. Actually, you can follow a video route on Red Note or YouTube, or find a guide or photographer to lead the way and help you take photos.
Xiahaoli at nightStart from Entrance 3: Celebrity Photo Spots
If you're a fan of Xiao Zhan, you can quickly find his iconic photo spots from this entrance.
There are a total of 12 Xiao Zhan's photo spots in Xiahaoli. Each is clearly marked with a sign (with text and images). You can easily find those spots.
This is one of the photo spotsStart from Entrance 4: Closest to the Waterfall
From the entrance, it's only a 2-3 minute walk to the waterfall viewing platform.
It's best if you only want to visit the waterfall, take photos, and leave without exploring further.
If you plan to explore the whole Xiahaoli area, the rest of the route is mostly uphill walking. It can be quite tiring.
The view you get of Xiahaoli from the viewing platformHow to Get to Xiahaoli Old Street
- By Metro: Line 6 or Loop Line to Shangxin Street Station (Exit 1)
- By Car: Set your destination to Xiahaoli Entrance 1
If you're coming from Jiefangbei by metro, it's super easy. Just 1 stop on Line 6 (Xiaoshizi → Shangxin Street).
If you're using car-hailing apps like Didi, and can't find "Xiahaoli" on the map, just set your destination as Shangxin Street Station or Longmenhao. Then walk 70 meters to the entrance.
Explore Chongqing with Us
We've been arranging private tours in Chongqing and other destinations for more than 27 years.
If you're looking for a hassle-free trip, we can plan everything for you, from itineraries and hotels to meals, all tailored to your interests. Or you can add Xiahaoli to the following tours: