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Caroline Rangel

Carol Rangel is the Contributing Editor at Global Storybook (Brazil/ Netherlands).
You can read more about Carol here.

Latest posts by Caroline Rangel (see all)

• Exploring Mykonos: Things To See and To Do - August 23, 2016
• The Surreal Lençóis Maranhenses National Park - June 16, 2016
• Heart of Palm Creamy Pie (Torta Cremosa de Palmito) - June 16, 2016

The Vista Chinesa or the Chinese View –  is one of the most impressive observation spots in Rio de Janeiro, located at the top of Tijuca Forest National Park.

I’ve seen panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro from several places, but none of them met so many sights in one angle as the Chinese View.  This is one of the few unique perspectives where you can have all major sites: the Corcovado Mountain, the Christ Statue and the Sugar Loaf in one single photo.

The name ‘Chinese View’ is due to the monument that resembles a Chinese temple, built to honour the Chinese immigrants who arrived in Rio de Janeiro in the mid-19th century to cultivate tea.

The construction dates back to 1903 and has recently undergone a renovation.  The structure is well maintained and the view is breathtaking.

The privileged view of Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon, in addition to Morro Dois Irmãos – Two Brothers Mountains on the right, all Rio icons.

Emperor’s Table

There is a second overlook, 1 km above the Chinese View, called the Emperor’s Table.  It isn’t as impressive as the previous one, because it offers only a partial view of the bay.

The story tells this was a resting place built for the imperial family in the 19th century.  The emperor and his family rested there after frequent walks in the region and had tea/lunch over the stone table.

Today, there ain’t much left…

This little guy came to say hi!

Waterfalls

There are two waterfalls on the way uphill.

They’re located in the beginning of the trail.

How To Get There:

The best way is by taxi!  5 minutes are enough to take pictures and enjoy the view, ask the driver to wait, it’s worth every cent.  From Leblon and Ipanema it will cost ~ BRL 50 or about USD 15 – depending on the waiting time at the overlook.

If you prefer to go walking or biking, access is by the Pacheco Leão Street, at Botanical Garden neighbourhood.  It’s a 6 km steep climb.

This is a place to visit during daylight hours only.

I don’t advise travellers, especially women, to climb the trail alone.  But if you decide to do so, just stay alert to your surroundings, carry your phone/camera in your bag/pocket and follow basic common sense.

My little stalker! 😛

Follow this tips and I’m sure you’ll have an incredible time in Rio.

Carol