Sunrise and Sunsetin Chengdu, China

Chengdu sits in the western Sichuan Basin, surrounded by the Longquan Mountains to the east and the Tibetan Plateau to the west. The Jinjiang River running through the city and several large lakes provide open sightlines for both sunrise and sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Chengdu

1. Longquanshan Urban Forest Park - Danjingtai

   The 'Eye of the City' spiral viewing platform sits at 702m elevation on the Longquan Mountain ridge, about 40km east of downtown. Free admission, open daily. Take Metro Line 2 to Longquanyi Station, then bus or taxi for 30 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk up the plank road.

2. Qinglong Lake Wetland Park

   Flat wetland park in Longquanyi District with unobstructed eastward views toward the Longquan Mountains. Open 06:00-21:30, free entry. Metro Line 4 to Chengdu University Station, Exit B, 5-minute walk.

3. Guixi Ecological Park

   A central lake and flat open grounds provide clear eastern sightlines toward the morning sun. Located between Yizhou Avenue and Tianfu Avenue, reachable via Metro Line 1 to Jincheng Plaza Station, Exit D.

4. Wangjiang Tower Park

   Historic park on the south bank of the Jinjiang River with a 27.9m wooden tower from 1889. The east-facing riverbank catches the first light. Opens at 06:00, public areas free. Metro Line 6 to Sanguantang Station, 500m walk.

Best sunset spots in Chengdu

1. Xinglong Lake

   Large artificial lake in Tianfu New Area with a dedicated viewing platform on the western shore. Metro Line 1 to Xinglong Lake Station, Exit B, 5-minute walk. Free admission, best light from around 4 PM in winter.

2. Anshun Bridge

   Ornate covered bridge spanning the Jinjiang River at Binjiang East Road. Best viewed from the south bank, where the sunset light hits the bridge facade and reflects off the water. Accessible 24 hours, free.

3. Jincheng Lake Park

   Four interconnected lakes covering 1.6 million sqm in the Hi-Tech Zone. The eastern shore offers wide sunset views across the water toward the city skyline. Metro Line 5 to Jincheng Avenue Station, free admission.

4. Guixi Ecological Park

   The lake reflects the skyline towers to the west during golden hour. Free entry year-round, about 1km walk from Century City Station on Metro Lines 1 and 18.

5. Wangjiang Tower Park

   The western section of the park offers views along the river corridor toward the setting sun. The tower area costs CNY 20 and closes at 18:00.