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Panoramic view of Eling Factory

Eling Factory

Introduction

Eling Factory, a cultural and creative park transformed from a former banknote printing factory, stands as one of Chongqing's most distinctive attractions. This historic industrial site has been reimagined into a vibrant arts and cultural space, where vintage architecture meets modern creativity.

Panoramic view of Eling Factory

How to Get There

Public Transportation

  1. Metro: Take Line 1 to Eling Station. From there, it's a 15-20 minute walk along Eling Street.
  2. Bus: Take Bus 118, which connects major attractions including Guanyinqiao Commercial Area and the Soong Ching-ling Former Residence.

Driving and Taxi

  • Taxi: From popular areas like Jiefangbei or Hongyadong, expect to pay 15-20 RMB.
  • Address: No. 1 Eling Street, Yuzhong District
  • Parking: Available at:
    • Eling Factory Creative Park Parking
    • Eling Street Mechanical Parking Garage (8 floors, 6 entrances)
    • Eling Park Parking Lot

Parking Tip: Spend ¥50 for 1 hour free parking, maximum 4 hours free.

Must-Visit Spots

Observation Deck

The observation deck offers spectacular views of Chongqing's cityscape, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge.

View of Liziba Railway Station from Eling Factory

Photography tips:

  • Use wide-angle lenses for panoramic shots
  • Misty weather creates mystical atmospheric effects
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds

Creative Graffiti Walls

The factory walls serve as canvases for diverse street art, featuring:

  • Cartoon characters at the entrance
  • Local Chongqing elements including hotpot and cable cars
  • Interactive photo opportunities
Daytime street view and creative graffiti walls inside Eling Factory

Dining Experiences

Traditional Hotpot

  1. Factory Old Hotpot (二厂老火锅)

    • Location: Building 1, Creative Park
    • Specialties:
      • Eighteen-bowl set (九荤九素)
      • Double pepper beef
      • Fresh duck intestines

  2. Jianghu Hotpot (江湖老火锅)

    • 40-year heritage
    • Water Margin-themed décor
    • Must-try: Nine-bowl set and meter-long beef slices

Local Snacks

  • Orange Alley (橙色胡同): Specializes in BBQ with unique dish names
  • Dawang Oil Tea (大王油茶): Famous for traditional oil tea and fried spring rolls
  • Flower and Sea Pepper (花和海的椒): Modern take on Chongqing noodles

Cafes and Desserts

  1. Lazy Fish Time (懒鱼时光馆)

    • Forest-themed décor
    • Popular for afternoon tea
    • Signature: Crepe cakes and strawberry waffles

  2. Museum-like Cafe (象个博物馆)

    • Artistic interior design
    • Perfect for photos
    • Various desserts and drinks

  3. Mint Artisan Gelateria

    • Unique ice cream flavors including salted egg and Sichuan pepper
    • Special ice cream hotpot
    • Mint-green themed interior
View of Liziba Railway emerging from building

Shopping and Entertainment

Creative Souvenirs

  1. Artist from the Stars (来自星星的艺术家)

    • Chongqing-themed refrigerator magnets featuring iconic landmarks
    • Phone cases with local dialect designs
    • Creative cultural products

  2. Factory Memory Museum (二厂记忆博物馆)

    • Vintage badges with factory designs
    • Historical postcards documenting the factory's transformation
    • Cultural memorabilia

DIY Workshops

  1. Pottery Studio

    • Professional guidance available
    • Create personalized ceramics
    • Shipping service provided

  2. Leather Workshop

    • Handcraft leather accessories
    • Various items: wallets, watch straps, handbags
    • Suitable for beginners

Recommended Itineraries

Half-Day Routes

Morning Route (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

  1. 10:00 - Start from Eling Station
  2. 10:30 - Visit movie filming locations
  3. 11:10 - Explore graffiti walls
  4. 11:50 - Coffee break at Lazy Fish Time
  5. 12:10 - Lunch at Factory Old Hotpot

Afternoon Route (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

  1. 14:00 - Observation deck visit
  2. 14:30 - Creative shops exploration
  3. 15:30 - Dessert break at Museum-like Cafe
  4. 16:00 - Local snacks at Orange Alley

Full-Day Itinerary

Morning

  • 09:00 - Start at Eling Park
    • Visit Guangsheng Tower
    • Explore Hiroshima Garden
    • Photography at Goose Neck Villa

Afternoon

  • 12:00 - Lunch at Jianghu Hotpot
  • 13:30 - Factory exploration and photography
  • 15:00 - DIY workshops or souvenir shopping
  • 16:00 - Visit Liziba Railway Station
  • 17:00 - Yellow Building photography spot
  • 18:00 - Dinner and night views

Essential Tips

Weather Considerations

  • Summer (Above 30°C):
    • Bring sun protection
    • Wear breathable clothing
    • Carry water
  • Winter (Below 10°C):
    • Warm clothing recommended
    • Prepare for humidity

Practical Advice

  1. Footwear

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes
    • Avoid high heels due to steep terrain

  2. Peak Times

    • Busiest during national holidays
    • Best visiting times:
      • Before 10:00 AM
      • After 4:00 PM

  3. Transportation Tips

  • Metro Line 1 to Eling Station
  • Bus 829 to Second Printing Factory Stop
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Navigate to "Eling Factory, Yuzhong District"

Conclusion

Eling Factory represents a perfect blend of Chongqing's industrial heritage and contemporary culture. This creative park offers visitors a unique experience combining historical architecture, modern art, local cuisine, and panoramic city views. Whether you're interested in photography, art, food, or cultural exploration, Eling Factory provides a comprehensive urban cultural experience that shouldn't be missed during your visit to Chongqing.

Quick Tips:

  • Recommended route: Eling Station → Eling Park → Eling Factory → Liziba (downhill path)
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
  • Average visit duration: 3-4 hours
  • Remember to check weather forecast before visiting