It goes without saying that Rio de Janeiro is reputedly Brazil’s most beautiful city, so much so, that each year, millions of tourists huddle in its famous scenic points, forming a perpetual human traffic jam. That is, unless you are talking about Vista Chinesa. Perching on the verdant hillsides of Tijuca Forest, the Pagoda-like observatory offers breathtaking views coupled with a dash of traditional Chinese aesthetic.
By: Omri Westmark
Date: 20:24 29.12.22
Last Update: 21:32 16.03.23
During the 19th century, Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding countryside experienced an incessant influx of Chinese immigrants, the majority of whom arrived as part of a concerted effort to cultivate tea across the region. While to large extent, the local tea industry never matured to become globally successful, the Chinese community still left a significant mark on the local culture and history.
At the very beginning, when a series of tea plantation were established around the city, a group of migrants from China paved a curvy road across Tijuca rainforest, connecting Alto da Boa Vista with Jardim Botânico. The road, which was built to facilitate the movement of goods, was originally embellished with a thatched roof structure nicknamed “Casa das Chinas” (the house of the Chinese).
In 1903, the then mayor Rio Periera Passos together with the office of forestry tasked architect Luís Rey with replacing the makeshift shed with a brand-new oriental style gazebo that paid a tribute to the Chinese coolies. Nestled atop the wooded foothills of the Serra da Carioca cliff, the pagoda features a couple of slender beams and columns reminiscent of bamboo culms. Perhaps its most striking part though is its pair of light roofs, whose gutters are beautifully decorated with a gargoyle-shaped spout.
Thanks to its scenic location, about 380 meters above sea level, Vista Chinesa is blessed with some of Rio’s most spectacular views. Among the notable places visitors can see are the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Sugarloaf Mountain, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the golden beach strip of Ipanema and Leblon, Morro Dois Irmãos as well as Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela. Since the lookout is situated within the confines of Tijuca National Park, it is regularly frequented by hordes of monkeys, competing for attention with the sweeping vistas.
The aforementioned snaky road
photography by: Omri Westmark
The Chinese-style gazebo at its fullest glory
photography by: Omri Westmark
On the left – Mt. Corcovado, topped by Christ the Redeemer statue
photography by: Omri Westmark
Located right in the middle of the structure’s floor is a hexagonal picnic table
photography by: Omri Westmark
The lookout and the nearby rainforest
photography by: Omri Westmark
One of the roof’s water-spitting dragons
photography by: Omri Westmark
The neighborhoods of Leblon and Ipanema as seen from the scenic point
photography by: Omri Westmark
A full perspective over the building’s double roof
photography by: Omri Westmark
Morro Dois Irmãos, aka the Two Brothers Hill
photography by: Omri Westmark
