Vista Chinesa

Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) is a viewpoint with a Chinese-style pavilion high up in the Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood, inside the Tijuca Forest, in Tijuca National Park. From the parapet, the view takes in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the South Zone, the sea and Sugarloaf in the distance.

The 1903 pavilion

Mayor Pereira Passos had the pavilion built in 1903, to a design by architect Luis Rei. The structure is made of mortar molded to look like bamboo, according to Wikipedia. Further up the same road is the Mesa do Imperador (Emperor’s Table), a resting spot used on the imperial family’s outings.

The story of tea

The name recalls a little-known chapter of Rio’s history. In 1812, on the orders of King João VI, about a hundred Chinese were brought from Macau to test tea growing in Brazil. They settled on the slopes where the back of the Botanical Garden is today, according to Wikipedia. The tea did not thrive, and some of these workers were employed in building the road that links Jardim Botânico to Alto da Boa Vista.

The view

Vista Chinesa faces the South Zone. On a clear day you can see the Lagoa, Ipanema and Leblon, the sea and, on the horizon, Sugarloaf. It is a great complement if you have already seen the city from Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf and want a different angle, with the forest in the foreground.

Getting there and safety

The viewpoint is on the road that crosses the Tijuca Forest. The road has traffic restrictions set by the park. Go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app and arrange your return in advance, because phone signal is weak. Go during the day and do not leave anything visible in the car.

Compare it with other high points in Rio viewpoints and fit the visit into the 5-day itinerary.