TESTBED 2 Chongqing (Eling Er Chang) – Art Park & City View Guide

TESTBED 2, locally called Eling Er Chang (鹅岭二厂), sits atop the Eling ridge in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It is not a traditional scenic spot with mountains and rivers, but a cultural and creative park built from the remains of a once-secure industrial facility.

Today, TESTBED 2 blends 1930s industrial architecture with contemporary art installations, boutique shops, and a famous rooftop that offers panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. It draws travelers, photographers, and fans of the Chinese film I Belonged to You (从你的全世界路过).

This guide covers the park's history, what to see, photography considerations, and practical advice for planning your visit. Because some details about opening hours and specific ticket pricing are not officially verified, this article flags those gaps clearly so you can make informed decisions.

From Banknote Factory to Creative Hub

The Wartime Printing Factory

The site's story begins in 1939, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Central Banknote Printing Factory of the Nationalist Government relocated to Chongqing, then the wartime capital. This facility operated under high security, printing banknotes and official documents essential to the war effort.

After 1949, the factory became the Chongqing Printing No. 2 Factory, continuing as a key industrial enterprise in Southwest China. For decades, the roar of printing presses and the smell of ink defined this location.

The 2014 Transformation

By the early 2010s, the factory had closed, and the district faced urban renewal. Rather than demolish the aging structures, the city commissioned British architect Will Alsop (source citation needed) to reimagine the site.

Alsop’s concept, called TESTBED 2, preserved the factory’s core structures—mottled walls, rusted pipes, old water towers—while inserting modern elements. The result is not a polished renovation but a deliberate juxtaposition of decay and renewal.

Walking through the park, you see original industrial features: concrete beams, metal catwalks, and weathered brickwork painted with colorful graffiti. This "ruin aesthetic" gives TESTBED 2 a visual character distinct from Shanghai's polished art districts or Beijing's 798 zone. The site offers a more raw, industrial-punk atmosphere that fits Chongqing's reputation as an "8D" mountain city of layered contradictions.

What Was Preserved

Key industrial remnants still visible include:

• The original factory walls with their peeling paint and exposed brick.
• Large rusted pipes running along ceilings and exterior walls.
• Old water towers that punctuate the skyline.
• Steel-framed windows and doors, many left in their original condition.
• Concrete staircases with worn treads.

These elements are not roped off. Visitors can walk through them, touch the surfaces, and photograph them up close. This tactile connection to history is part of the appeal.

The Film That Put TESTBED 2 on the Map

I Belonged to You (从你的全世界路过)

TESTBED 2 gained nationwide attention as a major filming location for the 2016 romantic film I Belonged to You, directed by Zhang Yibai. The movie tells interwoven love stories set in Chongqing, and the rooftop of TESTBED 2 served as the "City Radio" station where a key character works. The film’s popularity turned this rooftop into a pilgrimage site for fans.

The Rooftop Radio Set

The actual radio set built for the movie remains on site. It consists of a small broadcast booth with a microphone, headphones, and vintage equipment, all set against the open sky. Visitors can stand where the actors performed and take photos. The set is now a permanent installation, though it may show wear from weather and visitor traffic.

For Fans vs. General Visitors

If you have seen the film, the rooftop will resonate emotionally. If you have not, the set still offers a visually interesting photo backdrop, but the context will be lost. The park does not provide video screens or explanatory displays about the film, so consider watching the movie before your visit if you want the full narrative experience.

Rooftop Views and Photography at TESTBED 2

The City Eye Platform

The "City Eye" (Kan City) is the highest publicly accessible rooftop platform at TESTBED 2. From this point, you get a 360-degree view of:

• The convergence of the Yangtze River and Jialing River below.
• The Yuzhong Peninsula skyline, with its dense cluster of skyscrapers.
• The futuristic Jiangbei skyline across the river.
• The Eling ridge itself, with its greenery and older residential buildings.

Note on access: Entering the park is generally free. However, accessing the City Eye platform may require a separate ticket. The source data for this article does not include a confirmed ticket price. Some online reports suggest a fee of around 30–50 RMB, but this has not been verified officially. Confirm at the park entrance or with staff before purchasing.

Best Time for Photography

The late afternoon to early evening window is widely recommended. During this period:

• Sunset light warms the industrial textures and graffiti.
• The city lights begin to appear, creating contrast against the darkening sky.
• The transition from day to night captures both architectural details and the famous Chongqing skyline.

Morning light can work for avoiding crowds, but the west-facing rooftop is not ideal for direct sunrise shots.

Photography Tips

• Wide-angle lens is useful for capturing both the rooftop and the city panorama.
• Low angles emphasize the industrial scale and vertical lines of the factory structures.
• Graffiti walls provide colorful backdrops for portrait shots.
• High-contrast black and white suits the rusted pipes and concrete textures.
• Tripods may be restricted on the rooftop platform during peak hours. Carry a compact one if allowed.

Who Should Skip Photography Here

• Portrait photographers seeking clean, minimalist backgrounds may find the industrial clutter distracting.
• Drone operators: The source data does not include a drone policy. Many dense urban sites in China prohibit drones. Assume drones are not permitted unless you receive explicit approval from park management.
• Those looking for "nature" landscapes: The view is urban, not pastoral. If you prefer mountains and forests, consider other Chongqing locations like Nanshan or Jinfo Mountain.

Exploring the Park: Shops, Cafes, and Art Spaces

The Repurposed Workshops

The old factory workshops have been converted into a maze of small commercial spaces. The layout is not linear; you can wander through interconnected rooms, up and down stairs, and across bridges. It is easy to miss spots, so allow at least 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed exploration.

The "Tube" Station (Guan)

One notable installation is the "Tube" station, a long cylindrical passageway lined with reflective surfaces and colored lights. It is a popular spot for immersive photos. The effect is disorienting and playful, typical of the site's approach to repurposing industrial space.

Shops and Boutiques

Retail tenants include:

• Independent clothing brands and vintage stores.
• Handicraft workshops selling locally made leather goods, ceramics, and prints.
• Art galleries featuring contemporary works by Chongqing-based artists.
• Souvenir shops with TESTBED 2-branded merchandise.

These shops are generally small and owner-operated. Prices vary. The focus is on unique, small-batch items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Cafes and Eateries

Several cafes occupy converted factory rooms. Common features include exposed brick walls, mismatched furniture, and balcony seating overlooking the city. Drink prices are typical for Chongqing's specialty cafe scene, about 30–50 RMB for coffee or tea.

Food options are limited to light snacks and desserts. Full meals are not abundant on site. If you plan a long visit, consider eating before arriving or after leaving.

Art Installations

Scattered throughout the park are contemporary art pieces: sculptures, murals, and interactive displays. These rotate. The graffiti, however, is semi-permanent, with new layers appearing over older work. The overall aesthetic is punk, playful, and sometimes political.

Practical Visitor Guide

Location and Address

TESTBED 2 is at No. 1 Eling Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It sits on the Eling ridge, adjacent to Eling Park. The two sites can be visited together.

How to Get There

• Metro: Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 to Eling Station (Exit 2). From Exit 2, walk uphill for about 10–15 minutes. The path is steep in places; wear comfortable shoes.
• Bus: Several bus lines stop at Eling. Local route numbers include 829 and 403, but verify current routes via a mapping app.
• Taxi/Ride-hail: Take a taxi to "Eling Er Chang" (鹅岭二厂). Drivers know the location. The ride from Jiefangbei or the main train stations takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
• Walking from Eling Park: If you visit Eling Park first, the walk to TESTBED 2 takes about five minutes along the ridge.

Admission

The park itself is free to enter. As noted above, the rooftop City Eye platform may charge a separate fee. No verified price is available in the source data. Pay at the platform entrance.

Opening Hours

Opening hours are not confirmed in the source data. By general observation, most shops and cafes open around 10:00 AM and close by 9:00 PM. The outdoor areas and rooftop remain accessible later, but individual businesses may close earlier. Confirm on arrival.

Altitude and Physical Considerations

TESTBED 2 sits at 385 meters above sea level. This is not high enough to cause altitude effects. However, the site is on a ridge, and the path from the metro station involves a steep uphill walk. Visitors with mobility concerns may find the climb challenging. There is no elevator from the metro entrance to the park.

Best Seasons

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking around. Summer in Chongqing is notoriously hot and humid, with frequent rain. Winter is cold and often misty, which can reduce visibility from the rooftop.

Safety Notes

• The site retains original industrial features. Watch your step on uneven floors, loose gravel, and unguarded edges.
• Rooftop railings are present but may be low. Supervise children carefully.
• Graffiti artists occasionally work on site. Do not touch wet paint.
• The park gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Large crowds on the rooftop platform can feel cramped.

Is TESTBED 2 Worth Your Time?

Who It Suits

• Photographers looking for industrial-punk aesthetics, contrast, and urban views.
• Fans of I Belonged to You who want to visit a meaningful filming location.
• Travelers interested in adaptive reuse and how industrial heritage can be repurposed.
• Solo travelers who enjoy wandering, café-hopping, and discovering small art spaces.
• Couples who want a scenic rooftop for sunset photos.

Who Might Skip It

• Families with young children – The steep walk, lack of play areas, and industrial hazards may not be ideal.
• Visitors with limited mobility – The uphill approach and multi-level layout without elevators are barriers.
• Nature lovers – This is an urban creative park, not a natural scenic area.
• Those short on time – If you have only one day in Chongqing, other sites like Ciqikou, Hongya Cave, or the Yangtze River Cableway might take priority.
• Budget travelers – If the rooftop fee is charged, combined with café prices, the overall cost can add up for what is essentially a free-entry park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is TESTBED 2 located?
A: It is located at No. 1 Eling Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, near Eling Park.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Entering the park itself is generally free, but accessing specific areas like the rooftop viewing platform (City Eye/Kan City) usually requires purchasing a ticket. The exact price is not verified in the source data.

Q: What is the connection to the movie I Belonged to You?
A: The park was a major filming location for the movie. The rooftop radio station set was built here, making it a popular spot for fans to visit.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 1 to Eling Station and walk to the park. It is also accessible by bus or taxi.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Late afternoon to evening is ideal. You can enjoy the sunset and the transition to the spectacular city night view. The lighting for photography is also best during these hours.

Q: Are drones allowed?
A: The source data does not include a drone policy. Given the urban location and crowds, drones are generally not permitted. Check with park management if you need official confirmation.

Q: Is the park accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The steep uphill approach from the metro station, multi-level layout, and lack of elevators make accessibility challenging. The source data does not include accessibility details.

Q: How long should I plan to spend here?
A: A relaxed visit including the rooftop, shops, and a café stop takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. The source data does not provide a suggested duration, so adjust based on your pace.

Q: Can I buy tickets in advance?
A: No advance ticket system is mentioned in the source data. Tickets for the rooftop platform, if required, are likely purchased on site.

Q: Is the park open every day?
A: Most shops and cafes likely operate daily, but official opening hours are not confirmed. Assume standard daytime to evening hours, with variations on Chinese public holidays.