Raffles City Chongqing has transformed the historic Chaotianmen Square area with a bold new vision for urban development. This massive three-dimensional city complex explores innovative methods of integrating architecture, public space, and community life, becoming a powerful force behind downtown renewal and a defining landmark of Chongqing, one of western China’s largest metropolitan areas.

Located where the Yangtze River and Jialing River meet, Raffles City Chongqing has become an important symbol of the city. Its design reflects the historical significance of the location, which once served as an imperial gateway and a major center for river trade. The project continues the architectural exploration of vertical communities, connected urban environments, and shared public spaces.

Built within Chongqing’s dense urban fabric, the complex combines offices, residences, hotels, serviced apartments, shopping areas, and entertainment facilities. By occupying a key waterfront location in a rapidly expanding city with limited green areas, the development introduces more than 30,000 square meters of public space, including outdoor plazas and community areas.

The project responds carefully to Chongqing’s mountainous landscape through multiple entrances that follow the city’s changing elevations, an advanced traffic organization system, and a new pedestrian route passing through five levels of the retail center. This walkway creates a direct link between the elevated podium park and Chaotianmen Square.

Designed specifically for its surroundings, Raffles City Chongqing celebrates the city’s cultural background and distinctive geography while addressing its challenging climate and steep terrain.

The Crystal: A Horizontal Skyscraper in the Sky

Standing 250 meters above the ground, the Crystal is a remarkable horizontal skyscraper that contains more than 10,000 square meters of facilities and public amenities. Surrounded by a distinctive structural frame and a curtain wall system made up of approximately 3,000 glass panels and 5,000 aluminum sections, the Crystal creates a unique elevated garden experience that remains accessible to visitors throughout the year.

Stretching 300 meters in length, this skybridge-like structure includes a variety of functions, such as restaurants, bars, event spaces, a hotel reception area, and an exclusive clubhouse. One of its most impressive features is a 50-meter-long infinity pool offering panoramic views of the city.

A Vertical Mixed-Use City with Eight Towers

Raffles City Chongqing consists of eight towers in total. Six towers on the southern side rise to approximately 250 meters, while two northern towers reach 350 meters in height. Five of the towers are residential buildings, including one of the northern high-rises, which is among the tallest residential structures in China.

The second 350-meter tower combines office functions with a hotel above the skybridge level. The remaining buildings include a dedicated office tower and a mixed-use tower containing both workplaces and serviced residences.

Together, these towers form a vertical urban neighborhood where people can live, work, stay, and enjoy leisure activities within one connected environment.

Interior Streets and Connected Public Spaces

Between the towers, a series of gallerias create indoor streets that guide visitors through the retail podium toward Chaotianmen Square. These interior pathways are filled with natural daylight through continuous skylights, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding towers while moving through the complex.

Two additional east-west gallerias provide visual connections toward the Jialing River and Yangtze River. The overall circulation network, with gathering points placed at major intersections, helps visitors navigate the enormous 235,000-square-meter shopping and lifestyle area.

The design transforms the retail space from a traditional shopping center into a lively urban environment where movement, interaction, and orientation are naturally integrated.

Gateway Park and the Connection to Chaotianmen Square

Gateway Park is located on the podium level and can be reached directly from the higher streets surrounding the district. Inspired by Chongqing’s famous hillside stairways, the park includes a long staircase that creates a pedestrian connection between the upper city and Chaotianmen Square.

The new public pathway passes through five floors of the retail complex, linking different levels of the city while improving access between the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods.

The landscape design reflects Chongqing’s mountainous character, featuring a combination of gardens, open areas, public artwork, and water installations. Sculptures created by Chinese artists Zheng Lu and Jian Xingtao are integrated into the space, while interactive fountains and pools enhance the pedestrian experience along the route leading to the upper plaza overlooking the square.

Through its combination of architecture, landscape, and public space, Raffles City Chongqing creates a new urban destination that connects the city’s past with its future.