How to Explore Chongqing’s Eling Factory|Mala Ice Cream, Photo Spots & How to Get There

⭐ Reasons to Recommend

  • Vintage charm from a remodeled old printing factory
  • Filming location of the movie <从你的全世界路过>
  • Artistic vibe everywhere — a haven for photo lovers
  • Stunning view where two rivers meet, seen from the rooftop
  • Packed with galleries, studios, and vintage shops to explore
  • Mala-flavored ice cream (highly recommended)

🔎 What is Eling Second Factory (鹅岭二厂)?

Located on a hillside in central Chongqing, Eling Second Factory (鹅岭二厂) used to be a printing plant that served the entire southwestern region of China.

Now reborn as a cultural and artistic space, it preserves traces of the past while housing charming shops, galleries, and cafés.
It was also a filming location for the movie 《从你的全世界路过》, attracting many visitors who come to capture its nostalgic vibe.

This area retains Chongqing’s laid-back atmosphere and everyday charm.
Retro signboards, graffiti, and cozy alleys hide small craft shops and bookstores—perfect for a slow walk and a quiet moment.


🏞️ Things You Must Do Here

  • Take a photo under the “No.2 Factory” sign
    Steel stairs and brick buildings from the old printing plant — rough but warm vibes, perfect photo spot.
  • Wander through alleys filled with graffiti, galleries, and trendy shops
    Explore spots like Chongqing Bookstore (重庆书局), Qianqian Shiguang (浅浅时光), and Wancai Shao (万材烧)
    (Some galleries charge admission — about 6 yuan)
    Enjoy discovering hidden gems at a relaxed pace.
  • Try the mala-flavored ice cream you can only find in Chongqing
  • Watch the sunset from the rooftop observatory
    Scenic view where two rivers meet near Yuzhong Peninsula
    (Note: Rooftop entry fee is 19 yuan; expect long waits during peak seasons)

🍦 Mala Ice Cream

A one-of-a-kind treat you’ll only find in Chongqing — Huajiao Ice Cream

What I was most excited to try at Eling Second Factory was none other than Huajiao Ice Cream (花椒冰淇淋).
Made with huajiao (花椒, Sichuan peppercorn) — a key ingredient in Chongqing hot pot — this ice cream is known for its mouth-numbing “mala” flavor.
Seriously, where else in the world can you eat something like this?! 🤯🔥

📌Where can you buy it?
You’ll find the mala ice cream stand right near the entrance of Eling Second Factory — it’s in a spot that immediately catches your eye. 👀
You’ll go, “Oh, there it is!” the moment you see it.

🍨 What did it taste like?

Along with the huajiao ice cream, we also ordered a long-missed treat — durian (榴莲) ice cream.
When traveling, we always try things we normally wouldn’t. 😊

To be honest, the huajiao ice cream was milder than expected.
I was hoping for that fiery, numbing sensation, but it was a bit underwhelming.
Perhaps it was a toned-down version, designed for travelers visiting not only from across China but around the world.

I think it’d be fun if the mala ice cream came in spice levels — like a challenge you could level up! 🔥

The shop owner said, “You don’t have to eat the peppercorn bits”,
but I went ahead and ate them all. 😅
Turns out, the numbing effect wasn’t as strong as I thought —
If you’re used to mala flavors, it’s totally manageable and enjoyable.

💰 How much does it cost?
Price per ice cream = 28 yuan
That’s a bit pricey for a single scoop, but considering it’s a “one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in Chongqing”, it’s definitely worth a try.

Verdict: Keep your expectations low and enjoy the fun

If you’re expecting an intense mala punch, you might be a little disappointed. But:

✔️ It’s a unique combo you’ll only find in Chongqing
✔️ It’s a new experience you can enjoy casually

With that in mind, it’s a fun challenge worth trying at least once.
If you stumble upon it, we recommend enjoying it lightly and with an open mind.


🚇 How to Get There + Route Tips

  • Line 1 Eling (鹅岭) Station, Exit 2A
    → 10-min walk
    This is the easiest route. You can enjoy the old Chongqing scenery along the way.
  • Line 2 Liziba (李子坝) Station
    → 25–30 min walk
    If you want to catch the iconic “monorail passing through the building” shot first, take this route.
    But beware: you’ll have to climb over 800 stairs, so consider your stamina.
    If you’re not planning to watch the night view from Eling Factory, this route is not really recommended.
    (30 minutes of uphill hell 😵‍💫)
The way from Liziba to Eling Second Factory = staircase hell (It was exhausting… 😭)

🧭 Good to Know

  • Admission: The park itself is free; rooftop and some exhibitions charge 6–19 yuan
  • Hours: 9:00–22:00 (Afternoon to evening visit recommended)
  • What to wear: Vintage-toned outfit + comfy sneakers recommended
    (Lots of stairs, uneven ground)
  • Prices: A bit more expensive than other areas
    (Tanghulu 30 yuan, Ice cream 28 yuan)

🌉 Extended Stops (If You Have Time)

  • Guansheng Tower (瞰胜楼), Eling Park
    360° panoramic view of Chongqing
    Eling Station (鹅岭站) Exit 1, 8-min walk
    📍 176 Eling Main St, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
    🕰️ 9:30–22:00
    💰 Admission: Free
  • Liziba Anti-Japanese War Memorial Park (李子坝抗战遗址公园)
    Historic wartime site in Chongqing
    25–30 min walk (next to Liziba Station)
    📍 66 Liziba Main St
    💰 Admission: Free

📍 One-Line Summary

A place where industrial heritage meets art —
If you want to soak in Chongqing’s laid-back vibe and vintage charm, this is a must-visit.

🚀 Want more Chongqing travel tips?

👉 17 Ultimate Must-See Places in Chongqing|Feel the City’s Hidden Magic

👉How to Explore Chongqing in 3 Days | Best Food, Views & Hot Places