Located in the heart of Chongqing, E’ling No.2 Factory (鹅岭二厂), also known as the Testbed 2 Arts Center, is a unique cultural and creative space where the old meets the new. Originally a historical factory site, it has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art, food, and local culture. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for a place to relax and enjoy local eats, this location has something to offer. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to E’ling No.2 Factory.
E’ling No.2 Factory Overview
- Location: 1 E’ling Zhengjie, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (重庆市渝中区鹅岭正街1号)
- Opening Hours: Open all day, every day
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- Transport:
- Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to E’ling Station (鹅岭站) and exit at Exit 1. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the factory.
- Bus: You can take bus routes 829 or T086 (Night View Line) to the Yinzhi No.2 Factory Station (印制二厂站) and then transfer to the Testbed2 Shuttle Bus to Testbed 2 Cultural Park Station (贰厂文创公园站).
Must-See Spots at E’ling No.2 Factory
Sunken Plaza: A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the Sunken Plaza connects the old industrial architecture with contemporary design. The plaza features unique bridges like the red I-beam straight-line bridge, yellow trapezoidal bridge, and rust-colored boat bridge. On either side of the plaza, you’ll find a variety of food outlets offering local delicacies and drinks. It’s a great spot for photography, especially at sunset.
Cloud Terrace: Located on the 5th floor of Building 1, the Cloud Terrace is a popular filming location for the movie “Waiting for the Rain to Stop” (“一起等雨停”). The terrace offers stunning views of the city and a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy tea, coffee, and craft beer while snapping pictures of the panoramic views. It’s also home to the original slogan sign from the film “I Miss You in Chongqing” (“我在重庆很想你”), making it a must-visit for fans.
Bar Street: For nightlife lovers, Bar Stree is the place to be. This lively street is packed with unique bars like Dandy Bar, Liquid Kitchen, and Ben Craft Beer.
Chaos Planet (混沌星球): As the largest branch of the online business school “Chaos University” (混沌大学) in China, Chaos Planet serves as a dynamic event and social space. The building itself was a finalist in architectural design awards, and the area offers a variety of activities and networking opportunities.
Building 9: One of the most historic locations on the site, Building 9 was once the central bank’s printing plant during the Republic of China era. The building’s weathered walls and faded exterior add to its nostalgic charm, giving visitors a glimpse into the city’s industrial past.
Factory Memory Museum (二厂记忆博物馆): For those interested in the history of the factory, the Factory Memory Museum showcases the old and new stories of E’ling No.2 Factory. With collaborative designs from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, the museum displays representative items from different eras.
What to Wear for the Perfect Photos
E’ling No.2 Factory is a fantastic spot for photos, so dressing appropriately is key to capturing the perfect shot. For an industrial-themed photo, consider wearing stylish workwear or dark fashion styles like all-black outfits, leather jackets, or utility jackets. For a more artistic and retro vibe, opt for light-colored clothing, vintage dresses, or shirts that match the creative ambiance. Brightly colored clothing (like yellow or red) can create striking contrasts against the industrial backdrop, adding visual impact to your photos.
Must-Try Food at E’ling No.2 Factory
- Dawang Oil Tea (大王油茶): A traditional snack with many variations, Dawang Oil Tea serves dishes like chicken offal oil tea, which is spicy and savory.
- Yidian Tang Wontons (一点堂的抄手): These large wontons are stuffed with juicy pork filling and served in a rich, flavorful broth.
- Zhiyuan New-Style Tibetan Cuisine (衹园新派藏餐): Experience modern Tibetan cuisine with a twist. Zhiyuan uses ingredients from the Tibetan region to create signature dishes like sour soup yak meat and crispy fried northern Tibetan beef steak.