Chongqing is a city full of mountain ranges and unusual sights. And if you want to combine a homestay, a cafe, and a restaurant with a great view all in one, I recommend Chongqing Mont Mirage (山鬼). In this Chongqing Mont Mirage Shangui review, let me share with you my dining experience, the design style, the homestay, and rooftop cafe.
About Mont Mirage Shangui
Mont Mirage (山鬼) or Shangui is one of Chongqing’s most famous boutique homestays. It first became an “internet celebrity spot” in 2019, and it’s a hit among the young travel crowd, couples, and families ever since. Mont Mirage (Shangui) is always packed with tourists on weekends. Photo opportunities await from every angle of this cliffside property.
Mont Mirage (山鬼) is located in the back mountain of Nanshan. The windows of this property are massive, offering the most glorious views of the Yangtze River below and opposite mountain ranges. The structure of the building sits right on the edge of the cliff. The building has a transparent glass wall on several sides to maximize natural light.
Here are the five levels of Mont Mirage:
- Basement is a restaurant
- First floor is a lobby
- Second and third floors are guest rooms
- Top floor is a rooftop garden and cafe
Mont Mirage is not just a place to stay; the entire space offers various experiences, and I will be covering them all.
Restaurant (Basement Level)
If you’re in Chongqing Mont Mirage Shangui at around noon, you can dine in the basement restaurant and have lunch first. The restaurant features a fusion of Western food with some local Chongqing Sichuan specialties like grilled steak and spicy bullfrog. The pricing is on the high side, but it’s not too different from other places. You must sit by the window for a more scenic meal. As if dining in a painting made up of the green scenery outside.
We also ordered some fresh cherries from a roadside vendor in Nanshan. The property staff were super helpful and even washed the cherries for us! They came with some lemon ice water. A small gesture that left a big impression on us.
Chongqing Mont Mirage Shangui: Inside the Homestay
After lunch, we explored the rest of the homestay. One of the most significant aspects of the Mont Mirage that contributed to it being an internet-famous site was the interior design. On both sides of the staircase, huge transparent windows give way to some of the most picturesque views of the mountains in Chongqing. This is one homestay I wish I stayed longer at.
The architect cleverly used raw concrete to partition the space into several sections. Together with the natural light and transparency of the design, the property evokes a modern minimalism that is both artistic and cozy. An open area like this is conducive to a good breeze, which is perfect for a stay in the Chongqing summers.
Rooftop Cafe & Garden
On our way to the top, we came across the Mont Mirage rooftop garden, where we also had our afternoon coffee. The rooftop garden also doubles as a cafe; you can order coffee, cakes, or any light snacks to enjoy while overlooking the entire mountainscape and the river. Order on the property’s WeChat mini program (this is common in China), and the staff will bring your orders to your table.
Imagine taking a shot of a cappuccino in the Mont Mirage Shangui rooftop garden while the sweeping mountain and river panorama is your view. It’s pure relaxation, almost like a sense of escapism. It’s easy to understand why many people consider this an instagrammable lifestyle spot.
Tips to Know Before You Go
Mont Mirage is a popular spot, and it can be crowded, especially during weekends. For the best photo spots, you’ll need to be there early to secure a good table. Weekdays are probably a better bet to get away from the crowds.
I’ll be sharing some more quick tips below.
- Best time to visit: Noon to early afternoon is the best time. This will give you the good lighting and ample time to dine and relax.
- Seating: Request for window seats in the restaurant or rooftop area for the best views and photography.
- Crowds: Visit early or during weekdays to avoid crowds and wait times.
- Photography: Bring a camera. Everything and every angle at this property is photogenic.
Getting to Chongqing Mont Mirage Shangui
Address: 重庆市南山公园北路24号
The best way to get there is by calling a DiDi, which is China’s popular ride-hailing app. There is no direct way to get there via public transportation as it’s on the back mountain area of Nanshan. So a private car is a more convenient way to get there.
Closing Thoughts on Chongqing Mont Mirage Shangui
To conclude our review, I’d say this is a spot that’s not just a place to stay. It is an experience all by itself that seamlessly blends in the scenery, design, and dining. From its cliffside structure and all-glass-window, to the fusion restaurant, to the minimalist decor, and the rooftop cafe, Mont Mirage is a place where you can laze around for hours, take tons of pictures, and breathe in that mountain air.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
While it is not the cheapest homestay you can find in Chongqing, but it is one of the most memorable. If you’re one to appreciate ambience and view as much as food and accommodation, this is one place worth checking out and adding to your itinerary in Chongqing.
