morro da vista chinesa is one part three parts that make up the tijuca national forest, the largest urban park in brazil, the other two being the morro do corcovado with the world famous cristo redentor statue and the aptly named tijuca forest.

built to honor the contributions of the large number of chinese immigrants, who were originally brought from the portuguese colony of macau and also mainland china to work the tea plantations, it is one of the best spots for views of rio de janeiro's zona sul.

the journey to reach this little visited gem can be as rewarding as the views themselves. about 2½ miles up the road from the jardim botânico (botanic garden) the route is often filled with cyclists, inline skaters and others in the know, enjoying the uphill climb flanked by trees and waterfalls both on and just off the path.