Hongyadong in Chongqing

Address: No. 88 Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (by the Jialing River) 

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 23:00 

Lighting Time: The lights at Hongyadong typically turn on at dusk, usually between 18:00 and 23:00. However, this can vary, so it's best to visit before 23:00 to ensure you catch the full night display.

If you're planning to visit Chongqing, China, one of the must-see attractions is Hongyadong (Hongya Cave, Chinese: 洪崖洞). Located in the heart of Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, this popular cultural and tourist destination is famous for its unique stilted buildings, vibrant night views, and an atmosphere that transports you back to ancient times.

What Makes Hongyadong Special?

Traditional Stilted Buildings: Hongyadong is built into the mountainside, showcasing the traditional stilted buildings (diaojiaolou). This construction style utilizes the terrain to create multi-level structures hanging on the cliff edge, offering a breathtaking sight and a glimpse into the ingenuity of local architecture.

Mesmerizing Night Views: Hongyadong truly comes alive at night. The entire complex is illuminated with dazzling lights, making it look like a magical castle from a fairy tale. Visitors flock to capture photos of the stunning nightscape, and many compare it to the fantastical scenes from the famous animated film "Spirited Away." 

Rich Ba-Yu Culture: Hongyadong features areas dedicated to traditional Bayu culture, where you can admire local crafts, traditional costumes, and learn about ancient customs and history.

A Foodie’s Paradise: The food street in Hongyadong is a highlight, featuring various Chongqing specialties such as spicy hotpot, skewers, and noodles. It's a feast for your taste buds and a great way to sample local flavors.

Overlooking the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers: Hongyadong is situated at the confluence of two great rivers: the Yangtze and Jialing. From the top floors, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of these majestic waterways. The reflections of the city’s lights shimmering on the river at night are an unforgettable sight.

Tourist Layout of Hongya Cave 

The Hongya Cave folk customs area stretches about 50 meters, with a total area of 31,500 square meters and a commercial area of over 60,000 cubic meters. It includes stilted buildings, ancient commercial streets, specialty dining, leisure and entertainment, traditional crafts, and unique souvenirs.

Entry and Exit: 
Hongya Cave has 11 floors. The entrance is on the 11th floor on Cangbai Road, while the exits are on the 1st and 11th floors. The layout is like a maze, providing an adventurous and fun experience as you explore.

11th Floor: The Best Views
The highest point of Hongya Cave offers the best vantage point to admire the rivers and surrounding cityscape. Don’t miss the life-sized bronze sculptures that depict scenes from old Chongqing life.

9th & 10th Floors: International Food Street
These floors are lined with food stalls offering both local and international cuisine. If you're up for a culinary adventure, be sure to try the famous Chongqing dishes like spicy noodles or grab a drink at one of the many lively bars.

7th & 8th Floors: Hongya Cave Hotel
Want to stay close to the action? Hongya Cave has a hotel with affordable rates. Staying here offers a unique opportunity to experience Chongqing’s vibrant nightlife right at your doorstep.

6th Floor: Ba-Yu Cultural Experience
Learn more about Chongqing’s history and landmarks through a multimedia exhibition of the “Twelve Scenes of Ba-Yu.” Featuring cutting-edge technology like projection mapping and light effects, this area brings ancient Chongqing to life.

5th Floor: Nightlife and Bars
At night, this floor comes alive with music and laughter. If you're looking for a fun place to unwind, the bars and music venues here offer a lively atmosphere.

4th Floor: Gourmet Food Street
This floor is the heart of Hongya Cave’s culinary scene, offering the most authentic and diverse food options. You’ll find everything from Chongqing hotpot to sweet treats, making it the perfect spot to indulge in local flavors.

1st-3rd Floors: Traditional Craft Street
These floors focus on showcasing traditional Chongqing crafts, from silk embroidery to handmade instruments. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs that represent the city's cultural heritage.

Visiting Hongyadong: Tips for Travelers

Best Viewing Spots: The best places to enjoy the stunning views of Hongyadong are from Jia Bin Road, Qiansimen Bridge, or Jiangbei Grand Theatre. These locations offer unobstructed views of the complex against the city’s skyline.

Recommended Route:

Start your visit by heading to the Grand Theatre via metro, where you can take in the view of Hongyadong and Qiansimen Bridge.
From there, walk along Qiansimen Bridge to the 11th floor of Hongyadong.
After exploring the upper floors, work your way down through the complex, ending at the riverbank on the 1st floor.

How to Get There:

Bus: Take bus routes 111, 112 (outer ring) to Hongya Cave stop; or 105, 111, 112 (inner ring) to Xiaoshizi stop, then walk 400 meters northwest.

Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station and walk 500 meters northeast; or Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, exit from exit 6 or 9.