In recent years, Hongya Cave has become a viral travel attraction. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, it was once an important riverside settlement in Chongqing. Today, this 11-floor, 75-meter-tall Diaojiaolou is a modern recreation of traditional Bayu-style stilt houses built along the cliff and facing Jialing River, which often reminds people of the movie Spirited Away (千与千寻).
Now, visiting Hongya Cave is among the best things to do in Chongqing for both international and domestic travelers. The best highlight is the night scenery; as the buildings are illuminated by brilliant golden lights, just like a castle in the air.
This article will introduce you to its highlights and tell you all the useful details for visiting this site, including the transportation and accommodation options.
Fast Facts about Hongya Cave
- Chinese name: 洪崖洞
- Address: Cangbai Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
- Opening Hours: 9 am-11 pm (lights are on 7:30 pm-11 pm)
- Tickets: Free
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November (off-season), avoid national holidays
- Recommended Visit Time: 2-4 hours
- Best for: families, couples, photographers, and anyone who wants to have a taste of local life and food culture
Content Preview
- Why Visit?
- Appreciate Night View
- Other Highlights
- Practical Travel Information
- Nearby Attractions
- Travel with China Xian Tour
- FAQs
Why Visit Hongya Cave?
- Unique architecture: Hongya Cave is the representative masterpiece of traditional Bayu architecture. This stilt-house complex is built against a steep cliff.
- Dazzling night view: The buildings are all illuminated by golden lights at night, forming a gorgeous scene.
- Convenient transportation: The scenic area is within walking distance to city center (Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street) and is accessible by metro.
Explore Chongqing's vibrant mountain city landmarks and the magnificent UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings with their intricate Buddhist cave art spanning centuries.
Appreciate Hongya Cave Night View
Light on time:
Months |
Light On Time |
Mar. – May |
about 19:00 |
Jun. – Aug. |
about 19:30 |
Sep. – Nov. |
about 18:30 |
Dec. – Feb. |
about 18:00 |
All photos of Hongya Cave you can see online basically focus on the night view, which is definitely one of the major highlights of Hongya Cave and also your Chongqing tour.
When night falls, the warm yellow lights spread across the architectural complex will be lit up. The buildings, bridge, and river together form a splendid painting, and you will feel like watching the dreamy scene in an animation.
Where to Take the Best Photos at Hongya Cave
1. Daijia Lane Trail (戴家巷悬崖步道)
This is both an attraction and a viewing point. The trails are all hanging on the cliffs, covered by a very iconic tree in the Sichuan-Chongqing region, scenic and unique. And it’s also a photography spot where you can catch the skyline on the opposite side of the river including the Qiansimen Bridge, and the panoramic view of the side of the Hongya Cave.
How to get to:
- Metro Line 1 / 6: Get off at Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 5A. Walk toward Hongya Cave—about 2 minutes to the entrance.
- Metro Line 2: Get off at Linjiangmen Station, Exit A. Walk about 440 m toward Chongqing Medical University Second Hospital.
2. Qiansimen Bridge (千厮门大桥)
This is the best shooting place for Hongya Cave and the city skyline. People typically go to the other end of the bridge (opposite Hongyadong) to take photos. You also catch the moment of Hongya Cave being lit up gradually when night falls, and the whole view is astonishing and iconic.
How to get there:
- Accessing the Bridge from Hongyadong
Arrive at the 11th floor→ Enter the tunnel on the right side of the Scenic Area Entrance sign→ Walk along the path for about five minutes to reach the bridge.
- Accessing the Bridge from Grand Theatre Metro Station (Walking Across the Jialing River)
Exit Dajuyuan Metro Station via Exit 4, then turn around and walk straight back in the opposite direction. You can walk across the Jialing River while enjoying the scenery along the way.
3. Across the street from the 1st floor of Hongyadong
This is also a hot photography point. It doesn’t need too much walking to get to, and it allows you to take pictures with the whole Hongya Cave as your backdrop.
How to get there?
Look for the entrance to the underground parking garage. Upon entering the parking garage, turn left immediately, then proceed up the stairs. After ascending the stairs, continue straight ahead. Once you spot the “Exit” sign, turn left and climb another flight of steps to reach the opposite side.
4. Cruising the Yangtze River
If you want to take a Yangtze River Cruise Journey, it usually starts from Chaotianmen Dock at night. You can embrace the grandest view from a ship on the river, and the best thing is that you don’t have to beat the crowd.
Spend a day exploring Chongqing's essence — from Ming-Qing Ciqikou Ancient Town to the iconic light rail through buildings and Hongya Cave's illuminated stilted houses.
Other Highlights of Hongya Cave
Observe the Details of Unique Stile Houses
Hongya Cave itself is a modern interpretation of traditional Bayu-style stilt houses., which was built along the mountain terrain and facing the river. This three-dimensional cliff city wonder features blue tiles, wooden railings, cantilevered beams and overhanging eaves, all of which are characteristic architectural designs.
Discover Different Experience on Each Level of Hongya Cave
Level 2 – 3 are a folk custom area, where you can discover local handicrafts, such as Shu embroidery and bamboo weaving. Level 5 – 8 take you back to old Chongqing through the antique decorations and treat you with varieties of local snacks.
Level 9 – 10 feature exotic charm with cafes and bars, which are suitable for a leisurely stroll. Level 11 is an urban balcony. Here, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s CBD and witness the Jialing River and Yangtze River converging beneath your feet.
Enjoy a Riverside Night Walk
The 2.5-km-long Riverside promenade stretches along the Jialing River and connects Hongyadong, Chaotianmen, and Huguang Guild Hall. You can enjoy a quieter night walk meanwhile appreciating the most splendid views of Hongya Cave on the river’s banks.
Taste Authentic Local Food Around Hongya Cave
Besides the local snacks inside the scenic area, discover more cost-effective hot pot and local cuisine in the surrounding area, which offer better taste at a lower price. Pei Jie Lao Huo Guo and Lao Gan Jia Jiang Hu Cai are preferred by locals.
Another recommended place is Bayi Food Street. It is only about 10 minute’ walk away from Hongya Cave and gathers the most authentic local snacks, like hot and sour rice noodles and ice jelly.
Marvel at the Historic Hongya Dripping Emerald
Hongya Dripping Emerald is known as the second most renowned site in the “Twelve Scenes of Ancient Bayu” in Chongqing. It got the name because the water dripping down from the cliff is as emerald green as jade when the sunlight shines through the droplets and illuminates the moss on the cliff face.
Experience Chongqing's unique urban landscape including the light rail through buildings, then explore UNESCO-listed Wulong Karst Park with its Three Natural Bridges.
Practical Travel Information about Hongya Cave
Where Is Hongya Cave and How to Get There?
Hongya Cave is quite near Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Chongqing’s downtown core area, and it only takes 10-20 minutes to walk between.
Interestingly, both the 1st floor and the 11th floor can be the “ground floor”, and this is shaped by the magical terrain of Chongqing.
Level 1 provides the grand view of the Hongya Cave complex, while Level 11 is for a panoramic picture of the city and the Jialing River.
How to Get to Hongya Cave
How to reach level 1: It is kind of hard to directly reach level 1, because no public transportation arrives near this floor, and taxi rides are also affected by the traffic control. Most of the time, you’ll get to level 1 from level 11.
To reach level 11: more accessible, can be reached by taxi/metro/bus,/walk. See the following details.
By Metro:
Metro Line |
Station |
Exit |
Walking Time |
Destination |
Line 1 / 6 |
Xiaoshizi Station |
Exit 9 |
10–15 mins |
Hongya Cave (Level 11 Main Entrance) |
Line 2 |
Linjiangmen Station |
Exit 2 |
10–15 mins |
Hongya Cave (Level 11 Main Entrance) |
By Bus: Take Bus NO. 111, 151, 262, and more arrive at Jiefangbei station. Or No. 105, 112, 114, 135, and more to Xiqaoshizi station. Both stations are quite near the scenic area, you can look for buses stop here.
By Taxi/Car: Getting to Hongya Cave by car is not recommended due to heavy traffic. Public transport is usually a better option.
During rush hours, taxis can’t reach Level 1 because of traffic control. If you still plan to take one, walk a bit away for an easier pickup.
How to Get to Level 1 from Level 11
If you want to explore different levels, take the staircase + escalator. If you want to directly get to level 1, choose the lift, though it is often packed.
- Staircase+ escalater: enter from the signboard of “九宫格老火锅”. Follow the staircase and keep walking down.
- Lift: the entrance is beside the “大刀张重庆火锅”. No.2 and 3 lifts connect level 1 and 11 directly. No. 4 and 5 lifts only run between level 11 and Level 4.
- Alternative route: at night, the elevators and staircase are usually crowded with people. So this route is recommended by our local guide. First, go to the 22nd floor of the Goldman Sachs Wealth Creation Center (高盛创富中心) and get to the 1st floor. Then walk to Hongya Cave.
Note: all the staircases and elevators in Hongya Cave are free. If someone claims to charge for guiding you, do not trust them.
Where to Stay at Hongya Cave
Hongyadong Hotel is located right in the scenic area with a stilt-house exterior and a modern interior. Stepping outside the hotel, you are in Hongya Cave, which is very convenient. But due to the large crowds, it will be relatively noisy.
Abundant accommodation options can be found around Hongya Cave, from luxury hotels to economical chain hotels. For tourists who want to enjoy a view of the scenic area directly in the hotel room, stay near the Linjiang Road or Jiangbeizui CBD across the river.
If you want to combine other attractions in Chongqing, choose hotels in Jiefangbei Business District.
Useful Travel Tips
- Avoid Crowds: Hongya Cave remains illuminated until 23:00. To avoid the peak hours while enjoying the night view, it is better to visit there on weekdays or after 21:30 on weekends, when the number of tourists will drop by more than 50%.
- Drone Show: Every Saturday, there is a large-scale drone show near Hongya Cave. From May – September, it is held at 21:00; and from October to April, it is at 20:30. The best viewing spot is on the 11th floor of the Hongya Cave and Qiansimen Bridge.
- Wear Comfy Shoes: Expect steep stairs and uneven paths across 11 floors, and it will be even harder to walk among the pressing crowds.
- Food Precautions: Spice levels are no joke—ask for “微辣” (mild) or “不要辣” (no spice) if sensitive.
- Cash isn’t king: Most stalls accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, but don’t worry if you haven’t downloaded them, cash is always acceptable.
- Safety: Hold railings on staircases. Some areas lack barriers near cliffs. Also, keep your personal belongings safe, especially when there’s a large crowd.
- Nearby Pairings: Combine with a Yangtze River cruise or Three Gorges Museum for a full Chongqing day.
- Toilet Guide: There are toilets on 11th, 4th, 2ndand 1st. Or you can find some in Daijia Lane.
Discover the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings' ancient Buddhist artistry, then explore Wulong's Three Natural Bridges and Fairy Mountain's alpine meadows.
Nearby Attractions
- Jiefangbei CBD: The People’s Liberation Monument standing right in the center of the business circle is the iconic city landmark. Besides, you can taste local snacks and go shopping in the surrounding commercial pedestrian streets.
- Huguang Guild Hall: This guild hall complex is built in the Qing Dynasty. Here, ancient architecture, like bright yellow walls, wooden carved opera stage and Yuwang Palace, and intangible cultural performances such as face-changing will all leave a deep impression on you.
Plan a Magic Chongqing Tour with China Xian Tour
As a famous mountain city, the terrain in Chongqing is very complicated. For first-comers, it is very easy to get lost. If you are planning a tour to Chongqing, it is highly recommended to travel with China Xian Tour. We can arrange a local driver for you who is familiar with the road status and travel routes. So you do not have to worry about detours. Besides, we are experienced in tailoring an itinerary based on tourists’ preferences. So contact us right now to start your Chongqing tour.
Common Questions about Visiting Hongya Cave
Is Hongya Cave Worth Visiting in the Daytime?
Compared to its nighttime view, the daytime experience can be too “ordinary”. It feels just like a normal business district with packed stores to explore.
However, if you happen to walk by, there are still some areas worth having a look at.
Is Hongya Cave usually crowded?
Yes, especially at night and on weekends. People like to visit it from 7:30 PM to 10 PM when the lights are on, so this period is the most crowded. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or after 21:00.
