Written by Veronica |
In recent years, Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) has become a famous destination on the internet, especially after Speed’s live stream visit to Chongqing. This dazzling architecture is an 11-floor, 75-meter-tall Diaojiaolou (stilt building) standing against a cliff, which often reminds people of the movie Spirited Away. Now it is among the best things to do in Chongqing for both international and domestic travelers.
The best highlight of Hongya Cave 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 this wonder and tell you all the useful details for visiting this site.
Fast Facts about Hongya Cave
- 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
- Where Is Hongya Cave and How to Get There?
- Best Time to Visit
- Things to Do in or near Hongya Cave
- Where to Take the Best Photos at Hongya Cave
- How to Plan a Day-Tour in Chongqing with Hongya Cave
- Travel Tips
- History of Hongya Cave
- Plan a Magic Chongqing Tour with China Xian Tour
- Common Questions about Visiting 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.
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons are March to May, September to November (off-season), but do avoid national holidays.
And in terms of everyday visiting suggestions, the night view is certainly what to expect. It is the most charming scene for Hongya Cave, so the best time to visit it is after the lights are on (around 7:00 pm). During this time, the layers of stilt houses shine brightly in the hustle and bustle atmosphere.
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.
Things to Do in or near Hongya Cave
Enjoy Dreamy Night Scenery
- The lights are on at about 19:00
The night scenery 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. And basically, all photos of Hongya Cave you can see online focus on the night view.
Explore Food, Cultural Zones, and Bars
Level 1-4: Folk custom area. Here you can see stores with Shu embroidery exhibition, local handicrafts, and also Chongqing food and snacks, such as sour and spicy rice noodles, wonton, cold rice cake, etc., and hot pot.
Level 5-8: Cultural Experience Zone. This area has places where you can study the history of Chongqing and local celebrities.
Level 9-11: Observation and folk custom street: this is another area for exploring local culture, and most importantly, level 11 is the entrance of the building and one of the best viewing spots.
Enjoy a Riverside Night Walk
If you want to experience a quieter but also dazzling night near Hongya Cave, you can consider taking a night walk. There are two popular routes, the first one is the Daijia Lane Trail, which we have already introduced above. Another one is a much longer and more peaceful choice: Riverside promenade.
It is a 2.5km promenade, connecting Hongyadong, Chaotianmen, and Huguang Guild Hall. It stretches along the Jialing River, showing the most splendid views of the building on the river’s banks.
See More Attractions in Hongya Cave
There are more attractions you can explore in Hongya Cave, such as Hongya Han Que Gateway and Hongya Dripping Emerald. If you have time, take a look at these scenic spots.
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.
Daijia Lane
Hongya Cave at Night
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.
How to Plan a Day-Tour in Chongqing with Hongya Cave
Hongyadong is located near many of Chongqing’s top highlights. So here’s a suggested route for you to better explore this site.
Start your morning at Jiefangbei and the whole business district. Then stroll through Bayi Food Street for authentic local bites. Walk to the Mountain City Walkway, where you can see why Chongqing’s called a mountain city. You’ll stroll through the cliffside paths, stilt houses, and views over the rivers and old city.
After lunch nearby, head to the Yangtze River Cableway for a one-way “air bus” ride across the river. This is also a very “Chongqing” Experience, and on the way, you can take in panoramic city views.
In the evening, visit Hongya Cave. After the lights turn on around 7 PM. Go to different photography spots and stay until closing (~11 PM) to soak in the full night atmosphere.
Tip: It would be better to hire a car with a driver to navigate all these spots. Contact China Xian tour for more details.
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.
History of Hongya Cave
Hongya Cave has a history of over 2,300 years. It was built as a military fortress in the ancient Ba State (1046 B.C. – 256 B.C). Under Qianlong’s reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was used to defend against foreign invaders.
Later, during the Republic of China, it gradually became a commercial center of Chongqing known as the “Little Hong Kong.” It was busy with shops and restaurants. The Hongya Cave you see today on your Chongqing tour was constructed in 2013.
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
What’s unique about Hongya Cave’s architecture?
The most famous and unique view of Hongya Cave is the 11-story Diaojiaolou (stilt house) that is built into the side of a cliff. Its layered design, wooden structure, and riverside positioning together make it one of Chongqing’s most visually striking landmarks. And it’s a signature of traditional Ba-Yu architecture.
Is there an entrance fee for Hongya Cave?
No, it’s free. You can explore all levels of Hongya Cave without buying a ticket. However, shops, restaurants, and some performances would charge separately.
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.
