Hongya Cave
Chongqing Hongya Cave, a tiered architectural marvel clinging to Jialing River’s cliffs, is China’s most cinematic urban landscape. Blending Ba-Yu traditional architecture with modern commercial flair, this 11-story complex spans 50,000 square meters, offering riverside bars, souvenir shops, and panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. Designated a 4A National Tourist Attraction in 2007, it has become a global icon for “cyberpunk China,” drawing comparisons to Tokyo’s Shibuya and Bangkok’s Yaowara
Historical Overview
Originally a Ming Dynasty military fort, the site evolved into a bustling tea-horse trading post by the Qing Dynasty. After World War II, it fell into disrepair until 2002, when a ¥385 million renovation transformed it into a cultural-commercial hub. Key milestones include the 2006 opening of the “Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing” exhibition, the 2018 installation of holographic light shows, and its cameo in the 2019 film Ne Zha. Today, it hosts the annual Hongya Cave Fireworks Festival and serves as a backdrop for fashion shoots.
Structural Layout
The complex is built into a 75-meter cliff, featuring nine public access levels and two hidden service floors:Riverside Level (1F): Floating restaurants, cruise boat docks, and the “Ciqikou Ancient Town” entrance.
Commercial Zone (2–5F): Boutiques selling Shu embroidery, Sichuan opera masks, and chili oil souvenirs.
Cultural Zone (6–8F): The “Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing” museum, teahouses, and a 1940s-style movie theater.
Observation Deck (9F): A glass-floored skywalk with views of Chaotianmen Square and the Yangtze River.
Hidden Floors (-1F & -2F): Parking, utilities, and a 24-hour seafood market.
Major Attractions
Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing Museum: Dioramas depicting the city’s history from 316 BCE to modernity.
Hongya Drops: A 30-meter cascading waterfall illuminated at night (seasonal: May–October).
Sichuan Opera House: Daily performances featuring face-changing (bianlian) artists (7 PM & 9 PM shows).
Skywalk 9: Glass-bottomed platform with augmented reality filters for Instagram photos.
Ancient Pathway: Reconstructed Ming Dynasty stone street with costumed actors posing as merchants.
Riverside Light Show: Synchronized lasers and drones projecting dragons over Jialing River (8–10 PM nightly).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Riverside Level (dinner at “Hotpot Island”) → Commercial Zone (shopping) → Cultural Zone (tea ceremony) → Skywalk 9 (sunset).
Highlights: Dining, shopping, and sunset views.
- Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Ancient Pathway → Thousand-Year-Old Museum → Sichuan Opera House → Riverside Light Show → Late-night hotpot.
Highlights: History, performances, and nightlife.
- Photography Route (6 hours):
Dawn (hidden floors for market photos) → Daytime (Commercial Zone details) → Dusk (Skywalk 9) → Night (Light Show).
Highlights: All lighting conditions for camera enthusiasts.
Ticket Purchase
Free Access: The complex is open 24/7 with no entry fees.
- Attraction Tickets:
Sichuan Opera: ¥180/adult, ¥120/child (includes tea).
Skywalk 9: ¥50/person (free for children under 1.2m).
Museum: ¥60/adult, ¥30/student (Wednesdays free).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 2), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 111, 135, or 480 to “Hongya Cave Stop.”
By Taxi: Direct to “Jialing Riverside Entrance” (drivers familiar with the spot).
By Cruise: Yangtze River sightseeing boats dock at Level 1 (¥80–150/person).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (Monday–Thursday) or 8–10 AM (before tour groups arrive).
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal; summers are hot but lively.
- Essentials:
Comfortable shoes (stairs between levels).
Portable fan (summer), umbrella (rainy season).
Cash for street vendors (some stalls don’t accept mobile payments).
Prohibited: Smoking outside designated zones, tripods without permits.
FAQ
How do I get to Hongya Cave from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport?
Welcome to Chongqing! To reach Hongya Cave from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, the most convenient option is to take Metro Line 10 to Hongtu Avenue Station, then transfer to Line 1 and alight at Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 1B). This journey takes approximately 1 hour and offers a scenic introduction to the city. For a more comfortable and direct option, we highly recommend booking our private transfer service, which ensures a seamless journey to your destination. This service is perfect for families or groups looking to avoid the hassle of public transport.
What are the "must-see" highlights of Hongya Cave?
Hongya Cave is a enchanting destination that blends history, culture, and modernity! Here are our Top 4 highlights: 1) The 11-story traditional architecture – This iconic structure is built into the cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and the city skyline, especially when illuminated at night. 2) Hongya Dian – A bustling area with simulated ancient streets, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, savor local snacks, and soak in the lively atmosphere. 3) Bar Street – Located on the upper floors, this vibrant nightlife spot boasts stunning river views and a wide selection of bars and restaurants. 4) Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show – A must-see cultural performance where skilled performers don colorful masks and change them in a flash, accompanied by traditional Chinese music. Bonus Tip: For a unique perspective, head to Millennium Chongqing Bridge to admire Hongya Cave from above. This vantage point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire complex and is often less crowded than the main entrance. Our guides are experts at uncovering hidden gems and ensuring you experience the best of Hongya Cave! Into Travel China provides experienced tour guides to ensure you have an in-depth experience of Hongyadong's highlights!
How much time should I spend at Hongya Cave?
To fully immerse yourself in the charm of Hongya Cave, we recommend allocating 2-3 hours for your visit. This will allow you to explore all 11 floors at a leisurely pace, savor the local snacks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. A suggested itinerary could be: 6:00-6:30 PM: Arrive at Hongya Cave and head straight to the rooftop observation deck (Floor 11) to witness the sunset and the magical moment when the lights illuminate the entire complex. 6:30-7:30 PM: Wander through the Hongya Dian area, exploring the shops and sampling local snacks. 7:30-8:30 PM: Experience the Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show (daily performances at 7:30 PM). 8:30-9:00 PM: Conclude your visit with a stroll along Bar Street, enjoying the lively nightlife and river views. If you’re short on time, our guided evening tour offers a curated experience that covers all the highlights efficiently, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
What local foods should I try near Hongya Cove?
Chongqing is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, and Hongya Cave is the perfect place to sample them! Here are our Top 3 recommendations: Chongqing Hot Pot: A must-try experience, hot pot allows you to cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles in a simmering broth flavored with chili and Sichuan pepper. For an authentic taste, we recommend Pebbles Hot Pot on Floor 4. Chongqing Xiaomian (Spicy Noodles): A beloved local dish featuring thin noodles tossed in a fiery sauce made from chili oil, garlic, and preserved vegetables. Fatty’s Noodles near the entrance is a favorite among locals. Spicy Crayfish: A popular nighttime snack, crayfish are stir-fried with chili, garlic, and spices until succulent and flavorful. You’ll find numerous stalls selling this delicious treat in the Hongya Dian area. For a unique culinary adventure, join our food tour, which includes visits to hidden gem restaurants and insights into Chongqing’s spicy cuisine culture.
What’s the best way to see both Hongya Cove and the Yangtze River?
For a memorable experience combining Hongya Cove and the Yangtze River, we recommend the following: Take a night cruise on the Yangtze River. Board the boat at Chaotianmen Pier (a 10-minute taxi ride from Hongya Cove) and enjoy a 1.5-hour journey that showcases the illuminated cityscape, including Hongya Cove itself, from the water. Combine your cruise with a visit to Hongya Cove before or after. This allows you to appreciate the architecture’s beauty from both land and water. Pro Tip: For the best photos, position yourself on the boat’s deck as it passes under Millennium Chongqing Bridge, offering a stunning view of Hongya Cove with its lights reflected on the river. Book your cruise and Hongya Cove visit together through us for a seamless experience!
When does the light show at Hongyadong start every night, and where is the best viewing spot?
The light show usually begins at 19:00 (adjusts slightly in winter/summer) and lasts until 23:00. The most iconic spot is the riverside path near Qiansimen Bridge, where you can capture the entire stilted building complex glowing against the Jialing River.
How to arrange a 1-hour quick tour of Hongyadong’s highlights?
Start at the 1st floor to take photos of the stilted building facade, then take the elevator to the 11th floor for panoramic river views. Walk down via the 4th floor (folk art shops) and 7th floor (hotpot museums) before exiting to the riverside for a final glance at the lit-up complex.
What old Chongqing crafts that are disappearing can be experienced in Hongyadong?
Artisans on the 4th floor demonstrate "paper-cutting with scissors" and "bamboo weaving" , skills passed down for generations. You can even try making a small bamboo basket or paper-cutting as a souvenir.
Are there elevators between floors in Hongyadong? Is it suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, there are elevators connecting all 11 floors, and ramps on each floor for easy access. The riverside entrance (1st floor) also has wheelchair-accessible paths, making it convenient for visitors with mobility issues.
Are there any romantic spots in Hongyadong perfect for couples?
The 10th-floor "Starlight Terrace" has string lights and small tables, ideal for watching the night skyline. The 2nd-floor "Love Lock Wall" lets couples hang custom locks engraved with their names—a sweet way to mark the visit.
