Hongyadong, as known as Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), is a captivating architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Chongqing, China. This iconic structure seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern ingenuity, captivating visitors with its unique allure. Perched on the banks of the Yangtze River, Hongyadong is a multi-layered complex that enchants with its intricate designs and vibrant atmosphere.
Characterized by its striking combination of ancient architectural styles and contemporary elements, Hongyadong offers a sensory journey through time. The fusion of old-world architecture and bustling commercial activity creates a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Meandering through its labyrinthine streets, visitors encounter a plethora of shops, restaurants, and teahouses that showcase local culture and cuisine.
By day, Hongyadong offers breathtaking views of the river and the cityscape, while by night, it transforms into a kaleidoscope of lights, illuminating Chongqing’s skyline. Whether seeking cultural immersion, delectable dining, or stunning vistas, Hongyadong stands as a testament to Chongqing’s rich history and dynamic present, beckoning travelers to explore its enchanting corridors and embrace the city’s essence.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Hongyadong
- Vlog about Hongya Cave
- Recommended Photography Spots
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Hongya Cave
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 23.00 |
| Light Show | 20.00 – 22.00 |
| Area | 46,000 square meters |
| Telephone Number | 0086-023-63039995 |
Location and Transportation
Hongyadong is a captivating architectural complex located in the heart of Chongqing, a sprawling metropolis in southwestern China. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant urban culture, and historical significance.
Nestled on the steep cliffs overlooking the Yangtze River, Hongyadong stands as a testament to Chongqing’s unique topography and rich heritage. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 151, 181, 262, 466, 0491, or Tourist Line T001 and get off at Hongyadong Stop (洪崖洞站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Hongyadong is Xiaoshizi (小什字) on line 1 and line 6. After getting out of the station from Exit 9, walk about 350 meters to the northwest to reach the cave.
Highlights of Hongyadong
Stilted Houses
The stilted houses of Hongyadong in Chongqing gracefully straddle the past and present. Elevated above the Yangtze River, these remarkable structures showcase an ingenious blend of traditional stilt architecture and contemporary functionality. Adorned with intricate details and vibrant colors, they embody the city’s cultural heritage and dynamic spirit. As visitors explore the interconnected walkways and staircases, they immerse themselves in an enchanting world where history unfolds amid modern amenities. The stilted houses stand as a living tribute to Chongqing’s evolution, offering a glimpse into its rich history while inviting all to experience the captivating fusion of architectural marvels and urban vibrancy.
Commercial Delights
Hongyadong in Chongqing is a haven of commercial delights that entice and enchant. Its bustling streets are adorned with a vibrant tapestry of shops, boutiques, and stalls, offering an array of treasures to explore. From intricate handicrafts to modern trinkets, the diverse offerings reflect the city’s cultural diversity and artistic heritage. Taste local flavors through delectable treats and traditional souvenirs. The enchanting ambiance amplifies the joy of shopping, providing a captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary commerce. Hongyadong’s commercial allure invites visitors to indulge in an immersive and dynamic retail experience, where every corner unveils a new surprise.
Culinary Exploration
Hongyadong, nestled in Chongqing, is a culinary haven where gastronomic wonders abound. Its winding alleys are lined with a diverse array of eateries and restaurants, tantalizing taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Savor the fiery delights of authentic Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its bold spices and rich aromas. From savory hotpot to delectable street snacks, the food scene mirrors Chongqing’s vibrant energy. International flavors also find their place, satisfying every palate. As day transitions to night, Hongyadong’s food offerings come alive under the glow of colorful lights, offering a delightful feast that encapsulates the city’s culinary legacy and contemporary allure.
Teahouses and Cafe
Hongyadong is a sanctuary of serenity adorned with charming teahouses and cafes. These tranquil oases offer respite amidst the bustling energy, inviting visitors to unwind while relishing captivating views of the Yangtze River. Adorned with traditional aesthetics and modern comforts, they provide the perfect backdrop for sipping fine teas or indulging in aromatic coffees. Whether engaging in leisurely conversations, immersing in a good book, or simply gazing at the city’s panorama, these teahouses and cafes create a harmonious blend of cultural traditions and contemporary relaxation, adding another layer of enchantment to the Hongyadong experience.
Nighttime Spectacle
As the sun dips below the horizon, Hongyadong transforms into a mesmerizing nighttime spectacle in Chongqing. The intricate architecture and winding streets come alive under a symphony of colorful lights, casting an enchanting glow upon the entire complex. The illuminated facades create a magical ambiance, inviting visitors to stroll through a realm of illuminated beauty. The Yangtze River reflects the dazzling lights, adding to the captivating panorama. Amidst this luminous tapestry, the vibrant energy of Hongyadong takes on a romantic allure, making it an idyllic destination for evening wanderings, photography, and a truly immersive experience of Chongqing’s dynamic charm.
Observation Deck
Perched on the heights of Hongyadong, Chongqing, the observation deck offers an awe-inspiring vista of the city’s dynamic landscape. With sweeping views of the Yangtze River and the urban expanse, it provides a panoramic canvas that captures the essence of Chongqing’s beauty. From this vantage point, visitors can witness the city’s bustling energy, framed by the backdrop of rolling hills and glittering waterways. Whether day or night, the observation deck is a coveted spot for photographers, dreamers, and those seeking a profound connection with Chongqing’s ever-evolving skyline, allowing them to reflect on the city’s past, present, and limitless possibilities.
Vlog about Hongya Cave
Recommended Photography Spots
Grand Theater Riverside Park: Exit from Exit 2 of the Grand Theater subway station and navigate to “Baodingmen” to walk to the riverside. This area has cobblestone riverbanks, so wear comfortable shoes. The riverside is lively at night, especially during holidays, with many small stalls. Here, you can capture a photo of the Qiansimen Bridge and Hongya Cave together.
Qiansimen Bridge: This is an excellent location for capturing panoramic views of Hongya Cave and the river scenery. The illuminated Hongya Cave and its colorful reflection in the water make for a stunning shot. Exit from Exit 2 of the Grand Theater subway station and follow the crowd to reach the bridge quickly. It takes about ten minutes to walk from the bridge to Hongya Cave on the opposite bank.
Across the Street from the 1st Floor of Hongya Cave: This spot offers a close-up view of Hongya Cave, which makes for beautiful pictures. However, be aware that it can get crowded during holidays, making it challenging to capture photos without many people in the frame.
Daijia Alley Cliff Trail: Located next to Hongya Cave, this is a unique photography spot where you can capture a different perspective of Hongya Cave. Remember to walk from the top down to avoid exhaustion.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Best Time to Visit: Daytime views are average, it’s recommended to visit after the lights are turned on at night. The lighting starts from 19:30 to 23:00.
Commercial Areas: Floors 1-4 are commercial streets and 5-8 are hotels. There’s nothing particularly special inside, so you can skip them. Instead, enjoy the free night views outside.
Transportation: It’s difficult to catch a taxi directly across the street from Hongya Cave on the 1st floor. It’s suggested to go to Jiefangbei to catch a taxi, or locate the back entrance of the adjacent hotel.
Floor Distribution: Hongya Cave has a total of 11 floors, with the 1st and 11th floors being roads. Transportation on the 11th floor is more convenient compared to the 1st floor, as it’s closer to subway Line 1 Xiaosizhi Station and Line 2 Linjiangmen Station, and taxi service is also more accessible.
Cartoon Characters: There are some cartoon characters around the scenic area, but be aware that there may be a fee for taking photos with them.
Avoid Buying: Don’t buy the golden plums sold by the roadside. They may look attractive but are actually artificially colored and expensive, not to mention they taste bad.
If you want to take photos of Hongyadong from the front, I suggest you first go to the Jiangtan Park across the river. After you finish taking your photos, you can then head to the opposite side, as the traffic coming from Hongyadong is often very congested. On the other hand, it only takes about ten minutes to get there from Jiangtan Park, and there’s no traffic jam!
The lighting hours for Hongya Cave have changed to 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. The lighting hours for Qiansimen Bridge are from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
There’s no need to visit Hongyadong; it’s overly commercialized. When you descend from the 11th floor, some levels are completely enclosed, and the open levels are just filled with random food stalls and aggressive salespeople who follow you around, some even shoving their cameras in your face. The first floor is packed with tour buses. The ancient architecture is indeed nice, but you can appreciate this kind of architecture in Huangjueya (黄角垭) without the noise and chaos. We just stopped by Jiangtan Park to take a night view photo and left; it was truly unbearable.
On a weekday evening when the temperature exceeds 37 degrees Celsius, Hongyadong is still packed with people. I don’t really understand why.
No joke, there really are a hundred million people at Hongya Cave in the evening.
There were so many people at Chongqing Hongyadong, and the weather was already very hot! I was all sticky Thinking that I’ve been to Chongqing many times, this time I must visit Hongyadong. But once inside, it was difficult to get out. After pushing through the crowds to reach one level, I wanted to go back, but had to wait a long time for each elevator on every floor! Even the small elevators tucked away in corners had long lines outside! The worst part was that they were all full, so we couldn’t even get in! In the end, I dragged my tired and overheated body to climb up 11 floors from the first level! I really love Chongqing, but I never want to come back to Hongyadong again. For those who want to take photos, just take them from afar on the bridge, or capture some atmosphere photos under… Read more »
1. The current lighting time for Hongyadong is from 19:30 to 23:00. Since it gets dark later now, it’s better not to go too early. Wait until it’s dark to take photos for a better view. 2. Hongyadong is a free scenic area with slogans posted everywhere. There is no fast track, do not trust scalpers! And do not pay to go on the bridge! 3. There are people dressed as bronze statues around the scenic area. They will lure you into taking photos with them, but do not agree as they charge for photos! Also, do not accept the flowers they hand to you, there are no free flowers, everything is charged. Even a bunch of plastic flowers costs 99 yuan. 4. The correct way to visit Hongyadong is to just take photos outside. Do not wander into the inner areas, as they are all selling local snacks and… Read more »
There were so many people at the Hongya Cave in Chongqing. The crowd moved slowly, and the pedestrian bridge was one way only, not allowing people to stop and take photos.
Recommended Filming Locations for Hongya Cave – Grand Theatre Riverside Park Exit from Exit 2 of Grand Theatre metro station and navigate to “Baoding Gate” to walk to the riverside. This area has a cobblestone riverside, so remember to wear comfortable shoes. At night, the riverside is very lively, especially on holidays, with many small stalls set up nearby. Here, you can take pictures of both Qiansimen Bridge and Hongya Cave. – Qiansimen Bridge This is a great spot to capture a panoramic view of Hongya Cave and the river scenery. The splendidly lit Hongya Cave and its colorful reflection in the water create a particularly stunning effect. Exiting from Exit 2 of Grand Theatre metro station and following the crowd will quickly lead you to the bridge. Walking from the bridge for about ten minutes will take you to the Hongya Cave on the opposite shore. – Across the… Read more »
I feel so silly, really. I searched for guides to Hongyadong before and all of them talked about it as a photo spot, but I didn’t pay attention, only noting that every Chongqing guide mentioned going to Hongyadong at night to see the view. But none of them mentioned to be cautious, not a single guide mentioned what’s inside Hongyadong.
Actually, there’s nothing inside, just various trendy shops along the streets. Despite having eleven floors, each floor lacks substance; there’s a haunted house on one floor, a photo spot on another, and ear cleaning on yet another.
It also attracts many inexplicable tourists, the whole space is cramped, narrow, and crowded, making it hard to walk through the congested crowd. It’s really worrying if there’s an accident.