Chongqing Hongya Cave: Night View, Food & Travel Tips

Chongqing Hongya Cave, also known simply as "Hongya Cave," is an architectural wonder in Chongqing, in the Yuzhong District of South Central China. This sky-high complex of traditional buildings overlooks the intersection of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers and is known as "8D Magical Chongqing" for its layers of stilted structures. It's often compared to the famous anime movie Spirited Away and is especially incredible at night, when the whole complex is aglow.

Panoramic View of Hongya Cave

Chongqing Hongya Cave: Basic Information

Hongya Cave isn't a cave at all; it's a massive, multi-layered collection of traditional houses that's representative of Chongqing's style of development. Inside, you'll find plenty of shopping, dining, bars, observation decks, and places to find souvenirs. According to local legend, a waterfall once poured down the cliff where Chongqing Hongya Cave stands now, which is where the name comes from.

• Location: In the heart of Chongqing's Yuzhong District, Southwest China
• Tickets: Free entry
• Best Visiting Time: Night; spring and autumn have the best weather.
• Lighting Hours: 18:30 (6:30 p.m.) to 23:00 (11 p.m.)

We recommend that you spend 2-3 hours exploring Chongqing Hongya Cave. Since it's centrally located right in the heart of downtown, you can get there by Metro Line 2, which brings you to Lingjiangmen Station, or Metro Lines 1 and 6, which take you to Xiaoshizi Station. You can also use the bus or take a traditional taxi or DiDi (ride-sharing service).

Top Things To Do in Hongya Cave

Since Hongya Cave has 11 themed levels packed with dining options, stores, cafes, viewpoints, bars, and entertainment, you'll have plenty of things to do once you're inside. The 11th and 1st floors connect to the city streets, and you can access the metro and bus lines from the top floors. We suggested that you start at the top and work your way down for the most comfortable experience.

Capture the Night View

Night View at Hongya Cave

Chongqing Hongya Cave is absolutely magical at night, when the entire complex is fully lit up. You can also get some fantastic views of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers and the complex from some of the complex's view platforms and bridges. Visit the Qiansimen Bridge, 5th-floor corridor, top-floor viewing platform, and the street right outside the 1st floor for amazing photographs.

We recommend taking pictures from a variety of different platforms: photographing the beautiful details of Chongqing Hongya Cave from the 1st floor and getting the whole complex in all of its illuminated glory from the Qiansimen Bridge. You might also be able to get a photo of the complex reflected in the river from this angle.

Enjoy Chongqing Hotpot and Local Snacks

Flavorful Chongqing Hotpot

One of the best things to do at Chongqing Hongya Cave is to eat all the delicious foods. Plus, many restaurants offer spectacular views of the Yangtze River, city skyline, and Qiansimen Bridge. One of the key dishes that we recommend is Chongqing Hotpot, a local favorite brimming with spice that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and delicious bowls of hot and sour noodles.

Other tasty dishes include spicy skewers of tofu, meat, and vegetables; pork wontons; and sticky rice cakes. You certainly will not go hungry, and you'll have an inspirational view to accompany your meal.

 

Admire the Stilt-House Architecture

Simply admiring Chongqing Hongya Cave's surreal mountain scenery and traditional Bayu architecture is probably the best activity you can do while you're at the complex. This style of architecture dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and was created to adapt to Chongqing's mountainous landscape.

The result is stunning vertical structures that blend in well with the cliff and make amazing use of the city space. If you're interested in architecture or how cities evolve, we strongly recommend that you visit Hongya Cave.

We can help create a personalized itinerary that fits your specific needs and style, highlighting different areas of the Hongya Cave.

Travel Tips

Hongya Cave from River Cruise

Visiting Chongqing Hongya Cave is sure to be one of the top experiences of your China vacation, but you can enhance it even more by keeping these travel tips in mind.

• Hongya Cave can get very crowded, so it's good to keep an eye on your belongings and hold children's hands at all times. Keep your valuables in a zipped and secure place, and your wits about you, especially when you're traveling through more congested areas of the complex.
• Consider pairing your trip to Chongqing Hongya Cave with a river cruise. The Hongya Cave pier is right near the complex, and taking a river cruise will allow you to fully enjoy Chongqing's night scenery from a whole new angle.
• Elevators are available on every level, but the queues can be extended. By starting at the top floor and working your way down, you can enjoy a leisurely downhill journey without having to wait in line.
• Some cartoon mascots charge fees for photos. If you're approached, ask about the price first, then make your decision from there.
• Many people want to hail taxis from the 1st floor, and it can be challenging to get one. Wait times can exceed 30 minutes.
• The complex is gigantic, so wear comfortable shoes with good tread for staircases, uneven floors, and platforms.

Additionally, keep the weather in mind. Spring and autumn offer the best temperatures, and it's pleasant to visit any time of day or night, although we do advise that you bring a few light layers if you're planning on pairing your visit with a river cruise.

Explore the Magical Vertical Complex of Hongya Cave

Visiting Chongqing Hongya Cave is like stepping into a fairy tale. This stilted complex is full of surprises, plus incredible shopping and food. You'll have a chance to peek at some authentic architecture and enjoy one of the premium Chongqing attractions. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to start planning your adventure today.