Hongya Cave (Hongyadong)
Hongya Cave Facts
Hongya Cave History
Originally known as Hongyamen, this site was one of ancient Chongqing's city gates, with roots going back to the Warring States Period (over 2,000 years ago). While the Ming dynasty witnessed its rebuilt as part of Chongqing's 17 defensive city gates (8 closed, 9 open). During the Qing dynasty, Hongya Cave transformed into a bustling riverside market. Recognized for its cultural value after 1949, it became an important tourist attraction in Chongqing, and the 2003-2006 renovation polished this gem to perfection.Highlights of Hongya Cave
Gravity-Defying Stilt Houses
Stacked 11 stories high along the Yangtze cliffs where the limit was once 5-6 floors, this architectural wonder of Hongya Cave brings ancient Bayu culture to life. No wonder architects call it "China's Cliff City" and travelers swear they've found the real-world "Sky Castle" from fairy tales, especially when its glowing tiers seem to float above the river at night.Hongyadicui
It is definitely Hongyadong's natural showstopper. Once one of Chongqing's most famous landscapes among the historic "Bayu Twelve Views", this serene spot recreates how mountain springs used to weave through emerald forests, tumbling down Dayang Gully and under Huixian Bridge.Hongya's Han Dynasty Gate Tower
At the entrance of Hongya Cave's first floor stands a stone archway, which is a replica of 2000-year-old artifacts found near the Three Gorges. It welcomes visitors with carvings of mythical creatures and ancient worship scenes. These totems and symbols provide you with a tangible connection to Chongqing's primordial roots.
Back to 1980 Themed Block
"Back to 1980" of Hongyadong Folk Custom Scene Area is your time machine to vintage Chongqing. Here, you can snap selfies with Mao-era posters, play classic arcades, and taste childhood snacks just like locals remember! Moreover, the neon-lit night market looks straight out of a Wong Kar-wai film.Urban Balcony
It is regarded as Chongqing's best Insta-spot. The Xinhai Revolution Monument and the iconic "Mountain City Memories" sculpture stand there majestically. Head to the Urban Balcony of Hongya Cave when traveling in Chongqing, you can appreciate the breathtaking river views and Jiangbeizui's dazzling light shows across the water.
>> Recommended 1-Day Classic Chongqing Tour
Different Floors of Hongya Cave
1st Floor: Hongya Cave Boutique Antique City, packed with unique treasures that feel like a trip through history. Don’t miss the Hot Pot Culture Experience Hall right here—taste Chongqing’s famous spicy flavors while exploring.2nd Floor: A folk-style shopping area of Hongya Cave that houses handwoven textiles, rustic pottery, and beautiful handmade art. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or keepsakes, this is the spot to grab something truly special during your Chongqing travel.
3rd Floor: Baiye Workshop Old Street—a time capsule of old-world charm! Here, you’ll see various artisans, with an array of calligraphy, paintings, jewelry, handicrafts, and silk products for you to freely choose from on your trip to Hongya Cave in Choangqing.
4th Floor: Bayu Folk Food Street. This is where Hongyadong's trending snacks converge, housing famous Chongqing restaurants like Lao Ma Wonton, Hongya Cave Dawan Tea, and Nayaka. Catch a lively local show at Bayu Theater next door for double the cultural fun.
5th Floor: Hejia Restaurant, a hidden gem among Hongya Cave restaurants that serves authentic Chongqing cuisine, with every dish telling a story of Chongqing's rich food culture. By the way, the Back to 1980 Themed Block is also on the 5th floor, waiting for your experience.
6th Floor: The Light and Shadow Interactive Art Space. At this site of Hongya Cave, you can see 800-year-old Bayu landscapes dance around you, watch spring turn to winter in seconds with crazy AR effects, and even play with light installations that react to your movements.
7th-8th Floor: Hongyadong Zone 78 is a trendy play word that offers exciting activities like maze challenges, XD surround-screen cinema experiences, archery, and soccer competitions - a newly popular check-in destination!
9th-10th Floor: Hongya Cave's International Food Street on Floors 9-10 is a fine dining destination featuring global cuisine restaurants. You can enjoy coffee while admiring the river view, and listen to live performances by street musicians in the evening.
11th Floor: This is where the Urban Balcony is located. Come at golden hour when the bridge lights up - your Instagram will thank you.
Best Places to Admire and Take Photos of Hongya Cave
>> Related reading: Top destinations in China for Photographers
Best Time to Visit Hongya Cave
Located in Chongqing, Hongya Cave is open all year round, but spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel there. As Chongqing has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, these two periods offer the most comfortable temperatures, which are neither too cold nor too hot. In summer, cruise on Yangtze River and Jialing River while enjoying the breeze and lights is also very pleasant. Winter is also a good time to go, as it is the off-season with fewer tourists, so Hongyadong in Chongqing won't be too crowded. Check out the Chongqing’s weather before you go.
For the full Hongya Cave “Spirited Away” fantasy, visit there at night. As twilight deepens, thousands of warm golden lights transform this hillside marvel into a dreamlike wonderland. The layered buildings reflect on the shimmering waters of the Jialing River, complementing the dazzling neon lights on the opposite shore.
Tips for Hongya Cave Exploring
- Best Photo Time: 17:00-19:30. This golden window captures both sunset glow and the first twinkling lights of Hongya Cave.
- Recommended Route: First enjoy the night view of Chongqing Hongyadong at Jiangbei Grand Theater, then ascend Qiansimen Bridge from Jinshamen Road area, walk to the 11th floor, explore downward floor by floor to the 1st floor, and finally admire its exterior up close by the Jialing River.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and these photo hikes are worth every step!
- The “Two-River Cruise” not only allows you to admire Hongya Cave but also to appreciate the magnificence of the Yangtze River Bridge, Chaotianmen Square, Liberation Monument CBD, and more.
>> Recommended 2-Day Chongqing Highlights Tour
Hongya Cave Hotels | Where to Stay
For the ultimate convenience, Hongya Cave Hotel (Floors 6-10) places you right in the action—opt for an 8F-10F river-view room to wake up to the Jialing River shimmering outside your window.
Want the best night views of Hongya Cave without the crowds? The Hongyadieyuan Hotel on Jiabin Road is a good choice. Its balconies frame the entire 11th-floor stilted houses, with a private Spirited Away lightshow from your bed.
If you’re also visiting Jiefangbei, consider Asiam International Hotel Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongya Cave and Mercure Chongqing Jiefangbei Hongya Cave. These smart-tech accommodations blend modern comfort with breathtaking dual-river vistas, all within easy reach of public transport.How to Get to Hongya Cave in Chongqing
By Metro
To visit Hongya Cave in Chongqing from most parts of the city, including Ciqikou Ancient Town and Longmenhao Old Street, take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 9) and walk 350 meters northwest on Cangbai Road, and then you'll arrive directly at its top entrance on the 11th floor. Another option is taking Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station, followed by a 500-meter stroll northeast.By Bus
Catch any of these buses with No. 111/151/181/262/466/476/0491/866/T001, and get off at Hongyadong Station. Then take a 2-minute walk west on Cangbai Road, and you’ll be at the top entrance of Hongya Cave. To get to the riverside entry on the first floor, take bus 553 and alight at Jiabin Road Hongyadong Station, then walk eastward riverside for 1 minute, and then you can start your adventure from the base.On Foot
Chongqing’s landmarks, such as Shibati, Jiefangbei, Raffles City, and Chaotianmen, are all within easy walking distance to Hongyadong, making strolling between them the best option.Explore Hongya Cave with Easy Tour China
Navigating Chongqing's maze-like mountain roads can be tricky, and even GPS gets confused! For first-time visitors to the Hongya Cave complex, why not travel with Easy Tour China? We are a travel agency with over 20 years of experience in China tour packages, and our local guides know all the secret spots and best routes. Check out our most popular Chongqing tour packages with Hongya Cave below.
Want a personalized Hongyadong experience? Contact us, and we’ll customize your itinerary according to your preferences.
