Hongya Cave (Hongyadong, 洪崖洞), perched along the Jialing River in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This 11-story stilted building complex, built into a cliffside, blends traditional Ba-Yu architecture with vibrant modern culture, offering stunning night views, rich history, and a lively culinary scene. Often compared to the fantastical settings of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, Hongya Cave is a must-visit for travelers seeking a mix of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit.
A Travel Guide to Hongya Cave
Why Visit Hongya Cave?
Hongya Cave is a cultural and architectural gem, showcasing Chongqing’s unique Ba-Yu heritage through its traditional stilted buildings (Diaojiaolou), which cling to the cliffside at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. By night, the complex transforms into a dazzling display of neon lights, earning it a reputation as one of China’s most photogenic urban landscapes. With its maze-like streets, diverse food courts, and panoramic river views, it’s a paradise for foodies, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. Its historical significance—dating back over 2,300 years as a military fortress—adds depth to the experience, making it a vibrant blend of past and present.
How to Get There
Hongya Cave is located at No. 88 Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, at the heart of Chongqing’s commercial Jiefangbei area. Here are the main transportation options:
By Subway: Line 2: Get off at Linjiangmen Station (Exit A), then walk northeast for about 700 meters (10–12 minutes). Line 1 or Line 6: Get off at Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 6 or 9), then walk north along Cangbai Road for about 700 meters (10–12 minutes). A one-way subway fare costs ¥2–6, and the ride from central Chongqing takes 10–20 minutes.
By Bus: Take buses 111, 151, 181, 262, 466, 881, or 866 to Linjiangmen Station, or bus t480 (city sightseeing bus) to Jiabin Road Hongya Cave Station. Bus fares are ¥2–3, but travel time varies due to Chongqing’s notorious traffic.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Didi): A taxi from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (25 km) takes about 40–60 minutes and costs ¥60–100. From Chongqing North Railway Station, expect a 20-minute ride for ¥20–30. Didi is a reliable alternative with similar pricing.
By Car: The Hongya Cave parking lot (basement level) accommodates 30–40 vehicles, with fees of ¥5–10/hour. Be prepared for heavy traffic in Yuzhong District.
Tip: Use the Jialingjiang Binjiang Road entrance for easy access. Elevators inside the complex connect all 11 floors, making navigation convenient.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Hongya Cave is a year-round destination, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer milder weather (15–25°C) compared to Chongqing’s scorching summers (up to 40°C) or foggy winters (5–10°C).
Evening Visits (6:00 PM–11:00 PM): The cave’s iconic lights illuminate from 6:00 PM (seasonal variations apply), creating a magical nightscape. The best time for photos is after 7:00 PM when the lights stand out against the darker sky.
Avoid Crowds: Hongya Cave is packed during Chinese holidays like May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, and National Day (early October). Visit on weekdays or book dining reservations in advance to avoid capacity limits.
Note: Recent data shows Hongya Cave attracted nearly 698,000 visitors during the 2025 May Day holiday, so plan for crowds during peak seasons.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Open 24/7, but shops and restaurants typically operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The lights are on from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (seasonal adjustments apply).
Admission: Free for general access to the complex and public areas. Special Attractions: Reunion 1980 Block (5th floor): ¥39/person for a nostalgic 1980s-themed experience. Secret Realm Summoning: ¥40/person for an immersive cultural exhibit.
Booking: Tickets for special exhibits can be purchased on-site or via apps like Trip.com or WeChat. No advance booking is needed for general entry.
What to See and Do
Hongya Cave’s 11 floors are a maze of cultural, culinary, and scenic highlights, connected by elevators and walkways. Here’s a breakdown:
Explore the Stilted Architecture: The Diaojiaolou buildings, built into the cliffside, reflect Ba-Yu culture and date back to the ancient Ba State (1046 B.C.–256 B.C.). Wander through the wooden walkways and hidden channels to admire the intricate designs. The complex’s multi-level layout, with the 1st and 11th floors accessible by different roads, creates a unique “3D pedestrian street” experience.
Savor Chongqing Cuisine: 4th Floor (Feast Food Street): A foodie’s haven with authentic Chongqing hotpot, spicy noodles, pork dumplings, and walnut cookies. Prices range from ¥20–100/meal, though touristy spots may be pricier. 9th–10th Floors (International Food Street): Offers global flavors like Japanese, Korean, and Western dishes, including NenluTea desserts praised by Lonely Planet. Tip: For more authentic local food, explore nearby restaurants outside the cave, as some stalls cater heavily to tourists.
Enjoy Panoramic Views: 11th Floor (Jialing Sunset Platform): The best spot for panoramic views of the Jialing River and Chongqing skyline, especially at sunset. The platform also features bronze sculptures depicting old Chongqing life. Qiansimen Bridge: Walk 5–10 minutes to this nearby bridge for the iconic night view of Hongya Cave’s glowing facade. It’s crowded but offers the best photo angle. Two Rivers Night Cruise: Departing from Hongyadong Wharf, this 1-hour cruise (¥100–150) offers a unique perspective of the lit-up cave and rivers.
Shop for Souvenirs: 2nd Floor (Tourism Commodity Center): Find Chongqing specialties like bamboo weavings, traditional textiles, and handicrafts. 3rd Floor (Tiancheng Lane): An old-street vibe with waterfalls, ancient roads, and shops selling folk art.
Cultural Experiences: 6th Floor (Ba-Yu Cultural Exhibition): Features multimedia displays of Chongqing’s history using projection mapping and light effects. Visit bars on the 11th floor, like the pirate-themed bar with a ship’s hull suspended from the ceiling, for a lively nightlife experience.
Where to Eat
Inside Hongya Cave: The 4th Floor Food Street is ideal for Chongqing staples like spicy hotpot (¥50–100/person) and chili oil noodles. Try restaurants like Shengyan Gourmet for local flavors. 9th–10th Floors offer international options, including cafes for coffee and desserts (¥20–50). Note: Food inside can be touristy and pricey. For budget-friendly snacks, try street vendors on lower floors.
Nearby: Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (10-minute walk) has restaurants like Yang Ji Long Fu for hotpot or Chuan Shang for regional dishes. Raffles City Chongqing (15-minute walk) offers upscale dining with river views. Tip: Bring cash or use WeChat/Alipay, as some smaller stalls may not accept foreign credit cards.
Where to Stay
Hongya Cave is in the bustling Jiefangbei area, with plenty of lodging options:
On-Site: Hongya Cave Hotel (7th–8th floors): Affordable rooms (¥200–400/night) with direct access to the complex’s nightlife.
Nearby Hotels: The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square (5-star, 10-minute walk): Luxury with river views, starting at ¥600/night. Karry View Hotel (4-star, 15-minute walk): Modern and budget-friendly, around ¥300–500/night. Jiayi Hotel (budget, 10-minute walk): Clean and affordable, ¥150–250/night.
Booking: Use Trip.com, Booking.com, or Ctrip for deals, and book early during holidays.
Tips for a Great Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The complex has many stairs and uneven walkways, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Visit at Night: The illuminated facade is the highlight, so plan to arrive after 6:00 PM. For photography, shoot from Qiansimen Bridge or across the river near the Grand Theatre for the best angles.
Avoid Peak Hours: Weekends and holidays are crowded, so visit early evening on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Use Elevators: To save energy, take the internal elevators to move between floors, especially when returning to the top.
Photography: Daytime shots capture vibrant colors, while night shots highlight the neon glow. Early morning or late afternoon light adds warmth to photos.
Combine Your Trip: Explore nearby attractions like Jiefangbei Square (10-minute walk), Ciqikou Ancient Town (30-minute drive), or Three Gorges Museum (15-minute drive) for a full Chongqing experience.
Final Thoughts
Hongya Cave is a captivating blend of Chongqing’s rich history, vibrant Ba-Yu culture, and modern urban charm. Whether you’re savoring spicy hotpot, strolling through ancient-style streets, or capturing the mesmerizing nightscape, this cliffside complex offers an unforgettable journey. Visit in the evening to witness its fairy-tale glow, take your time exploring its 11 floors, and immerse yourself in the heart of Chongqing’s “8D magical city.” Happy travels!
