Hongya Cave Chongqing: Your Ultimate Guide to the Magical Cliffside City

Welcome to Chongqing, where the breathtaking Hongya Cave Chongqing stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This eleven-story stilted building complex clings to a hillside overlooking the Jialing River. When its lights turn on at dusk, the scene mirrors a fantastical world straight out of the anime Spirited Away. This guide gives you clear, practical tips to plan your visit, avoid common pitfalls, and fully experience the magic of this unique site. For a broader look at what the city offers, explore our guide to the top chongqing tourist attractions.

Essential Visit Info for Hongya Cave Chongqing

Address: No. 88 Jiabin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing.

Opening Hours: The complex is accessible 24 hours. Shops and stalls generally operate from 10:00 to 23:00.

Light-Up Times: This is the highlight! Main lights typically glow from 18:30 to 23:00 (adjusted seasonally). The nearby Qiansimen Bridge lights up around 19:30-21:30. Arrive 30 minutes before lighting to see the structure by day and witness its magical transformation.

Admission: It’s completely free. During major holidays, you may need a free booking via official channels like the “Chongqing Local Treasure” WeChat account.

Remember the “Four Don’ts” rule: Don’t trust scalpers offering paid guides. Don’t believe in paid “fast passes.” Don’t pay for using internal elevators. Don’t assume photos with street performers (like bronze statues) are free—always confirm prices first.

Navigating the Unique Layout of Hongya Cave Chongqing

Chongqing’s terrain is legendary. At Hongya Cave Chongqing, both the 1st and 11th floors connect to street level. Here’s the key: Cangbai Road is the 11th floor (top entrance). Jiabin Road is the 1st floor (river-level entrance).

By Metro (Recommended):

To the 11th Floor: Take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi Station. Exit 9 leads to a 5-10 minute walk.

To the 1st Floor: Take Line 6 to Grand Theater Station, Exit 2 for the riverside park photo spot. Or, take Line 2 to Linjiangmen Station and walk.

By Bus: Alight at “Liberation Monument” or “Linjiangmen” stops and walk to the 11th-floor entrance.

By Taxi/Car: Navigate to “Hongya Cave Folk Custom Scenic Area.” Parking is limited, and traffic is heavy on weekends—public transport is better. Always tell your driver clearly whether you want the “1st floor” or “11th floor” entrance.

Explore Hongya Cave Chongqing: Three Itinerary Options

Choose your path based on time and interest. If you have more days to spend, consider integrating this visit into a comprehensive chongqing 7 days itinerary or a shorter chongqing itinerary 4 days.

Route A: The Classic Walk-Through (2-3 hours)

Start at the 11th-floor main entrance on Cangbai Road. Take elevators or stairs down each level. You’ll pass snack streets, souvenir shops, and bars, feeling the vertical drop from hilltop to riverside. Finish at the 1st floor by the river.

Route B: The Efficient Night View Tour (1.5-2 hours)

Head to the middle of Qiansimen Bridge at dusk for a full panorama. Walk from the bridge to the 11th-floor entrance. Go inside and make your way down to the 1st floor. Cross the road outside for that famous upward shot of the lit-up towers.

Route C: Full-Day Chongqing Highlights

Mountain City Landmarks: See pandas at Chongqing Zoo. Ride monorail Line 2 through Liziba Station. Visit Kui Xing Lou near Linjiangmen to feel the “sky streets.” End at Hongya Cave Chongqing for the light-up.

Riverside Culture Stroll: Tour the Huguang Guild Hall. Walk the new riverside path past Chaotianmen. Continue on foot to the base of Hongya Cave.

Night Panorama Loop: See the lights up close from the 1st floor. Walk across Qiansimen Bridge. Head down to Jiangbeizui Riverside Park on the opposite bank for a breathtaking view back across the water.

Top Photo Spots at Hongya Cave Chongqing

On Qiansimen Bridge: Capture the full sweep of the complex, river, and traffic. “Blue hour” just after sunset offers perfect light.

Across from the 1st Floor: The classic low-angle shot. It highlights the layered towers and glowing lights.

Dajia Alley Cliffside Walkway: Find this path near “Old Street Glutinous Rice Ball (Hongya Cave shop)” on Cangbai Road. It’s less crowded and frames Hongya Cave with the modern Raffles City complex.

Jiangbeizui Riverside Park (North Bank): Take Line 6 to Grand Theater Station, Exit 2, and walk down to the riverbed. This spot delivers dreamy reflections of Hongya Cave and the bridge in the water. Watch your step on the stones.

11th-Floor Viewing Platform: Look out over the Jialing River and the opposite bank’s skyline. You might even spot a monorail train passing by.

Food & Dining Tips Near Hongya Cave

Inside the complex, try local snacks like sour-spicy noodles, sweet glutinous rice balls (Shancheng Small Tangyuan), or mala cold jelly. For a deep dive into local flavors, learn more about chongqing special noodles. For the full Chongqing experience, hot pot is a must. Nearby options include “Xiaoyadong Jiefang Lao Hotpot” or “Pei Sister Hotpot.” “Code Story Hotpot” by the river has great old-Chongqing atmosphere.

A heads-up: Prices inside are higher. For better value and variety, walk 8-10 minutes to Bayi Good Food Street or Jiaochangkou Night Market. Explore backstreets for local favorites like Old Ma Wontons or pea-noodle dishes, costing about 15-30 RMB ($2-4 USD) per person.

Smart Tips for Your Visit to Hongya Cave Chongqing

Wear comfortable walking shoes. This is the most important advice. You’ll tackle many stairs and slopes.

Avoid big crowds by visiting on a weekday evening. Weekends and holidays see extreme congestion. To choose the ideal season, check our guide on the best time to visit chongqing. Internal elevators get packed; consider using the stairs or external walkways like Dajia Alley.

Set expectations: The interior is largely a marketplace. The real magic of Hongya Cave Chongqing is the exterior architecture and night views. Plan your time around that.

Keep belongings secure in crowded areas, on the bridge, and by the river.

Restrooms are located on floors 11, 4, 3, 2, and 1—expect queues during peak times.

Explore Hongya Cave Chongqing on a budget: stay at a hotel a few metro stops away, eat in local residential areas, use public transport, and remember all the best photo spots are free.

The glowing towers of Hongya Cave Chongqing create a memory that stays with you long after you’ve left its magical lights behind. It’s time to see it for yourself.