Hongyadong (洪崖洞) is one of the most beautiful and well-designed buildings in Chongqing, China. Built leaning on the mountain and situated just beside the Jialing river, Hongyadong is the place you must visit when you are in Chongqing next time.
Standing at 11 level high, Hongya Cave is the witness of the history, culture and the symbol of city life in Chongqing.
About Hongyadong
Hongya Cave has an amazing 2,300 years of history and it turns into a luminous city when night falls, bustling with lots of nightlife activities and entertainment services.
Nestled by the Yangtze River, Hongyadong in Chongqing is a cool mix of old and new. Picture tall buildings blending with rocky surroundings, connected by narrow paths and stairs. It’s a place to wander and explore at your pace, where history meets today.
Walk around and you’ll find small shops, tasty restaurants, cozy teahouses, and interesting stores. The air smells like delicious Sichuan food, with options like spicy hotpot and tasty dumplings. If you want calm, old-fashioned teahouses let you relax while looking at the city view.
At night, Hongyadong becomes a light show. Colorful lights on the buildings reflect in the river. It’s like a modern fairytale.
Hongyadong was once a fortress, and hints of its past remain in the buildings and feel. This mix of old and new gives Hongyadong its charm.
More than just a place to visit, Hongyadong shows you Chongqing’s heart. It’s a city embracing its past and future. It’s not just a spot; it’s a trip through time, culture, and the true spirit of a lively city.
Exploring Hongya Cave
Chongqing is well known for its spicy food. This is called Ma La Chuan (麻辣串) which also means spicy food in sticks.
Hechuan Peach Slice (桃片) is another Chongqing famous local snacks. It is mainly made from glutinous rice, walnut, sugar and honey roses. The machine that cuts the Hechuan Peach into slices is pretty cool. It’s automated.
These two dudes are making Ciba (糍粑) which is basically glutinous rice pounded into a paste. This is how the paste is made – Two big wooden hammers pounding rhythmically.
A showcase of architecture that shows how buildings are constructed leaning on the mountain as support. I think this somewhere in Level 1.
Random pub/cafe with great ambience discovered as we explored the place. Youngsters will love these.
There are also some street singers who dedicate songs to the crowd making the whole environment lively. Music records companies can consider signing this guy up, he’s good. 🙂
Enjoying Sunset With Drinks & Snacks in Honey Cafe
After walking around Hongya Cave, we are all beat tired. We decided to chill out in a nice cafe to enjoy the river and sunset view. In the end, we found Honey Cafe. The price is a bit steep with an average minimum order of 58RMB per person, but the cafe is strategically well-located for you to enjoy the best views. We order some drinks with waffles & snacks to go along.
Beijing Roast Duck Dinner at Quan Ju De
We had our dinner at QuanJuDe restaurant. I love Bejing Roast Duck and how can I miss out eating Beijing roast duck at QuanJuDe when there is one in Hongya Cave! The roast duck takes around 45 minutes to prepare and you can choose to stir fried the remaining duck meat or make it into soup.
PS: The waitress recommending stir-fried as it tastes better in her opinion.
Night View of Hongya Cave
The night view of Hongya Cave is something that is worth experiencing. When night falls, Hongya Cave begins to glow with yellowish orange lights.
The red lanterns blend in great with the glowing buildings. I feel as if I am instantly teleported back to ancient china.
If you are interested in going on a river cruise, you can too. There are kiosks selling tickets for river cruises.
You can go to the viewing platform at level 11 and walk over to Qian Si Men Da Qiao to take a full view photo of Hongya Cave from the top. I think this is the best spot to capture the full view.
As you walk further down the bridge, you will be able to see more magnificent landmarks. Chongqing has no doubt invested in making their city night view awesome.
I recommend visiting Hongya Cave during evening time around 5 plus. The reason is that Hongya Cave is best viewed at night, but you don’t want to miss out the day time as well. Thus, visiting during evening ensure you get the best of both worlds. Spend your evening in a cafe with some coffee/tea & snacks, and enjoy the river view and sunset. You can have your dinner here as well. After dinner, make a trip to level 11 viewing platform to see the glowing Hongya Cave at night. You can also stroll down Qian Si Men Da Qiao and experience Chongqing city in the night.
Things to do in Hongyadong
- Shop for souvenirs and try the delicious street snacks like Ma Hua, CiBa, Mala Chuan etc
- Enjoy the night view and night activities when night falls.
- Cafe/pub hopping while enjoying the magnificent river view.
- Eat in Quan Ju De, popular Beijing roasted duck restaurant chain.
Floors/Levels Guide In Hongyadong Chongqing
- 11th – Viewing platform and bus to JieFangBei.
- 10th & 9th– Pubs/cafes, enjoy sceneries.
- 4th – Street snacks & local food.
- 3rd – Waterfall, ancient road and other sceneries.
Others Things You Should Know
- Recommended visiting time is around 3 to 5 hours.
- The lifts are slow and always almost crowded. Take escalators or stairs if you don’t feel like waiting long and being squeezed in the lifts.
FAQs on Visiting Hongyadong Chongqing
What is Hongyadong?
Hongyadong is a unique area in Chongqing where old-style buildings blend with modern ones, offering shops, restaurants, and a historic vibe.
How do I get to Hongyadong?
You can take a taxi, bus, or even walk from the city center. It’s quite central and easy to find.
What should I eat at Hongyadong?
Don’t miss the chance to try Sichuan specialties like spicy hotpot and local dumplings at the many restaurants.
Are there shops to explore?
Absolutely! Hongyadong is packed with small stores selling local crafts, souvenirs, and unique items.
When is the best time to visit?
Anytime is good, but the evenings when the lights come on and the atmosphere gets lively are particularly charming.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, you can explore the area without an entrance fee. Just pay for what you buy or eat.
Can I take good photos at Hongyadong?
Definitely! The architecture, river views, and colorful lights at night make for great photo opportunities.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, families will enjoy the variety of food options and the chance to explore together.
What else is there to do around Hongyadong?
You can walk along the Yangtze River, visit nearby parks, or even take a river cruise.
Do people speak English there?
While English might not be widely spoken, many places have menus with pictures, and locals are often friendly and helpful to visitors.
Why no picrures of the actual cave?