Hongya Cave
Chongqing Hongya Cave, a tiered architectural marvel clinging to Jialing River’s cliffs, is China’s most cinematic urban landscape. Blending Ba-Yu traditional architecture with modern commercial flair, this 11-story complex spans 50,000 square meters, offering riverside bars, souvenir shops, and panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. Designated a 4A National Tourist Attraction in 2007, it has become a global icon for “cyberpunk China,” drawing comparisons to Tokyo’s Shibuya and Bangkok’s Yaowara
Historical Overview
Originally a Ming Dynasty military fort, the site evolved into a bustling tea-horse trading post by the Qing Dynasty. After World War II, it fell into disrepair until 2002, when a ¥385 million renovation transformed it into a cultural-commercial hub. Key milestones include the 2006 opening of the “Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing” exhibition, the 2018 installation of holographic light shows, and its cameo in the 2019 film Ne Zha. Today, it hosts the annual Hongya Cave Fireworks Festival and serves as a backdrop for fashion shoots.
Structural Layout
The complex is built into a 75-meter cliff, featuring nine public access levels and two hidden service floors:Riverside Level (1F): Floating restaurants, cruise boat docks, and the “Ciqikou Ancient Town” entrance.
Commercial Zone (2–5F): Boutiques selling Shu embroidery, Sichuan opera masks, and chili oil souvenirs.
Cultural Zone (6–8F): The “Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing” museum, teahouses, and a 1940s-style movie theater.
Observation Deck (9F): A glass-floored skywalk with views of Chaotianmen Square and the Yangtze River.
Hidden Floors (-1F & -2F): Parking, utilities, and a 24-hour seafood market.
Major Attractions
Thousand-Year-Old Chongqing Museum: Dioramas depicting the city’s history from 316 BCE to modernity.
Hongya Drops: A 30-meter cascading waterfall illuminated at night (seasonal: May–October).
Sichuan Opera House: Daily performances featuring face-changing (bianlian) artists (7 PM & 9 PM shows).
Skywalk 9: Glass-bottomed platform with augmented reality filters for Instagram photos.
Ancient Pathway: Reconstructed Ming Dynasty stone street with costumed actors posing as merchants.
Riverside Light Show: Synchronized lasers and drones projecting dragons over Jialing River (8–10 PM nightly).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Riverside Level (dinner at “Hotpot Island”) → Commercial Zone (shopping) → Cultural Zone (tea ceremony) → Skywalk 9 (sunset).
Highlights: Dining, shopping, and sunset views.
- Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Ancient Pathway → Thousand-Year-Old Museum → Sichuan Opera House → Riverside Light Show → Late-night hotpot.
Highlights: History, performances, and nightlife.
- Photography Route (6 hours):
Dawn (hidden floors for market photos) → Daytime (Commercial Zone details) → Dusk (Skywalk 9) → Night (Light Show).
Highlights: All lighting conditions for camera enthusiasts.
Ticket Purchase
Free Access: The complex is open 24/7 with no entry fees.
- Attraction Tickets:
Sichuan Opera: ¥180/adult, ¥120/child (includes tea).
Skywalk 9: ¥50/person (free for children under 1.2m).
Museum: ¥60/adult, ¥30/student (Wednesdays free).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 2), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 111, 135, or 480 to “Hongya Cave Stop.”
By Taxi: Direct to “Jialing Riverside Entrance” (drivers familiar with the spot).
By Cruise: Yangtze River sightseeing boats dock at Level 1 (¥80–150/person).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (Monday–Thursday) or 8–10 AM (before tour groups arrive).
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal; summers are hot but lively.
- Essentials:
Comfortable shoes (stairs between levels).
Portable fan (summer), umbrella (rainy season).
Cash for street vendors (some stalls don’t accept mobile payments).
Prohibited: Smoking outside designated zones, tripods without permits.
