Hongyadong Folk Customs Area

As a 4A scenic spot and a synonym for the magical 3D city, it's a must-see for anyone visiting Chongqing. From the 11th floor to the 1st floor, you'll find streets all around, making it worth a stroll both day and night. When I went, I explored the food court during the day, as there were no restrictions on the number of people allowed. Afterward, I headed to Jiefangbei and the Art Museum. I went back in the evening to take photos, but the lines can be long on holidays, so be sure to plan your time accordingly. I didn't try the hot pot there, but the ice jelly at Beidu Chiji was pretty good.

It's worth a visit, but you don't have to eat or drink; just strolling around is fine. There are several sculptures on the rooftop terrace. Each of the 11 floors has a different theme, selling local specialties, exotic delicacies, Sichuan cuisine, and even Starbucks, DQ, and other drinks, so you can rest your feet. It's one experience during the day, and another at night when you can stand on Qiansimen Bridge and admire the night view.

After sunset at 7:40 PM, we started taking photos of the night view. The entire street was filled with influencers livestreaming. For the best views of the bridge and river, the best vantage point is on the 11th floor. Speaking of the bridge, instead of waiting in line for two hours for the cable car, it's better to take the railroad right away. Crossing the bridge is much better than being like sardines in a cable car. Also, please don't bring any drones! No flying!

I recommend entering from the first floor of Hongyadong Scenic Area. The first floor is the antique city, which is basically a place for eating, drinking and having fun. I spent 50 yuan at a "sashimi not changing" place and wrote a poem with my own name and added a frame. The second and third floors sell antiques and clothes, which is not very interesting. From the fourth floor up, it's all food. I have been to Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli in Chengdu, and I feel that this type of Hongyadong and Ciqikou Ancient Town are all of the same type, without any big excitement.

Hongyadong is a must-see destination in Chongqing. When the lights are on, Hongyadong becomes a magical world. I arrived at Hongyadong on the rooftop, so I had to wait for the elevator down to the first floor to take photos. The elevator took me nearly half an hour to get in, and each time it was either full or only two people could go in at a time. So, if you want to take photos, go directly to Binjiang Road, which saves a lot of time. Classic photo spots also include the Qiansimen Bridge and the other side of Hongyadong.

Hongyadong was packed. Security guards at the intersection wouldn't let us in, so we had to take a long detour. We even had to wait in line, which really puzzled me. What kind of attraction was this? Why were we lining up by the river and looking out at nothing? Someone even asked, "Where is this cave?" "What's inside?" ... It was hilarious. Seeing the long queue, some people backed off. After some persuasion, everyone got back in line. Finally, we got in. Hongyadong is an 11-story building on the Jialing River, mostly filled with snack bars.

This is grilled durian. Durian pizza lovers will definitely love this. Although it’s a small amount, it’s all durian flesh.

The ice jelly at the entrance is truly the best I've ever had. It's packed with so many ingredients, including raisins, nuts, mango... so many options. I immediately bought another one after finishing it, and I haven't eaten anything as delicious since.

I went to Hongya Cave for two consecutive days and it was absolutely stunning. On the first day, I took panoramic photos from Qiansimen Bridge. On the second day, I ran from the tenth floor to the first floor to take panoramic photos and photos of tourists across the street. But it was really crowded! It felt like all the tourists in Chongqing were there at night! On weekends, you must enter the cave before 7pm, otherwise you won't be able to enter for half an hour to an hour! We went in at around 6pm and didn't have to queue at all! Picture 1 shows Hongya Cave during the day. It's not as charming as at night, but it's still quite lovely.

Located at the confluence of Cangbai Road, the Yangtze River, and the Jialing River in Chongqing's core business district, the hotel offers a unique blend of urban tourism, business and leisure, and cultural attractions. Designed with the traditional "stilted houses" architectural style of the Bayu region, the complex is nestled against the hillside and along the river, with Jiefangbei leading directly to the riverfront. Hongyadong, boasting over 2,300 years of history, stands as a testament to Chongqing's history and culture and a symbol of its urban spirit. The night view is even more stunning.

The night view of Hongyadong is quite good, but there are so many people that it is difficult to find a good spot to take photos.

p.s. Because of the terrain, it is very troublesome to go up and down.

If you want to photograph Hongyadong from Qiansimen Bridge, I recommend crossing the bridge before dark, eating, and then returning. You'll be able to capture the view from both the opposite bank and the bridge. After dark, to control the flow of people, you can only approach from the right side of the bridge and circle back.

It's beautiful both from a distance and up close! It's very similar to the hot spring house in Spirited Away. When I first saw it, I thought it must be filled with Yubaba and all kinds of strange creatures.

To appreciate its beauty, you must not miss the night view. I think Beibin Road on the opposite bank, Qiansimen Bridge, and the Grand Theater are all very good locations to view Hongyadong.

PS: You can also see the night view of Beibin Road and the Grand Theater together with the Qiansimen Bridge; the lights will be turned off at 11 pm, so don’t miss it

Well, this is a must-do in Chongqing. Hahahaha. When I went there, it didn't seem that crowded, but now it seems like there's nothing wrong with it except the crowds. [呲牙][呲牙][呲牙]

I first learned about Hongyadong from a friend who mentioned it as a filming location for Spirited Away. Looking at photos, it's indeed beautiful. However, I recommend visiting at night, as it's truly stunning with the lights. And then, sitting on top of Hongyadong and enjoying an authentic hot pot is simply unforgettable.

Finally, if you are not a local in Chongqing, please note that the first floor you are on may be someone else's top floor. Hahaha

After visiting Jiefangbei, we followed the navigation to Hongyadong. However, we didn't see the cave when we arrived. So we asked the security guard, and they told us we were on the 11th floor, and Hongyadong was on the 1st floor! We needed to take the elevator to see the whole cave.

Before we set off, I was buzzing with online complaints about Chongqing's topography. After experiencing it myself, I finally understood why Chongqing is called a 3D city. I think it should be 8D! The sense of spatial dislocation weaves through the mist, creating a maze full of magical realism.

During the day, Hongyadong seems very deserted, without a trace of life. However, as night falls, colorful lights are hung high, and the colorful lights of the Hongyadong building complex are also turned on. The whole building appears to be a golden and dazzling appearance, and the stilt houses built on the mountain are decorated in rows, as if they are dressed in festive attire. Compared with Hongyadong during the day, it is completely two different worlds.

During the day, the street outside the entrance looked unimaginably crowded at night. Inside Hongyadong, there were all sorts of shops selling small goods, ear cleaning shops, restaurants, cafes, and food stalls. I bought these super cute refrigerator magnets in one shop. They're all made of real chili peppers, but they've been treated with preservatives. I carefully took them to Lhasa and back to Hangzhou, and they're still in mint condition. Amazing! Going upstairs, I saw a shop selling hot pot base. Can you feel the spiciness even through the screen? I originally took the elevator to a cafe on the 6th floor to wait for nightfall, but a hot pot restaurant owner was blocking the elevator exit with a cart, making it difficult to squeeze out. So, I joined the crowd and headed to the top floor. I figured, okay? The higher I go, the better. I can see farther, and I can just come down later. I got out of the elevator, bought a sausage, and turned around to find myself right next to the main road! I had just taken the elevator up from the 11th floor! How did I end up on the road?! This was my first Chongqing experience that gets even funnier the more I think about it. Chongqing gets dark later than Hangzhou, starting to slowly darken around 6:30. By the time we arrived at the entrance to Hongyadong, it was already dark, and the streets were packed with people and cars. It was really hard to get a good photo of Hongyadong at night. There were always people and cars.

During the day, Hongyadong wasn't crowded. Walking over the nearby Qiansimen Bridge, one could see the entire cave. Leaning against the railing, feeling the river breeze, I watched the towering buildings, the throng of cars, and the boats moored at the gates. My heart ached, and I looked forward to the iconic night view of Chongqing. The lights at Hongyadong didn't come on until around 8 p.m. As we approached the cave, traffic control had already been implemented. Although we'd tried to avoid holidays, we still managed to find ourselves on the Friday before Dragon Boat Festival, where we encountered a huge crowd. A long, S-shaped queue stretched out at the entrance, stretching as far as the eye could see. Just looking at the road next to the cave, one could imagine the terrifying scene. As expected, the next day, Hongyadong was completely packed, and it became a hot topic. Since we were there, we had no choice but to join the long line. Fortunately, the weather was cool, and listening to the complaints of the other tourists and enjoying the river view made the queue a bit less tedious. We entered the building in 40 minutes, faster than expected! Hongyadong has eleven floors, with the entrance on the top. We headed straight for the highlight: the fourth floor, home to the Bayu Cultural Street, offering a variety of snacks and unique crafts, and a dreamy view reminiscent of the hot spring bathhouse in "Spirited Away." From the fourth-floor terrace, the Qiansimen Bridge was already lit up with red lights. Buildings nearby flashed "I Love Chongqing" and young people's confessions. Across the river, the Jiangbei Grand Theater stood like a crystal clear piece of crystal. The bustling cultural food street, with its warm yellow lights and stilt houses adorned with bright red lanterns, was a bustling scene. The crowds were so dense that it felt like we were moving in unison. The two best viewpoints in Hongyadong were the Qiansimen Bridge and the road on the first floor. Finally arriving here, the long wait was worth it. The magnificent buildings, set against the Qiansimen Bridge, truly lived up to Chongqing's reputation as one of the most famous night views in the world.

A casual stroll brought me to Hongyadong (free admission), nestled at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. One of Chongqing's ancient city gates and a defining feature of the city, the 11-story, imitation-style buildings nestle against the mountainside, seemingly emerging from the sheer cliffs. This pocket of paradise has its own ecosystem, overflowing with a dazzling array of food, drinks, and leisurely shops. Today, the crowds were light, and I could hear the occasional gruff shout, the occasional lingering greeting, the tangy aroma of spicy hot pot seasoning, and the delicate, pleasant fragrance of tea. From the upper floors, the panoramic riverside scenery unfolds – truly a stunning balcony with a breathtaking view! In this often bustling and humid city, this green space offers a rare respite from the coolness. Descending the stairs and continuing along the path, I saw the cableway crossing the river overhead, passed by ancient ruins, and witnessed a variety of aspects of daily life, my steps expanding my horizons.

The tourism here has been boosted by the name of Spirited Away, and it does look similar, but the real filming location is not in Hongyadong, but in Japan. Even Mr. Hayao Miyazaki may not have been here.

Inside the Hongyadong building are various snack shops, but the prices are specially prepared for tourists! An egg cake that costs 3 yuan in Chengdu costs 12 yuan here. You can just walk around and have a look.

Hongyadong is Chongqing's signature attraction, a popular stop for first-time visitors. Located on the back of the Yuzhong Peninsula, it's a unique spot illuminated at night. It boasts a diverse selection of snacks, jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and small handicrafts. To enter, follow the official WeChat account and queue up. While it's quite crowded on weekdays, it's even more crowded on holidays. Please be mindful of your safety when visiting.

Hongya Cave has 11 floors, and the lights turn on at night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can admire the emerald greenery of Hongya Cave from the stilt houses, stroll through the old streets of the mountain city, appreciate the Ba-Yu culture, sip hot pot while watching the confluence of two rivers, and savor delicacies from around the world.

The first place I went to was the viewing platform on the 11th floor of Hongyadong. I took photos of the Qiansimen Bridge from the viewing platform. I walked around the platform casually and started walking down the stairs.

The ninth floor, the pedestrian street. I walked around this floor and didn’t go out of my way to look for the elevator. When I was making the travel guide, I saw online that the sightseeing elevator was extremely crowded and impossible to squeeze into, so I planned to take the stairs from the beginning. When I saw a staircase, I went in and walked down. When I reached the fourth floor, there was another platform. I turned around again, found another staircase, and continued walking down.

The side of Hongyadong should be the entrance and exit of the scenic area. As soon as you enter, there is a place similar to a waterfall. Many people take pictures there.

The photo of Hongyadong across the street, really, there are so many people on the roadside.

Hongyadong feels different during the day than at night. There are still many people, but the hazy beauty created by the lights is missing. Personally, I feel that it is more beautiful at night. We arrived at the first floor and slowly walked to the 11th floor. Since I have been here once, I introduced this magical place to Sister Ying.

Many tourists come here just for its reputation. The night view is very stunning. Try to come early because the lights in the scenic area will be turned off at 22:00, and there will be traffic jams inside and outside the scenic area. Now that you are here, don't miss such a beautiful attraction.

The best spot for taking photos is the road across from the underground second floor of Hongya Cave. From this angle, you can capture a panoramic view of the entire Hongya Cave. However, the entire sidewalk will be crowded with tourists early in the morning, so it will take some effort to capture the most beautiful angle.

Want to enjoy Hongya Cave away from the crowds? Then walk up the Qiansimen Bridge next to Hongya Cave and take a look. It seems this method has become quite popular, and you still have to queue to get on the bridge. Hongya Cave is also beautiful from this angle.

This is considered a top-rated attraction, boasting stunning night views and an intricate interior. It's said to be an 11-story building resembling a stilt house, and was the inspiration for the hot spring bathhouse in the film "Spirited Away." While the exterior is densely decorated with signs, the interior is also home to many popular restaurants, offering river views and a drink. I felt I hadn't made it here the night before because I couldn't make it due to my luggage, and the next night I arrived too late, only to be turned off after a short visit. The commercial street below was also gradually becoming less crowded, and shops were beginning to close. Lights out at 11:30 PM, so be aware of this.

It was ten o'clock, and although it was already late, I decided to go to Hongyadong. Many young women were crowded here taking photos. Under the bridge across from Hongyadong, there were some restaurants and taverns facing the Jialing River. Listening to the young man's beautiful singing, watching the cruise ships plying the river and the tall, uneven buildings in the distance, all ablaze with lights, I was once again captivated by Chongqing's nightscape.

In a city that never sleeps, Chongqing's vibrant nightlife is a must-see. When dusk falls and the lights come on, head to Hongya Cave to experience the anime-inspired world right before your eyes. Jiefangbei Monument is a short 10-minute walk from Hongya Cave. With fame comes controversy, and with fireworks, there are many rules. Currently, the area above Hongya Cave is either fenced off or surrounded by businesses, making it nearly impossible to find good photo opportunities.

As Chongqing's most popular online attraction, Hongyadong's popularity naturally leads to a constant flow of visitors. If you're just looking for the night view, I recommend avoiding the escalators inside; they'll make you dizzy, especially due to the sheer number of people. There's a direct elevator on the next floor, directly up to Binjiang Road on the first floor, offering a panoramic view of Hongyadong. The Qiansimen Bridge nearby is also ablaze with lights. While the night view from the high-rise buildings across the river is acceptable, it doesn't compare to the visual impact I had gazing at Yuzhong District from Nanbin Road on my last night. But that's another story.

At this point, the first day's trip ended. I took the elevator directly up the same route and took the subway back to the hotel.

Tips: Avoid the crowds? Besides the direct elevators mentioned above, if you have time, try arriving after 9:30 PM to avoid crowds. Also, the lights turn on at different times of the year, generally between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

Hongyadong is especially crowded at night, and there are many Chongqing delicacies inside, but the prices are a bit higher than those in small shops outside. I ate a bowl of hot and sour noodles for 12 yuan, and the taste was... I felt that the noodles were not cooked and could not be chewed.

Hongyadong is really stunning. After it gets completely dark, the night view is really beautiful. The unique wooden stilt house structure plus the various lights achieve the stunning beauty I expected. There is also a small waterfall and a small rockery to climb on the side. I visited the first to the eleventh floor. There is a road outside the first floor and there is also a road outside the eleventh floor. It is a characteristic of Chongqing mountain city. It is very beautiful hahahaha

As the lights come on, go to Hongyadong to take photos of the night scene

Hongyadong is a sprawling complex of stilt houses perched on the banks of the Jialing River. Viewed from above, Hongyadong appears unremarkable during the day. However, as night falls and the lights come on, this seemingly unassuming structure becomes Chongqing's most dazzling pearl. In recent years, the younger generation has been comparing Hongyadong to the Japanese anime "Spirited Away," and with young men and women on TikTok promoting this anime's "original" theme, its popularity is inevitable.

Hongyadong is now heavily commercialized, its 11-story stilt houses dotted with food courts, restaurants, inns, and souvenir shops. The throngs of people have dampened the excitement of the visit. As a popular tourist attraction, Hongyadong's history and stories seem forgotten by many. Of course, centuries of transformation aren't achieved overnight! Today's night scene is the highlight of Hongyadong.

There are three best locations to photograph Hongyadong

1. The road opposite the first floor of Hongyadong: The entrance is very crowded, so you can take pictures of people and the traffic. The disadvantage is that you need to wait for the people coming and going.

2. Qiansimen Bridge: Walk out from the top of Hongyadong to the bridge for shooting. The field of view is wider and you can take pictures of the entire stilt house.

3. Across the Jialing River: You can include Qiansimen Bridge and Hongyadong in the frame

Tips:

1. Qiansimen Bridge is a 30-minute walk away

2. The lights are turned on at 6pm and turned off around 11pm.

Of course, the inside of Hongyadong is a commercial pedestrian street, which is like sucking stars to make your wallet thinner, haha

The antique street on the first floor of Hongyadong sells small items, souvenirs, and ear cleaners. I tried it and it was pretty good.

In a city made popular by TikTok, you can’t imagine that there is a crowd of people on the road diagonally opposite Hongyadong just to take that picture.

The magical Hongya Cave, ranked number one among Chongqing's scenic spots, is particularly popular and beloved for its vibrantly illuminated nightscape. It's also one of the best locations for photographing Chongqing's nightscape. For the perfect Hongya Cave photo opportunity, there are three classic camera positions: across the street from the ground floor, on the nearby Qiansimen Bridge, and on the other side of the Jialing River. Shooting tips for each position are included.

The entire building is actually a variety of businesses, mostly restaurants and bars. Many gay-style rappers rap at the door of the bar to attract customers. The lights are bright and there are countless selfie sticks and tripods. This is the place that has contributed many shutter shots in Chongqing.

I went in once during the day. It was very quiet in the morning and seemed to be closed. Compared with Hongyadong at night, it looked completely different. I didn't expect that Hongyadong had two faces. It was very comfortable to walk along the riverside.

Pedestrians walked in groups of three or two, with Hongya Cave on one side and Jialing River on the other. On one side, there were brilliant lights and on the other side, the blue river water, which looked very beautiful together.

You can often see him on the Internet. He is famous because his night scene resembles a scene from the movie "Spirited Away". Many people go to Chongqing just to witness this scene with their own eyes.

Looking at Hongya Cave from a local perspective, there may not be anything special about it, but if you look at it from the whole, you can see its charm. Photography enthusiasts must take pictures when they come to Hongya Cave, including me.

There are a total of 4 camera positions for photographing Hongya Cave. The first one is the Chongqing Grand Theater. Standing opposite Hongya Cave, you can easily capture the entire Hongya Cave in the picture with your camera. This is also the best position to photograph Hongya Cave.

The second is to take Metro Line 6 and stand in the subway to shoot Hongyadong, but this camera position is very difficult to shoot. The third is to walk to the first floor of Hongyadong and cross the street to shoot. A wide-angle lens is needed here. The effect of shooting from this angle is very similar to that in "Spirited Away".

The last one was taken standing in the middle of Qiansimen Bridge.

I stood by the river for an hour in the cold wind before I captured these scenes. If you go there in winter, you must be prepared for the cold.

Once inside Hongya Cave, you'll find it's incredibly large. Admission is free, and many people wander around for a long time before leaving. There are many restaurants here, most of which serve authentic Chongqing cuisine, especially hot pot. The combination of food and scenic spots is truly captivating.

The night view of Hongyadong is indeed beautiful, and it is close to Qiansimen Bridge, and opposite is the new district Little Hong Kong. It is worth a visit, but there is nothing to visit. My summary is a three-dimensional Confucius Temple

We went down all the way and arrived at a narrow road opposite Hongyadong. This is the best viewing point. There were people taking pictures in a row. We lived up to everyone's expectations and took pictures for a long time.

Mention Chongqing, and the first thing that comes to mind is hot pot, beautiful women, or Hongyadong. As someone who's been online for so long, I might not be familiar with any part of Chongqing, but I'm definitely familiar with Hongyadong. The real-life version of Spirited Away has dominated the trending search lists countless times. Even though I didn't quite get enough of it this afternoon, I was still excited. At first glance, you can't tell it's a stilt house, as the long legs are all below ground. The first and 11th floors are directly onto the street, so even though we only had the lower leg, it's truly amazing.

During the day, even the famed Hongya Cave appears to be little more than a collection of antique buildings. As dusk descends, Chongqing truly arrives. We descended Hongya Cave before it got dark. Those arriving from Jiefangbei usually enter directly from the 11th floor and then walk down. At this point, Hongya Cave's entrance was already restricted, and the line was long. Once inside, it was packed, making the interior seem rather complex. It wasn't just us being directionally challenged. Hongya Cave is said to have 11 floors, but we only reached five. Escalators only connect some floors, so we took the stairs. The stairs were incredibly crowded, and some floors couldn't be accessed from the stairwell, resulting in a long climb to reach the ground level. The whole trip was exhausting. This mountain city, you, you, are so exhausting!

There are things for sale on every floor of Hongyadong, and you can buy some local specialties from here. We originally planned to come again, but every time we saw the crowds of people at the door, we gave up. There is also a bar on the ground floor. Shark saw a good-looking and good-singing young man and couldn't help himself. He also wanted to spend some money. Well, think about it.

Let’s see the night view. People say Hongyadong is the real-life version of Spirited Away because it is very similar to Yubaba’s bathhouse. The fascinating fantasy world in the animation coincides with the mundane Hongyadong. This is probably why everyone is fascinated by it. It seems that if we were in Hongyadong, we could also step into that bizarre world and make friends with ghosts.

I hope it's Hongyadong. The long corridors, the lights, and the crowded crowds here all give me a sense of security. Hongyadong is always crowded every day.

The very distinctive stilt houses are shrouded in yellow lights, making it look like the world of "Spirited Away".

Hongyadong and Qiansimen Bridge are two scenic spots that complement each other. Looking from A to B and from B to A, the scenery is completely different, but equally beautiful.

During the day, Hongyadong is quiet and deserted, with no sign of life. As night falls and the lights come on, the colorful lights of the Hongyadong buildings also turn on, and the entire building appears golden and dazzling, decorating the stilt houses built on the mountainside in rows, as if they are dressed in festive attire. It is a unique mountain city scenery.

Each floor has some unique restaurants, bars and local specialty shops, etc., which integrates hotel, catering and antique exhibition. When passing by, you can hear dialects from all directions and the hawking of vendors one after another, and the aroma of various delicacies always hits you in the face, making you salivate.

Coming out of Hongya Cave, across from it is one of the best photo spots for photographing the cave. The entire exterior of Hongya Cave suddenly appears before your eyes, ablaze with lights, bustling with people, and complemented by the ancient architectural style. Set against the pitch-black night, it's like a vibrant painting slowly unfolding its curtain, a scene of vibrant activity.

I continued walking forward, but I couldn't stop thinking about the night view of Hongyadong. No matter you were in the bustling crowd or looking at it from across the river, the familiar yet unfamiliar Hongyadong with neon lights standing on the shimmering river surface in the night seemed like a warm and down-to-earth dream that once existed in the cold and cruel reality. I was immersed in it and didn't want to wake up for a long time.

Tip:

(1) Hongyadong is extremely lively at night, and the elevators are often packed with people. Please pay attention to your personal finances and safety;

(2) There are various Chongqing delicacies on each floor. If you want to take some local specialties home, this is a good place to buy them.

(3) There are quite a lot of tourists in Hongyadong. It is very troublesome to get a taxi here. It is recommended that you stay away from the scenic area after visiting. Last time, we walked along the river for about 500-600 meters before we got a taxi. The police management in the scenic area is relatively strict, so taxis dare not stop there randomly.

The Hongyadong Scenic Area consists of several connected stilt houses with a total of eleven floors. There are various commercial shops inside. There is nothing much to visit, just take some photos. It lights up around six o'clock in the evening.

Camera No. 1 is across the road from the Hongyadong scenic area. This angle most closely resembles the hot spring house in Spirited Away. Don't even think about venturing out of the area; the crowds will crush you, and the cave's magical floors will leave you lost in the dark.

Camera No. 2 is located on the Qiansimen Bridge, from which one can take aerial photos of Hongyadong.

Hongyadong is best viewed at night, and it is best viewed from the bridge. To walk from the bridge to the viewing angle shown in the picture above, it takes a lot of effort. You have to walk from one end of the bridge to the other end, and then walk from the opposite end to the current viewing point.

It is indeed a popular internet celebrity destination, full of internet celebrity girls, who come from all over the world to check in. Hongyadong is an ancient building complex integrating folk customs, shopping malls, and restaurants.

The most distinctive feature is the stilt houses, traditional Bayu architecture, nestled against the mountainside. At night, they are brightly lit, creating a truly breathtaking view of the mountain city from the bridge. From the bottom to the top, there are 11 floors, each with a different function. The top floor features an exotic balcony with a breathtaking view of the river.

When illuminated at night, Hongya Cave does resemble something from "Spirited Away." However, because it's so well-known, it's often crowded. While the lights are beautiful, the crowds somewhat diminish the illusion. If you want to take photos of the Hongya Cave lights but find the crowds below unpleasant, you can climb up to the nearby bridge, where it's less crowded. However, the resulting photos might lack the allure and anime-like dreaminess.

Recommended photo taking time: half an hour is enough when the landscape lights turn on at night

Shooting angles: The rocky beach in front of the Grand Theater across the river is suitable for telephoto lenses; the bridge is suitable for normal lenses; and the other side of the road is suitable for wide-angle lenses.

Hongyadong, a stilt-house-style structure, is built along the riverside, following the slope of the mountain. The buildings, with their lower parts suspended in the air and their upper parts solid, form a linear path. Today, Hongyadong has become a landmark of Chongqing, a place known to everyone.

We've been in Chongqing for two days now, and have mostly seen Hongyadong at night, so we decided to go see what it's like during the day. There's a world of difference between Hongyadong during the day and at night. At night, it's packed with people, and incredibly lively. But during the day, it's much quieter, with fewer people, and it's quite pleasant to wander around. There were so many people at night that we didn't feel like visiting.

I never imagined that capturing the viral night view of Hongyadong would require such a daunting task. But once you're there, it's all worth it. The Jialing River flows beneath your feet, and the Jiangbei and Yuzhong districts on both sides of the river each embody their own splendor at night.

That flow of people, Emmm, if Hongyadong were to charge admission one day in the future, I would be the first to give it my all!

Hongyadong at night reveals a long and lonely loneliness, and people's laughter disappears in the golden light.

Hongyadong may seem like a primitive and abrupt existence to outsiders who don't know it. It is strangely embedded in the heart of the city of Chongqing. It is hard to imagine that in such a prosperous area there is a primitive rock surrounded by skyscrapers.

There are generally three camera positions for photographing Hongyadong. One is across the road, where you need to take the elevator from the 11th floor to the 1st floor and then cross the road; one is on the Qiansimen Bridge, where you need to go back from the 1st floor to the 11th floor and then walk forward a distance; the most recommended camera position is on the opposite side of Hongyadong, so that you can capture the complete Hongyadong building complex with the Qiansimen Bridge in the foreground.

We waited for nightfall here, enjoying Chongqing's nightscape. Speaking of Hongyadong, it was incredibly crowded. The shops were mostly empty, but there were plenty of people shopping. Especially after nightfall, the riverside was packed with people admiring the nightscape. Getting a full view of Hongyadong was incredibly difficult; it felt like the Spring Festival travel rush, with traffic police everywhere maintaining order.

We went to Hongyadong for lunch and had wontons. Grandma loves noodles. I kept trying to convince her to come back that evening so we could visit Ciqikou, saying the night view of Hongyadong was even more beautiful. Grandma insisted on stopping at Hongyadong first; the view was clear during the day, but at night, it was pitch black with lights. She was looking at the scenery, not the lights. Now I can kind of understand: the ancient town remains part of history, while the dazzling lights are a reminder of the present. She wants to remember her travels, with her eyes and heart, afraid she'll forget them in the blink of an eye, or wonder when she'll be able to visit again.

A popular attraction on TikTok, even my five-year-old nephew knows about Hongyadong in Chongqing. If you're new to Chongqing, the area around Hongyadong and Jiefangbei is a great place to get your first impression of the city.

Hongyadong has always been among the top 5 scenic spots in Chongqing. It is known as the Spirited Away of Chongqing, and this kind of magic can only be felt in the mountain city of Chongqing.

The lights are very beautiful at night. The lights in the night outline the shape of the layers of attics. Hongya Cave, decorated with lights, has a fairy-tale feeling!

Hongyadong has 11 floors, each with its own specialty shops. Kids who love to jump around can wander through each floor. It's definitely a dream castle, but the elevators are a bit crowded.

Standing in Hongyadong, as the night falls and the lights come on, those lights guide us. Sitting in a bar, looking out along the river, watching the boats coming and going, and seeing tourists from all over the world.

In fact, judging from its appearance, Hongyadong is a benchmark scenic spot that has "restored" Chongqing's former stilt houses relatively well. Because it was also demolished and rebuilt, Hongyadong has retained the original characteristics of being built on the mountain, and has also displayed the disordered characteristics of the "building complex" with layers of stacked layers and scattered structures.

In recent years, it seems that young girls from all over the country have gone to [Qiansimen Bridge] and [Hongyadong] to check in.

Although not many Chongqing residents go to Hongyadong these days and feel tired of it (in fact, it is occupied by tourists from other places); and this place is also often talked about by major media and travel experts, but as an important element of the "Mountain City Night View" and a tourist landmark for first-time visitors to Chongqing... [Hongyadong] is still a stop you cannot avoid.

Of course, just don't come during the day, because this place is really bright at night!

[Hongyadong] It is actually a commercial gathering area with standard small commodities, snacks, bar streets, specialty shops, etc. Although there are some popular items, you will regret it if you don’t go in for a look... The key is that there is no entrance fee, which is considered very conscientious in the Chinese tourism circle.

The 11th floor of Hongyadong is equivalent to the ground floor of Jialing Riverside Road. When you climb up from the bottom, you will find that there are a lot of cars on the road, which is super cool.

Hongyadong is brightly lit at night, making it much more captivating than during the day. Even on Sundays, during the off-season, it still sees a constant stream of tourists. The 11-story building includes two floors of hotels, one floor of a cafe, one floor of a roast duck restaurant, three floors of hot pot snacks, local specialties, desserts, bars, and a third floor of antiques, calligraphy, and accessories.

We followed that magical building, one floor on one side and the 22nd floor on the other, to an observation deck where we could see the flashing lights of several commercial buildings across the river. Then, there was the magnificent Hongya Cave. Finally, we saw the Hongya Cave from Spirited Away. It was truly breathtaking from afar, but our guide didn't recommend going inside because it was too crowded! And the best views were still from outside, so we had to check in and leave. It was a dream come true: seeing Hongya Cave for real. (I still hope to visit again sometime when it's less crowded, and explore the interior of Hongya Cave, even though I know it's just the commercial area.)

This is a microcosm of Chongqing's mountainous landscape. Atop a precipitous cliff, over 100 meters long and 75 meters high, numerous stilt houses are stacked one upon the other. Naturally, these buildings are occupied by various restaurants and entertainment businesses, all located along the scenic route. There are 13 floors in total, with two elevators providing access to each level. Gazing at Hongya Cave from afar, the dazzling lights and the ancient architectural style, set against the pitch-black night, resemble the slowly unfolding curtain of a richly colored painting. It's like stepping into the world of Spirited Away—a truly breathtaking experience.

Hongyadong boasts a history of over 2,300 years. As early as 316 BC, when the Qin Dynasty conquered the Ba people, it served as a military fortress. Over the centuries, numerous historical sites have emerged, including the Jiangai Fort, the Zhenjiang Ancient Temple, the Dongchuan Academy, the Ming Dynasty city walls, and Tiancheng Alley. Hongyadong also boasts two of the Twelve Scenic Spots of Bayu: Hongya Dicui and Jialing Sunset. It also boasts the unique Bayu folk houses and stilt-house culture of the mountain city. It is the only remaining cultural landmark of Chongqing's old mountain city. The Hongyadong Folk Customs Area consists of four main blocks: the Zhiyanhe Riverside Bar Street, Tiancheng Alley Bayu Style Street, Hongyadong Feast Food Street, and City Balcony Exotic Street. Hongyadong has 1-11 floors above ground.

A few hundred meters from Jiefangbei is Hongyadong, arguably the most popular free attraction in downtown Chongqing. I recommend visiting at dusk or night for its breathtaking night view. Those who've seen "Spirited Away" say it's like a real-life version of the film. If you're a Hayao Miyazaki fan, you can't miss this place. Hongyadong at night is incredibly similar to the "mysterious town" in the film. However, if you spend a day exploring Hongyadong, it's usually dinnertime by the time you get there. I wouldn't recommend going to Hongyadong for hot pot, skewers, or roast duck. Instead, the Alley Hot Pot and Nine-Grid Hot Pot restaurants near Hongyadong are the real deal in Chongqing. However, their location can be a bit off, so you might miss them. However, compared to the big hotels inside Hongyadong, eating in the alleys is much cheaper and less crowded.

When I saw Hongyadong for the first time, besides its beauty, I thought of the bridge where Haku sent Chihiro away in "Spirited Away". The buildings behind Chihiro seemed familiar to me.

I don’t know if it was because I was touched by life or because I was thinking about the past, but at the highest point of Hongyadong, looking at the twinkling lights on the Jialing River and the familiar folk songs playing in the surrounding bars, my eyes gradually became moist.

Hongyadong is a popular check-in spot in Chongqing. It has scenes similar to Spirited Away, but the daytime experience is average. The night view is great. In addition to the on-site experience, the panoramic view on the other side of the Jialing River is also very spectacular. You can take Metro Line 6 to Exit 1 of the Grand Theater Station and go down to the riverside. Together with the Qiansimen Bridge, you can form the city night view of Hongyadong and Qiansimen Bridge.

It is one of the landmark landscape projects in Chongqing. The night view is very beautiful. There is also a cruise ship pier in front of it, where you can take a boat tour to enjoy the night view of Chongqing. The main attractions of Hongyadong include the stilt houses, the antique commercial street, Hongya Dicui, etc. There are specialty restaurants, leisure and entertainment, Bayu folk handicrafts and other shops in the scenic area.

The night view is stunning, so be sure to visit at night. There are 11 floors, so take your time exploring. Going down is easier than coming back up. The elevator was packed, so you basically had to climb the stairs, so you'll need to be physically fit.

It was raining when we arrived at Hongyadong, and there were people selling boat tickets for night tours on the shore.

Looking at the winding stairs in front of me, I climbed up for a while and couldn’t walk anymore. I asked the people coming down and found out that they came from the Jiefangbei Monument. It was amazing!

According to the guide, I found a great night view camera position (Exit 2 of the Grand Theater subway station across the bridge) to watch a scene similar to Spirited Away, but it gets dark too late in Chongqing, so I didn't wait. It was not dark at 8 o'clock, and I think the night view will take place around 9 o'clock.

Hongyadong is undoubtedly Chongqing's most distinctive landmark. It's not far from Jiefangbei, and the nearby Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge connects the bustling streets of the south bank with the modern skyscrapers of the north, creating a truly rare nightscape in China. I still remember New Year's Eve 2018, when we lined up in a long queue to walk around. When we emerged, we were stunned by the sheer volume of people, so densely packed we were on the riverbank. We hurried back before 9 p.m. Chongqing's streets are always full of people livestreaming their phones, and Hongyadong boasts the highest concentration. Nearby, there are also various private photographers ready to help you create a social media presence with a single click—truly a great way to make money.

After leaving the Huguang Guild Hall, we walked along the river to Chaotianmen Wharf and Hongyadong. There were really a lot of people in Hongyadong. Before it got dark, the roadside and the bridge were full of people waiting to take pictures of the night view. I took a few pictures in a hurry. There were so many people that I didn’t want to go in for a stroll, so I went straight to Jiefangbei.

The scenery is beautiful and the photos are great, but the transportation is really inconvenient and there are too many people. The elevator is not available and climbing the stairs is very tiring. It is okay to have a snack and take photos.

Hongyadong, the representative of magical Chongqing: When you take the elevator from the 1st floor to the 11th floor and prepare to "climb up" to see the distant view, Chongqing still has a crowded road, horse and road for you.

Hongya Cave has a total of 11 floors. You can enjoy the Qiansimen Bridge from the top floor, and across the road on the first floor is an excellent place to take photos of Hongya Cave.

The other floors are mainly small shops selling food and accessories. There are so many food shops inside and the smell of cooking fumes is so strong that I couldn’t stand it, so I didn’t hang around in there.

There is an elevator in Hongyadong, but there are so many people riding it that it runs very slowly. I waited and waited, and finally decided to just climb the stairs and treat it as exercise.

I first went to the top floor in the evening, felt the river breeze for a while, and admired the Jialing River and Qiansimen Bridge during the day. Then I went down the stairs to the first floor in one breath, walked across the street, and waited quietly for the night to fall.

After watching the night view of Hongyadong, climb the stairs back to the top floor to see the night view of Qiansimen Bridge, and then go home.

Hongyadong is a must-see attraction for tourists in Chongqing, especially its night view.

Hongyadong has two entrances and exits: Cangbai Road on the 11th floor and Jialing Riverside Road on the 1st floor. The entrance and exit from Jiefangbei to Hongyadong is Cangbai Road on the 11th floor. Hongyadong has a bar street, Bayu style street, food street, exotic style street, and Reunion 1980 Street. Those interested can visit.

We entered the scenic area from the 11th floor and took the elevator to the 1st floor, where we took panoramic photos of Hongya Cave across the street. We then took the elevator from the 1st floor to the 9th floor, and then the escalator to the 11th floor. We climbed up the Qiansimen Bridge to take photos of Hongya Cave. There's a pedestrian path on the bridge, so we took photos of Hongya Cave from the middle of the bridge. After crossing the bridge, we took photos of both the bridge and Hongya Cave from the north bank of the Jialing River.

We arrived at Chongqing's most famous landmark, Hongyadong. Originally known as Hongyamen, Hongyadong was one of the ancient city gates of Chongqing. The current Hongyadong landscape was actually rebuilt in 2006 at a cost of 385 million yuan by the Chongqing Municipal Government. As one of Chongqing's most popular online attractions, it's well worth a visit. After all, the mountainside-clad, layered buildings are a unique feature of Chongqing. The staggered arrangement of stilt houses is said to be even more beautiful than the scenery in "Spirited Away."

Hongyadong, a must-see attraction in Chongqing, was built by the government in 2006 at a cost of over 300 million yuan and is a true success story. Today is the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, and the crowds are so overwhelming I just want to get out of here. Not only are there crowds of people walking around the area, but I'm also shoulder-to-shoulder.

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Due to holiday flow restrictions, the Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge entrance on the Hongyadong side is only for exit but not entry. This means that if you arrive near the entrance of the Hongyadong scenic area, you must walk around the Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge before you can take photos opposite Hongyadong and on the side of Hongyadong. It is really very tiring.

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Hongyadong lights up from 8 to 10 pm. The golden lights and the antique buildings complement each other in the night. Come to think of it, this is really similar to the scene in Spirited Away. How many people come here for this scene?

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The best photo taking spot of Hongyadong is actually across the road from Hongyadong, which seems to be called Binjiang Road. However, because we were near the entrance of the scenic area, it was actually very far from that road. After walking and being exposed to the sun for a whole day, we really didn’t have the energy to see it up close.

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But I am satisfied with the view from the bridge!

When many people think of Chongqing these days, Hongyadong is probably the first place that comes to mind. When illuminated at night, Hongyadong is at its most dazzling. Built on the hillside and along the river, this traditional "stilted house"-style building from the Bayu region boasts a history of over 2,300 years. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki's manga call it the real-life filming location for "Spirited Away."



Not only are these ancient buildings beautiful, the business district in this area has organically integrated several major industries such as catering, entertainment, leisure, health care, hotels and special cultural shopping, forming a unique "three-dimensional aerial pedestrian street" that provides a one-stop shop for eating, drinking, playing and having fun, which is quite distinctive.

Hongyadong is a key landscape project in Chongqing. Its mountain architectural techniques such as layered platforms, stilts, staggered structures, and cliff-side construction are like a montage collage, integrating various elements of Bayu culture. This feature makes it more "Chongqing", thus attracting visitors from all over the world.

When talking about Chongqing's nightscape, what's the point of visiting Hongyadong? It's a Chongqing landmark, with its exterior resembling a scene from the film "Spirited Away." Hongyadong boasts eleven floors, with the entrance on the top floor. When we entered at 6:00 AM, there was no line at all. Inside, there's a wide variety of shops, similar to any other city's commercial streets. If you simply want to take panoramic photos of Hongyadong, you can go directly across the street from the first floor to avoid the long lines. For a different angle, walk to the middle of Qiansimen Bridge (the bridge is a few hundred meters from the 11th floor).

A must-visit internet-famous shop in Chongqing. The stacked-up buildings look very much like the bathhouse in "Spirited Away". It looks even more like it when the lights are on at night. In fact, there are shops and hotels inside. It doesn't have any special features. It's just the appearance that is attractive.

Hongyadong is a typical example of the traditional "stilted building" style of the Bayu region. Both the first and 11th floors have separate entrances, both facing the road. During the day, Hongyadong is quiet and unassuming, offering visitors a leisurely and tranquil retreat. At night, when the lights are on, it transforms into a completely different world, as if witnessing a scene from Spirited Away recreated (except during holidays, of course). However, Spirited Away actually existed before Hongyadong, and the original story is largely a rumor.



Now you still need to scan the QR code to enter. Just scan the QR code that comes out after making an appointment on the official account. Follow the navigation all the way to Hongya Cave, which is the entrance upstairs. There were not many people on Thursday daytime, and it was raining, but it still felt like strolling in an ancient street town. Hongya Cave is also full of various snack shops, specialty shops and restaurants.

Take the light rail to the Grand Theater Station, and walk along the Qiansimen Bridge near Hongyadong. The closer you get to Hongyadong, the clearer the photos will be.

If you want to take a photo with Hongyadong, you have to follow the crowd and queue up to go down to the first floor across the road, where the best photo spot is. However, the flow of people during the National Day holiday was extremely large, and the queue would take more than 3 hours. By the time we got there, the lights would have been turned off. We decisively gave up and just took some photos of the scenery from the bridge.

The lighting time of Hongyadong is from 8:00 to 10:00 in the evening, so please hurry up and visit.

The actual visit to Hongyadong completely changed the Hongyadong in my mind. I originally thought that Hongyadong was some caves on the riverside, but it turned out that I was wrong, completely wrong.

Hongyadong, embodying the traditional "stilted buildings" of the Bayu region, utilizes mountain-style architectural techniques, including layered platforms, stilts, staggered stacking, and cliff-side construction, to organically integrate six key business sectors: dining, entertainment, leisure, health care, hotels, and unique cultural shopping. This creates a unique "three-dimensional aerial pedestrian street," a vibrant urban scenic spot and commercial center with a rich sense of layering and quality. Located on the cliffside beneath the rocks outside Hongya Gate, Hongyadong is a vast grotto, also known as Hongyan Cave and Shenxian Cave. Legend has it that there existed an ancient immortal known as the Hongya Immortal. Jin Dynasty scholar Guo Pu personified this immortal in the poem "Right Pat on Hongya's Shoulder." Hongya Gate, long destroyed, now stands where the pirate ship once stood in Hongyadong. Most of the historical sites remain, including the Jiangai Fort, Hongya Closed Gate, the Paper and Salt Wharf, the Ming Dynasty city wall, and the Xinhai Inscription. Hongyadong is a 1-kilometer walk from Chaotianmen Square. I didn't get to check it out last night, but while I couldn't capture the night view, visiting during the day certainly makes up for it. Go up the bridge (Qiansimen Bridge) and take a few photos while looking back on the bridge. It also has a unique charm.

Although Hongyadong is crowded, it is highly recommended, both the exterior and interior are worth visiting. However, please note that there is no entrance fee. Don't believe anyone who says they will charge 10 yuan for a direct elevator.

A popular online destination and a must-see in Chongqing. The stilt-house-style buildings offer stunning night views. Hongya Cave offers not only food, but also entertainment and shopping opportunities. It's like a large shopping mall, perfect for satisfying your shopping cravings. From the top of Hongya Cave, you can gaze out over the river, listen to the horns, and watch the light rail transit across the Yangtze River. It's also a great place for taking photos.

They say Hongyadong is best seen at night. I took the subway to Xiaoshizi Station around 8 p.m., exited Exit 9, and headed for Hongyadong. There was no need for navigation; I just followed the crowds. We queued to enter Hongyadong, which seemed to be behind the cave. There was a special passage for the elderly, the infirm, and the disabled. I took advantage of the elderly and took the elevator down to the 9th floor. A nighttime tour of Hongyadong is a must-see for anyone visiting Chongqing. The wooden stilt houses, stacked layer upon layer, cling to the mountainside, showcasing the traditional architectural style of the Bayu region. It's said that the initial investment was tens of millions, then gradually expanded to hundreds of millions, ultimately transforming it into an internet-famous spot—something the original architects could never have anticipated. You never know what floor you're on here. Alas, it was so crowded, and we felt like escaping. We took the emergency exit stairs down to the 4th floor, then somehow got to the 1st floor, along Cangbai Road. We made a huge detour back down, and otherwise, it would have been difficult to find a taxi.

Hongyadong is a veritable commercial district, simply because of its mysterious terrain and the embellishment of lights, it gives people a magnificent and eye-catching feeling.

If you want to take beautiful photos of Hongyadong, there are two rough locations. One is to take photos of it on the sidewalk opposite the road to Hongyadong; the second is to take photos looking down from the Qianlangmen Bridge.

(The first shooting location is right next to the road, and there are so many trucks passing by! The key is trucks! If you want to get a good shot, there is only one word: wait... I waited for almost half an hour to take the second picture...; The second shooting location, if you want to take a picture from Qianlangmen Bridge, you need to put in some effort and walk a little bit, because the bridge has a "one-way traffic system" for the pedestrian walkway. The side near Hongyadong can only be photographed from the Yubei direction. We navigated directly to Hongyadong, so we had to walk around the bridge. All the close and distant views were taken in.)

There is nothing much to say, it is full of people. You must go to Qiansimen Bridge for viewing. There are also many people, but relatively few. You can see the architectural structure of Hongyadong clearly during the day, and take pictures at night.

It took 20 minutes to get in. There were really a lot of people on National Day night. But it was really beautiful. If you take a boat, you can see the panoramic view of Hongyadong, which is still very beautiful.

Hongyadong, formerly known as Hongyamen, is one of the ancient city gates of Chongqing. Located on Cangbai Road near Jiefangbei in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, it lies on the riverfront where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. It serves as a tourist destination offering both sightseeing and leisure activities. Its distinctive Bayu traditional architecture and folk customs have earned it a national AAAA-level rating. Construction began in 2006 with a total investment of 385 million yuan from the Chongqing Municipal People's Government.

The main attractions include stilt houses and a replica of an antique commercial street. The building area covers 46,000 square meters. Stilt houses are a type of balustrade, built along the hillside and along the river. Their simple structure, flexible bays, and amorphous form allow direct access from Jiefangbei to the riverside. The stilt houses, nestled along the slope, form a linear path, with their lower portions suspended in the air and their upper portions enclosed as solid structures. Hongyadong stands as a testament to Chongqing's history and culture and a symbol of its urban spirit.

If I remember correctly, there are 13 floors in total. The entrance should be on the sixth floor, but it seems to be the seventh floor. You can choose to go up or down. It is recommended that you buy the boat ticket for the pier in advance. We went there late, so the tickets for the pier were sold out. It must be a unique experience to tour the Yangtze River at night. Hongya Cave mainly sells some local specialties, such as hot pot ingredients, etc. There are also several floors full of delicious food. The play time is about 2 hours.