Hongya Cave Folk Scenic Area is located at No. 88, Jialing River Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, situated in the riverside area where the Yangtze River and Jialing River converge. As a national 4A-level tourist attraction, the scenic area features the "stilt house" style with traditional Bayu architectural characteristics as its main body, built along the mountain and the river. With a construction area of 46,000 square meters and 11 floors, it integrates sightseeing, leisure, dining, and shopping, embodying Chongqing's reputation as a "three-dimensional magic city" and serving as an important window to showcase Bayu culture.
History and Culture
The history of Hongya Cave dates back to the Song Dynasty, named after its proximity to Hongya Men (one of Chongqing’s ancient city gates). Hongya Men was a "closed gate" in the old city walls, lacking a physical gate but serving as a strategic military defense due to its steep cliff by the river. During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong period, the cliff was inscribed with "Hongya Cave," after which it gradually became a hub for folk docks and warehouses, gathering porters and craftsmen and forming a unique street culture.
After renovation in 2006, Hongya Cave reopened, preserving the traditional stilt house structure while incorporating modern commercial elements. Its architecture blends Bayu culture, dock culture, and mountain dwelling characteristics, becoming a living fossil that showcases Chongqing’s historical changes and folk customs.
Main Attractions
Stilt House Complex
The core attraction of Hongya Cave, this complex consists of 11 floors of staggered stilt houses built into the mountain, with layered structures. Constructed with wooden materials, the buildings feature upturned eaves and intricately carved doors and windows, embodying the unique charm of traditional Bayu dwellings. The 11th floor is level with Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, while the 1st floor leads directly to Binjiang Road, with a vertical height difference of about 70 meters, creating a three-dimensional landscape known as "One Style, Three Wonders, Four Streets, and Eight Scenes."
Hongya Dripping Green
One of the "Twelve Sceneries of Bayu," this originally referred to a water curtain formed by seepage on the cliff at Hongya Men. In the scenic area, an artificial waterfall now cascades down the cliff, complementing the stilt houses. It appears particularly vivid after rain or under night lights.
Bayu Folk Culture Street
Located on the 4th floor, also known as the "Bayu Flavor Street," it showcases Bayu folk culture and traditional craftsmanship. Shops on both sides offer Shu embroidery, lacquerware, woodcarving workshops, and more. Visitors can watch craftsmen at work and experience folk activities like making glutinous rice cakes and grinding tofu.
Riverside Viewing Belt
Stretching about 500 meters along the Jialing River at the base of the scenic area, this belt offers the best spots to admire the confluence of the two rivers and Hongya Cave’s night view. Visitors can feel the river’s flow up close or take a cruise to enjoy the scenery.
Cuisine
Chongqing Hot Pot
Several hot pot restaurants inside and around the scenic area serve dishes with a beef tallow base mixed with chili and Sichuan pepper, offering a spicy and savory flavor. Classic ingredients like tripe and duck intestines are highly recommended, with an average cost of 80-120 RMB per person. Some restaurants provide riverside seating with views.
Hot and Sour Noodles
A signature Chongqing snack, these noodles are made with sweet potato starch noodles topped with bean sprouts, coriander, peanuts, and a tangy-spicy broth. Sold at snack stalls in the area for 10-15 RMB per bowl, they make a perfect on-the-go snack.
Mountain City Small Tangyuan
These glutinous rice balls are stuffed with black sesame and peanuts, served in a soup with fermented glutinous rice for a slightly sweet and sour taste. Recommended at time-honored shops in the scenic area, priced at 8-12 RMB per bowl.
Ciqikou Chen Mahua (Fried Dough Twists)
Although originated in Ciqikou, branches in the scenic area sell freshly fried twists in sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Crispy and delicious, they cost 15-25 RMB per bag and make popular souvenirs.
Tickets
The scenic area is free to enter, but some special venues or activities require tickets. For example, the "Cloud Viewing Platform" on the 11th floor costs about 40 RMB per person for a 360° view of the rivers and city. Two-river cruise tickets vary by boat type, with regular cruises priced at 100-150 RMB and luxury cruises at 200-300 RMB per person.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24 hours, while commercial areas generally operate from 10:00 to 23:00 (varies by shop). The "Cloud Viewing Platform" is open from 9:00 to 22:00. Two-river cruise night trips are mainly from 19:30 to 21:00, with earlier endings in winter.
Itinerary Recommendations
Arrive at the scenic area around 18:00, entering from the 11th floor to visit the Bayu Folk Culture Street and experience traditional crafts. Then descend via stairs or elevators to browse stilt house shops floor by floor and shop for souvenirs. Around 19:30, go to the riverside viewing belt to watch the sunset and the moment Hongya Cave lights up. Take a two-river cruise at 20:00 to admire the night view up close. After the cruise, return to the upper floors to dine on hot pot or snacks at the 8th or 4th floor, then exit from the 11th floor and walk to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street to enjoy the urban night scene.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, exit from Gate 5, and walk about 300 meters to the 11th-floor entrance.
- Bus: Take routes 111, 151, 466, etc., to Xiaoshizi Station, or routes 608, 881 to Hongya Cave Station.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Hongya Cave Folk Scenic Area." Nearby parking lots include Huguang Guild Hall and Daijiaxiang, with limited spaces; arrive before 19:00 recommended. Parking fees are about 10-20 RMB per hour.
- Walking: About an 800-meter (10-minute) walk from Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, passing through Bayi Food Street.
Must-See Attractions
- Stilt House Complex: The only concentrated display of stilt house architecture in Chongqing. The 11-floor structure creates "sky corridors" and riverside pavilions. Best photo times: 18:30 (dusk) and 20:00 (night view).
- Riverside Viewing Belt: Ideal for photographing Hongya Cave’s full view with Qiansimen Bridge. Free access; tripods are recommended to avoid shaky shots.
- Two-River Night Cruise: A 1-hour cruise to view Hongya Cave’s lights reflecting on the river. Regular cruises include commentary; the 19:30 departure is recommended.
Travel Tips
- Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) are most comfortable. Summer (June-August) requires sun protection, while winter (December-February) calls for windproof clothing. Visit after 18:00 to avoid crowds and see both day and night views.
- Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture Hongya Cave’s panorama from Qiansimen Bridge. Enable night mode on your phone when shooting at the riverside to avoid overexposure.
- Avoid Crowds: Fewer visitors on weekdays; weekends and holidays are busiest from 19:00-21:00. Start from the upper floors and descend gradually.
- Spending Wisely: Souvenirs in the scenic area are pricey—compare shops. For better value, try local snacks in nearby streets like Jiaochangkou and Shihuishi.
Notes
- Safety: Steep stairs and high foot traffic require caution; avoid slipping. Do not climb over the low guardrails along the riverside for photos.
- Civilized Tourism: Smoking is prohibited in wooden stilt house areas to prevent fire. Dispose of trash in designated bins.
- Ticket Purchasing: Buy two-river cruise tickets through Chongqing Jiaoyun’s official channels to avoid scalpers. Check the weather forecast as cruises may be canceled in rain.
- Traffic: Roads are heavily congested from 18:00-20:00 on weekends—prefer metro. Allow extra time for transfers at Xiaoshizi Station due to high passenger flow.