Hong Ya Cave

A dazzling cliffside wonderland, Chongqing's must-see nightscape icon

4A National Scenic Area

Open 24/7

Internal shops typically operate from 10:00 to 23:00. The external landscape and light displays are viewable around the clock, with lights usually turned off around 23:00.

About This Place

Hong Ya Cave is Chongqing's most iconic AAAA-rated attraction, where ancient Bayu stilted house architecture seamlessly blends with modern lighting. Built into the hillside with a dramatic 75-meter elevation change, it creates a unique multi-layered urban landscape. This site condenses 3,000 years of Chongqing's history and culture. By day, explore its 11 themed floors of streets, shops, and eateries. By night, when the lights come on, the dazzling spectacle resembles the bathhouse from the anime 'Spirited Away,' making it a premier spot for capturing the city's nightscape. We highly recommend booking your free entry pass online in advance to skip the queues.

Highlights

Admire the Bayu stilted house architecture built into the cliffside, experiencing its extraordinary 75-meter vertical drop and unique urban form.

Witness the dazzling night illumination, capturing dreamy photos reminiscent of the bathhouse from 'Spirited Away.'

Enjoy panoramic views of Hong Ya Cave from the Qiansimen Bridge or the opposite riverbank, taking in the majestic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.

Explore all 11 internal floors, each with a different theme, from cultural streets and snack shops to handicraft stores.

Experience Chongqing's famous 3D cityscape by walking from the 11th floor down to the 1st, and sample local treats like ice jelly and hotpot.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

The best time to visit is after dark when the lights are on (approximately 20:00 until they turn off around 23:00), as the nightscape is particularly enchanting. Try to avoid holidays and weekends to minimize crowds. Visit the internal shops during the day and focus on photography and viewing the lights at night. For the best panoramic shots, head to the Qiansimen Bridge or the opposite riverbank.

Avoid Chinese Holidays

Strongly avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), and Labor Day (May 1-5). Crowds are extreme and tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

Ticket Information

Free Entry

Advance Booking Required

Entry to the main area is free, but an online reservation is mandatory. Visitors must book a free electronic entry pass in advance via the official WeChat account '洪崖洞' (search 'Hong Ya Cave'). Click '预约取票' (Book Ticket) to get your pass and scan it on-site. Entry with your ID card is also possible at the gate but involves queuing; booking online saves significant time. This is the only way to enter. Note that drones are prohibited inside the scenic area, and please keep your belongings secure.