Hongyadong: How to See Chongqing's Lit-Up Cliff Building
Hongyadong is an eleven-storey complex of shops and restaurants built into the cliff above the Jialing River in Yuzhong, styled after Chongqing's old stilt houses. Entry is free. Since 15 April 2026 the lights have been on from 19:30 to 23:00. Arrive at the top, on Cangbai Road, a little before 19:30, walk down through the building to the river, then walk out onto Qiansimen Bridge for the view back. Allow about two hours. It works well after an afternoon at Jiefangbei, ten minutes' walk away. The rest of the city is in the Chongqing travel guide.
What it is, and what it isn't
The name comes from a real cave in the cliff, whose waterfall was once one of the "Twelve Views" of old Chongqing. A gate in the city wall stood nearby. By the 1940s river trade had filled the slope with wooden stilt houses, which were run down by the late twentieth century. The present complex was a district government project. It opened on 29 September 2006, is rated a national 4A scenic area, and has some 53,000 square metres of shops.
It is a new building in old style, not a preserved village. It was not especially busy for its first decade. From 2016, short videos of its golden lights, often compared to the bathhouse in Spirited Away, made it one of the most visited places in China on public holidays. Enjoy it as a modern spectacle.
Visiting by day
By day the lights are off, the walkways are quieter and you can see how the building clings to the cliff. Outside the complex, the cave and waterfall that gave Hongyadong its name have been preserved as a feature called "Hongya Dripping Green". It's floodlit at night. A daytime visit is a good idea if you'd rather avoid the night crowds and save the lit-up view for the bridge after dark.
Floors and entrances
There is no ticket gate, but the building has several entrances on three levels, which confuses many visitors:
| Floor | Road | Gates | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11th | Cangbai Road | 1, 3, 4, 5 | Arriving from Xiaoshizi (Lines 1 and 6), Linjiangmen (Line 2) or Jiefangbei |
| 2nd | Jiabin Road | 8 | Walking along the river to Chaotianmen |
| 1st | Jiabin Road | 7 | Looking up at the whole building, bus to Jiabin Road Hongyadong stop |
Lifts and stairs inside connect the floors. Going down is easy. Coming back up 11 floors with the crowds is not, so plan your route in one direction.
Where to see it from
- The 1st floor, on Jiabin Road. Looking up at the building when the lights come on. This is also the most crowded spot.
- The middle of Qiansimen Bridge. The classic photo of the whole lit facade. Walk up from the 11th floor.
- The Grand Theatre riverbank, across the Jialing. The widest shot, with the bridge and the building together. Check the river level, as it is closed when the water is high.
The government's suggested route is Hongyadong, then Qiansimen Bridge, then the Grand Theatre riverbank, which takes you right across the river.
Timing and crowds
The building gets crowded at dusk, and once it's dark the bridge can be tightly packed. On clear weekends and holidays, arrive by 19:00. On national holidays, police may close lanes, run one-way foot traffic or limit access to the bridge, so check notices on the day. Dinner inside is mostly tourist hotpot and snacks. You'll probably eat better near Jiefangbei, before or after.
How crowded does it get? In 2018 the management company said the complex was designed for 5,000 to 8,000 people at a time, but saw over 10,000 on ordinary peak days and 50,000 to 80,000 during the May Day holiday. Things have only got busier since. On a holiday evening, expect to move with the crowd rather than at your own pace.
Pairing
- Before: Jiefangbei and Bayi Road in the late afternoon.
- Same evening, optionally: the Yangtze Cableway, but the queue at dusk can be long, so do it earlier in the day if you can.
- Another day: Ciqikou, Dazu and Wulong.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hongyadong free?
Yes. There is no ticket. Shops, restaurants and some lifts inside charge for their own services.
What time do the Hongyadong lights come on?
From 19:30 to 23:00, the schedule in force since 15 April 2026.
Where is the best place to photograph Hongyadong?
The middle of Qiansimen Bridge for the classic view, or the Grand Theatre riverbank across the Jialing for a wider shot that takes in the bridge too.
How long do you need?
About an hour to walk down through the building, plus another hour for the bridge and the view.
Before you go
- Lights 19:30 to 23:00 since April 2026. The schedule has changed before, so check the 洪崖洞 official WeChat account.
- Free entry. The government's notice warns there are no tickets or paid guides, so ignore anyone selling them.
- Wear shoes with grip, as the stone steps are slippery in rain.