logo
langEnglish
search
logo
searchmenu
Hongyadong, Chongqing - A “Sky Pavilion” in the Mountain City
Published: November 28, 2025
Editor: Ruoxi

Hongyadong is located on Cangbai Road near Jiefangbei in Chongqing, perched along the riverside where the Yangtze River meets the Jialing River. Its signature architecture is the diaojiaolou, traditional stilted wooden houses of the Bayu region. Using terraced platforms, cantilevered structures, stacked layouts, and cliffside construction, the complex weaves together dining, entertainment, shopping, hotels, and viewing terraces into one seamless vertical space. When night falls and the lights come on, the glowing cluster of buildings evokes scenes reminiscent of Spirited Away.

Here, you can “wander through stilted houses, admire the lush cliffs of Hongya, stroll old mountain-city streets, experience Bayu culture, savor Chongqing hotpot, watch the confluence of two rivers, enjoy global cuisine, and embrace the city’s vibrant nightlife”.

Core Highlights

Stilted House Complex (diaojiaolou): Built along a cliffside, the 11-story wooden structure is a classic example of Bayu architectural heritage. Visitors enter from Cangbai Road on the top (11th) floor and explore downward level by level until reaching Jiabin Road at the bottom, creating a uniquely “vertical journey” through the mountain city.

Hongya Dripping Green: A traditional scenic spot combining natural waterfalls with cultural elements, long celebrated as one of Chongqing’s “Eight Classic Views.”

“Reunion with the 1980s Life Situation Block” (5th Floor): An immersive retro area recreating Chongqing’s street life in the 1980s, perfect for photography and nostalgic exploration.

Urban Balcony (11th Floor): A prime viewpoint for overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, the Jiefangbei commercial district, and the iconic Qiansimen Bridge.

Night Views: After sunset, Hongyadong becomes a glowing wonderland. Its illuminated wooden façades shimmer against the reflections on the river, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Explore the Levels: The interior layout resembles a labyrinth, each floor featuring different experiences.

Delicacies

Authentic Chongqing Hotpot: Numerous renowned hotpot restaurants operate in and around the complex, including Xiaotian’e and Liuyishou.

Local Snacks: Try spicy-sour vermicelli, dandan noodles, chaoshou (Chongqing-style wontons), bingfen (iced jelly), and more along the food street.

Specialty Treats: Yogurt drinks, Chen Jianping’s famous mahua (crispy twists), and other popular local delights.

Visitor Tips

Admission: Free entry; no reservation required. Some attractions or special activities inside may require separate tickets.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early evening. Lights are typically on from 19:00 to 23:00 (adjusted seasonally).

Payment: Most vendors accept WeChat Pay and Alipay; some also accept international credit cards.

Remember the “Four Don’ts”: Do not trust: scalpers offering shortcuts, paid “express lanes”, elevator fees, or people posing as bronze statues for photos.

Entrances & Exits: The terrain is complex, Floor 11 is at street level on the mountaintop, Floor 1 is by the riverbank, and many floors have exits leading to different surrounding streets. (Main access points are on Floors 11, 2, and 1).