A Guide to the Night Views of Hongyadong: Experience the Magic of the Mountain City
If you ask me which place in Chongqing you absolutely can't miss, I'd answer without hesitation: Hongyadong! It's like a real-life "fairy tale world,” with dazzling lights and layered stilt houses standing dreamily by the Jialing River, just like a scene from a Hayao Miyazaki film. Last month, I made sure to visit Hongyadong on a weekday evening to check it out and experience the unique charm of this "8D magical city." Today, I'll share my tips with you to help you plan a value-for-money night view trip without any pitfalls!
Stunning Night Views at Hongyadong
From the moment I first laid eyes on Hongyadong, I was blown away by its night lights. The stilt houses layered on top of each other are mind-blowing when all the lights are on, making the whole building complex look like it has golden edges. From afar, it seriously feels like stepping into Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Spirited Away." The best viewing spot is definitely on the Qiansimen Bridge, where you can stand midway and overlook Hongyadong. Compared to seeing it up close, the view of it merging with the reflection in the Jialing River at night is absolutely breathtaking! If you prefer an upward angle, take a stroll to the street opposite Hongyadong—trust me, that view looks just like a magazine cover, and every photo you take will look incredible.
I also paid attention to the best time for photos. The prime hours for shooting are between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM. At this time, it’s dark enough but the building lights are fully on, allowing you to capture views resembling a beautiful blue-toned painting. A special reminder: when shooting at night, remember to switch off your phone's automatic HDR function. It tends to make the lights look too commercial and not as soft and beautiful as what you see with your own eyes.
Experience the Local Vibe and Magical Landscape
Hongyadong isn't just a place for photos; it's also a great spot to immerse yourself in Chongqing's culture. Each floor feels like a maze; you might think you're on the first floor, but you could actually be on the 11th, as the entire building runs vertically with the mountain! This “8D city” dimension is really rare! If it’s your first time, you might easily get lost, but that just adds to the adventure!
Speaking of Chongqing, how can we not mention the food? There are plenty of authentic Chongqing flavors around Hongyadong, and every time you walk through the alleys, you can smell the spicy aroma of hot pot base cooking. Here are a few must-try dishes I’ve summed up for you:
- Dongzi Old Hot Pot: The aroma of the beef tallow broth wafts down the whole street. You must order the beef tripe and the yellow throat; the spicier, the better!
- Sour and Spicy Noodles and Cold Rice Cake: This is a perfect match! The sour and spicy noodles are super satisfying, and the brown sugar cold rice cake is refreshing and alleviates spiciness.
- Night Market Grilled Sweet Potato Skin: I was absolutely blown away the first time I tried it. It’s grilled to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, stuffed with pickled radish and minced meat—every bite is super satisfying.
I recommend choosing old shops in the alleys. These places may not have the best ambiance, but they offer more authentic flavors and fairer prices.
Useful Photography Tips
When you go to Hongyadong, you’ve got to take plenty of photos. Otherwise, it would be a waste of your ticket, right? To make things easier for you, I've gathered three best photo spots from my own experience:
- Mid-section of Qiansimen Bridge: Here, you can frame the entire view between Hongyadong and the Jialing River. Especially the two bridge piers—achieving symmetrical compositions here is just perfect!
- Street across from the first floor of Hongyadong: Capture the stilt houses from below, where the lights look like a waterfall of stars pouring down. It’s really stunning. If you bring a tripod, I recommend long exposures here.
- Jialing River Riverside Road: It’s great for taking night portraits. I had a friend help me lower the ISO and use flash, creating a nice atmosphere in the shots.
Don’t forget to adjust the brightness and contrast of your photos afterward; just a little tweak can give you a stunning share for your social media!
Avoid Pitfalls and Practical Tips
As it wasn’t my first time in Chongqing, I managed to dodge some common pitfalls. Here are a few lessons I learned from my trip to Hongyadong:
- Avoid Weekends! It gets super crowded, so it’s best to visit on a weekday evening to dodge the tour groups.
- Be cautious when buying souvenirs: Although there are many unique shops inside Hongyadong, prices are generally higher than outside, and some deals aren’t worth it.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The paths at Hongyadong involve steps and slopes, so your feet will get tired if you’re walking from high to low. Stay away from heels; sneakers are the best choice.
- Bring cash for street snacks: Many older stalls may not support electronic payments, so it’s good to have some change handy to avoid awkward situations.
Also, there’s a recommended order for exploring Hongyadong: start from the top and work your way down. You can take a taxi directly to the “Hongyadong 11th Floor Entrance” and then stroll down without getting out of breath from climbing stairs.
Easy Transportation to Hongyadong
Chongqing’s public transportation is unbeatable! You can take the light rail Line 1 or 6 to “Xiaoshizi Station,” and after exiting from exit 9, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Hongyadong. I was amazed to see the metro running through buildings during the day! Of course, if you have a lot of luggage or prefer not to squeeze in the subway, taking a taxi to the “Hongyadong 11th Floor Entrance” is also a good option.
In conclusion, whether it’s to feel the magical night views or to check out Chongqing snacks, Hongyadong is definitely a must-visit spot on your trip to Chongqing. Take advantage of the good times and plan your visit soon to encounter the endless romance of this mountain city!
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