A cluster of buildings stacked up a slope
Hongyadong Folk Customs Scenic Area is in Yuzhong District and opened officially in 2006. Its main structures follow the style of traditional Chongqing stilted houses, built into the hillside, 11 storeys high, with about 53,000 square metres of commercial space. It is currently a national 4A-rated tourist attraction.
Why the night view went viral
Around 2016 Hongyadong's night scene spread widely on Chinese short-video platforms, and visitor numbers have grown every year since. The image is simple: warm golden light spreading layer by layer up the slope, with the river in front and the cliff behind. That three-dimensional density is hard to find elsewhere.
Two ways to see it: shore and river
- From the shore: walk inside the complex for lanes, shops and crowds — a close-up experience.
- From the river: on the night sail it becomes one whole illuminated facade, showing how it relates to the water and bridges.
- Walk the shore first, then board and look back — the two views complement each other.
Viewing tips
- Lighting-up times change with the season; follow on-site information.
- Crowds are dense on holidays — watch over elderly companions and children.
- Keep valuables close when shooting at night in crowds.