How to See Hongya Cave Without the Crowds: A Local’s Guide for Foreign Travelers
- DolphinUnion
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Hongya Cave is famous. But most tourists hate it. Why? Too many people.
I’m a local. I’ve helped 100+ foreign visitors. One American couple rushed to Hongya Cave at 7 PM. No plan. They said: “We couldn’t move. The crowd made us panic. We left in 10 minutes.”
You don’t need to suffer.
There are 3 smart ways to see Hongya Cave’s lights. No crowds. Great photos.
This guide shows you when, where, and how to enjoy Hongya Cave — like a local.
Best Time to Visit Hongya Cave (Hongya Dong)Go early or go late.
Morning (9:00–11:00): Few people. You can walk inside. Take photos. Buy snacks. The 11th floor entrance is quiet.
Late Night (after 21:30): Crowds leave. Lights are still on. Perfect for photos.
Avoid 18:00–21:00. That’s peak time. 5,000+ people. Hot. No space.
Story: A Canadian girl came at 10 AM. “I walked freely. Took 50 photos. No one pushed me.”
Tip: Use DiDi to get there. Taxis wait near Jiefangbei.
View 1: Across the Road (But Not Recommended)Most tourists go to Level 1 (riverside). They stand across the road.
Yes, the view is close. But 1,000+ people. You must push to get a spot.
Photo? Hard. Movement? Slow.
Don’t waste time here. Go to better spots.
View 2: Qiansimen Bridge (Qiansimen Dajiao)Walk to Qiansimen Bridge (a footbridge over the Jialing River).
Start from Hongya Cave’s 1st floor. Follow the riverside path. Go up the ramp.
On the bridge, you see Hongya Cave from the side. The lights look magical.
Fewer people than Level 1. But near the middle, it gets busy. Arrive early.
Distance: 10-minute walk. Flat path. Good for kids and seniors.
Story: A UK student said: “I got a perfect shot at 21:45. No one was around.”
Tip: Don’t cross the road on the bridge. It’s not allowed. Turn back to exit.
View 3: Dingxiang Plaza (Dingxiang Guangchang) – The Best SpotTake DiDi or Metro to Dingxiang Plaza (Diamond Plaza) in Jiangbei District.
This open square is across the river from Hongya Cave.
You see the full view of Hongya Cave + Jiefangbei skyline. It’s huge. Breathtaking.
Crowd level: Low. Space: Big. Photos: Amazing.
Cost: Free. Open 24 hours.
Story: A Brazilian family said: “We sat with pizza. Watched the lights. Felt relaxed. No stress.”
How to get there: Take Metro Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station. Or use DiDi (costs ¥15).
Secret Route 1: From Jiefangbei to 11th FloorStart at Jiefangbei. Walk to Hongya Cave’s 11th floor entrance.
Don’t take the elevator. Too slow. Long line.
Walk the stairs. It’s a hidden path. Feels like an adventure.
You enter from the top. Skip the 1st floor crowd.
Time: 15-minute walk. Mild climb. Not hard.
Story: A German traveler said: “I felt like I found a secret door. So cool.”
Tip: Look for signs to “Hongya Cave 11F Entrance”.
Secret Route 2: Dongjian Shancheng Tunnel (Dong Jian Shan Cheng)This is the real local secret.
Use Amap (Gaode Map). Search “Dongjian Shancheng (Dong Jian Shan Cheng)” — a hidden tunnel in Daijia Lane (Daijia Xiang).
Walk in. The tunnel is long. Cool. Dark. Feels like a cave.
After 5 minutes, you exit — on Hongya Cave’s 4th floor.
No crowd. No line. Just you and the view.
It’s magic. Try it.
Story: A French photographer said: “I walked out and gasped. No one else was there. Best moment of my trip.”
Tip: Bring your phone light. The tunnel is dim.
I’ve tested all 3 views and 2 secret routes.
Dingxiang Plaza is best for photos.
Dongjian Shancheng Tunnel is best for surprise.
One Australian said: “I used your tips. Got perfect shots. Felt like a local.”
A Japanese couple said: “We avoided the crowd. Enjoyed every minute.”
You don’t need to fight the crowd.
Just use this guide.
Want a calm, beautiful Hongya Cave experience?
Skip the chaos.
Go to Dingxiang Plaza.
Or take the secret tunnel.
See the real magic — without the stress.
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