Hongya Cave

Why it's worth it

Eleven storeys of stilted Diaojiaolou architecture stacked against a cliff face — the traditional river-dwelling form scaled up into a vertical lantern-lit maze of shops and bars. At night, glowing amber above the Jialing River, it's the money shot of 'cyberpunk Chongqing'.

Don't miss

• The full facade from the Qiansimen Bridge walkway after dark — the classic angle
• Wandering levels 4-11 from inside: each floor exits onto a different street elevation
• Reaching the 11th floor road level and realising you're at street level, ground being a rumour here

Getting there

Line 1 or 6 to Xiaoshizi, Exit 9; eight minutes downhill, or Line 6 to Grand Theatre and walk the bridge back for the view first.

Tips

• Lights are best 20:00-22:00; crowds worst exactly then — hold your nerve or shift slightly later
• Enter from above (Cangbai Road) and descend, or from below and ascend — both work, don't loop twice
• The fourth-floor snack level is the honest one; the upper bar levels are priced for the view