The Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area is a delightful destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the charm of an old mountain city. Nestled along the riverside where the Yangtze River and the Jialing River converge, this area offers a unique blend of scenic views, local flavors, and traditional architecture.
Located on Cangbai Road in Yuzhong District, the Hongya Cave commercial street is characterized by its distinctive ‘stilt houses,’ a traditional Bayu architectural feature. These houses are constructed along the contours of the mountain and the river, creating a picturesque silhouette against the night sky, which is particularly stunning when illuminated.
The area is divided into four distinct parts, all centered around the stilt houses and showcasing the region’s traditional architecture:
1. **Zhiyan River Bar Street** – A vibrant strip where the evening comes alive with music and laughter.
2. **Tiancheng Lane Bayu Style Street** – A street that captures the essence of Bayu culture with its traditional shops and eateries.
3. **Feast Food Street** – A culinary haven for food lovers, offering a variety of local delicacies.
4. **Exotic Style Urban Balcony** – The pinnacle of the area, accessible by elevator, which provides a panoramic view of the river convergence.
These sections are interconnected through the use of mountain construction techniques such as multi-level platforms, stilts, staggered layouts, and cliffside positioning, which seamlessly integrate the buildings into the natural landscape.
During a visit to the Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area, one can indulge in a variety of activities. From the riverside road at the bottom to the top of Cangbai Road, there are 11 levels, each offering a different experience. These levels include a range of establishments from restaurants and snack streets to bars, coffee shops, and local specialty shops.
At the highest level, the Exotic Style Urban Balcony, visitors can step onto the viewing platform and take in the expansive view of the two rivers meeting. It’s a breathtaking vantage point that encapsulates the spirit of the mountain city, making the Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area a must-visit for any traveler seeking to experience the authentic charm of the region.The area is open all year round. Open hours: 09:00 – 23:00.
