The must visit place at Chongqing at night!!
China is undoubtedly a country of culinary delights, and if I were to choose its most famous dish, hot pot (huoguo) would undoubtedly take the crown. The birthplace of this beloved dish is none other than Chongqing. While there are many variations of hot pot, the iconic spicy “Mala Hot Pot” originated here. The story goes that the boatmen and dock workers in the Chongqing region, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, used to cook inexpensive ingredients like animal offal and scraps of meat in spicy broth to warm themselves up. This humble meal eventually evolved into “Mala Hot Pot.” Today, it has grown from a budget-friendly meal to a cultural phenomenon beloved not only by the Chinese but also by people worldwide. Interestingly, the price is no longer as cheap as it once was, so one can imagine how astonished those boatmen and workers would be if they saw how hot pot is celebrated today.
The reason for this hot pot introduction is that today’s recommended travel destination is Chongqing, the home of Mala Hot Pot, not Qingdao. Spicy food has a unique way of captivating people, and I am no exception. I enjoy spicy food regularly, especially when I’m stressed or feeling down. When I first tried Mala Hot Pot, I was as enamored as when I first tasted Korean fire noodles. Naturally, I became curious about Chongqing, a city known for its fiery cuisine.
As a major city, Chongqing was impressive right from its massive airport. My first stop on this journey was none other than Hongyadong (洪崖洞), a place synonymous with Chongqing.
Hongyadong seamlessly blends traditional Ba-style architecture with modern elements. Built into the hillside, it features a unique multi-level structure. Personally, I recommend visiting at night when the dazzling lights double its beauty. Often compared to the “Moving Castle” from the Japanese animated film Howl’s Moving Castle, this site is a must-visit. Inside Hongyadong, you’ll find a mix of restaurants, shops, and traditional craft stores, making it a bustling cultural complex.
How to Get to Hongyadong (Public Transportation)
By Subway
1. Line 1/Line 6
• Get off at Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站). Take Exit 1 and walk about 5 minutes.
2. Line 2
• Get off at Linjiangmen Station (临江门站). Take Exit 11 and walk about 10 minutes.
By Bus
• Destination: Hongyadong (洪崖洞)
• Major bus routes: 111, 112, 114, 181, 262
• Get off at the nearest stop and walk 3–5 minutes.
By DiDi App
• The DiDi App works not only in Chongqing but also across China. Simply set your destination to “洪崖洞” and ride directly.
As mentioned earlier, I recommend visiting after 6 PM to fully appreciate the illuminated beauty of Hongyadong at night. However, this is also the most crowded time, especially on weekends when both tourists and locals flock to the area. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit during weekdays in the afternoon. The crowds can be overwhelming, but despite that, Hongyadong is a place worth visiting at least once.
