Hi, I’m Michael Zhang — a seasoned Chinese traveler with years of international travel experience. I’ve explored ancient cities across the world and wandered through China’s landscapes in search of cultural depth and hidden stories. This time, I’ve arrived in Chongqing’s Huguang Guild Hall, a place that has quietly stood through centuries of change. More than an architectural gem of the Bayu region, it is a living witness to the historic migration known as “Huguang Fills Sichuan.”

Summary

Introduction to Huguang Guild Hall

Built in 1759 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Huguang Guild Hall in Chongqing covers an impressive area of 18,400 square meters. It is a grand complex composed of several Qing Dynasty guild halls and reconstructed ancient buildings, including the Yu King Palace, Qian’an Guild Hall, and Guangdong Guild Hall.

The architecture follows the traditional siheyuan (courtyard) layout of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It features a variety of roof structures such as gable, arch, and hip roofs. The hall’s design seamlessly integrates the typical southern Chinese architectural styles from Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, and the Jiangnan regions, while also incorporating the local architectural characteristics of Chongqing.

  • Address: No.1, Bajiaoyuan, Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:00)
  • Suggested Visiting Time: Around 2 hours
  • Best Time to Visit: All year round, though it’s best to avoid Mondays when the “Huguang Fills Sichuan Migration Museum” is closed for maintenance.
  • Ticket Price: 32 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase:Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
  • Compare ticket prices and find the best deals:Click Here
Traditional Chinese architecture of Huguang Guild Hall in Chongqing

Map of Huguang Guild Hall

Tourist map of Huguang Guild Hall with key attractions marked

Why You Should Visit Huguang Guild Hall

Architectural Significance

First built in 1759 and expanded in 1846, Huguang Guild Hall spans over 18,400 square meters. The buildings feature gable, arched, and hip roofs that combine styles from Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, and the Jiangnan region, while preserving Chongqing’s traditional craftsmanship. It stands as a representative example of southern Chinese architecture during the Qing Dynasty.

The intricate carvings on wood, stone, and brick depict scenes from Chinese classics such as Journey to the West, Investiture of the Gods, and The Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars. Each carving showcases the refined artistry and cultural symbolism of the era, making the guild hall a living museum of southern craftsmanship.

Historical and Cultural Value

As one of the most important witnesses to the “Huguang Fills Sichuan” migration movement, the guild hall houses a dedicated migration museum. Through historical artifacts and life-sized scene reconstructions, visitors can clearly understand the background, migration routes, and daily life of settlers who shaped modern Chongqing. The preserved structures, including the Yu King Palace, Qian’an Guild Hall, and Guangdong Guild Hall, still retain their traditional roles for worship and assembly, reflecting the deep-rooted community bonds of that time.

Modern Cultural Experience

Today, visitors can enjoy daily performances of Sichuan opera face-changing and other intangible cultural heritage shows. Traditional temple fairs are also held during local festivals, including the grand Yu King Worship Ceremony, bringing ancient traditions vividly to life. From the viewing terrace, travelers can overlook the Yangtze River and the iconic Hongya Cave, experiencing the perfect blend of historical architecture and modern Chongqing’s skyline.

Top Things to Do in Huguang Guild Hall

Main Attractions

Yu King Palace

As the central structure of Huguang Guild Hall, Yu King Palace stands as the most magnificent and best-preserved building in the entire complex. Originally built by immigrants from the Huguang region to honor Yu the Great—the legendary hero who tamed China’s great floods—it embodies the settlers’ respect for hard work and perseverance.

The palace is built along the hillside with a symmetrical layout and grand proportions. At the center of the main hall stands a statue of Yu the Great, flanked by exquisite wood and stone carvings inspired by The Classic of Mountains and Seas and local Bayu mythology. The roof brackets interlock beautifully under the eaves, painted in vivid colors, while ridge-top ornaments shaped like auspicious beasts showcase the superb craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty artisans.

Yuwang Palace inside Huguang Guild Hall, famous historical hall

Qian’an Guild Hall (Zui Bayu Performance)

Located right next to Yu King Palace, Qian’an Guild Hall was originally built by immigrants from Hubei. Compared to the solemn atmosphere of the palace, this hall feels more lively and connected to everyday life. Today, it has become one of the most vibrant cultural spaces within Huguang Guild Hall. The highlight here is the daily “Zui Bayu” (Drunken Bayu) performance—a must-see for visitors.

Through a combination of music, dance, and theater, Zui Bayu vividly portrays Chongqing’s folk life and the culture of the Huguang Fills Sichuan migration. The show blends Sichuan opera face-changing, Bayu folk songs, and boatmen’s chants, delivering a 40-minute immersive experience filled with the boldness and warmth of Chongqing’s people.

  • Ticket price: 68 CNY. It’s best to check performance times in advance. If the schedule fits, buy a combo ticket that includes the performance and entry to the hall—it saves about 12 CNY.
  • Free admission: Children under 1.2 meters without a seat.
  • Showtimes: 14:10–14:50, 15:30–16:10, 16:40–17:20
  • Performance tickets:Trip.com Discounts
Traditional Sichuan opera performance Drunk Bayu at Huguang Guild Hall

Guangdong Guild Hall

Among the many buildings inside Huguang Guild Hall, Guangdong Guild Hall is best known for its exquisite carvings and distinct Lingnan (southern Guangdong) style. It was originally funded and built by merchants from Guangdong who had settled in Chongqing. The hall served as a venue for business meetings, ancestral worship, and social gatherings among fellow countrymen.

The building is celebrated for its mastery of three crafts—clay sculpture, wood carving, and stone carving. Traditional motifs like dragons and phoenixes, and blessings for prosperity and longevity, decorate its doors and windows, highlighting the refined artistry of Cantonese craftsmen. The interior is simple yet elegant, with upward-curving eaves and delicate brick carvings that make it a key example of Qing Dynasty southern architecture and artistry.

Guangdong Hall within Huguang Guild Hall complex

Huguang Guild Hall Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 32 CNY
  • Children: 16 CNY (ages 6–18)
  • Seniors: 16 CNY (ages 60–64)
  • Free admission: Children under 6 years old, seniors over 65

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Official WeChat account or third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: Available at the on-site ticket office.

It’s best to tour the site clockwise. Start from the Immigration Museum on the east side of the entrance and the Carving Museum on the west side. Then continue following this route: Entrance → Yu King Palace → Immigration Museum → Carving Museum → Qian’an Guild Hall (Zui Bayu Performance) → Guangdong Guild Hall → Yuzhou Academy → Yu King Palace Stage → Exit.

  • Note: The Zui Bayu performance takes place at Qian’an Guild Hall. If the timing fits, you can watch the show first and then return to explore Yu King Palace.

Huguang Guild Hall is located near Jiefangbei, an area packed with restaurants and street food stalls. Just follow the crowds—any busy spot is likely worth trying. Most places serve authentic Sichuan cuisine and Chongqing hotpot. Avoid ordering the spiciest option unless you’re used to local heat. A milk-based drink can help balance the spice and richness.

Authentic Chongqing spicy hot pot with Sichuan peppercorns

Staying near Jiefangbei is ideal since it’s the central area for visiting most attractions. Transportation is convenient, and you can reach most sites within 30 minutes. The neighborhood is full of food streets and shopping malls—vibrant yet rich in Chongqing’s local character. The area between Xiaoshizi Station and Jiaochangkou Station on the metro is the most recommended.

It’s close to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave, Luohan Temple, Huguang Guild Hall, Raffles City Chongqing, Jiangbeizui Riverside Park, Xiahao Old Street, Mountain City Trail, and the Great Hall of the People. Getting to Ciqikou, Liziba Station, TESTBED2 Art Park, Guanyinqiao, Jiu Jie Bar Street, Danzishi Old Town, or Laojundong Taoist Temple by metro or taxi is also quick and easy. For detailed hotel information, check Chongqing Hotel Recommendations.

Lavande Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Center Pedestrian Street)

Lavande Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Center Pedestrian Street)
  • Location: 3 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station, 8 minutes walk from Jiaochangkou Metro Station
  • Price Range: 279 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.7
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is conveniently located near a subway station. A few minutes’ walk will take you to a lively food street and shopping malls. It’s also close to major attractions like Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, and Liziba, making it a great value-for-money option.

The rooms are well-equipped with fast internet, soft mattresses, and are very clean and well-maintained.

S · island High Altitude River View Hotel

S · island High Altitude River View Hotel
  • Location: 5 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station, 5 minutes walk from Jiaochangkou Metro Station
  • Price Range: 387 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

Excellently situated at the very heart of Jiefangbei, the hotel is located on the 43rd floor of the Xinhua Building, a new high-rise. It is less than 100 meters from Jiefangbei and Bayi Snack Street, ensuring easy access to both transit and dining.

The rooms are spacious and bright, with excellent hygiene and maintenance. You can enjoy views of the Jialing River and the cityscape right from your room.

ASPERA HIGH-ALTITUDE GARDEN PANORAMIC HOTEL

ASPERA HIGH-ALTITUDE GARDEN PANORAMIC HOTEL
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Xiaoshizi Metro Station, 12 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station
  • Price Range: 448 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.9
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is very close to Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, with a short six to seven-minute walk to these attractions. The subway is right outside, making transportation convenient.

The rooms are high-tech with smart home features, Harman Kardon glass sound systems, and Dyson hair dryers, making it a very photogenic choice.

How to Get to Huguang Guild Hall from Downtown Chongqing

If you’re staying near Jiefangbei, walking is the best option—the distance is short, and the area is very walkable. For those farther away, the metro is the easiest choice. Get off at Xiaoshizi Station, about a 10-minute walk from the hall.

Metro

Take Metro Line 6 and exit at Xiaoshizi Station, Exit 7. After exiting, turn left at the first intersection, then right toward the Dongshuimen Bridge. Take the elevator down beneath the bridge, and you’ll reach Huguang Guild Hall within about 10 minutes.

FAQ

Is Huguang Guild Hall stroller- or wheelchair-friendly?

No. There are many stairs throughout the complex, making it difficult to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs.

Where can I store luggage?

There are no luggage storage facilities inside Huguang Guild Hall. Since visiting the site doesn’t take long, it’s better to store your bags at a nearby metro station and pick them up after your visit.

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