The Longgang Scenic Area (龙缸景区) covers over 300 square kilometers and is renowned for its unique geological features. The area is dotted with numerous karst caves, towering peaks, and peculiar rock formations, presenting a stunning natural landscape that feels like a museum of natural sciences and a grand showcase of geological wonders.
This scenic area harmoniously combines various elements such as grandeur, uniqueness, steepness, and tranquility, making it an enchanting destination. The main attractions include the Longgang Tiankeng (sinkhole), which represents the karst landforms, and the Shisun River Grand Canyon, showcasing breathtaking canyon scenery.
In addition to these, visitors can explore notable sites such as Long Cave, Laozhaizi, Yingyue Cave, Qishan Grassland, the ancient trail of Qiyang Pass, and the picturesque Gaixia Dam Lake, each offering a glimpse into the area’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Travel Information about Longgang Scenic Area
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 100 RMB
Opening Hours:
- Summer: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Winter: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Qingshui Town, Yunyang County, Chongqing.
Transportation: You can take a bus from the Yunyang East City Bus Station to Qingshui to reach the scenic area.
Attraction Ratings
- Features: ★★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★
- Romantic: ★
Highlights of Longgang Scenic Area
Longgang (Dragon Tank)
Longgang is an elliptical sinkhole measuring 350 meters along its long axis, 170 meters along its short axis, and plunging to a depth of 550 meters. This depth ranks as the third deepest in China and fifth in the world. Its shape resembles a natural stone tank, earning it the title of “the First Tank Under Heaven.”
The walls of the tank are steep and sheer, with ancient cypress trees lying across the crevices and hanging vines cascading down. The bottom of the tank is lush with greenery year-round, and the air is filled with the melodies of numerous birds. The upper walls are covered with vines and adorned with wildflowers, while the lower part presents a blue-gray hue. When stones are thrown into the tank, it takes several seconds for the echo to return, creating a fascinating experience for visitors.
Long Cave (Dragon Cave)
Long Cave consists of two main chambers: the front chamber and the rear chamber. The front chamber is circular, measuring over 40 meters in width, nearly 50 meters in height, and 120 meters in length, with a total area of 4,800 square meters. Inside, it is adorned with a stunning array of stalactites, displaying a variety of shapes and colors. Notable natural formations include the “Jade Dragon Bed,” “Dragon Umbrella,” “Dragon Pot,” “Dragon Chair,” “Dragon Bench,” “Lotus Platform,” and “Heavenly Rooster Heralding the Dawn.”
The rear chamber is pentagonal, reaching a height of 30 meters and extending over 300 meters in length, covering an area of 6,000 square meters. Within this chamber, the stalactites take on shapes resembling lions, elephants, dragons, and phoenixes. Some appear fierce and clawing, while others seem poised for flight, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere for visitors.
Legend of Long Cave
A long time ago, it is said that the youngest daughter of the Dragon King lived in Long Cave. Every evening, as the sun set, the beautiful dragon maiden would go to Long Pit to bathe. Nearby, in the Yinyue Cave, lived a young woodcutter whose parents had passed away when he was young, leaving him to survive by gathering firewood.
One day, while chopping wood on the mountain, the woodcutter suddenly heard a cry for help coming from the dragon pit. He looked up and saw a girl who had fallen into the pit, struggling desperately. Without hesitation, he jumped in to rescue her. This girl was none other than the dragon maiden, who had already fallen in love with the brave woodcutter. She had devised this plan to get close to him, and soon, they fell deeply in love.
However, their happiness was short-lived. The Dragon King soon discovered the affair and was filled with rage. He summoned storms and floods, drowning the Long Pit, Long Cave, and Yinyue Cave, taking the kind-hearted dragon maiden away. In time, the waters of the Long Pit and Long Cave dried up, but the woodcutter continued to wait at the perilous Suokou Rock for the return of his beloved dragon maiden, year after year, until he ultimately transformed into a giant stone.
Qishan Grassland
Qishan Grassland is primarily characterized by its stunning alpine prairie scenery, with an elevation ranging from 1,000 to 1,650 meters. In spring and autumn, the mountains are adorned with vibrant flowers in a dazzling array of colors, resembling a paradise on earth. During the summer, the green peaks resemble rolling waves, shrouded in mist, while the expansive meadows are dotted with flocks of sheep resembling clouds. In winter, visitors can enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes; from high vantage points, one can take in the breathtaking sight of a white wonderland.
The grassland also features recreational facilities such as a forest maze and shooting range, allowing visitors to experience the refreshing tranquility of nature while enjoying a variety of fun activities. The open grassland provides an excellent camping site, offering a rare opportunity to lie under a starry sky at night.
For those who prefer not to camp but wish to spend a night at Qishan Grassland, the Mingyu Longgang Holiday Hotel is available. Although the accommodations may be modest, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the grassland and sea of clouds right outside their windows.
Shisun River (Stone Forest River)
Shisun River is the most beautiful section of Changtan River, stretching approximately 12.5 kilometers from Gai Xia Ba in the north to Shuanghekou in the south. This area features a stunning canyon landscape shaped by karst geology. The cliffs on both sides are steep, dotted with numerous caves, and adorned with towering stone pillars that resemble various figures, such as flying celestial beings, village maidens, and arhat monks.
The river’s crystal-clear waters are rich in life, supporting populations of turtles and groupers. Waterfalls and springs are scattered throughout the area, while unique plants such as rare pines, vibrant cypresses, serene bamboos, and fir trees create a lush canopy overhead. The mountains are also home to precious medicinal herbs like yellow thorn, gastrodia, fritillary, and coptis, flourishing abundantly. In addition, rare animals such as yellow goats, fragrant deer, yellow muntjacs, golden monkeys, and wild boars roam freely among the woods, adding to the area’s rich biodiversity.
Laozhaizi
Laozhaizi boasts a rich history and deep cultural significance. Archaeological findings here include various artifacts such as bells, halberds, battle axes, chime stones, and earthenware, alongside the nearby Sai Ren Da Hu Lou ruins. The area features several attractions, including the “Nü Xiu Pool,” “Dragon Pillar,” and “White Dragon Cave.”
Visitors to Laozhaizi can also enjoy stunning natural scenery, with breathtaking sights like the “Golden Eagle Spreading Its Wings,” “Divine Mist in the Long Gorge,” “Buddha’s Radiant Body,” “Seven Suns Rising,” “Crimson Clouds Melting Gold,” “Golden Monkeys Frolicking in the Forest,” “Reverse Flow of the Gorge Water,” and “Hanging Caves on White Cliffs.” This blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes Laozhaizi a fascinating destination.
Yingyue Cave
Yingyue Cave is located over 100 meters northeast of the Longgang area, nestled within a steep cliff. This is the first level of the Longgang caves, extending 43 meters in length. The southern entrance stands at a height of 3.9 meters with a diameter of 3.4 meters, while the northern entrance is 2.4 meters high, leading to the exit of an underground river.
Every year on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon rises in the east, casting its light throughout the cave. The concentrated silver beams of moonlight flow through the cave from north to south, resembling the beam of a flashlight. This unique phenomenon is known as “Moonlight Piercing the Cave,” and it captivates visitors with its enchanting beauty.
Yunduan Covered Bridge
The Yunduan Covered Bridge is a remarkable highlight of the Longgang Scenic Area, perched on a cliff at an elevation of 1,010 meters. The vertical height of the cliff reaches 718 meters, and the bridge extends 26.68 meters outwards, creating a stunning view.
Standing atop this sheer cliff, the bridge is constructed with three layers of laminated ultra-clear glass for both the walkway and guardrails, offering an unparalleled perspective. As you step onto the bridge, you are surrounded by open air, with the vast chasm beneath your feet, giving you a thrilling sensation of suspension and weightlessness. Each step feels exhilarating, making it an unforgettable experience for all who dare to traverse it.