Heishan Valley (黑山谷), located in Chongqing, is the largest and best-preserved natural ecological scenic area in the region, recognized as a National 5A Scenic Area. This pristine landscape features towering mountains, dense forests, and winding streams, making it a rare sanctuary for subtropical and temperate ecosystems at this latitude.
The Heishan Valley Scenic Area boasts over 200 unique attractions, including majestic peaks, serene gorges, sheer cliffs, lush forests, vibrant waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, fascinating caves, walkways, floating bridges, and breathtaking cloud seas. The area is also known for its picturesque farmland and original vegetation, housing numerous rare plant and animal species. Experts have even dubbed it the “Biological Gene Pool of Chongqing and Guizhou,” highlighting its ecological significance.
Travel Information about Heishan Valley
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets:
- Peak Season: 85 RMB
- Off-Peak Season: 60 RMB
- One-way Sightseeing Bus: 30 RMB
- Sightseeing Cable Car: 30 RMB
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Off-Peak Season: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
- Spring: High-altitude rhododendrons, wild camellias, and dove trees bloom, creating a vibrant landscape.
- Summer: The mountains are lush and green, and the waters are tranquil.
- Autumn: The mountains take on a deep hue, with forests painted in rich colors.
- Winter: Mist shrouds the area, with serene and picturesque scenery resembling a shy goddess.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Within Heishan Town, Baoding District, Chongqing.
Transportation:
- Take Bus No. 106 (Wansheng route) and get off at Heishan Valley North Gate Station.
- Alternatively, take Bus No. 113 (Wansheng route) and disembark at the South Gate.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Characteristics: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Cultural: ★★
Useful Tips
When visiting Heishan Valley, it’s important to plan your transportation carefully. If you intend to hike without using the sightseeing cable car or electric vehicle, aim to arrive by 8:00 AM to start your ascent. For those opting for the cable car or electric vehicle, it’s best to begin your journey by 10:00 AM. If you need to take a bus back in the afternoon, remember that the last bus departs at 5:30 PM, so keep track of your time.
Additionally, be aware that food prices within the scenic area can be high, and portion sizes may be small, particularly for snacks and beverages. To ensure you have enough sustenance during your visit, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.
Highlights of Heishan valley
Shili Canyon (Ten-Mile Canyon)
The most enchanting scenery of Heishan Valley is the narrow and deep Shili Canyon of the Liyu River. This area is essentially a fissure formed by the surrounding mountains, creating a typical “V”-shaped gorge. Both sides of the canyon are lined with lush cliffs, with steep slopes reaching angles of 70 to 80 degrees. In some places, erosion has caused the base of the cliffs to tilt dramatically, resulting in rare overhanging rock formations with angles exceeding 100 degrees.
The canyon is divided into three sections from top to bottom: Liyu Gorge, Wild Boar Gorge, and Shenlong Gorge. Due to the significant tilt of the cliffs, the upper part nearly converges, causing the river to run as a dark stream, enhancing its mysterious ambiance. Standing in the narrowest part of Liyu Gorge, one hand can touch the mountains of Chongqing while the other reaches toward the mountains of Guizhou. The canyon is filled with swift currents, abundant stalactites, ancient hanging vines, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors walking on the boardwalks and floating bridges feel as if they are exploring a dragon palace.
The Liyu River serves as the boundary between Chongqing and Guizhou. As tourists navigate through Heishan Valley, they frequently cross between the two provinces. One notable bridge within the canyon is the last crossing between Chongqing and Guizhou, marking the point where visitors return to Chongqing.
Yutiao Gorge (Fish Leaping Gorge)
Yutiao Gorge is renowned for the fish that leap through the Fish Leaping Pool in this river valley. Each spring and summer, fish from the lower reaches of the Liyu River swim upstream and must leap over the Fish Leaping Pool, which has a height difference of 60 centimeters. This spectacle showcases various fish species as they jump out of the water, creating a remarkable sight. As a result, the locals have named this canyon Yutiao Gorge.
The gorge is flanked by steep cliffs, making it quite treacherous. Ingeniously, humans have constructed a water pathway that extends over the surface of the water without disrupting the surrounding pristine forest. This winding pathway creates a unique and picturesque experience for visitors, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the gorge while observing the fish in their natural habitat.
Feiyu Waterfall (Flying Fish Waterfall)
Feiyu Waterfall is the most spectacular waterfall in Wansheng’s Heishan Valley, named for its shape resembling a fish. During the summer months, when rainfall is abundant, the waterfall cascades down like the Milky Way pouring from the heavens, creating a breathtaking sight.
From a distance, the silver ribbon of water appears to hang in the air, reaching up to the sky and plunging down to the rocks below. The water column drops from a height of over 100 meters, transforming into glistening pearls as it strikes the stones at the base, creating a mist that rises into the air. The spray forms an immense, invisible wave, resulting in a dramatic scene that captivates onlookers.
On sunny days, the sunlight often refracts through the water, creating a stunning rainbow that adds to the beauty of the landscape, leaving visitors in awe of its splendor.
Wansheng Stone Forest
Wansheng Stone Forest, also known as the Dragon Scale Stone Sea, is located about 10 kilometers southwest of Heishan Valley in the Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone. Dating back approximately 465 million to 600 million years, it is one of the oldest stone forests in China. Renowned for its unique rock formations, natural landscapes, pastoral beauty, and Miao ethnic culture, Wansheng Stone Forest has been recognized as a distinctive tourist area in the Bayu region.
The site features over 200 major attractions, including General Stone, Incense Burner Mountain, Thousand Pagodas Forest, Reed Flower Lake, One-Line Sky, Galloping Horses, Giant Fan, Water Stone Forest, and Fossil Corridor.
Among the various geological features, the most abundant are the Cambrian hornstones, which are typically yellowish-brown. Some hornstones are visible on the surface of the rocks, while others are embedded within them. These fossils are of significant scientific interest, providing valuable insights into the geological evolution of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the southeastern mountain areas of the Sichuan Basin, as well as the evolution of marine life.
Visitor Guide for Heishan Valley
Accommodation in Heishan Valley
When visiting Heishan Valley, you’ll find several accommodations within and near the scenic area. While the hotels in the area may not be luxurious, they are clean, hygienic, well-equipped, and provide attentive service.
For those looking to stay within the scenic area, the Heishan Valley 1098 Holiday Hotel (黑山谷 ·1098假日酒店) and Huixin Holiday Hotel (汇鑫假日酒店) are good options. Additionally, the Xiangshui Village Health Boutique Hotel (响水村 养生精品酒店) offers comfortable lodging for guests. These hotels are relatively well-maintained and suitable for a pleasant stay, ensuring you can relax after a day of exploring the natural wonders of Heishan Valley.
Delicious Cuisine in Heishan Valley
Spicy Snails: This dish highlights the region’s culinary style, featuring snails cooked with a blend of numbing spices, heat, and fresh flavors. It’s a delicious representation of local cuisine, leaving a lasting impression with its robust flavors.
Mountain Treasure Chicken: Made with the rare and nutritious ginkgo biloba (also known as white fruit), this dish represents a modern take on healthy eating. It is believed to have benefits for lowering blood pressure and promoting beauty and weight loss.
Wild Ferns: Processed ferns can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be dried to make delicious stews with preserved meats, such as pork trotters or chicken. Alternatively, they can be sautéed or served cold, offering a refreshing and unique taste that pairs well with drinks. Additionally, ferns can be transformed into fern cakes or noodles, showcasing their versatility.